Texas Remains at No. 1 as Oklahoma Drops Out of Top 25 Rankings

Texas Longhorns Stand Tall in the Cotton Bowl

In a thrilling showdown at the Cotton Bowl, the Texas Longhorns showcased their dominance against their most bitter rival, the Oklahoma Sooners. This victory not only solidified their position in the college football landscape but also ensured that they retained the coveted No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll for another week. The Longhorns received an impressive 56 out of 62 first-place votes, marking a significant increase from the previous week and their highest total since they were unanimously ranked No. 1 back in October 2008.

The Impact of the Win

The implications of this victory extend beyond just bragging rights. Oklahoma, which entered the game ranked No. 18, suffered a crushing defeat that has now seen them drop out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since the conclusion of the 2022 season. This shift in rankings highlights the fierce competition within college football and underscores the importance of each game, particularly in high-stakes rivalries like the Red River Showdown.

A Weekend of Rest for Other Ranked Teams

While the Longhorns were busy making headlines, other ranked teams in the area enjoyed a weekend off, watching the action unfold from the comfort of their couches. This break allowed teams like Texas A&M and Baylor to regroup and strategize for their upcoming matchups, while also keeping a close eye on the rankings and the performance of their competitors.

AP Top 25 Rankings Breakdown

The latest AP Top 25 rankings reflect the shifting dynamics in college football. Here’s a closer look at the top teams following the Longhorns’ victory:

1. Texas (56 votes) – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,544
2. Oregon (6 votes) – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,493
3. Penn State – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,380
4. Ohio State – Record: 5-1, Points: 1,357
5. Georgia – Record: 5-1, Points: 1,300
6. Miami (FL) – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,232
7. Alabama – Record: 5-1, Points: 1,127
8. LSU – Record: 5-1, Points: 994
9. Iowa State – Record: 6-0, Points: 821
10. Clemson – Record: 5-1, Points: 980
11. Tennessee – Record: 5-1, Points: 959
12. Notre Dame – Record: 5-1, Points: 914
13. BYU – Record: 6-0, Points: 889
14. Texas A&M – Record: 5-1, Points: 744
15. Boise State – Record: 5-1, Points: 797
16. Indiana – Record: 6-0, Points: 580
17. Kansas State – Record: 5-1, Points: 567
18. Ole Miss – Record: 5-2, Points: 119
19. Missouri – Record: 5-1, Points: 409
20. Pittsburgh – Record: 6-0, Points: 397
21. SMU – Record: 5-1, Points: 260
22. Illinois – Record: 5-1, Points: 249
23. Army – Record: 6-0, Points: 137
24. Michigan – Record: 4-2, Points: 33
25. Navy – Record: 5-0, Points: 84

The rankings reflect not only the performance of these teams but also the shifting tides of college football as teams vie for playoff positions.

Coaches Poll Insights

The US LBM Coaches Poll mirrors the excitement of the AP rankings, with the Longhorns again taking the top spot:

1. Texas (53 votes) – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,373
2. Oregon (2 votes) – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,322
3. Penn State – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,220
4. Georgia – Record: 5-1, Points: 1,189
5. Ohio State – Record: 5-1, Points: 1,141
6. Miami (FL) – Record: 6-0, Points: 1,105
7. Alabama – Record: 5-1, Points: 1,010
8. LSU – Record: 5-1, Points: 914
9. Clemson – Record: 5-1, Points: 404
10. Tennessee – Record: 5-1, Points: 891
11. Notre Dame – Record: 5-1, Points: 838
12. Iowa State – Record: 6-0, Points: 823
13. BYU – Record: 6-0, Points: 686
14. Texas A&M – Record: 5-1, Points: 636
15. Ole Miss – Record: 5-2, Points: 248
16. Missouri – Record: 5-1, Points: 211
17. Kansas State – Record: 5-1, Points: 219
18. Indiana – Record: 6-0, Points: 462
19. Boise State – Record: 5-1, Points: 373
20. Pittsburgh – Record: 6-0, Points: 340
21. Illinois – Record: 5-1, Points: 312
22. Michigan – Record: 4-2, Points: 231
23. SMU – Record: 5-1, Points: 183
24. Army – Record: 6-0, Points: 104
25. Nebraska – Record: 5-1, Points: 90

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the Longhorns are not just focused on maintaining their top ranking; they have their eyes set on bigger aspirations. Coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized the importance of each game, and with the momentum from their recent victory, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact in the remainder of the season. The excitement surrounding Texas football is palpable, and fans are eager to see how the team will navigate the challenges ahead.

For more in-depth coverage of college sports, including analysis and updates on the Texas Longhorns and other teams, visit The Dallas Morning News.