USC Rises, Oregon Drops from Top Five in First US LBM Coaches Poll

The first US LBM Coaches Poll of the regular season has been released following some surprising outcomes in Week 1, and the top five rankings have shifted from the preseason expectations.

Georgia maintains its dominance, holding the No. 1 spot after a commanding victory against Clemson. The Bulldogs received 52 out of 55 first-place votes, showcasing their strong performance. Ohio State remains in a solid No. 2 position after a convincing win over Akron and earned three first-place votes.

Meanwhile, Texas has made a notable ascent, moving up to No. 3 after shutting out Colorado State and snagging the final first-place vote. Alabama also improved its standing, now positioned at No. 4.

The competition for the fifth spot was notably close. Mississippi clinched it, finishing just ahead of Oregon by a single point. The Ducks, who were ranked third in the preseason, dropped to No. 6 after a shaky game against Idaho. Notre Dame is now lurking just behind Oregon at No. 7, thanks to a road victory against then-No. 20 Texas A&M.

In the rankings, Penn State and Michigan have swapped places, with the Nittany Lions now at No. 8. Missouri has moved up to No. 10, taking the position previously held by Florida State, which has fallen out of the rankings entirely after suffering two losses to ACC rivals.

Southern California emerged as the week’s biggest mover, skyrocketing nine places to secure the No. 14 spot after a considerable win against LSU. Miami (Fla.) is also on the rise, climbing four spots to reach No. 15.

Joining the polls are No. 24 Louisville and No. 25 Washington. Florida State and Texas A&M have dropped out of the rankings following their underwhelming starts.

The first Coaches Poll emphasizes the evolving dynamics of college football as teams adjust and compete fiercely for top rankings. With exciting matches ahead, the rankings may continue to shift as the season progresses, creating anticipation for fans and analysts alike.

The current standings have laid the groundwork for a thrilling season, where established powerhouses and rising teams battle for supremacy. As teams refine their strategies and showcase their skills in the coming weeks, the rankings will undoubtedly see further changes.

As fans gear up for more action, it will be interesting to watch how these rankings hold up or transform as the season unfolds. The stakes are high, and every game could significantly impact the standings. College football aficionados will be eager to see which teams can sustain their momentum and which will face challenges as they strive for higher placements in the Coaches Poll.