Amber Aniston • December 2, 2024

Oregon Tops Final Regular Season AP Top 25 Rankings

The AP Top 25 rankings for the final week of the regular season are out, with Oregon holding firm as the nation’s top team. The Ducks, now 12-0, secured all 62 first-place votes, marking their seventh consecutive week at No. 1. As the only undefeated team in the country, Oregon’s dominant season has set the tone heading into Championship Weekend. 


The rankings also saw shifts among the top programs, as pivotal Rivalry Week matchups impacted teams’ standings. With championship games on the horizon, these rankings provide a clear snapshot of where the top programs stand before the College Football Playoff selection. 


Top 10: Oregon Dominates, Texas and Penn State Follow 


  1. Oregon (62) (12-0) 
  2. Texas (11-1) 
  3. Penn State (11-1) 
  4. Notre Dame (11-1) 
  5. Georgia (10-2) 
  6. Tennessee (10-2) 
  7. Ohio State (10-2) 
  8. SMU (11-1) 
  9. Indiana (11-1) 
  10. Boise State (11-1) 


Oregon remains a unanimous No. 1 after completing a perfect regular season and dominating both offensively and defensively. Texas surged to No. 2 following a statement win over Texas A&M, while Penn State rounded out the top three after clinching their spot in the Big Ten Championship. 


Notre Dame climbed to No. 4 after finishing their season with a convincing win over USC. Meanwhile, Georgia dropped to No. 5 but remains in the top tier with their SEC Championship game against Texas looming. 


Major Movers and Storylines 


SMU’s Historic Rise: 

SMU climbed to No. 8, marking their highest AP ranking in program history. The Mustangs’ 38-6 win over California capped off an undefeated ACC season, setting them up for a championship clash with No. 18 Clemson. Their ascent has been a highlight of the season, showcasing their ability to compete with traditional powerhouses. 


Ohio State Drops After Michigan Loss: 

Ohio State slid five spots to No. 7 following their fourth consecutive loss to Michigan in “The Game.” The defeat cost them a spot in the Big Ten Championship and potentially the College Football Playoff. 


Boise State Breaks Into the Top 10: 

Boise State reached No. 10 after a strong finish to their season. The Broncos now prepare for the Mountain West Championship against No. 19 UNLV, aiming to cap their resurgence with a conference title. 


Newcomers to the Rankings: 


  • Memphis entered at No. 25 after a win over Tulane, their first appearance in the AP Top 25 since 2020. 
  • Syracuse rejoined the rankings at No. 23, buoyed by their 42-38 upset of Miami. 


Full AP Top 25 Rankings 


  1. Oregon (62) (12-0) 
  2. Texas (11-1) 
  3. Penn State (11-1) 
  4. Notre Dame (11-1) 
  5. Georgia (10-2) 
  6. Tennessee (10-2) 
  7. Ohio State (10-2) 
  8. SMU (11-1) 
  9. Indiana (11-1) 
  10. Boise State (11-1) 
  11. Kansas State (10-2) 
  12. Oklahoma State (10-2) 
  13. South Carolina (9-3) 
  14. Colorado (9-3) 
  15. Utah (8-4) 
  16. LSU (8-4) 
  17. Arizona (8-4) 
  18. Clemson (8-4) 
  19. UNLV (10-2) 
  20. Washington State (9-3) 
  21. Florida State (8-4) 
  22. Alabama (8-4) 
  23. Syracuse (8-4) 
  24. Minnesota (8-4) 
  25. Memphis (10-3) 


Championship Implications 

The AP Top 25 rankings underscore the stakes heading into Championship Weekend. Oregon, Texas, and Penn State control their own destinies as they prepare for their respective conference title games. SMU and Boise State aim to solidify their positions as potential College Football Playoff dark horses with strong championship performances. 


Georgia, Ohio State, and Notre Dame remain in contention for high-profile bowl games, while programs like Tennessee and South Carolina have positioned themselves as New Year’s Six candidates. 


Looking Ahead 

With Championship Weekend upon us, the AP Top 25 rankings provide clarity on the nation’s elite teams. Oregon’s dominance, Texas’ resurgence, and Penn State’s consistency have shaped the narrative of the season. Meanwhile, teams like SMU and Boise State have captured the imagination of fans with their historic rises. 


As the postseason begins, all eyes will be on the top-ranked programs to see who emerges as the true national title contenders. 

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