New Mexico enters AP Top 25 as voters adjust to late-season shifts

The AP Top 25 released Sunday reflects a sharp recalibration of the college football landscape entering the final month of the regular season. New Mexico made its first appearance of the year, landing at No. 22, while Ohio State fell nine spots to No. 11 following a setback in Pasadena.

The Lobos have won five consecutive games since their only loss of the season. That defeat was a 14-6 road game against Oklahoma on Sept. 19. New Mexico now trails Boise State, the Group of Six frontrunner, by three spots in the current standings. The team is actively pursuing an automatic bid to the playoff.

Ohio State suffered a 30-18 loss to USC on Saturday. The defeat marked the Buckeyes' second loss and their fourth in the last ten games under head coach Ryan Day. The team also lost quarterback Julian Sayin to a season-ending arm injury. Voters responded by moving Ohio State down from a higher position to No. 11. The Buckeyes face a difficult schedule down the stretch, including games against Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan.

South Carolina has emerged as a strong candidate for an at-large berth despite starting its SEC schedule 0-3. The Gamecocks have won three straight under head coach Shane Beamer. They have secured victories over two top-25 teams, Florida and Tennessee. A 17-point lead over eighth-ranked Kentucky in September slipped away in overtime. The team must win its remaining games, including matchups against Georgia and Clemson, to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Missouri climbed four spots to No. 19 after a 34-10 win at Arkansas. The victory came after a 28-point loss to Ole Miss earlier in the month. Running back Ahmad Hardy returned to the lineup for the game against Arkansas. Missouri has one win over a ranked team this season. The Tigers will face top-10 opponents in three consecutive weeks, starting with a narrow home underdog spot against Texas on Saturday.

Quarterback Austin Simmons leads the team with 1,952 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Missouri defense ranks fifth in the conference in scoring. The team lost key personnel to the transfer portal during the offseason, including edge rusher Damon Wilson II, who moved to Miami.

The next major milestone for the sport is the release of the first College Football Playoff rankings. This is scheduled for Tuesday. The current AP Poll shows voters aligning closely with the expected playoff picture. Ohio State, South Carolina, and Missouri all have paths to the postseason if they win out or perform well in their remaining contests.

New Mexico will continue its bid hunt in the coming weeks. The team is positioned well within the Group of Six race. Voters have acknowledged the Lobos' recent form by placing them in the top 25. The shift signals that the race for the final playoff spots is tightening as the regular season nears its end.