AP College Football Poll 2026 Week 6 rankings released with best rises and falls

A week after some wondered why the team was ranked, Missouri made quite a statement on Saturday.

The Tigers moved from 25th to 14th in the Associated Press Top 25 with their 45-17 victory over Florida. The Gators, who reached their highest ranking since 2020 in the Week 5 poll, fell to 16th.

The bubble could also burst for Mississippi State, with the Bulldogs’ 56-23 loss to Alabama costing them a spot (17th) in the rankings.

Missouri shredded Florida’s defense to the tune of 560 yards. Austin Simmons was 23 of 30 for 340 yards and two touchdowns, while Jamal Roberts carried the ball 24 times for 211 yards and three scores.

The score would have been even worse without Tramell Jones Jr.’s touchdown pass to TJ Abrams for the Gators in the final minute.

Jon Sumrall could possibly be the coach who can return Florida to the top of college football. Saturday, however, was a reality check on how much the coach can accomplish in year one.

Along the same lines, PA voters were correct to place Mississippi State only 16th despite a 4-0 start. The Bulldogs fell behind Alabama by 14 points in the first quarter after two turnovers, and things didn’t get much better from there.

It was a vintage performance from the Crimson Tide as they stifled Jeff Lebby’s team. Mississippi State totaled 95 yards in the second half.

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell bolstered his Heisman Trophy resume with another efficient performance. He went 16 of 22 for 285 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Russell probably doesn’t have the inside track for the Heisman right now, because Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is on another level. He caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two scores as the Buckeyes cruised past Iowa 31-14.

OSU’s last trip to Iowa in 2017 resulted in a stunning upset, but there were no such surprises Saturday.

The fourth quarter collapse against Texas cannot be ignored. Ohio State should have won this game and couldn’t close the deal. The Buckeyes’ win over Iowa proves they have at least enough talent to win a national championship.

Taking a step back from the College Football Playoff, Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi had a clear message after the Panthers held on to beat Virginia Tech 35-33 last Friday.

“We have a heck of a football team,” he told ESPN during his on-field postgame interview. “Now any of these voters, if they wake up, might realize that.”

Voters listened. Pitt, which improved to 5-0, entered the Top 25.