Poll Shock: Miami Surges Behind Ohio State, Oklahoma Back in the Big Time
The Miami Hurricanes have entered the chat as they surge to number two in the latest AP Top 25 poll after a dominant 26-7 home win over Florida, leapfrogging both Penn State and LSU. This win marked their highest ranking since 2017, a sign that this team is no longer just in the mix, but a real contender. Miami is now 4-0; the offense has been efficient, while the defense has tightened up, especially showing up in limiting Florida to just seven points. With big conference matchups on the horizon, their strength of schedule is getting tougher; this ranking bumps up pressure but also gives them a resume boost. The ACC will be watching closely: if Miami continues to play like this, they could shift the power dynamics in the league.
Oklahoma’s Steady Climb After Signature Win
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners have re-entered the conversation, now ranked in the top 10 at number seven, following a hard-fought 24-17 win over Auburn. The game was notable for both clutch moments and defensive dominance. Oklahoma sacked Auburn’s quarterback 10 times, the most they’ve ever done in a single game. QB John Mateer threw for 271 yards and added a late TD run to secure the win. As an undefeated team, Oklahoma is gaining traction in the SEC, which is loaded with star-studded contenders. For a program that missed big in recent poll cycles, this is confirmation that the resurgence under their current staff is legit.
What This Means Going Forward
These shifts aren’t just about bragging rights. For Miami, being ranked number two means more media spotlight, stronger postseason seeding scenarios, and even recruiting leverage; prospective players see a program that’s ascending. For Oklahoma, climbing into the top 10 revives belief in their SEC ambitions and sets up a preseason or mid-season momentum that can carry into bowl and playoff discussions. Other teams in their conferences will now see them differently: matchups vs Oklahoma come with higher stakes, and scheduling will be viewed more critically as polls tighten. Poll voters look at more than wins; they’re weighing style of play, dominance, and signature wins more than ever. Nat’s Take: Miami stays near the top three through most of the season if they avoid slip-ups in the tricky part of their schedule; I expect them to make at least one top-10 road win before the end of October. Oklahoma looks like a dark horse; if their offense stays efficient and the defense remains disruptive, they’ll finish inside the top seven and likely challenge for a New Year’s Six bowl.
