New AP poll puts Indiana at number 1 for the first time ever, and Georgia plus Ohio State’s reactions show who’s truly worried about the Hoosiers

New AP poll puts Indiana at number 1 for the first time in school history. The Hoosiers dominated the final rankings before the College Football Playoff. Georgia and Ohio State follow in the top three.

Indiana Makes History with First-Ever Number 1 Ranking

Indiana Hoosiers achieved a momentous milestone by claiming the number 1 spot in the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history. The 13-0 Hoosiers received all 66 first-place votes from voters, marking a unanimous consensus. This historic achievement came immediately after Indiana defeated previously top-ranked Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship game.

The Hoosiers join an elite group of just 45 teams to ever hold the number 1 ranking since the AP Poll began in 1936. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has transformed the program dramatically, leading the team through an undefeated regular season and conference championship run.

Final AP Top 25 Rankings Before Playoff Selection

The final AP poll reflects dramatic shifts following conference championships. Georgia moved up to number 2 after capturing the SEC Championship with a dominant win. The Bulldogs earned 1,550 poll points and rose three spots from their previous ranking. Texas Tech climbed to number 4 with 1,452 points, demonstrating the volatility of final rankings.

Rank	Team	Record	Poll Points
1	Indiana	13-0	1650
2	Georgia	12-1	1550
3	Ohio State	12-1	1538
4	Texas Tech	11-1	1452

Ohio State Falls After Major Championship Loss

Ohio State’s dramatic collapse in the Big Ten Championship game cost the Buckeyes dearly. After leading the AP Poll for 14 consecutive weeks, the defending Big Ten champions tumbled to number 3 in the final poll. The loss to Indiana ended Ohio State’s undefeated season and locked the Hoosiers into the College Football Playoff as a top seed.

The Buckeyes garnered 1,538 poll points despite their strong regular season performance. Coach Ryan Day’s team still secured a playoff berth but will enter the postseason facing questions about their ability to perform in championship moments.

Conference Championships Reshape Playoff Picture

Conference championship games dramatically altered the final AP Poll standings. Beyond the top three teams, significant movement occurred throughout the rankings. Texas Tech, Oregon, and other conference champions vied for playoff positioning based on their respective championship performances.

Georgia’s victory over Alabama in the SEC Championship provided voters confidence in the Bulldogs’ strength. The 28-7 victory demonstrated Georgia’s defensive prowess and championship-level play heading into the playoff bracket.

What Does Indiana’s Historic Rise Mean for College Football?

Indiana’s path to the number 1 ranking represents an extraordinary turnaround for the program. The Hoosiers entered the season relatively obscure, with few expecting them to challenge for a national championship. Yet through disciplined coaching, strong execution, and consistent improvement, Indiana claimed the top spot in the final poll.

College football’s competitive landscape appears increasingly unpredictable. Indiana joins Mississippi State as the most recent team to reach number 1 status for the first time, following a similar trend of programs emerging from relative obscurity. The Hoosiers’ historic ranking provides hope for programs nationwide that elite status and top-seeded playoff positioning remain achievable even for traditional underdogs.

“Indiana has accomplished something special this season that sets them apart as the top team heading into the playoff.”

— AP Sports Editors, Associated Press

Sources

• ESPN – Indiana’s unanimous number 1 ranking and playoff positioning details
• CBS Sports – Final AP Top 25 poll rankings before College Football Playoff
• The New York Times – Indiana as 45th team to hold number 1 ranking in AP Poll history