How Star-Telegram’s Steven Johnson voted in AP poll: Is TCU back on the ballot?
There was carnage all over the country in college football Saturday, as multiple top-10 teams and undefeated ones were upset, causing chaos in most conferences.
The nation’s two best teams, Indiana and Ohio State, handled their business, and Vanderbilt picked up a signature win over LSU.
In the Big 12, Texas Tech endured its first loss while playing without its starting quarterback. That defeat was huge for programs like TCU that needed a little help to stay afloat in the Big 12 race.
Did the Horned Frogs do enough to get back into the Associated Press Top 25 after Saturday’s 42-36 win over Baylor?
Here’s how the Star-Telegram’s Steven Johnson voted in his weekly AP Top 25 ballot:
Steven Johnson’s AP Top 25 ballot
1. Indiana (7-0): The Hoosiers avoided an emotional letdown after last week’s win over Oregon with a convincing 38-13 win over Michigan State. Last week: 1
2. Ohio State (7-0) The Buckeyes also continued to look a machine with a shutout victory at Wisconsin. Last week: 2
3. Texas A&M (7-0): Were it not for chaos around them, the Aggies would’ve moved down after allowing 42 points in Arkansas in their three-point win. But A&M moves up into the top three as the top-ranked SEC team. Last week: 4
4. Alabama (6-1): How in the world did ‘Bama lose to Florida State? The Crimson Tide continue to look like the nation’s most improved team with a 37-20 win over Tennessee. Last week: 7
5. Georgia (6-1): It looked dicey for the Bulldogs early, but Gunner Stockton put on a show in the second half to lead Georgia to a comeback win over Ole Miss. Last week: 8
6. Ole Miss (6-1): The Rebels couldn’t stop the Bulldogs in the second half, but remain in the top 10 due to other results across the country. Last week: 6
7. BYU (7-0): The Cougars’ defense is elite as shown in its Holy War win over Utah. BYU’s offense doesn’t have the same upside as some other teams, but the Cougars have enough balance with quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin. Last week: 14
8. Miami (5-1): The Hurricanes couldn’t overcome four interceptions by Carson Beck in a 24-21 defeat to Louisville. Last week: 3
9. Notre Dame (5-2): The Fighting Irish were clearly the better team as they ran through USC in South Bend on Saturday. Notre Dame is right behind ‘Bama as the nation’s most improved team. Last week: 9
10. Texas Tech (6-1): Even without their starting quarterback the Red Raiders almost defeated Arizona State on the road. If Behren Morton is healthy, Tech is still the Big 12’s best team, but his health will be a key storyline to watch. Last week: 5
11. Vanderbilt (6-1): The Commodores picked up another signature win for the program against LSU, and the most impressive thing? Vandy was clearly better than the Tigers’ more expensive roster. Last week: 18
12. Georgia Tech (7-0): The Yellow Jackets picked up another close win over Duke. Georgia Tech hasn’t been dominant, but it continues to find ways to win close games. Last week: 12
13. Oregon (6-1): The Ducks got back to business with a 56-10 win at Rutgers, but Oregon’s resume is lacking with Penn State falling off. Last week: 10
14. Missouri (6-1): The Tigers escaped with a double-overtime win over Auburn and suddenly have a massive showdown with Vanderbilt this week. Last week: 15
15. South Florida (6-1): After Memphis fell to UAB, the Bulls are now the clear favorite for the Group of Five playoff spot after taking care of Florida Atlantic 48-13. Last week: 17
16. Virginia (6-1) Despite narrowly beating Washington State and having its signature win against Florida State lose more luster with a fourth straight loss by the Seminoles, Virginia makes a big jump because its victory over Louisville became a signature win when the Cardinals upset Miami. Last week: 25
17. Louisville (5-1): Welcome to the ballot, Louisville. The Cardinals’ defense flustered Miami in a signature 24-21 win. Last week: NR
18. Tennessee (5-2): A critical interception right before halftime doomed the Volunteers against Alabama. Tennessee’s defense also continues to be problematic. Last week: 11
19. Arizona State (5-2): The Sun Devils jump back on this week’s ballot after handing Texas Tech its first loss. Yes, the Red Raiders were without their quarterback, but so was Arizona State last week in a loss to Utah that knocked it off the ballot. Last week: NR
20. Texas (5-2): The Longhorns remain on the ballot after beating Kentucky 16-13 in overtime despite being thoroughly outplayed. Texas continues to look unimpressive. Last week: 19
21. Oklahoma (6-1): The Sooners shut down South Carolina 26-7, but still showed some of the offensive limitations that doomed them against Texas last week. Last week: 20
22. Michigan (5-2): People spent all week complaining about Washington not being ranked only for the Wolverines to pummel the Huskies 24-7 in a win Michigan desperately needed. Last week: 22
23. Cincinnati (6-1): The Bearcats blew out Oklahoma State 49-17 in Stillwater to continue their Cinderella season. Last week: 24
24. Houston (6-1): The Cougars have been the biggest surprise in the Big 12, picking up win No. 6 on Saturday, 31-28 over Arizona. This week’s showdown at Arizona State will be massive. Last week: NR
25. LSU (5-2): The Tigers wouldn’t be ranked after their loss to Vanderbilt if Memphis or USC handled their business. Despite being ranked, it’s clear LSU is headed for another disappointing year. Last week: 13
Dropped out: Memphis (16), USC (21), Nebraska (23)
Moved up: Louisville, Arizona State, Houston
Why wasn’t TCU ranked?
The Horned Frogs had a decent argument to get back on the ballot after beating Baylor.
TCU’s win over SMU continues to age well with the Mustangs being 5-2, and the loss at Arizona State is still a quality one. But it still feels too soon to put TCU back among the best in the country after last week’s loss to Kansas State — and considering the wacky final three minutes or so against Baylor.
If TCU has a commanding victory at West Virginia on Saturday, then the Horned Frogs will likely get back on the ballot.
Explaining other decisions
The three teams that dropped out were all easy calls. Memphis lost to a UAB team that had just fired its head coach, Nebraska was blown out by Minnesota, and USC was clearly outmatched against Notre Dame.
Arizona State may be the most controversial pick to move up, as its loss at Mississippi State isn’t aging well, but a top-10 win is a still a top-10 win, and when the Sun Devils are at their best, they are one of the best teams in the nation.
Louisville has always been underrated this season, and it’s one overtime loss away from being undefeated.
Houston has one of the best defenses in the country and, unlike last year, has a functional offense to complement it.
This story was originally published October 19, 2025 at 12:56 PM.
