New Mexico entered the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history at No. 22 after five straight wins following a 14-6 loss at Oklahoma on Sept. 19. The Lobos sit three spots behind Group of Six frontrunner Boise State.
Ohio State dropped nine spots to No. 11 after a 30-18 loss at USC, its second loss of the season and fourth in its last 10 games under coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes also lost quarterback Julian Sayin to a season-ending arm injury, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's Heisman hopes have diminished.
South Carolina rose into the poll as the highest-ranked three-loss team after winning three straight since an 0-3 SEC start under Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks hold top-25 wins over Florida and Tennessee and could force their way into College Football Playoff contention with wins over Georgia and Clemson.
Missouri climbed four spots to No. 19 following a 34-10 win at Arkansas. Quarterback Austin Simmons has thrown for 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions, and the Tigers have the SEC's fifth-best scoring defense despite losing edge rusher Damon Wilson II to Miami. Missouri faces three consecutive top-10 opponents starting with Texas.
