New Mexico has cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history, debuting at No. 22 in the Week 10 poll released Sunday. The Lobos (8-1) have won five straight since a 14-6 loss at Oklahoma on Sept. 19 and sit three spots behind Group of Six frontrunner Boise State as the initial College Football Playoff rankings approach.
Ohio State drops nine spots to No. 11
After a 30-18 loss at USC, Ohio State fell nine places to No. 11, marking its second loss and fourth in the 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 taken a hit. Ohio State's remaining schedule includes games against Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan.
South Carolina rises as three-loss contender
South Carolina, the highest-ranked three-loss team in the poll, has won three straight since starting SEC play 0-3 under Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks hold top-25 wins over Florida and Tennessee and led then-No. 8 Kentucky by 17 points in September before losing in overtime. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has powered an offense that could push South Carolina into at-large CFP contention with wins over Georgia and Clemson to close the regular season.
Missouri gains notice at No. 19
Missouri climbed four spots to No. 19 after a 34-10 victory at Arkansas, rebounding from a 28-point loss at Ole Miss. The Tigers feature quarterback Austin Simmons (1,952 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, two interceptions) and the SEC's fifth-best scoring defense. Missouri faces three consecutive top-10 opponents starting with Texas at home, giving the team control over its CFP destiny.
