Texas A&M Cracks Top 10 in College Football Poll After Dramatic Win Over Notre Dame

The Aggies’ rise came after quarterback Marcel Reed connected with Nate Boerkircher for a last-second touchdown, sealing a victory that also saw a blocked punt return and 13 penalties. The game was further overshadowed by a scary injury to safety Bryce Anderson.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, made history of its own but for the wrong reasons. The Irish became the first team since 1988 to remain in the Top 25 with an 0-2 record, dropping to No. 24 after back-to-back narrow losses to ranked opponents.

Elsewhere, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, and Southern California made their season debuts in the Top 25, while South Carolina, Clemson and South Florida fell out following disappointing losses.

Among the highlights:

• Georgia Tech hit No. 18 after a statement win over Clemson.

• Vanderbilt reached its highest ranking since 2008 at No. 20 after dismantling South Carolina.

• USC returned to the Top 25 at No. 25.

Conference representation remains strong, with the SEC leading at 11 ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten with seven.

This week’s key matchups include No. 17 Texas Tech at No. 16 Utah, No. 22 Auburn at No. 11 Oklahoma, and No. 9 Illinois facing No. 19 Indiana in a clash of top offenses and defenses.

For Texas A&M, the rise into the Top 10 reflects both resilience and renewed ambition. The Aggies now hold their highest ranking since November last year, and momentum is firmly on their side.

Credit: Associate Press.