Analyst Josh Furlong submits AP Top 25 ballot with Texas at No. 1

College football analyst Josh Furlong submitted his Associated Press Top 25 ballot for week five, ranking Texas as the No. 1 team. Furlong noted that Texas benefits from a recent Ohio State win and a bye week, while Miami moved up to No. 2 after consistent performances against lower-ranked opponents. Georgia held the No. 3 spot, described as a steady, low-profile contender.

Alabama entered the top five at No. 4 following a decisive road victory over Mississippi State, adding to earlier wins over Kentucky and South Carolina. Ohio State was placed at No. 5 after overcoming Iowa and showcasing a balanced offensive attack. Notre Dame fell to No. 6, partly due to Alabama’s positioning, though Furlong said the Irish remain a strong team.

The remainder of the ballot listed Indiana at No. 7, BYU at No. 8, Utah at No. 9 and Oregon at No. 10. Furlong indicated uncertainty in the middle of the rankings, mentioning teams such as Tennessee, Texas Tech and USC as lacking consistency with top-25 expectations. An alphabetical list of other considered programs was also provided.

"Alabama looked like a machine," Furlong said, referring to the Crimson Tide’s recent performance.

"Miami continues to impress in each of its games," he added, noting the Hurricanes’ steady progress.

The consensus AP Top 25 rankings are scheduled for release on Sunday afternoon.