College football always finds a way to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Week 3 of the 2025 season was no different, as the US LBM Coaches Poll ranking projection saw major twists thanks to a pair of shocking top-10 upsets. Notre Dame fell to Texas A&M, while South Carolina stumbled against Vanderbilt, opening the door for fresh contenders to step inside the top 10. The poll, however, didn’t stop shaking there, Georgia’s overtime thriller, Miami’s dominance, and Oregon’s steady climb have all added intrigue to this week’s rankings.
US LBM Coaches Poll Ranking Projection After Week 3
The US LBM Coaches Poll ranking projection for Week 3 reflects not only wins and losses but also strength of schedule, resilience, and voter perception. With Notre Dame and South Carolina falling out, here’s how the new landscape shapes up:
- Ohio State (3-0)
The Buckeyes remain untouched at the top. After a slow first half against Ohio, they pulled away 37-9 behind star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who racked up 153 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State hasn’t given voters any reason to doubt their No. 1 spot. - Georgia (3-0)
Georgia survived one of the weekend’s most thrilling games. Down to Tennessee late, the Bulldogs forced overtime and won 44-41 thanks to Gunner Stockton’s poise. That clutch win gives them a stronger résumé than Penn State and could bump them to No. 2. - Penn State (3-0)
While undefeated, Penn State’s schedule has been soft so far, Nevada, FIU, and Villanova aren’t impressing pollsters. The real test comes when they face Oregon later this month. For now, they slip slightly in the rankings despite staying perfect. - LSU (3-0)
The Tigers secured a 20-10 win over Florida behind a defense that forced five interceptions. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked solid, giving LSU confidence as they move deeper into SEC play. - Oregon (3-0)
The Ducks took care of business against Northwestern, though garbage-time touchdowns made the 34-14 scoreline look closer than it was. Oregon continues to show they are playoff-caliber, and their positioning in the top five feels secure. - Miami (3-0)
The Hurricanes rolled past South Florida, winning 49-12 in dominant fashion. With two ranked victories already, Miami has a strong case to leapfrog Oregon, but the Irish’s loss to A&M weakens the shine of their earlier win. Expect them to stay just behind the Ducks. - Texas (2-1)
Arch Manning is still a work in progress, and it showed in a shaky 27-10 win over UTEP. Texas is holding its ground in the top 10 but needs a statement win soon to silence doubts. - Illinois (3-0)
Illinois continues to impress quietly. A 38-0 shutout of Western Michigan, after routing Duke last week, has fans buzzing. Their showdown with Indiana will be the first real test of whether they belong in the elite tier. - Florida State (2-0)
The Seminoles had the week off but remain in the mix after their Week 1 win over Alabama. Their softer upcoming schedule means we won’t learn much until their clash with Miami. - Mississippi (3-0)
The Rebels edge into the top 10 after beating Arkansas for their second SEC win in September. Texas A&M has a case after upsetting Notre Dame, but leaping from No. 17 into the top 10 in one week is unlikely.
The Biggest Winners and Losers US LBM Coaches Poll Ranking Projection
The obvious losers of Week 3 are Notre Dame and South Carolina, who both drop out of the top 10 entirely. On the flip side, Mississippi and Florida State rise to seize those openings. Georgia is another big winner, showing grit against a tough SEC opponent and moving past Penn State in the pecking order.
Miami’s rise is slightly tempered by the fact that Notre Dame’s earlier loss makes their resume a bit weaker, but the Hurricanes still sit comfortably in the top six.
Could Texas A&M Crash the Top 10?
Texas A&M’s upset of Notre Dame was one of the weekend’s defining moments, but voters tend to reward consistency over a single win this early in the season. While the Aggies may climb several spots, cracking the top 10 from No. 17 is a huge jump. Expect them to land somewhere around 11–12 for now, knocking loudly on the door of the elite.
Why Strength of Schedule Matters in the Coaches Poll
The US LBM Coaches Poll ranking projection often reflects not just records but who those wins come against. Georgia’s overtime win over Tennessee means more than Penn State’s 3-0 record against lower-tier opponents. Similarly, Miami’s resume stands out because of ranked wins, while Texas lingers in questions despite their 2-1 start.
What’s Next for the Contenders US LBM Coaches Poll Ranking Projection?
- Ohio State looks unbeatable so far and continues their march toward the playoff picture.
- Georgia has momentum after surviving Tennessee and now looks like the biggest threat to the Buckeyes.
- Penn State faces its first true test against Oregon in Happy Valley, a game that could swing the rankings dramatically.
- Miami and LSU remain firmly in the playoff hunt but must keep stacking wins.
- Mississippi and Florida State are climbing, with both teams needing statement wins to prove they belong among the elite.
FAQs About the US LBM Coaches Poll Ranking Projection
- What is the US LBM Coaches Poll?
It’s a weekly ranking of the top 25 college football teams, voted on by a panel of head coaches across the country. - Why did Georgia move ahead of Penn State?
Georgia’s overtime win against Tennessee carries more weight than Penn State’s softer schedule so far. - Who fell out of the top 10 this week?
Notre Dame and South Carolina both dropped after Week 3 losses. - Could Texas A&M break into the top 10?
Not quite yet, but their upset over Notre Dame positions them close. Expect them in the 11–12 range. - How often is the US LBM Coaches Poll updated?
It’s released weekly throughout the college football season.
Final Thoughts on the Week 3 US LBM Coaches Poll Ranking Projection
Week 3 delivered drama, heartbreak, and thrilling football, everything fans love about Saturdays in the fall. The US LBM Coaches Poll ranking projection shows just how quickly the landscape can change, with Notre Dame and South Carolina tumbling and new contenders stepping into the spotlight. As the season unfolds, strength of schedule, resilience, and clutch performances will determine who rises and who falls.
Disclaimer: This article is written for informational and entertainment purposes only. Rankings may change once the official US LBM Coaches Poll is released US LBM Coaches Poll Ranking Projection.
