Discover B/R’s Expert College Football Top 25 Rankings for 2025 After Week 5
South Florida’s Strong Start Faces Upcoming Challenges
South Florida Bulls Showcase Season Potential Despite Setbacks
The South Florida Bulls, currently holding a record of 3-1, experienced a setback with a significant 49-12 defeat against Miami in Week 3. Nonetheless, they have built an impressive early-season resume with victories over then-No. 25 Boise State and then-No. 13 Florida. These wins propelled them into the AP poll for the first time since 2018. The upcoming road games against North Texas and Memphis in October will be crucial tests for South Florida as they aim to solidify their position as top contenders for a Group of Five playoff spot.
Arizona State Bounces Back with Crucial Victories
Arizona State improved to a 4-1 record following a narrow 27-24 win against TCU. The Sun Devils began the season ranked No. 11 in the AP poll but stumbled early with a loss to Mississippi State in Week 2. They have since regained momentum with a road victory over Baylor, and the same score win against TCU, marking a positive trend. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has been instrumental in their recent successes, contributing 512 passing yards, 118 rushing yards, and five touchdowns over the last two games.
Utah Bounces Back with Dominant Performance
Utah secured a commanding 48-14 win at West Virginia, improving to a 4-1 record. Recovering from a heavy defeat against Texas Tech, the Utes delivered a robust performance. Quarterback Devon Dampier excelled, throwing four touchdowns and rushing for another while completing 21-of-26 passes. The Utah defense effectively exploited West Virginia’s quarterback challenges, restricting them to just 85 passing yards.
Illinois Prevails in Thrilling Finish Against USC
Illinois emerged victorious against USC with a narrow 34-32 win, raising their record to 4-1. Despite leading 24-10 midway through the third quarter, Illinois trailed 32-31 following USC’s two-touchdown drives. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer orchestrated a crucial 51-yard drive culminating in a game-winning field goal by David Olano as time expired. The victory sets up an anticipated match against Purdue next week.
Michigan Eyes Consistency After Close Call
Michigan, now 3-1, narrowly avoided a second early-season loss with a tight 30-27 win over Nebraska. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood continues to develop, promising better performances ahead. Looking forward, Michigan must stay focused on their upcoming match against Wisconsin at the Big House before facing a challenging Week 7 game against USC.
