ESPN releases updated FPI Top 25 rankings after turbulent Week 1 Saturday of college football

ESPN released its updated FPI Top 25 rankings following a wild Saturday during Week 1 of the college football season. There are more games to play, but the first full Saturday of the year caused a lot of movement!

Some teams will have to rethink playoff positioning while others got a huge boost. You’ll definitely see some surprises in the top 10 as well, as some teams made some big jumps and had surprising falls.

Without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s updated FPI ratings. We’ll start at the top with a surprise!

1. Texas

Texas remained in the top spot of ESPN’s FPI despite the 14-7 loss to Ohio State. Arch Manning and the offense struggled to get going until the second half adjustments.

But even then, they couldn’t support a stout defensive performance on the road. Perhaps Texas will see the Buckeyes again in the College Football Playoff?

2. Georgia

Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Bulldogs dominated Marshall 45-7 to open up the season, staying in the No. 2 spot of the FPI. If anything, this game got QB Gunner Stockton in a bit of a groove.

Stockton went 14-of-24 passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 73 yards and two touchdowns. We’ll see how that translates moving forward.

3. Ohio State (+1)

ESPN’s FPI metrics moved the Buckeyes up one spot following the win over No. 1 Texas. Dominant defense was the story and Julian Sayin quietly had a solid day.

The new QB didn’t light the world on fire, but he ultimately didn’t have to. Texas has dudes all over the field, but Ohio State made less mistakes en route to a massive opening day win.

4. Ole Miss (+6)

Ole Miss didn’t play a world beater in the first game of the year. But, the Rebels rolled to a 63-7 win over Georgia State, moving up six spots in the FPI!

Austin Simmons did a lot for the Rebels, going 20-of-31 for 341 yards, three touchdowns, but threw two interceptions. Kewan Lacy had himself a day on the ground with 108 yards and three scores.

5. Penn State

Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Penn State romped Nevada 46-11 at home to open the 2025 season. With that, the Nittany Lions remained in the top five of the FPI ratings from ESPN.

Drew Allar was awesome, going 22-of-26 for 217 yards and a touchdown. Zane Durant grabbed a pick on defense too, so an all around productive day at the office!

6. USC (+8)

The biggest jump into the top 10 came from USC and Lincoln Riley’s squad is borderline top five in the FPI! This is partly due to the Trojans scoring 73 points against Missouri State.

Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Jayden Maiava looked good in his season debut, going 15-of-18 for 295 yards and two touchdowns, while running for another. With Georgia Southern on tap next, perhaps USC can keep it rolling early on.

7. Oregon

The Ducks stayed put in the FPI this week following their season opener. Oregon dominated Montana State 59-13 en route to a nice win in front of the home crowd.

Dante Moore had a great debut, going 18-of-23 passing for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Next up is Oklahoma State coming to town on September 6th.

8. Notre Dame (-2)

Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame football practice — (Mike Miller/Blue & Gold)

Notre Dame dropped two spots in ESPN’s FPI despite not playing a game Saturday. The Fighting Irish will be in action tonight against Miami in an AP Poll Top 10 matchup.

Look for CJ Carr to be eased into the game as RB Jeremiyah Love gets rolling for a potential Heisman campaign. Notre Dame’s defense vs. Shannon Dawson’s Hurricane offense will be the key matchup.

9. Tennessee (-1)

The Vols actually dropped a spot in the FPI despite smacking Syracuse in the opener. Tennessee dominated the Orange 45-26 and made a statement on opening weekend.

New QB Joey Aguilar was 16-of-28 passing for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Star Thomas added 92 yards on the ground while DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis each had a score on the ground.

10. LSU (+2)

The season opener losing streak is over! Brian Kelly and the Tigers went into Clemson and won a hard fought contest between CFP contenders.

Garrett Nussmeier was 28-of-38 for 230 yards and a touchdown. LSU’s defense swarmed Cade Klubnik, making him go 19-of-38 for 230 yards and an interception.