Greg McElroy reveals new Top 25 college football rankings, drops Alabama out

USATSI_13844239 (3) (1) — Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN’s Greg McElroy revealed his new Top 25 college football rankings following Week 1 and Alabama has dropped out! The former Crimson Tide QB couldn’t keep his alma mater in the rankings following the dismantling at the hands of Florida State.

As far as the rest of the rankings are concerned, McElroy shifted pretty much everyone around. Not one top 25 team stayed in the same spot from Week 1.

So as we go into Week 2, let’s dive into McElroy’s rankings after one game. We start at the top with a Big Ten squad.

1. Ohio State (+7)

The Buckeyes top McElroy’s rankings after the first game. Matt Patricia’s defense was dominant in a win over Arch Manning and the Longhorns.

The offense didn’t blow anyone away, but Julian Sayin was solid in his first start. Moving forward, it seems like Ohio State is the team to beat again.

2. LSU (+5)

Garrett Nussmeier LSU QB — Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

LSU went to Clemson and handled the Tigers with a resurrected defense. Not only that, Garrett Nussmeier looked the part of an NFL-caliber quarterback following his breakout season.

McElroy has Brian Kelly and crew as the top team in the SEC right now. With Texas and Alabama losing and Georgia lurking, LSU’s standout win vaulted them up five spots.

3. Penn State (-1)

Since Ohio State and LSU moved up so much, McElroy had to drop Penn State one spot this week. The Nittany Lions blew out Nevada in Week 1.

The true tests will be Oregon and Ohio State this season. But James Franklin has his most talented squad, maybe ever, so at this point, it’s wait-and-see until about mid-season or so.

4. Georgia (+2)

Georgia ran through Marshall to open the season. Since other top SEC teams fell, Georgia moved up McElroy’s list even with a non-conference win over a Group of Five team.

Gunner Stockton showed off his dual threat ability and if that carries over, the Bulldogs could be scary, again. They’re top four going into Week 2.

5. Oregon (+4)

Dan Lanning, Oregon — © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dante Moore looked the part in his first start at QB for Oregon. Granted, it was Montana State but it was a great start for the Ducks.

McElroy has them third in the Big Ten, but top five in the country. That’s kind of insane when you think about it!

6. Miami (+4)

The Hurricanes really earned their win over Notre Dame to begin the season. Maybe a rematch in the playoff?

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.

McElroy moved Miami up four spots this week following a solid showing from Carson Beck and crew. Can they keep this going to finally make the CFP?

7. Texas (-3)

Texas didn’t drop too far in McElroy’s rankings, as they’re still in the top 10. But it’s fair to have concerns about the offense and Arch Manning right now.

Again, that performance could’ve been against the best team in the country, but they’ll have to fix things fast. Especially with a loaded SEC, Texas can’t trip up too many times.

8. Florida State (NR)

Thomas Castellanos, Florida State — Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The Seminoles went from not even close to the top 25 to the top 10 of McElroy’s rankings. This team was 2-10 last year, looked dead in the water, and are now 1-0 after beating Alabama.

Thomas Castellanos backed up the trash talk, Mike Norvell looks to be back on the track and suddenly, this is an ACC contender. It’s amazing how much can change with one game.

9. Utah (+10)

Utah jumped up big time in McElroy’s rankings after dismantling UCLA during Week 1. Kyle Whittingham promised to retool the program and he did just that.

Almost like Florida State, the Utes are out to prove 2024 was a fluke. If you picked Utah to win the Big 12 this year, you’ve got to be feeling good early on.

10. Notre Dame (-7)

The Fighting Irish fell, nearly, out of the top 10 of McElroy’s rankings. It was a hard fought loss to Miami, but Notre Dame’s late rally fell short.

The defense settled in, eventually, CJ Carr looked solid in his first start, and the schedule favors Notre Dame the rest of the way. But they have to get Jeremiyah Love more involved.