The AP Poll was released Sunday afternoon, and plenty changed after Week 3 of the college football slate. The week’s highlight was LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s anticipated return to Ole Miss after leaving the Rebels last season. In an entertaining back-and-forth battle, Ole Miss got the last laugh, defeating LSU 32-24.
That wasn’t the only noteworthy development, as unranked Kentucky upset then-No. 9 Texas A&M in College Station, while West Virginia defeated then-No. 25 Virginia in a battle between neighboring schools. After Week 3’s slate, some teams rose in the rankings while others fell. With Week 4 bringing more epic showdowns, here are the biggest takeaways from Week 3’s AP Poll.
BREAKING: College Football AP Poll🚨https://t.co/rYOmnsZFh3 pic.twitter.com/73tiPpJfKr
— On3 (@On3) September 20, 2026
Week 3 AP Poll Reaction
1. Ole Miss Rises to the Top Four After Win Over LSU
Ole Miss had an emotional week. Anticipation was high for Kiffin’s return after the SEC schedule was released, and with both teams 2-0 and in the top 10, the game carried huge implications. In the end, the Rebels, fueled by revenge, made a big statement in their victory over the Tigers and became national championship contenders.
Ole Miss deserved to move from No. 8 to No. 4 as it played its best game of the season. Heading into this game, many had concerns about Ole Miss’s defense after it gave up 38 points in its season-opening win against Louisville. The defense put those concerns to bed by limiting LSU to 24 points, with seven coming in the first half. It also proved clutch when it mattered, forcing LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt into an interception to seal the game.
After the game was tied at 24, the offense showed its veteran experience, as Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led his team on a game-winning drive to retake the lead and extend it to eight on a two-point conversion. Despite scoring only eight points in the second half, Chambliss had an incredible performance, throwing for 363 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown.
There is a lot to like about this Ole Miss team. They have one of the most experienced and mature quarterbacks in the country, plenty of offensive talent, and a defense that continues to show it can make big plays when it matters most. With a tough schedule remaining that includes No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Georgia, this was a huge win for the Rebels. It gives them more room for error as they look not only to make this year’s College Football Playoff but also to establish themselves as one of the biggest national championship threats.
2. The Loser of Texas A&M-LSU Will Have an Uphill Climb to Make the College Football Playoff
It may be only Week 4 of the college football season, but every game matters. After losing this week, Texas A&M and LSU now face a must-win scenario heading into Saturday’s showdown.
Then-No. 9 Texas A&M suffered a shocking upset against unranked Kentucky at home, causing the Aggies to drop to No. 23 in the AP Poll. The Aggies delivered a disappointing performance after entering the game as 16.5-point home favorites. Quarterback Marcel Reed had an uncharacteristic outing, throwing two interceptions, and the defense allowed Kentucky to score a touchdown on all three third-quarter possessions, putting the game out of reach. Now, the margin for error is minimal as they head on the road to face an LSU team that is also coming off a loss.
Due to its loss to Ole Miss, LSU fell three spots in the rankings. However, AP voters punished the loss less than Texas A&M’s, since LSU had to go on the road to face a strong Ole Miss team. Also, the Tigers had a great second-half performance against Ole Miss as they nearly overcame a 17-point deficit to win the game and make the final score more respectable.
Now, both teams face each other in Death Valley in hopes of avoiding a second loss. With both teams also facing a tough remaining schedule, the loser of this showdown will not only face an uphill climb to make the College Football Playoff but could also put itself in a position where making it becomes extremely difficult.
3. Penn State and Alabama Emerging As Dark Horses To Make The College Football Playoff
After three weeks of college football action, Penn State and Alabama have emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, each rising five spots since the AP Preseason Poll. Now, both teams have put themselves in a great position to make the College Football Playoff.
Penn State rose to No. 13 in this week’s rankings after starting No. 18 in the Preseason Poll. The Nittany Lions have gotten off to a great start, dominating all three of their wins this season under head coach Matt Campbell while giving up just 22 points across those games. The offense has played well, with quarterback Rocco Becht throwing for 751 yards, nine touchdowns, and no interceptions. After years of struggling to find a true No. 1 wide receiver, Koby Howard is emerging as that player, with 344 yards on 12 receptions and two touchdowns.
As for Alabama, it has risen from No. 13 to No. 8 in three weeks. The Crimson Tide entered the season with many questions due to the starting quarterback battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Russell won the battle and has been lights-out, throwing four passing touchdowns and rushing for two touchdowns on 133 yards in three wins. The offense has averaged almost 48 points per game, while the defense has allowed 21 per game, despite giving up 36 against Florida State.
Penn State has a very winnable remaining schedule with No. 12 USC and No. 18 Michigan being the only current ranked teams on its schedule. As for Alabama, while it has a gauntlet of five currently ranked teams, including No. 2 Georgia, the first three games of the Crimson Tide have shown they can compete with the best teams in the SEC. Don’t be surprised if one or both teams make this year’s College Football Playoff.
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