College Football: Top 25 entering Week 3

USF joins the top 15: The Bulls check into the top 25 at No. 11 after beating two top-25 teams in the first two weeks.
Florida tumbles down to No. 23: Conversely, the Gators fall out of the top-20 after losing to USF.
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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Even though the Week 2 slate didn’t feature many huge games on paper, it still produced massive results. Four top-20 teams went down, including three in the top 15.

Here’s how the PFF top 25 looks heading into Week 3. Please note that these are not the same as the PFF power rankings.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0, Previous: 1st)

Week 3 matchup: vs. Ohio Bobcats

After beating top-ranked Texas in Week 1, Ohio State took care of business this past week by shutting out Grambling State, 70-0. Julian Sayin thrived in his second career start, posting an 81.0 passing grade with 280 yards and four touchdowns in the first half.

2. LSU Tigers (2-0, Previous: 2nd)

Week 3 matchup: vs. No. 23 Florida Gators

LSU experienced a slight hangover from its season-opening victory over Clemson, beating Louisiana Tech 23-7 despite being favored by 36.5 points. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a solid performance, posting a 76.7 passing grade with three big-time throws and two turnover-worthy plays. The Tigers have a big game in Week 3 at home against Florida.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0, Previous: 3rd)

Week 3 matchup: vs. Villanova Wildcats (FCS)

Penn State shut Florida International out in Week 2 by a final score of 34-0. The Nittany Lions’ pass rush dominated with a 90.2 pass-rush grade. It’s the highest single-game pass-rush grade for Penn State in the PFF College era (since 2014). The Nittany Lions got pressure on the Golden Panthers on 51.3% of plays.

4. Miami (FL) Hurricanes (2-0, Previous: 4th)

Week 3 matchup: vs. No. 11 USF Bulls

After beating Notre Dame in Week 1, Miami took down Bethune-Cookman 45-3 on Saturday. Carson Beck was nearly perfect in the victory, completing 21 of 23 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. The Hurricanes face No. 11 USF in Week 3, who is looking for its third top-25 victory in as many weeks.

5. Oregon Ducks (2-0, Previous: 5th)

Week 3 matchup: at Northwestern Wildcats

Oregon annihilated Oklahoma State in Week 3, 69-3. The Ducks dominated on both sides of the ball, averaging 10 yards per play while only giving up 3.5 yards per play. Oregon looks to continue its dominance as it opens up Big Ten play this week against Northwestern.

6. Texas Longhorns (1-1, Previous: 6th)

Week 3 matchup: vs. UTEP Miners

Texas bounced back from its season-opening loss to Ohio State with a 38-7 win over San Jose State. Arch Manning finished with an 85.3 PFF grade, 346 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

7. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0, Previous: 7th)

Week 3 matchup: at No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers

Georgia vanquished Austin Peay in Week 2, winning 28-6. The Bulldogs’ run defense shined in the victory, posting a 92.7 run-defense grade as a unit. That’s Georgia’s second-best performance in a game since 2018. The Bulldogs defense will be tested far more this week against Tennessee.

8. Florida State Seminoles (2-0, Previous: 12th)

Week 3 matchup: Bye

After pulling off the upset of the week over Alabama in Week 1, Florida State took care of business in Week 2 with a 77-3 win over East Texas A&M. The Seminoles were incredibly efficient offensively, averaging 18.4 yards per pass and 7.4 yards per rush. FSU enjoys a bye week this weekend before resuming play against Kent State in Week 4.

9. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0, Previous: 14th)

Week 3 matchup: vs. Western Michigan Broncos

In one of the biggest games of Week 2, Illinois went on the road and took down Duke by a final score of 45-19. The Fighting Illini took full advantage of the Blue Devils’ mistakes, scoring 28 points off their four turnovers. Quarterback Luke Altmyer impressed with a 76.5 passing grade.

10. South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0, Previous: 10th)

Week 3 matchup: vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

South Carolina took down South Carolina State this past Saturday, 38-10. The Gamecocks completely shut down the Bulldogs' run game, posting an 89.4 team run-defense grade while allowing only 70 yards total. That was South Carolina’s best run-defense grade in a game since 2018.

Next up is Vanderbilt, a team that just beat Virginia Tech by 24. For reference, the Gamecocks beat the Hokies in Week 1 by 13.