Unexpected Turns in College Football’s Early Season

College football endures the longest offseason among major sports. For close to seven months, analysts examine coaches, rosters, and programs as they anticipate the upcoming season. Once the games commence, previous expectations face challenges, leading to surprises and new insights.

As the latest AP Top 25 ballot was filled out, many of the season’s most interesting teams emerged unexpectedly. This rapid transformation is largely attributed to the impact of first-year head coaches. Florida’s team, under Jon Sumrall, exemplifies this trend, showcasing a notable turnaround. Sumrall’s vision focuses on toughness, physicality, and intelligence. Florida now boasts a creative offense managed by Buster Faulkner and features standout running back Jadan Baugh. Already in September, Florida has equaled its win total from 2025 and ranks among the top ten for the first time in five years.

In Week 4, players like Dylan Raiola at Oregon, Jon Sumrall in Florida, and Jeremiah Smith displayed key performances. Elsewhere, UCLA, Oklahoma State, and Kentucky, under new coaching, appear in the rankings for the first time this season. Notably, UCLA, under Bob Chesney’s leadership, has secured three wins against Power 4 teams, two of which were away games. This follows a strategy similar to James Madison University’s coaching successes.

Eric Morris replicated this model in Stillwater, bringing 21 former North Texas players to Oklahoma State. Drew Mestemaker, the quarterback, was pivotal in their surprising victory over Oregon. These swift rebuilds raise questions about the potential of these teams to secure conference titles or College Football Playoff positions by December. Despite this uncertainty, their stories remain noteworthy.

Additional Observations:

• Wake Forest achieved two road wins over Power 4 teams, including then-No. 16 Louisville, with their sole loss to Miami considered commendable. Their performance warrants a ranking.
• Duke shares a similar position, deserving recognition in the rankings.
• Friday’s game between Pitt and Virginia Tech could see one team enter the rankings if ACC results are acknowledged by voters.
• Utah, under Morgan Scalley, could be a strong contender in the Big 12. However, their potential might go unnoticed until a key game against Houston on October 24.
• In weighing head-to-head results for ballot selections, challenges arise, exemplified in comparing Oregon with Oklahoma State. Oregon’s victory over USC, adding a second top-25 triumph, contrasts with Oklahoma State’s results. If their resumes grow comparably, head-to-head outcomes may require reassessment.