Brett McMurphy’s College Football AP Top 25 Ballot After Week 6: Miami Takes the Top Spot
Week 6 of the college football season brought dramatic swings in momentum and sparked plenty of debate in the AP Top 25. Among the most notable shifts came from veteran college football insider Brett McMurphy, who revealed his updated Associated Press ballot on Sunday. His new rankings highlight the rise of an undefeated team that’s been steadily proving its legitimacy the Miami Hurricanes.
McMurphy crowned Miami as his new No. 1 team after the Hurricanes’ hard-fought 28-22 win at Florida State. The victory solidified Miami’s case as one of the nation’s most well-rounded squads, and it marked their fourth victory over a ranked or notable opponent this season. Miami’s résumé boasts wins against Notre Dame, USF, Florida, and Florida State, giving the Hurricanes one of the strongest slates in the country through six weeks. While the Buckeyes of Ohio State had been holding the top spot, Miami’s consistent dominance and quality wins convinced McMurphy to give the ‘Canes the edge.
Miami’s Signature Statement
The turning point for Miami’s climb to No. 1 came with their showdown in Tallahassee. The Hurricanes raced out to a 25-point lead on the road against their in-state rivals before holding off a late Seminoles rally. Quarterback Carson Beck played with poise and efficiency, throwing for 241 yards and four touchdowns, two each to standout receivers Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels
Miami’s defense, while tested late, came up with timely stops to preserve the victory and showcase why this team looks like a legitimate national championship contender. For McMurphy, the balance between an explosive offense and a disciplined defense made the Hurricanes deserving of their new top billing. Miami now heads into its bye week before a pivotal Friday night home clash against Louisville on Oct. 17.
Ohio State Slips to No. 2
Even with a convincing win over Minnesota, Ohio State slipped to No. 2 on McMurphy’s ballot. The drop wasn’t a reflection of poor play the Buckeyes have been sharp but rather a reassessment of their overall résumé compared to Miami’s.
The biggest factor in McMurphy’s decision was the perceived weakening of Ohio State’s best win. The Buckeyes’ marquee victory this season came against Texas, but the Longhorns have struggled since that loss, including a defeat at Florida over the weekend. This development diminished the value of Ohio State’s early triumph and opened the door for Miami to leapfrog them. Still, the Buckeyes remain firmly in the national title conversation, with one of the Big Ten’s most explosive offenses and a defense that continues to improve.
New Faces in the Top 25
Beyond the battle at the top, McMurphy’s ballot saw notable movement in the back half of the rankings. Three programs entered the Top 25 for the first time this season: Nebraska, Cincinnati, and Memphis. Each team’s rise reflects both their recent performances and the volatility of a season where every week delivers new storylines.
Nebraska: The Cornhuskers are enjoying a resurgence under their new leadership and have stacked quality wins to impress voters.
Cincinnati: The Bearcats have quietly put together a solid campaign, earning respect with their defensive consistency and key conference victories.
Memphis: Long known for its offensive fireworks, Memphis is once again making noise in the Group of Five race and positioned to contend for a New Year’s Six bowl spot.
As these teams entered the rankings, others had to make way. Falling out of McMurphy’s Top 25 were Penn State, Texas, and Iowa State. Each program has endured recent struggles that raised concerns about their ability to compete at an elite level as the season progresses.
The Full Picture After Week 6
McMurphy’s ballot underscores just how fluid the college football landscape remains as teams navigate the heart of their schedules. Miami’s ascension reflects the importance of signature wins and strength of schedule, while Ohio State’s slight slide proves that even victories can be scrutinized based on the quality of opponents.
The addition of Nebraska, Cincinnati, and Memphis injects fresh intrigue into the Top 25, highlighting the depth of competition nationwide. Meanwhile, the departures of Penn State, Texas, and Iowa State serve as reminders of how quickly fortunes can change in this sport.
As Week 7 approaches, Miami will have a chance to rest and regroup while other contenders look to strengthen their cases for playoff positioning. The Buckeyes will aim to reclaim the No. 1 spot, and the newly ranked teams will fight to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
College football thrives on these shifting narratives, and McMurphy’s ballot after Week 6 offers a snapshot of the intensity, drama, and excitement that define the season. With conference races tightening and playoff dreams on the line, the coming weeks promise more twists that could reshape the rankings yet again.
In McMurphy’s words, Miami has “earned the No. 1 spot,” and if the Hurricanes can maintain their momentum, they’ll continue to control their destiny. For fans, Week 6’s shakeup is just another reminder that in college football, every Saturday has the power to rewrite the story.
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