Week 5 of the 2026 college football season delivered a full slate of dramatic finishes, statement wins, and results that will reshape the AP Top 25. From USC rallying past Washington on a fumble return touchdown, to LSU hanging 63 points on McNeese State, to Boise State winning its inaugural Pac-12 game, the week was packed with storylines that carry significant College Football Playoff implications.
Week 5 Key Results
### USC Rallies Past Washington 25-21
Jahkeem Stewart fumble return touchdown was the kind of game-changing defensive play that defines October football, and it gives USC a quality win that the selection committee will respect.
Sam Leavitt led LSU to a 63-14 victory over McNeese State in a game that was never in doubt. The Tigers offense was overwhelming from the opening whistle, and the 63-point output sends a message to the rest of the SEC that LSU is a legitimate contender.
### Boise State Wins Inaugural Pac-12 Game 37-18
The win is historically significant for Boise State, marking the program first victory as a Pac-12 member. It also validates the Broncos Top 25 ranking and positions them as a factor in the expanded conference race.
| Game | Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Florida vs Missouri | SEC matchup with Top 10 implications | Florida looking to maintain unbeaten record |
| BYU vs TCU | Big 12 showdown | BYU defending Top 10 ranking |
| UCF vs Houston | Conference matchup | Both teams seeking statement win |
| BC vs opponent | ACC action | Conference depth being tested |
Projected Week 6 AP Top 25
Based on the Week 5 results, here is the projected AP Top 25 for Week 6:
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 5-0 | — | Methodical dominance continues |
| 2 | Georgia | 5-0 | — | SEC position strengthened |
| 3 | Notre Dame | 5-0 | — | Independent positioning remains strong |
| 4 | Miami | 5-0 | — | Undefeated start sustaining |
| 5 | Ohio State | 4-1 | — | Big Ten leader despite one loss |
| 6 | Indiana | 5-0 | — | Undefeated and ranked |
| 7 | Alabama | 5-0 | — | SEC depth on display |
| 8 | Florida | 5-0 | — | SEC undefeated contingent |
| 9 | Ole Miss | 4-1 | — | Quality wins keep them ranked |
| 10 | BYU | 4-0 | — | Big 12 leader |
CFP Implications After Week 5
The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format means more teams remain in the hunt, but Week 5 clarified the picture in several key ways:
With Texas and Georgia holding strong at No. 1 and No. 2, and Alabama, Florida, and Ole Miss all ranked in the Top 10, the SEC has the deepest concentration of CFP contenders. The SEC Championship Game could be a de facto play-in for a first-round bye.
With Penn State and Michigan both suffering losses earlier in the season, Ohio State carries the Big Ten clearest CFP case. But the Buckeyes already have one loss, and any slip-up in October could open the door for an at-large bid from another conference.
Boise State inaugural Pac-12 win is significant for the Group of Five conversation. If the Broncos run the table in their new conference, they will be positioned for the Group of Five automatic bid to the CFP — a scenario that would be historic for the program.
USC rally past Washington keeps the Trojans alive in the at-large conversation. At 4-1, USC needs to win out and potentially reach the Big Ten Championship Game to have a realistic CFP case. The defense making game-winning plays is a positive sign for the selection committee.
What to Watch in Week 6
The Week 6 schedule features several ranked-vs-ranked showdowns that will further reshape the poll:
- **Georgia continuing SEC play** — The Bulldogs look to maintain their No. 2 position.
- **Oregon quarterback situation** — With Dante Moore injured, Dylan Raiola may make his first start.
- **Boise State Pac-12 momentum** — Can the Broncos build on their inaugural conference win?
Week 6 is when the separation begins. The teams that win in October are the ones the selection committee takes seriously in December.
