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SALT LAKE CITY — It's been on my mind for the last few weeks, but I haven't been able to make the move — for whatever reason.
That time has now come!
After a dominant win over another Associated Press Top 25 team in then-No. 19 Kentucky, Tennessee is now my new No. 1 team. This should have likely been done after the Vols beat Alabama, but I was holding out to see Ohio State play stiffer competition first.
And while I still have a strong belief in the Buckeyes as one of the top teams in the country, Tennessee has made itself impossible to ignore. The Vols are the only team in the country to beat all five teams that were ranked at the time that they played them (three of which remain ranked in the Top 25 as of this writing).
The only other teams with multiple wins against current Top 25 teams include Clemson (3) and TCU (2).
Here's the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today.
1. Tennessee
From top to bottom, Tennessee is built to win. And while the challenge only gets more difficult, the Vols have a high-powered offense that is led by Hendon Hooker, my Heisman favorite, and a defense that can keep it in any game. A road test against Georgia awaits, but I believe they have the talent to keep the train moving en route to a national championship.
2. Ohio State
We're getting to the part of Ohio State's schedule where the Buckeyes are actually playing tough competition, and it hasn't always been great. Against Penn State on Saturday, the Buckeyes looked vulnerable. But then C.J. Stroud took over the game and willed the offense back into its rightful spot — to say nothing of the incredible job done by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and his two recovered fumbles and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
3. Georgia
Georgia could very well be my No. 1 team in the country, too. But to me, Tennessee has done it consistently and against Top-25 caliber teams on a near weekly basis. Still, Georgia has made many teams look like fools, and Florida was the latest casualty. The Bulldogs easily built up a 28-3 halftime lead and made Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson look pedestrian.
4. Michigan
It took Michigan some time to put some distance between itself and rival Michigan State, but the Wolverines continue to get the job done on the field — and effectively. I'm not yet sure if Michigan is the most underrated of the top teams in the country or if they're ranked correctly. I don't quite see them in the same category as the three teams above them, but they're much closer than expected.
5. Clemson
Clemson was on a bye week. The Tigers keep their spot in my rankings for this week, but have Dabo Swinney made a decision on a QB yet?
6. Alabama
Alabama was also on a bye week. The Crimson Tide remain in the same spot this week, too, but I'm sure Nick Saban has his team ready for the final stretch.
7. TCU
Somehow TCU feels both invisible and completely vulnerable at the same time. The Horned Frogs — or is it the Hypnotoads now? — do enough each week to stay on the right side of the win-loss column. There may be a false sense of security with its undefeated standing in the Big 12, but it's hard to turn away with this team. This season, TCU has been entertaining football — and really isn't that all that matters?
8. Oregon
Early on, and we're talking very early on, California looked to make it a game against the top team in the Pac-12. That was quickly put to rest as quarterback Bo Nix had his way against the Bears. Kudos to Nix for resurrecting his career and having the season of his life. Oregon is back to a dominant football program and leading the Pac-12. How long will that Week 1 loss continue to be a thorn in the Ducks' side? It's starting to feel like that was more the outlier than anything else.
9. USC
The Trojans crack my Top 10 this week after sitting at No. 11 last week. If we're talking about USC's offense then a Top-10 ranking is more than justified with Caleb Williams under center, but the defense hasn't always been a strong suit. The Trojans' schedule helps them out a bit, but I still wonder if there's more vulnerabilities with this team that could be exploited.
10. UCLA
The Bruins also crack my Top 10 this week after a convincing win over Stanford. Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Zach Charbonnet remain a tough duo to stop for opposing teams. On Saturday, Charbonnet managed 259 all-purpose yards and three rushing touchdowns. Outside of a loss to Oregon, UCLA has looked like a dominant team this season.
Checking in: Oregon State, Florida State
In consideration: Cincinnati, South Carolina
In consideration: Cincinnati, Maryland, Arkansas, Texas, UCF, Liberty, Boise State, Coastal Carolina
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
Want to create your own Top 25 ballot, go create one with the KSL.com College Football Top 25 Fan Poll.
