Miami is projected to rise to No. 1 in the US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time since the penultimate poll of the 2002 season, according to a report published October 17. The shift follows a weekend of significant losses among top-ranked teams, including previous No. 1 Georgia.
The weekend saw a record-setting five of the top eight teams from the previous week's poll suffer losses: Georgia, Notre Dame, Indiana, Texas, and Alabama. Miami avoided joining that group by defeating Florida State 43-35 in double overtime. While Ohio State also has an argument for the top spot following wins against Iowa and Indiana, Miami's unbeaten 6-0 record is expected to secure the top position.
The projected top 10 rankings include BYU at No. 3, which would mark the Cougars' first entry into the top five since 1996. Georgia is projected to drop three spots to No. 4 after a 28-24 loss to Auburn. Notre Dame is projected at No. 5 following a loss to BYU, while Indiana is projected at No. 6 after a narrow defeat to Ohio State. Texas Tech is expected to hold the No. 7 spot after a 53-25 win over Arizona State, and Ole Miss is projected at No. 8.
Utah is projected to break into the top 10 at No. 9 following a victory over Colorado and losses by Texas and Alabama. The Utes' offense has been noted for its performance under new coach Morgan Scalley. Tennessee is projected at No. 10, rising from No. 14 after a win against Alabama, which was the program's largest win against the Crimson Tide this century.
The Buckeyes' rise to the front of the Big Ten line was tempered by an injury to quarterback Julian Sayin, which is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks.
