In the first Associated Press Top 25 college football poll rankings of the regular season, the Ohio State Buckeyes took the lead, followed by Penn State at No. 2 and LSU at No. 3.

The Buckeyes slid into position to dominate this week’s rankings with 55 first-place votes after besting the preseason poll’s No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday. The Buckeyes leaped over Penn State, which maintained the No. 2 spot.

The Nittany Lions, fresh off a 46-11 win over Nevada, finished with 1,558 points and seven first-place votes.

It was the kind of dominant win expected of a team of Penn State’s caliber against a Nevada team that finished 3-10 in 2024. Drew Allar completed 22 of 26 passes for 217 yards and a score. Nick Singleton scored a team-high two rushing touchdowns. Kaytron Allen and Ethan Grunkemeyer each found the end zone on foot.

Allar connected with Kyron Hudson for Penn State’s sole receiving touchdown of the outing, a 31-yard reception just before half.

Ohio State’s hiatus from No. 1 was short-lived, returning to the top spot after a 14-7 Week 1 victory against then top-seeded Texas. The Buckeyes received 55 first-place votes, 44 more than they received in the preseason poll (11), and 1,636 total points.

Ohio State last topped the poll after defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in the national championship game. It’s the Buckeyes’ first regular-season No. 1 ranking since Nov. 1, 2015.

Julian Sayin performed well in his Buckeyes debut, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. It was a stout performance by Ohio State’s defense, holding the Longhorns scoreless until late in the fourth quarter.

AP Top 25 college football poll

1. Ohio State

2. Penn State

3. LSU

4. Georgia

5. Miami

6. Oregon

7. Texas

8. Clemson

9. Notre Dame

10. South Carolina

11. Illinois

12. Arizona State

13. Florida

14. Florida State

15. Michigan

16. Iowa State

17. SMU

18. Oklahoma

19. Texas A&M

20. Ole Miss

21. Alabama

22. Tennessee

23. Indiana

24. Texas Tech

25. Utah