McMurphy's AP Top 25 ballot: Miami rises to No. 1 after Week 7
Week 7 saw eight ranked teams lose, including five of the top seven. Brett McMurphy placed Miami at No. 1 on his AP ballot, followed by BYU at No. 2 and Georgia at No. 3. Florida and Northwestern appeared on his ballot for the first time.
Week 7 brought significant disruption to the AP Top 25, with eight ranked programs suffering defeats. Five of those losses came among the top seven teams, reshaping the weekly picture.
In Brett McMurphy's ballot, Miami moved into the top spot. BYU followed at No. 2, with Georgia at No. 3. Florida and Northwestern each earned a place on his ballot for the first time.
The ballot could intensify fan debates and media attention around Miami, BYU, Georgia, Florida, and Northwestern. It may affect how teams are perceived by poll observers and supporters, especially after a chaotic week. For players and coaches, shifting rankings could influence momentum, coverage, and expectations, though the ballot itself is one voter's view. Broader society may see another example of how sports rankings spark communal discussion and identity.