NCAA Football Rankings 2022: Predicting Top Movers in Week 5 Post-Week 4 Results

A new team could rise to the No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll heading into Week 5. That's because Georgia didn't exactly look like the top team in the country on Saturday.

Although the Bulldogs improved to 4-0 with a win over Kent State, it wasn't a convincing victory. They topped the Golden Flashes 39-22 in a game in which Georgia led by only 10 points until Kendall Milton's 1-yard touchdown run with five minutes and 30 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, No. 2 Alabama and No. 3 Ohio State were much more dominant this week. The Crimson Tide rolled to a 55-3 win over Vanderbilt, while the Buckeyes blew past Wisconsin in a 52-21 rout.

Could either Alabama or Ohio State (or another school) be ranked No. 1 when the new AP poll is released Sunday? Here's a prediction for the rankings, followed by a look at several teams that should be on the rise this week.

Projected AP Top 25 Poll

Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 17: Footballs sit on the turf prior to the college football game between the Toledo Rockets and Ohio State Buckeyes on September 17, 2022, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1. Alabama (4-0)

2. Ohio State (4-0)

3. Georgia (4-0)

4. Clemson (4-0)

5. Michigan (4-0)

6. USC (4-0)

7. Kentucky (4-0)

8. Tennessee (4-0)

9. Oklahoma State (3-0)

10. NC State (4-0)

11. Utah (3-1)

12. Oklahoma (3-1)

13. Penn State (4-0)

14. Washington (4-0)

15. Texas A&M (3-1)

16. Oregon (3-1)

17. Ole Miss (4-0)

18. Baylor (3-1)

19. BYU (3-1)

20. Arkansas (3-1)

21. Pittsburgh (3-1)

22. Wake Forest (3-1)

23. Minnesota (4-0)

24. Florida State (4-0)

25. Cincinnati (3-1)

Alabama Will Reclaim Its No. 1 Ranking

AP Photo/Vasha Hunt

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Alabama was expected to blow past Vanderbilt in its SEC opener, and that's what it did. The Crimson Tide had a 28-point lead by halftime and scored the final 48 points of their 55-3 win, putting up 628 yards of total offense. Bryce Young passed for 385 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to Ja'Corey Brooks.

Although Alabama barely pulled out a 20-19 win over Texas in Week 2, the Longhorns are a higher-quality opponent than Kent State, which kept its matchup at Georgia competitive on Saturday. The Bulldogs were heavy favorites, yet the Golden Flashes were only down 10 points well into the fourth quarter.

It wouldn't be a huge surprise to see Georgia drop to No. 3 or No. 4 in the AP poll. Alabama and Ohio State were more dominant, while No. 5 Clemson had an impressive double-overtime victory over No. 21 Wake Forest.

However things shake out, the Tide should be back in the top spot. They were more impressive than the Bulldogs this week, and that will matter to the voters.

Tennessee Will Enter Top 10 After Impressive Win

AP Photo/Wade Payne

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) escapes from Florida linebacker Shemar James (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 38-33. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Florida-Tennessee more than lived up to the hype and anticipation on Saturday. In a marquee SEC matchup, the Vols held off a late charge from the Gators for a 38-33 victory. It was only the second time that Tennessee has defeated Florida in the past 18 meetings between the two schools.

The Vols had 576 yards of total offense, with quarterback Hendon Hooker passing for 349 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 112 yards and a score, helping Tennessee to improve to 4-0.

Considering the Vols were already ranked No. 11—and now they defeated the No. 20-ranked team—they should move into the top 10, and they'll likely pass numerous teams. No. 6 Oklahoma lost 41-34 to unranked Kansas State and No. 10 Arkansas lost 23-21 to No. 23 Texas A&M, so both the Sooners and Razorbacks will be falling.

That will allow Tennessee to move up the rankings. And don't be surprised if it ends up around the No. 8 spot, as the Vols are quickly proving to be one of the most talented teams in the nation.

Texas A&M Should Climb Back Up the Rankings

AP Photo/Brandon Wade

Texas A&M running back Devon Achane (6) is congratulated for his touchdown during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Texas A&M won 23-21. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

If Texas A&M hadn't lost to unranked Appalachian State in Week 2, it would likely be in the top five of the AP poll at this point. Instead, the Aggies nearly fell out of the rankings, and they entered Saturday's game against Arkansas at No. 23.

But in recent weeks, Texas A&M has gotten back on track and is playing how many expected it to entering the season. After notching a 17-9 win over Miami last week, the Aggies took down the Razorbacks on Saturday, holding on for a 23-21 victory.

Texas A&M trailed 14-0 after the first quarter, then scored 23 consecutive points. Running back Devon Achane (159 rushing yards and a touchdown) carried the offense, while Demani Richardson had an 82-yard fumble return TD on defense.

Teams such as No. 20 Florida (loss at No. 11 Tennessee) and No. 22 Texas (overtime loss at unranked Texas Tech) will be falling. It's also possible the Aggies could pass teams such as No. 15 Oregon (44-41 win at Washington State), No. 16 Ole Miss (35-27 win over Tulsa) and No. 17 Baylor (31-21 win at Iowa State), none of which was overly impressive this week. So don't be surprised if Texas A&M is around the No. 15 spot.