The USA TODAY Sports 1‑138 poll released after Week 1 shows the Auburn Tigers vaulted 24 positions to claim No. 39, marking one of the steepest climbs of the opening weekend. The surge follows a decisive victory over Baylor, a result that many analysts hailed as a clear indicator of the Tigers’ improved depth and execution under coach Hugh Freeze.
While the win sparked a chorus of criticism from Auburn supporters who questioned the strength of the opponent, national media outlets praised the performance as a major step forward for a program looking to re‑establish itself among the SEC’s elite. Baylor, despite the loss, nudged up four spots to No. 49, underscoring the competitive balance in the early season landscape.
Early‑Season Upset Reshapes the Top 40
Other movers in the poll include LSU, which climbed to No. 8 after a dominant win over Clemson in Baton Rouge, Virginia’s 19‑spot jump to No. 25, Nevada’s 52‑spot surge to No. 75 after a 49‑14 triumph over Western Kentucky, Colorado’s 45‑spot rise to No. 59 following a victory over Georgia Tech, and UMass’s 40‑spot climb to No. 98 after beating Rutgers.
Auburn’s next challenge arrives Saturday at 6:45 p.m. CT when they host Southern Miss at Jordan‑Hare Stadium, a game that could further test the momentum built in the opener.