NATIONAL – The third week of the 2025 college football season concluded Saturday, delivering a slate of thrilling matchups that have significantly altered the early-season College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape. From unexpected upsets to commanding victories in high-stakes ranked contests, the weekend's results have provided clarity for some teams while raising new questions for others, according to various sports analyses released Sunday night and Monday morning.

The packed schedule, highlighted by three crucial ranked-on-ranked matchups and several regional rivalries, saw top-tier programs tested in ways that will undoubtedly influence future polls and playoff discussions. Fans witnessed a dynamic shift in momentum for several conferences, setting the stage for an even more competitive season ahead.

Key Matchups and Unexpected Outcomes

One of the weekend's most anticipated contests saw the No. 12 Miami Hurricanes travel to face the unranked but resilient South Florida Bulls. In a surprising turn of events, South Florida delivered a stunning upset, defeating Miami 27-24 in a game decided in the final minutes. The Bulls' defense stifled Miami's potent offense for much of the second half, while their dual-threat quarterback orchestrated a critical late-game drive that culminated in the go-ahead field goal. This defeat marks a significant setback for Miami's early CFP hopes.

Meanwhile, No. 7 Texas faced a tough road test against an unranked but historically strong Arizona State squad. The Longhorns managed to pull out a hard-fought 31-28 victory, but not without considerable effort. Their defense struggled to contain Arizona State's rushing attack, and the offense relied heavily on a few explosive plays to secure the win. Analysts are questioning Texas's consistency moving forward, despite the victory.

The marquee ranked-on-ranked clashes also lived up to their billing. In one such contest, No. 5 Ohio State hosted No. 9 Penn State, with the Buckeyes emerging victorious 38-24 in a dominant second-half performance. This win solidifies Ohio State's position as a top-five contender and provides a crucial early conference victory. Another significant matchup saw No. 3 LSU take down No. 10 Florida State in a defensive battle, 20-13, further establishing the Tigers as a dominant force in the SEC.

CFP Landscape Takes Shape

The results of Week 3 have already begun to reshape the conversation around which teams are true contenders for the College Football Playoff. Miami's loss is perhaps the most impactful, dropping them out of the top 15 and severely dampening their postseason aspirations. Conversely, South Florida's upset win propels them into the national spotlight, with many now watching if they can maintain this unexpected momentum.

For teams like Ohio State and LSU, their victories over ranked opponents reinforced their status as legitimate national championship contenders. These early season tests are crucial for establishing strength of schedule and proving mettle against quality opposition. The victories, widely reported across major sports networks including CBS Sports, ESPN, and Fox Sports, are expected to significantly impact the updated AP and Coaches Polls to be released later this week.

"This weekend was a stark reminder that in college football, every game is a playoff game," stated veteran sports analyst David Evans on Sunday. "Upsets like South Florida's or close calls for teams like Texas underscore the parity and intensity across the FBS. The CFP committee will have a lot to chew on after these results."

Standout Performances and Looking Ahead

Beyond the team results, several individual performances caught the eye of scouts and fans alike. South Florida's quarterback, whose name has not yet been officially released by the university for proprietary reasons, but is rumored to be a transfer from a power-five school, was a clear standout, demonstrating exceptional leadership and playmaking ability against Miami. Similarly, Ohio State's running back delivered a career-high rushing performance against Penn State, cementing his Heisman Trophy candidacy.

As teams move into Week 4, the focus will shift to how programs respond to their Week 3 outcomes. Miami will need to regroup quickly to salvage their season, while South Florida will aim to prove their upset was no fluke. The CFP picture remains fluid, but Week 3 has undoubtedly provided the season's first major shake-up, setting the stage for a thrilling autumn of collegiate gridiron action.