**Texas Longhorns Claim Top Spot in AP Poll Ahead of Red River Showdown**

The Texas Longhorns are poised for a thrilling Red River Showdown against Oklahoma, having secured the No. 1 position in the latest AP poll. This leap to the top comes after a tumultuous Week 6, where Alabama's unexpected loss to Vanderbilt caused a significant shake-up in the rankings. The Crimson Tide, previously holding the top spot, plummeted to No. 7 following their defeat.

Texas, which had a bye on Saturday, soared to the top thanks to a week filled with upsets that saw five of the top-11 teams falter. Now leading the poll with 52 first-place votes, the Longhorns nudged ahead of Ohio State, which climbed to No. 2 with nine first-place votes after a decisive 35-7 victory over Iowa.

This isn't the first occasion Texas has enjoyed the No. 1 ranking this season. The Longhorns initially ascended to the top spot following a commanding victory over Michigan in Week 2, holding the position for two weeks before briefly slipping to No. 2 after Alabama's win over Georgia in Week 5.

While Texas's rise was the highlight, it was a notably challenging week for other top SEC teams, including Alabama, Tennessee, and Missouri. Meanwhile, Big Ten powerhouses benefitted greatly from the upheavals. Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State have all emerged within the top five, with Oregon now positioned at No. 3, ensuring a top-three clash when the Ducks host the Buckeyes in Week 7.

Here is the complete AP Top 25 Poll following Week 6:
1. Texas (52)
2. Ohio State (9)
3. Oregon
4. Penn State
5. Georgia
6. Miami
7. Alabama
8. Tennessee
9. Ole Miss
10. Clemson
11. Iowa State
12. Notre Dame
13. LSU
14. BYU
15. Texas A&M
16. Utah
17. Boise State
18. Kansas State
18. Indiana
18. Oklahoma
21. Missouri
22. Pitt
23. Illinois
24. Michigan
25. SMU

Additionally receiving votes were:
Southern Cal (98), Nebraska (51), Navy (43), Army (33), Vanderbilt (26), Arkansas (17), Washington State (8), Iowa (8), Texas Tech (7), Syracuse (6), Washington (4), Louisville (4), Colorado (3), and Kentucky (1).

The stage is set for an intense showdown as Texas aims to solidify its lead and Ohio State, Oregon, and others prepare for defining matchups in the coming weeks.