A packed football stadium at night with the field lit and Alabama and Crimson Tide painted in the end zones. — Alabama fans fill Bryant-Denny Stadium during Georgia’s 20-17 win in Tuscaloosa, a result that pushed the Bulldogs back to No. 1 in the AP poll.

Georgia has returned to the top of college football’s national rankings after doing something the program had not accomplished in nearly two decades: win in Tuscaloosa.

The Bulldogs moved from No. 2 to No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday following a 20-17 victory over Alabama. Georgia received 66 of the poll’s 70 first-place votes and reached the top spot for the first time since September 2024.

Georgia is 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the Southeastern Conference.

Road victory changes the national picture

Georgia’s move to No. 1 followed two results that reshaped the rankings. The Bulldogs defeated sixth-ranked Alabama on the road Saturday night, while previous No. 1 Texas lost 27-24 to Oklahoma.

Notre Dame moved to No. 2, followed by Miami, Ohio State and Indiana. Alabama remained sixth despite its first loss, while Texas fell six places to No. 7.

The latest AP Top 25 reflects the Bulldogs’ strongest position of the season, though the media poll does not determine the College Football Playoff field.

The Alabama victory gives Georgia a major road win for its postseason résumé and strengthens its position in the SEC race. It was the Bulldogs’ first victory in Tuscaloosa since 2007.

Bulldogs survive their first deficit of the season

Georgia entered the game averaging more than 51 points, but Saturday developed into a defensive struggle.

The Bulldogs scored first on Peyton Woodring’s 43-yard field goal and extended the lead when quarterback Gunner Stockton connected with London Humphreys for a 20-yard touchdown.

Alabama answered with two touchdowns and carried a 14-10 lead into halftime. It was the first time Georgia had trailed at any point this season.

Stockton put the Bulldogs back in front with a 14-yard touchdown run during the third quarter. Alabama tied the game at 17 before Woodring kicked a 23-yard field goal with 5:25 remaining.

Georgia’s defense stopped Alabama’s final possession, and the offense ran out the clock after converting a third down and benefiting from an Alabama personal-foul penalty.

Georgia’s depth delivers in Tuscaloosa

Stockton completed 18 of 22 passes for 249 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also scored Georgia’s only rushing touchdown.

Dwight Phillips Jr. carried 17 times for 120 yards, while Bo Walker added 69 rushing yards. Their production helped Georgia finish with 455 total yards against an Alabama defense that had entered the weekend unbeaten.

The Bulldogs’ defense held Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell to 185 passing yards, sacked him four times and forced a fumble on the Crimson Tide’s opening possession.

Georgia also responded after Stockton’s second-quarter interception gave Alabama possession at the Bulldogs’ 29-yard line. The defense pushed the Crimson Tide backward and forced a punt, preventing the turnover from becoming points.

The Bulldogs’ official game recap includes the scoring sequence and individual statistics.

Auburn comes to Athens next

Georgia returns to Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the latest game in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.

The No. 1 Bulldogs host Auburn at 3:30 p.m. Georgia has won nine consecutive games in the series and holds a 66-56-8 all-time advantage.

The ranking raises the stakes, but Georgia’s larger opportunity is to remain unbeaten in conference play. Another victory would keep the Bulldogs in control of their path toward the SEC Championship Game while adding to a postseason case now anchored by a road win over Alabama.