Brief

Florida, Iowa and Mississippi State face ranked foes in Week 5

The Gators travel to Missouri, the Hawkeyes host Ohio State, and the Bulldogs host Alabama as the three programs try to avoid letdowns after dramatic wins.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:38:24 GMT

Week 5 of the 2026 college football season pits three top‑25 teams against fellow ranked opponents, according to the Associated Press.

What happened

Florida (No. 8) will travel to face No. 25 Missouri after a blowout win over Mississippi on Nov. 4. Iowa (No. 14) hosts No. 5 Ohio State following a last‑second victory over Michigan. Mississippi State (No. 16) welcomes No. 7 Alabama, seeking its first 3‑0 SEC start since 2014.

What the reports add

The AP notes that the last three Florida‑Missouri meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less, with Missouri winning the two most recent games by a combined three points. Iowa’s win over Michigan came on the final play at the Big House, making the Hawkeyes heavy underdogs against Ohio State. Mississippi State’s matchup will feature sophomore quarterbacks Kamario Taylor (Mississippi State) and Keelon Russell (Alabama), both in their first year as starters.

What was said

The article cites no direct quotations, but highlights that Florida quarterback Jadan Baugh, Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and other Heisman candidates are in the mix.

How it came about

Florida’s resurgence under first‑year coach Jon Sumrall follows a dominant performance against Ole Miss in Week 4, as reported in Felo’s Week 4 College Football Results. Iowa’s dramatic win over Michigan echoed the previous week’s upset that reshuffled the top‑25. Mississippi State’s early‑season success builds on the NIL donation to quarterback Kamario Taylor reported in Felo’s coverage of Chris Jones’s contribution.

Key facts

• Florida (No. 8) travels to play No. 25 Missouri in Week 5. (winnipegfreepress.com)
• Iowa (No. 14) hosts No. 5 Ohio State after a last‑second win over Michigan. (winnipegfreepress.com)
• Mississippi State (No. 16) hosts No. 7 Alabama, featuring QBs Kamario Taylor and Keelon Russell. (winnipegfreepress.com)

Sources

• [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “After last-second thrills, ranked foes loom for Florida, Iowa and Mississippi State”