September 20, 1988 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Miami, FL |
| 2 | UCLA |
| 3 | Oklahoma |
| 4 | Auburn |
| 5 | USC |
| 6 | Georgia |
| 7 | LSU |
| 8 | Notre Dame |
| 9 | Florida State |
| 10 | Nebraska |
| 11 | West Virginia |
| 12 | Clemson |
| 13 | Alabama |
| 14 | South Carolina |
| 15 | Penn State |
| 16 | Pitt |
| 17 | Washington |
| 18 | Oklahoma State |
| 19 | Michigan |
| 20 | Florida |
| 21 | 217th MPs |
| 22 | Abilene Christian |
| 23 | Adams State |
| 24 | Adrian |
| 25 | Air Force |