October 3, 1989 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame |
| 2 | Miami, FL |
| 3 | Colorado |
| 4 | Nebraska |
| 5 | Michigan |
| 6 | Tennessee |
| 7 | Arkansas |
| 8 | Pitt |
| 9 | USC |
| 9 | West Virginia |
| 11 | Auburn |
| 12 | Houston |
| 13 | Alabama |
| 14 | North Carolina State |
| 15 | Clemson |
| 16 | Oklahoma |
| 17 | Syracuse |
| 18 | Illinois |
| 19 | Texas A&M |
| 20 | Air Force |
| 21 | Washington State |
| 22 | Florida State |
| 23 | Oregon |
| 24 | Michigan State |
| 25 | UCLA |