October 10, 1989 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame |
| 2 | Miami, FL |
| 3 | Colorado |
| 4 | Nebraska |
| 5 | Michigan |
| 6 | Tennessee |
| 7 | Arkansas |
| 8 | Houston |
| 9 | Pitt |
| 10 | USC |
| 11 | Alabama |
| 12 | Auburn |
| 13 | North Carolina State |
| 14 | Clemson |
| 15 | Oklahoma |
| 16 | Illinois |
| 17 | Air Force |
| 17 | Washington State |
| 19 | Florida State |
| 20 | West Virginia |
| 21 | Michigan State |
| 22 | UCLA |
| 23 | Penn State |
| 24 | South Carolina |
| 25 | Florida |
| 25 | BYU |