October 4, 1988 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Miami, FL |
| 2 | UCLA |
| 3 | USC |
| 4 | Auburn |
| 5 | Notre Dame |
| 6 | Florida State |
| 7 | West Virginia |
| 8 | South Carolina |
| 9 | Nebraska |
| 10 | Oklahoma |
| 11 | Clemson |
| 12 | Alabama |
| 13 | Oklahoma State |
| 14 | Florida |
| 15 | Georgia |
| 16 | Wyoming |
| 17 | Michigan |
| 18 | Oregon |
| 19 | Washington |
| 20 | Arkansas |