College Football Top 25 Rankings: Latest AP Poll

Get the latest college football top 25 rankings, including analysis of the AP Poll and Coaches Poll, team performance, and predictions for the season.

Key Takeaways

• The College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings are released later in the season, but the AP and Coaches Polls provide weekly updates on the top teams.
• Rankings are subjective and based on various factors, including wins, losses, strength of schedule, and performance against ranked opponents.
• The top 25 teams often shift throughout the season due to upsets and key matchups.
• Rankings impact bowl game selections and College Football Playoff consideration.
• Staying updated on the top 25 helps fans follow the sport and understand team standings.

Introduction

College football rankings are a cornerstone of the sport, driving fan engagement, shaping narratives, and influencing postseason opportunities. Every week, the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the Coaches Poll are released, offering a snapshot of the top 25 teams in the nation. These rankings, while subjective, play a crucial role in determining which teams are considered the best and which ones have a shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP). This article will delve into the significance of the top 25 rankings, how they are determined, and what they mean for teams and fans alike.

What & Why of College Football Top 25 Rankings

What are the College Football Top 25 Rankings?

The college football top 25 rankings are weekly polls that rank the best 25 teams in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The two most prominent polls are the AP Poll, voted on by sports journalists, and the Coaches Poll, voted on by FBS coaches. These rankings are released weekly throughout the regular season, starting in late August and continuing until the CFP selections are made in December. Later in the season, the College Football Playoff committee releases its own rankings which ultimately decide the four teams that will compete for the national championship.

Why are the Rankings Important?

• Fan Engagement: Rankings drive discussion and debate among fans, creating excitement and interest in the sport.
• Team Recognition: Being ranked in the top 25 is a mark of prestige and accomplishment for a program.
• Recruiting: High rankings can help programs attract top recruits.
• Bowl Game Selection: Rankings are a significant factor in determining bowl game invitations.
• CFP Consideration: The CFP selection committee considers rankings, among other factors, when choosing the four playoff teams.

The Benefits of Being Ranked

Being ranked in the top 25 offers numerous benefits:

• Increased Visibility: Ranked teams receive more media coverage and attention.
• Improved Recruiting: A top ranking signals program strength and attracts talented athletes.
• Higher Morale: Players and coaches gain confidence from their team's ranking.
• Better Bowl Game Opportunities: Higher-ranked teams often receive invitations to more prestigious bowl games.

The Risks and Pressures

While being ranked is desirable, it also comes with pressure:

• Increased Scrutiny: Ranked teams face greater scrutiny from the media and fans.
• Target on Their Back: Unranked opponents are often more motivated to upset a ranked team.
• High Expectations: Ranked teams are expected to win every game, adding pressure on players and coaches.
• Potential for Overconfidence: Teams must avoid complacency and stay focused.

How College Football Top 25 Rankings are Determined

The AP Poll and the Coaches Poll use different voting systems, but both aim to assess team performance:

AP Poll

The AP Poll is voted on by a panel of 63 sports writers and broadcasters across the United States. Each voter submits a list of their top 25 teams, assigning points based on rank (25 points for first place, 24 for second, and so on). The points are then totaled to create the weekly ranking. — What Channel Is The Vikings Game On?

Coaches Poll

The Coaches Poll is voted on by the 65 head coaches of FBS football teams. Similar to the AP Poll, coaches submit their top 25 teams, and points are awarded based on rank. The Coaches Poll is administered by USA Today.

Factors Considered in Rankings

Voters consider various factors when ranking teams:

• Wins and Losses: A team's record is a primary factor.
• Strength of Schedule: Playing a challenging schedule is valued.
• Performance Against Ranked Opponents: Wins over ranked teams are highly regarded.
• Head-to-Head Results: If two teams have played each other, the result is often considered.
• Margin of Victory: Blowout wins can impress voters, while narrow wins may raise concerns.
• Eye Test: Subjective evaluations of a team's performance and potential play a role.

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings

In addition to the AP and Coaches Polls, the CFP selection committee releases its own rankings starting in late October or early November. This 13-member committee evaluates teams based on a similar set of criteria as the polls, including record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and performance against common opponents. The CFP rankings ultimately determine the four teams selected for the playoff semifinals.

Examples & Use Cases

Case Study: The 2007 College Football Season

The 2007 season was marked by significant upsets and volatility in the rankings. Several top-ranked teams lost unexpectedly, leading to rapid changes in the top 25. This season highlighted the unpredictability of college football and how quickly the rankings can shift. Ultimately, LSU, a team that had multiple losses during the regular season, won the national championship, showcasing that early-season rankings don't always predict the final outcome.

Impact of Rankings on Bowl Game Selection

Bowl game selection committees use rankings as a primary criterion for inviting teams. Higher-ranked teams are typically selected for more prestigious bowl games, offering significant financial and exposure benefits for the program. For example, a team ranked in the top 10 might receive an invitation to a New Year's Six bowl game, while a team ranked in the top 25 might be selected for a different bowl. — Chivas Vs Pumas: Liga MX Showdown

Use Case: Recruiting Benefits

Coaches frequently use their team's ranking as a recruiting tool. A high ranking can impress potential recruits and their families, demonstrating the program's success and potential for future achievements. Recruits often aspire to play for top-ranked teams with a chance to compete for championships, making rankings a valuable asset in recruiting efforts. — Holland, MI: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices for Teams

• Focus on Performance: The most effective strategy for a team is to focus on winning games and improving their performance each week.
• Control What You Can: Teams cannot control the rankings, but they can control their effort, preparation, and execution on the field.
• Strength of Schedule: Scheduling challenging opponents can help a team's ranking, but it also increases the risk of losses. Therefore, finding a balance is crucial.
• Stay Disciplined: Ranked teams must avoid complacency and continue to work hard each week.

Common Mistakes in Evaluating Rankings

• Overreacting to Early-Season Rankings: Early-season rankings are often based on limited data and may not accurately reflect a team's true potential.
• Ignoring Strength of Schedule: A team with a perfect record but a weak schedule may be overrated in the rankings.
• Focusing Too Much on Margin of Victory: While dominant wins can be impressive, close wins against tough opponents can be equally valuable.
• Underestimating Unranked Teams: Unranked teams can be dangerous opponents, especially when playing at home.

FAQs About College Football Top 25 Rankings

Q: How often are the college football rankings released? A: The AP and Coaches Polls are released weekly, typically on Sundays during the regular season. The CFP rankings start later in the season, usually in late October or early November, and are released weekly on Tuesdays.

Q: What is the difference between the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll? A: The AP Poll is voted on by sports journalists, while the Coaches Poll is voted on by FBS head coaches. This difference in voter base can sometimes lead to variations in the rankings.

Q: How much do the rankings matter for the College Football Playoff? A: The CFP selection committee considers the rankings, among other factors, when selecting the four playoff teams. While not the sole determinant, a high ranking significantly improves a team's chances of making the playoff.

Q: Can a team make the CFP without being ranked in the top 25 early in the season? A: Yes, it is possible. Teams can improve their ranking throughout the season by winning games, especially against ranked opponents. A strong finish to the season can propel a team into CFP contention.

Q: Do the rankings affect bowl game selections? A: Yes, rankings play a significant role in bowl game selections. Higher-ranked teams are typically invited to more prestigious bowl games, which offer better payouts and exposure.

Conclusion with CTA

College football top 25 rankings are a vital part of the sport, influencing fan discussions, team recognition, and postseason opportunities. Understanding how these rankings are determined and their impact can enhance your appreciation of college football. Stay updated with the latest rankings and team performances to fully engage with the excitement of the season. Now that you understand the rankings better, which teams do you think will be in the top 10 by the end of the season? Share your predictions!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 14:30 UTC