40 Facts About AP Top 25

The Birth of the AP Top 25

The AP Top 25 has been a staple in college football since its inception. Let's dive into its origins and early years.

1. Inaugural Poll
   The first AP poll was released on October 19, 1936, with Minnesota ranked as the top team. This marked the beginning of a tradition that would become synonymous with college football rankings.

2. Minnesota's First Title
   Minnesota won the first AP title in 1936. The Golden Gophers were ranked No. 1 despite Northwestern having a better regular season record. This set the stage for future debates and controversies in the AP poll.

3. California's Early Success
   California began the 1937 season with a 5-0 record and was ranked No. 1 in the first three polls. However, Jock Sutherland’s Pittsburgh Panthers took over the lead in November and finished 9-0-1 and No. 1.

4. TCU's Undefeated Season
   In 1938, Dutch Meyer’s TCU Horned Frogs posted an undefeated 10-0 regular season, earning them the poll championship. This season highlighted the importance of undefeated teams in the AP poll.

5. Pittsburgh's Dominance
   Pittsburgh was ranked No. 1 to begin the 1938 season but lost the top spot to TCU. However, the Panthers regained their position in subsequent seasons, showcasing their consistent performance.

Evolution of the Poll

The AP Top 25 has evolved over the years, adapting to changes in the sport and its landscape.

6. Methodology
   Each week, the 62 AP poll voters submit their own rankings of the top 25 teams. These individual rankings are then combined to produce the national ranking. The system awards points on a scale: No. 1 gets 25 points, No. 2 gets 24 points, and so on down to 1 point for a twenty-fifth place vote.

7. Publication Schedule
   The AP poll is released every Sunday afternoon, except for after Week 1 due to games throughout Labor Day weekend. This ensures that the rankings are available to the public just as the new week begins.

8. Preseason Poll
   The preseason poll is a significant event, often setting the stage for the upcoming season. The first preseason poll is released in late August, providing an early indicator of which teams are expected to dominate the season.

9. AP Poll Expansion
   The AP poll has expanded over the years to include more teams and divisions. For example, the poll began with the top 20 teams nationally in 1936 and expanded to 25 teams in 1968.

10. AP Poll Voters
    The AP poll is compiled by 62 sportswriters and broadcasters from across the nation. These voters provide their individual rankings, which are then combined to produce the national ranking.

Historic Teams and Moments

Certain teams have left an indelible mark on the AP Top 25, with memorable seasons and historic achievements.

11. Alabama's Dominance
    Alabama has the most season-ending No. 1 rankings in AP poll history with 12 titles. The Crimson Tide has finished No. 1 in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020.

12. Notre Dame's Success
    Notre Dame is second in the number of season-ending No. 1 rankings with eight titles. The most recent was in 1988. The Fighting Irish have a rich history in college football, often competing for national championships.

13. Texas A&M's Late Surge
    In 1939, Homer Norton’s Texas A&M Aggies took over the top spot late in the season, finishing 10-0 and claiming the mythical AP title. This season demonstrated how teams could surge to the top in the final weeks of the season.

14. Cornell's Early Lead
    In 1940, Eastern power Cornell led the poll for the first four weeks until eventual champion Minnesota took over. This season highlighted the importance of early-season performance in the AP rankings.

15. Minnesota's Back-to-Back Titles
    Minnesota made it two in a row in 1941, posting a perfect 8-0 record and earning their second consecutive national poll championship. This back-to-back title showcased the team's consistency and dominance.

Modern Era Highlights

The modern era of the AP Top 25 has seen incredible performances and unforgettable seasons.

16. Ohio State's Midseason Slip
    In 1942, Ohio State started the season as the No. 1 team but dropped to the pack after a midseason loss. Georgia and Boston College shared the No. 1 spot until the last week, when Ohio State finished as the top team.

17. Georgia and Boston College's Shared Title
    In 1942, Georgia and Boston College shared the No. 1 spot for most of the season. This shared title highlighted the complexity of the AP poll system, where multiple teams could be considered the best at different points in the season.

18. Ohio State's Final Victory
    Ohio State finished the 1942 season as the top team, despite sharing the No. 1 spot with Georgia and Boston College. This victory marked a significant moment in the AP poll’s history, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination.

19. Alabama's Early Success
    Alabama finished No. 1 in 1961, marking one of the earliest titles for the Crimson Tide. This early success set the stage for future dominance by Alabama in the AP poll.

20. Southern California's Consistency
    Southern California has been a consistent performer in the AP poll, finishing No. 1 in 2003 and 2004. The Trojans have a rich history in college football, often competing for national championships.

Recent Champions

The recent years have seen a mix of familiar faces and new contenders rising to the top.

21. Texas's National Championship
    Texas finished No. 1 in 2005, marking a significant moment for the Longhorns. This title highlighted the team’s strength and resilience in the face of competition from other top-ranked teams.

22. Florida's Back-to-Back Titles
    Florida finished No. 1 in both 2006 and 2008. These back-to-back titles showcased the team’s consistency and dominance under coach Urban Meyer.

23. LSU's National Championship
    LSU finished No. 1 in 2007, marking a significant moment for the Tigers. This title highlighted the team’s strength and resilience in the face of competition from other top-ranked teams.

24. Auburn's Upset Victory
    Auburn finished No. 1 in 2010, marking an upset victory for the Tigers. This title highlighted the team’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

25. Alabama's Continued Dominance
    Alabama continued its dominance in the AP poll, finishing No. 1 in 2011 and 2012. These titles showcased the team’s consistency and strength under coach Nick Saban.

The Impact of the AP Poll

The AP poll has a significant influence on college football, shaping perceptions and postseason play.

26. Florida State's Brief Reign
    Florida State finished No. 1 in 2013, marking a brief reign for the Seminoles. This title highlighted the team’s ability to compete at the highest level, even if it was for a short period.

27. Ohio State's Return to Glory
    Ohio State finished No. 1 in 2014, marking a return to glory for the Buckeyes. This title highlighted the team’s resilience and determination in the face of competition from other top-ranked teams.

28. Clemson’s Rise to Power
    Clemson finished No. 1 in 2016 and 2018, marking a significant rise to power for the Tigers. These titles highlighted the team’s strength and consistency under coach Dabo Swinney.

29. LSU’s Second Title
    LSU finished No. 1 in 2019, marking the Tigers’ second national title in the AP poll. This title highlighted the team’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

30. Georgia’s Back-to-Back Titles
    Georgia finished No. 1 in 2021 and 2022, marking back-to-back titles for the Bulldogs. These titles showcased the team’s consistency and strength under coach Kirby Smart.

The Future of the AP Top 25

As college football continues to evolve, the AP Top 25 remains a vital part of the sport.

31. Michigan’s Recent Success
    Michigan finished No. 1 in 2023, marking a recent success for the Wolverines. This title highlighted the team’s ability to compete at the highest level and achieve greatness.

32. Preseason vs. Postseason Rankings
    The preseason poll often sets the stage for the upcoming season, while the final poll provides a snapshot of the season’s culmination. Both polls are significant in determining which teams are considered the best at different points in the season.

33. Alabama’s Preseason Dominance
    Alabama has been the preseason No. 1 team multiple times, including in 2009 and 2011. This dominance highlights the team’s consistent performance and high expectations heading into each season.

34. Notable Undefeated Teams
    Several undefeated teams have finished No. 1 in the AP poll, including UCF in 2017 and TCU in 2010. These teams have showcased their strength and resilience in achieving a perfect season.

35. AP Poll Controversies
    The AP poll has been involved in several controversies over the years, including debates about which team should be ranked No. 1. For example, in 2003, the AP ranked Southern California No. 1 after the Trojans defeated Michigan in the Rose Bowl, while the Coaches Poll ranked LSU No. 1 after the Tigers won the BCS National Championship.

36. AP Poll Impact on Postseason Play
    While the AP poll does not directly determine postseason play, it significantly influences which teams are considered for national championships. The poll’s rankings often set the stage for the College Football Playoff and other postseason games.

37. AP Poll and Media Influence
    The AP poll is widely followed by media outlets and fans alike. The poll’s rankings often spark debate and discussion about which teams are the best, highlighting the significant influence it has on the sport.

38. Historical Significance
    The AP poll has been a continuous part of college football since its inception in 1936. It has seen numerous changes in the sport, including the introduction of the BCS and the CFP.

39. Future of the AP Poll
    The AP poll continues to evolve with the sport, adapting to changes in the NCAA and college football landscape. As the sport continues to grow and change, the AP poll remains a cornerstone of college football, providing a snapshot of the best teams each week.

40. AP Poll History
    The AP poll has been a continuous part of college football since its inception in 1936. It has seen numerous changes in the sport, including the introduction of the BCS and the CFP.

The AP Top 25: A Pillar of College Football

The AP Top 25 college football rankings have been a cornerstone of the sport since 1936. From Minnesota's first No. 1 ranking to Alabama's dominance, these rankings offer a snapshot of the best teams each season. The methodology, involving 62 sportswriters and broadcasters, ensures a broad perspective on team performance. Historical moments like TCU's undefeated season and Georgia's recent back-to-back titles highlight the poll's significance. Controversies and debates, such as the 2003 split title between USC and LSU, add to its intrigue. The AP poll's influence extends beyond rankings, impacting postseason play and sparking discussions among fans and media. As college football evolves, the AP Top 25 remains a vital tool, reflecting the sport's dynamic nature and providing a weekly update on the nation's top teams.