How Are College Football Teams Ranked?

By Sarah Miller · June 8, 2030

College football teams are ranked through a combination of human polls and computer-generated models, with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings serving as the most influential system for determining postseason eligibility. The final CFP Top 25, released after conference championships, decides which four teams compete in the national semifinals.

How the College Football Playoff Rankings Work

The College Football Playoff selection committee ranks the top 25 teams each week starting mid-November, culminating in the final rankings that determine playoff participants. This ranking is not based solely on wins and losses but emphasizes strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and conference championships.

Key Factors Considered by the Selection Committee

Win-loss record and overall team performance
Strength of schedule (quality of opponents faced)
Head-to-head results between comparable teams
Championships won at the conference level
Results from the final games of the season

Other Major College Football Ranking Systems

Besides the CFP rankings, two other prominent systems influence perception and bowl placements: the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll. While these don’t directly determine playoff access, they shape media narratives and historical legacy.

Associated Press (AP) Poll

Voted on by sportswriters and broadcasters, the AP Poll has been published since 1936. It runs weekly during the season and includes a final post-bowl poll that crowns an unofficial champion.

USA Today Coaches Poll

Conducted by ESPN and voted on by active FBS head coaches, this poll also releases weekly rankings. Unlike the AP Poll, coaches must recuse themselves from ranking their own team.

Team	Conference	Record	CFP Rank (Final, 2024)	AP Final Rank (2023)
Georgia	SEC	13-1	1	3
Michigan	Big Ten	12-2	2	1
Tennessee	SEC	11-2	3	6
Ohio State	Big Ten	11-2	4	2
Alabama	SEC	10-3	5	8
Washington	Pac-12	13-1	6	4
TCU	Big 12	12-2	7	5

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how final rankings can vary between systems. For example, Michigan finished No. 1 in the AP Poll despite being No. 2 in the CFP, showing that voter perception and playoff access aren't always aligned. Georgia’s top CFP ranking reflects its dominant win over Tennessee in the SEC Championship, a key factor emphasized by the selection committee.

Differences Between Polls and Selection Criteria

While all ranking systems evaluate team performance, the CFP committee places greater weight on late-season performance and quality wins. In contrast, the AP and Coaches Polls may reward consistency over time or national reputation.

CFP Rankings: Focus on selecting the best four teams using qualitative analysis.
AP Poll: Reflects media sentiment and historical success.
Coaches Poll: Influenced by insider perspectives but subject to potential bias.

About College Football Rankings: Frequently Asked Questions

How are college football teams ranked in the CFP?

The College Football Playoff rankings are determined by a 13-member selection committee that evaluates teams based on win-loss records, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, conference championships, and overall performance. They release weekly top 25 rankings starting in November, with the final ranking deciding the four playoff teams.

What is the difference between the AP Poll and the CFP rankings?

The AP Poll is voted on by media members and does not influence postseason matchups. The CFP rankings are created by a selection committee and directly determine which teams play for the national championship. The AP Poll continues after bowl games, while the CFP ends after the national title game.

Does strength of schedule matter in college football rankings?

Yes, strength of schedule is a critical factor, especially in the CFP rankings. Teams that defeat highly ranked opponents or play a challenging non-conference schedule are often ranked higher than those with easy schedules, even if win totals are similar.

Can a team get into the playoffs without winning their conference championship?

Yes, though it is rare. A team must have an exceptional record and strong resume in terms of wins and strength of schedule. In 2017, Alabama reached the playoff without winning the SEC Championship by defeating Auburn in a key late-season game and boasting a favorable profile compared to one-loss conference champions.

When are the final college football rankings released?

The final College Football Playoff rankings are released on Selection Day, typically the first Sunday after conference championship games in early December. The AP and Coaches Polls release their final rankings after the national championship game in January.