when are college football rankings updated

2 min read 22-02-2025

when are college football rankings updated

The question of when college football rankings are updated is a common one among fans eager to follow their favorite teams. The answer, however, isn't straightforward, as different ranking systems operate on varying schedules. This article will delve into the update schedules of the major ranking polls and provide a clearer picture of when you can expect to see changes.

The Major Ranking Systems and Their Update Schedules

Several prominent ranking systems influence the college football landscape. Understanding their individual update schedules is crucial for staying informed.

1. The Associated Press (AP) Poll

Update Frequency: Weekly. The AP Poll is typically released on Sundays after the conclusion of the Saturday games. This means rankings change weekly, reflecting the previous week's performance.
Methodology: A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters votes on their top 25 teams. The votes are tallied, and the rankings are published. This is a subjective ranking system.

2. The Coaches Poll (USA Today Sports Coaches Poll)

Update Frequency: Weekly. Similar to the AP Poll, the Coaches Poll is also released weekly, generally on Sundays.
Methodology: Head football coaches from across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) vote on their top 25 teams. Their input provides a coaching perspective on team rankings. This, too, is a subjective ranking.

3. The College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings

Update Frequency: Weekly, beginning in late October/early November. The CFP committee releases its rankings every Tuesday throughout the selection process.
Methodology: A 13-member selection committee meets regularly to evaluate teams based on various criteria. These factors can include strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and overall performance. Their rankings directly impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection and are objective, but heavily influenced by committee opinion and interpretation.

Other Ranking Systems and Considerations

While the AP Poll, Coaches Poll, and CFP rankings hold the most weight, numerous other websites and publications offer their own college football rankings. These often update more frequently (even daily in some cases) based on algorithmic factors and real-time data. However, their influence on the overall picture is less than the major three.

Factors Influencing Ranking Updates

Several factors influence the timing and magnitude of changes in the college football rankings:

Game Outcomes: A team's win or loss directly impacts its ranking. Upsets can lead to significant shifts in the rankings.
Strength of Schedule: Playing against strong opponents carries more weight. A convincing win over a highly ranked team boosts a team's standing more than a victory over a weak opponent.
Performance Metrics: Advanced statistics and analytics are increasingly considered. Factors like yards per play, turnover margin, and scoring efficiency can influence rankings, especially in close matchups.
Committee Decisions (CFP): The CFP committee's deliberations and explanations regarding their ranking changes are highly scrutinized. Their weekly meetings and analyses lead to changes each Tuesday.

Staying Updated on College Football Rankings

To stay informed about college football rankings, here are some helpful tips:

Check reputable sports news websites: ESPN, CBS Sports, and other major sports outlets consistently update their ranking pages.
Follow the official polls: Visit the official websites of the AP, the Coaches Poll, and the CFP committee.
Use sports apps: Many sports apps provide real-time updates on rankings and game results.

By understanding the update schedules and influencing factors of different ranking systems, you can better follow the dynamic world of college football rankings and keep up-to-date on your favorite team’s position. Remember, the rankings are only one part of the story; enjoying the games themselves remains the most important aspect of college football.