The History of the College Football AP Poll

The Birth of the AP Poll

The Associated Press (AP) College Football Poll was first created in 1936 as a way to rank the top 20 college football teams in the United States. The poll was originally based on a vote of sportswriters and broadcasters, and it has since become one of the most influential polls in college football.

The Methodology of the AP Poll

The AP Poll is conducted by a panel of 61 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover college football. Each voter submits a ballot ranking the top 25 teams in the country. The ballots are then tallied, and the team with the most points is ranked No. 1. The poll is released every Sunday during the college football season.

The Controversies Surrounding the AP Poll

The AP Poll has been criticized for a number of reasons, including its lack of transparency and its reliance on a small number of voters. Some critics have also argued that the poll is biased towards certain teams and conferences.

The Impact of the AP Poll

Despite the criticisms, the AP Poll remains one of the most influential polls in college football. The poll is used by the College Football Playoff Committee to determine which teams will participate in the College Football Playoff. The poll is also used by bowl games to determine which teams will receive invitations.

College Football AP Poll History: Notable Moments

• Notre Dame was the first team to be ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, in 1936.
• The longest-running No. 1 streak in AP Poll history is 70 weeks, by Alabama from 2011 to 2014.
• The only team to ever be ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll for an entire season without winning a national championship is Notre Dame in 2020.