AP Poll vs Coaches Poll vs CFP Rankings
The AP Poll is voted on by media members, the Coaches Poll by selected coaches, and the CFP Rankings by the playoff committee. CFP Rankings matter most for playoff selection.
Rankings
What is the AP Poll in college football?
Associated Press Poll
In college football, AP Poll means: A media poll ranking college football teams. AP rankings shape perception, media discussion, and historical records, even though they do not directly determine the College Football Playoff field.
Quick Answer
In college football, AP Poll means: A media poll ranking college football teams. AP rankings shape perception, media discussion, and historical records, even though they do not directly determine the College Football Playoff field.
Definition
The AP Poll is a ranking of college football teams voted on by media members. It is one of the sport's most recognized weekly rankings.
Example
A team can be ranked highly in the AP Poll before the CFP committee releases its own rankings.
Common Comparisons
Why It Matters
AP rankings shape perception, media discussion, and historical records, even though they do not directly determine the College Football Playoff field.
How CFB Track Uses It
CFBTrack uses AP Poll context in rankings pages, historical season comparisons, and national-title discussions.
Related Glossary Terms
Coaches PollA college football ranking voted on by selected coaches.CFP RankingsRankings released by the College Football Playoff selection committee.Strength of RecordA measure of how impressive a team's record is against its schedule.At-Large BidA playoff or postseason spot awarded to a team that did not qualify automatically.Automatic QualifierA team that receives a playoff or postseason spot by meeting a defined qualification rule, often through conference-champion status.Bad LossA loss to a weaker opponent that hurts a team's résumé.
Related CFB Track Pages
Last reviewed 2026-04-24