CFP Rankings vs AP Poll
CFP Rankings are committee rankings with playoff consequences. The AP Poll is a media ranking that shapes discussion but does not select the playoff field.
Rankings
What are CFP Rankings in college football?
College Football Playoff Rankings
In college football, CFP Rankings means: Rankings released by the College Football Playoff selection committee. These rankings matter more than media polls for playoff selection.
Quick Answer
In college football, CFP Rankings means: Rankings released by the College Football Playoff selection committee. These rankings matter more than media polls for playoff selection.
Definition
CFP rankings are the committee rankings used to evaluate teams for the College Football Playoff and related postseason positioning.
Example
A team ranked fifth by the AP Poll can be ranked differently by the CFP committee when resume criteria are weighed.
Common Comparisons
Why It Matters
These rankings matter more than media polls for playoff selection.
How CFB Track Uses It
CFBTrack uses CFP Rankings context in ranking pages, playoff history, strength-of-record discussions, and postseason explainers.
Related Glossary Terms
AP PollA media poll ranking college football teams.Strength of ScheduleA measure of how difficult a team's schedule is.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