Coaches Poll vs AP Poll vs CFP Rankings
The Coaches Poll and AP Poll are weekly polls. CFP Rankings are committee rankings used for playoff selection and can differ from both polls.
Rankings
What is the Coaches Poll in college football?
In college football, Coaches Poll means: A college football ranking voted on by selected coaches. It is one of the traditional national rankings used in weekly college football coverage.
Quick Answer
In college football, Coaches Poll means: A college football ranking voted on by selected coaches. It is one of the traditional national rankings used in weekly college football coverage.
Definition
The Coaches Poll ranks teams based on votes from a panel of coaches.
Example
A team can hold different positions in the Coaches Poll and AP Poll because the voter pools are different.
Common Comparisons
Why It Matters
It is one of the traditional national rankings used in weekly college football coverage.
How CFB Track Uses It
CFBTrack uses Coaches Poll context with rankings, historical records, and championship-selector explanations.
Related Glossary Terms
AP PollA media poll ranking college football teams.CFP RankingsRankings released by the College Football Playoff selection committee.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.Bowl EligibilityA team's status as eligible for a postseason bowl game.
Related CFB Track Pages
Last reviewed 2026-04-24