CFP Rankings vs AP Poll
CFP Rankings are released by the playoff selection committee and determine playoff positioning. The AP Poll is a media poll with historical value but no direct playoff authority.
Rankings
What is the College Football Playoff?
CFP
In college football, College Football Playoff means: The postseason system used to determine the FBS national champion. It is used to describe rankings context in college football.
Quick Answer
In college football, College Football Playoff means: The postseason system used to determine the FBS national champion. It is used to describe rankings context in college football.
Definition
The postseason system used to determine the FBS national champion.
Example
Conference champions and at-large teams can make the playoff field depending on the format and selection rules in place for that season.
Common Comparisons
How CFB Track Uses It
CFBTrack connects playoff terms to rankings, national title history, conference performance, and team postseason resumes.
Related Glossary Terms
CFP Selection CommitteeThe committee responsible for ranking teams and selecting the College Football Playoff field.CFP RankingsRankings released by the College Football Playoff selection committee.National ChampionshipThe recognized title or title game used to identify a season's champion.AP PollA media poll ranking college football teams.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.
Related CFB Track Pages
Last reviewed 2026-04-24