Just in time for the start of a new season, the Associated Press has found a new way to stir up fan bases all across the country.
For the first time in the organization’s 80-plus year history, the AP has put together its Top 100 programs, a list that’s based on total poll appearances, number of times ranked No. 1 and bonuses for AP national championships. From the AP:The Associated Press has been ranking the best teams in college football since 1936. Over 80 years and 1,103 polls, a total of 165 schools have been ranked and 44 of them have been ranked No. 1 (Minnesota was the first).
To determine the all-time Top 25, the AP formula counted poll appearances (one point) to mark consistency, No. 1 rankings (one point) to acknowledge elite programs and gave a bonus for AP championships (10 points).
And the end result of that formula? Ohio State, with 105 No. 1 rankings (tops among any school) and 852 poll appearances to go along with five titles, is the No. 1 team in the AP Top 100. The Buckeyes have appeared in a whopping 77.24 percent of all AP polls; the only other program above 70 percent is No. 2 Oklahoma (71.08).
OSU is one of three current Big Ten teams -- Nebraska (No. 6) and Michigan (No. 7) -- in the Top 10, the most of any other conference.
The Big 12 -- OU and Texas (No. 8) -- and SEC -- Alabama (No. 4) and Florida (No. 10) -- were next with two apiece. Football independent Notre Dame comes in at No. 3, while the one each from the ACC (No. 9 Florida State) and the Pac-12 (No. 5 USC). FSU’s placement is particularly impressive as the Seminoles didn’t make their AP poll debut until 1964; no other team in the Top 25 is even remotely close, with Florida and its first appearance in 1950 the only program even remotely in FSU’s territory.
The highest-rated non-Power Five team is BYU at No. 34. The highest-rated Group of Five team is Houston at No. 49. Interestingly, both of those programs have been mentioned very prominently as the Big 12 looks to expand.
Below is the all-time AP Top 25. For the complete Top 100, click HERE.
1. Ohio State
2. Oklahoma
3. Notre Dame
4. Alabama
5. Southern Cal
6. Nebraska
7. Michigan
8. Texas
9. Florida State
10. Florida
11. LSU
12. Penn State
13. Miami
14. Tennessee
15. Georgia
16. Auburn
17. UCLA
18. Texas A&M
19. Michigan State
20. Washington
21. Arkansas
22. Clemson
23. Pittsburgh
24. Wisconsin
25. Iowa