ncaa football rankings release date

2 min read 22-11-2024

The anticipation builds all summer long. Recruiting heats up, training camps churn out potential stars, and whispers of upsets fill the air. But for college football fans, one question reigns supreme: When will the first NCAA football rankings be released?

The answer, unfortunately, isn't a single, simple date. Different ranking organizations release their polls at different times, and the timing can even shift slightly from year to year. However, we can give you a good idea of what to expect and where to find the information you need.

Key Ranking Organizations and Their Typical Release Schedules

Several organizations release influential NCAA football rankings, each with its own methodology and release schedule. Here are the most prominent:

1. Associated Press (AP) Poll:

Typical Release Date: The AP Poll usually releases its first Top 25 rankings sometime in late August or early September, typically after the first week of games (or sometimes even before, depending on the schedule). Keep an eye on the AP Sports website and major sports news outlets for the official announcement.

2. Coaches Poll:

Typical Release Date: Similar to the AP Poll, the Coaches Poll usually unveils its initial rankings in late August or early September, often around the same time as, or shortly after, the AP Poll's release. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) website is the place to find this information.

3. College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings:

Typical Release Date: Unlike the AP and Coaches Polls, the CFP rankings don't start until much later in the season. The first CFP rankings are typically revealed in late October or early November. This is a critical time in the season, as these rankings directly impact the College Football Playoff selection. The official CFP website is your go-to source for this information.

Factors Affecting Release Dates

While the above dates serve as good guidelines, several factors could slightly alter the release schedules:

Game Schedules: Unforeseen schedule changes or cancellations could impact when the polls are released. Organizations might wait until a clearer picture emerges regarding game outcomes.
Organizational Decisions: The organizations themselves might adjust their schedules based on internal factors or news cycles.

Where to Find the Rankings

To stay up-to-date, bookmark these websites:

Associated Press (AP) Poll: [Link to AP Sports Website]
Coaches Poll (AFCA): [Link to AFCA Website]
College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings: [Link to CFP Website]

Beyond the Initial Rankings: A Season of Change

Remember, the first rankings are just a starting point. These polls will fluctuate wildly throughout the season as teams play, win, and lose. Staying tuned to these websites and major sports news sources is crucial to tracking the ever-shifting landscape of college football rankings. The excitement, the drama, and the nail-biting finishes—that’s what makes the season so captivating!

Keywords: NCAA football rankings, college football rankings, AP Poll, Coaches Poll, CFP rankings, release date, college football season, Top 25, football rankings 2024 (or relevant year).