College football latest: AP Top 25 preseason rankings to be released

The anticipation is already building as the Associated Press (AP) prepares to unveil its first preseason rankings for the 2024‑25 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In a routine yet always‑watchful moment for fans, coaches, and analysts alike, the AP Top 25 poll will be released this coming Monday morning, setting the tone for a season that promises new rivalries, breakout stars, and plenty of surprises.

What the AP Top 25 Poll Is All About

Since its inception in 1936, the AP poll has been the most widely recognized and historically significant ranking system for college football teams. Every week, a panel of more than 60 media members—sports writers and broadcasters who cover the sport across the country—casts their votes. Each voter submits a ranking of the top 25 teams, awarding 25 points to a first‑place pick, 24 points to a second, and so on down to one point for a twenty‑fifth spot. The total points across all ballots determine the weekly standings.

Unlike the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, which are compiled by a committee of athletic directors, coaches, and administrators, the AP poll reflects the perceptions and analyses of the press. As a result, it often sparks spirited debate and serves as a useful benchmark for assessing the relative expectations of teams heading into the season.

Where the 2024‑25 Preseason Rankings Sit

According to the WDIO report, the poll will launch on Monday at 8:00 a.m. Eastern, with the full list of 25 teams available on the AP’s own website as well as through the Associated Press’s official social media channels. For fans eager to see where their program lands, the WDIO article links directly to the AP’s “College Football Preseason Rankings” page, which offers a quick‑look table, a downloadable PDF, and interactive features that let you sort by state or conference.

In the 2023 season, Alabama finished atop the final AP poll, clinching the national title with a 2‑0 record in the College Football Playoff. That success, along with a strong recruiting class and a deep roster of returning starters, has positioned Alabama as the presumptive number‑one seed in this season’s preseason rankings. The article notes that Alabama received a majority of the first‑place votes, underscoring its status as the early favorite.

Trailing close behind are perennial powerhouses such as Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State. Georgia, the defending national champion, carries an equally compelling case for a top‑five spot with its blend of veteran leadership and a top‑ranked offense. Clemson, who earned a berth in the College Football Playoff the previous year, is poised to capitalize on a robust recruiting haul. Ohio State, long a staple of the upper echelon, will be looking to reaffirm its position as a national contender with a new offensive scheme and a host of high‑graded defensive prospects.

Other teams that are expected to rise in the preseason hierarchy include Oklahoma, Texas, and USC—each with high‑profile coaching changes or a slate of proven recruits that suggest they may be better prepared for the rigors of conference play than their 2023 performance indicated. The article’s linked AP coverage provides a deeper dive into these programs, offering insights from former coaches and recruiting experts that helped shape their rankings.

Why the Preseason Rankings Matter

While the AP poll is only a snapshot of preseason expectations, it holds significant influence throughout the season. Banners in the early weeks often become self‑fulfilling prophecies, with media narratives and fan pressure shaping team momentum. The poll also serves as a reference point for the CFP selection committee, which evaluates teams for playoff consideration. Thus, a strong preseason start can create a favorable environment for a team’s postseason prospects, though the committee ultimately looks at a broader set of criteria, including strength of schedule, head‑to‑head results, and conference championships.

The WDIO article also emphasizes that the preseason rankings are more than just a ranking—they are a conversation starter. The AP poll invites scrutiny, debate, and a deeper examination of each team’s strengths and weaknesses. Analysts on radio, podcasts, and social media will dissect each ballot, and the weekly updates provide an evolving narrative as teams take the field and prove (or disprove) the pre‑season projections.

Get Ready for the Countdown

With Monday’s release on the horizon, the WDIO piece reminds fans that the preseason rankings will be updated every Friday for the duration of the season, culminating in the final AP poll at the end of the regular season. For anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve, the article offers a quick link to the AP’s official rankings page and a brief guide on how to interpret the points and rankings.

As the 2024‑25 season draws near, the AP Top 25 preseason rankings serve as a launchpad for the excitement, hype, and drama that define college football. Whether you’re rooting for a perennial contender or a dark‑horse program on the rise, the Monday release promises a fresh start to a season that is sure to deliver both on‑field action and off‑field storylines. Keep an eye on the AP’s website and be ready for the rankings to roll in—after all, in college football, the conversation never stops.

Read the Full WDIO Article at:
[ https://www.wdio.com/ap-top-news/college-football-latest-ap-top-25-preseason-rankings-to-be-released/ ]