The Associated Press (AP) Poll is one of the most respected and influential rankings in the realm of American sports, particularly in college football and basketball. It serves as a barometer of success and public opinion, influencing perceptions, media coverage, and even decisions made by coaches and teams. This article provides an in-depth look at the AP Poll, its history, methodology, impact, and the controversies that have surrounded it.

History of the AP Poll

The AP Poll was first introduced in 1936 as a way to rank the top college football teams in the United States. The idea was simple: gather the opinions of sportswriters and broadcasters from across the country and use their collective judgment to create a ranking of the best teams. The initial poll was comprised of only 20 teams, but over the years, it expanded to include the top 25 teams, which is the standard used today.

In 1949, the AP poll extended its polling to college basketball, creating the first comprehensive ranking system for NCAA men’s basketball teams. Like the football poll, the basketball poll quickly became a cornerstone of the sport, influencing everything from tournament seedings to recruiting.

Methodology of the AP Poll

The AP Poll relies on a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from various media outlets across the United States. These panelists are selected by the AP poll and are usually experts in their field with a deep understanding of college sports.

Each panelist ranks the teams from 1 to 25, with the first-place team receiving 25 points, the second-place team 24 points, and so on, down to the 25th team, which receives 1 point. The points are then tallied, and the teams are ranked according to their total points. The team with the most points is ranked first, the team with the second-most points is ranked second, and so forth.

Panelists are expected to base their rankings on a variety of factors, including wins and losses, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and overall team performance. However, there is no strict formula that dictates how each panelist should rank the teams, leading to a degree of subjectivity in the poll.

AP Poll in College Football

In college football, the AP Poll plays a particularly significant role. Before the advent of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 1998 and the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014, the AP Poll, along with the Coaches Poll, was the primary method of determining the national champion. The team ranked No. 1 at the end of the season was often considered the national champion, though this was not always without controversy.

The AP Poll is released weekly during the college football season, typically on Sunday afternoons, reflecting the results of the weekend’s games. The rankings are eagerly anticipated by fans, coaches, and players alike, as they provide a snapshot of where each team stands in the national landscape.

While the AP Poll no longer directly determines the national champion, it still holds considerable sway. The poll often influences the rankings used by the CFP selection committee, and teams that rank highly in the AP Poll are more likely to receive invitations to prestigious bowl games.

AP Poll in College Basketball

In college basketball, the AP Poll is released weekly throughout the season and provides a running tally of the best teams in the nation. Unlike football, where the national champion is determined through a series of bowl games and playoffs, college basketball uses a single-elimination tournament, known as March Madness, to crown its champion. However, the AP Poll still plays a crucial role in the sport.

Teams that rank highly in the AP Poll are often favored in the tournament seeding process, and a high ranking can provide a psychological boost to players and coaches. Additionally, the poll is a key factor in media coverage, with top-ranked teams receiving more attention and coverage from national outlets.

Impact of the AP Poll

The AP Poll has a significant impact on college sports. For teams, being ranked in the top 25 is a badge of honor that can boost recruiting, increase ticket sales, and enhance the overall prestige of the program. A high ranking can also lead to increased media coverage, which can further elevate a team’s profile.

For players, being part of a highly ranked team can increase their visibility and improve their chances of being drafted into professional leagues. It can also be a source of motivation, as players strive to maintain or improve their team’s ranking throughout the season.

The poll also plays a role in shaping public perception. Fans often use the rankings as a guide to which games to watch, and the poll can influence betting lines and other forms of sports wagering. Additionally, the poll can create narratives that persist throughout the season, such as the rise of an underdog team or the dominance of a perennial powerhouse.

Controversies Surrounding the AP Poll

Despite its importance, the AP Poll is not without controversy. One of the primary criticisms of the poll is its inherent subjectivity. Because the rankings are based on the opinions of a select group of individuals, they can sometimes reflect biases, whether intentional or unintentional. For example, a panelist might favor teams from their region or conference, leading to perceived or actual disparities in the rankings.

Another issue is the timing of the poll. The preseason poll, released before the start of the season, is particularly contentious because it is based largely on speculation and past performance rather than actual results. Teams that start the season ranked highly in the preseason poll often have an advantage, as they are more likely to remain in the rankings even if they suffer early losses. Conversely, teams that are unranked in the preseason poll may find it difficult to break into the rankings, even if they perform well.

The impact of the AP Poll on the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings has also been a point of debate. While the CFP selection committee claims to operate independently of the AP Poll, there is often significant overlap between the two rankings. Critics argue that this can create a feedback loop, where teams that are highly ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to be selected for the CFP, regardless of other factors.

The Future of the AP Poll

As college sports continue to evolve, the role of the AP Poll may change. The introduction of the CFP in football and the increasing use of advanced analytics in both football and basketball have added new dimensions to the ranking process. However, the AP Poll remains a vital part of the college sports landscape, and its influence is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.

In the future, we may see changes in how the poll is conducted, such as the inclusion of more panelists or the integration of data-driven metrics alongside traditional opinions. There may also be efforts to address some of the criticisms of the poll, such as its perceived biases and the timing of the preseason rankings.

Despite these potential changes, the AP Poll will likely continue to be a key factor in college sports, shaping the narrative of each season and providing a benchmark for teams and fans alike.

Conclusion

The Associated Press (AP) Poll is more than just a weekly ranking of college sports teams; it is a cultural institution that has shaped the landscape of American college sports for nearly a century. While it is not without its flaws and controversies, the poll remains a crucial part of the sports ecosystem, influencing everything from media coverage to playoff selections.

As college sports continue to grow and change, the AP Poll will undoubtedly evolve as well, but its legacy as a cornerstone of college football and basketball is secure. Whether you agree with the rankings or not, there is no denying the impact and importance of the AP Poll in the world of sports.