These 19 FBS Teams Have Never Been Ranked in the AP Poll

The AP Poll ranks only the top 25 teams each week, but many different teams have appeared in the rankings over time. Since the poll was around in 1936, hundreds of teams have been ranked at least once.

Out of the 134 current FBS programs, most have made it into the AP Top 25 at some point in their history. However, 19 teams have never been ranked, meaning they have never received votes to break into the top 25. 

The Only FBS Teams That Have Never Been Ranked in the AP Top 25

For nearly 90 years, the AP Poll has been a major part of college football. It began as a way for sportswriters and broadcasters to rank the best teams in the country. At first, the poll only listed 20 teams. But in 1989, it expanded to the Top 25 format we know today.

Sadly, 19 FBS teams have never been ranked in the AP Top 25—not even once in all these decades. It’s a tough reminder of how hard it is to break through in college football. Here are those teams still waiting for their turn.

• Florida Atlantic University (FAU Owls)

• Eastern Michigan University (EMU Eagles)

• University of South Alabama (Jaguars)

• University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte 49ers)

• Kennesaw State University (KSU Owls)

• Georgia State University (Panthers)

• University of Akron (Zips)

• Texas State University (Bobcats)

• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB Blazers)

• University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM Warhawks)

• Jacksonville State University (Gamecocks)

• Sam Houston State University (Bearkats)

• University of New Mexico (Lobos)

• Old Dominion University (ODU Monarchs)

• Florida International University (FIU Panthers)

• Georgia Southern University (Eagles)

• Arkansas State University (Red Wolves)

• Middle Tennessee State University (Blue Raiders)
• University of Massachusetts (UMass Minutemen)

A question might arise: What could it take for these teams to be ranked at least once, finally? These 19 FBS programs are less historically established compared to powerhouse teams. They often face hurdles like limited resources, recruiting challenges, and intense competition from established programs.

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However, college football is constantly evolving. We never know who will turn the tables next. And that’s the same for the 19 teams that have never cracked the Top 25 rank.

So, earning their first AP ranking isn’t impossible. It just requires a breakthrough season. A strong start, a signature win, and a run toward a conference championship could be just what it takes for any of these programs to make the Top 25 finally.