On Jan. 21, the Associated Press (AP) released its final college football rankings of the year. As a result, people have been quick to take to social media to discuss where their favorite team ranked and which programs should have been higher or lower.
The top five ranked college football programs were, according to the AP poll, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Oregon Ducks, the Texas Longhorns, and the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Social Media Reaction to Final AP College Football Rankings
The popular sports company On3Sports broke the news of the ranking on their X profile.
“BREAKING: Final College Football AP Poll👀,” the post was captioned.
BREAKING: Final College Football AP Poll👀https://t.co/oyF5JdBCYF pic.twitter.com/98UDyu76pI
— On3 (@On3sports) January 21, 2025
In response, one individual questioned how the Ducks could be ranked above the Longhorns. Texas advanced to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, while the Ducks only made it to the quarterfinals.
“Oregon over Texas, what a joke,” they said.
Oregon over Texas, what a joke
— two3oh2 (@two3oh2) January 21, 2025
Meanwhile, one social media user made clear that they believed that the Colorado Buffaloes should not have made the ranking, especially over the LSU Tigers, who did not make the Top 25.
“Colorado with zero ranked wins over LSU is hilarious,” they stated.
Colorado with zero ranked wins over LSU is hilarious
— HoldThatTiger (@HoldThatTiger1) January 21, 2025
Finally, one person was shocked about how the rankings came together, considering there were numerous examples of lower-ranked teams beating higher-ranked sides head to head, even in some cases multiple times this year.
“BYU beat SMU in SMU… finished with one fewer loss, and is ranked behind. Georgia beat Texas in Austin and in the SEC Championship game… and Texas is #4 while Georgia is at #6. Feels like people don’t do their homework on this stuff. lol,” they highlighted.
BYU beat SMU in SMU… finished with one fewer loss, and is ranked behind.
Georgia beat Texas in Austin and in the SEC Championship game… and Texas is #4 while Georgia is at #6.
Feels like people don't do their homework on this stuff. lol
— Gary Segars (@GaryWCE) January 21, 2025
College Football AP Poll Ranking Analysis
Despite the debate on social media, the top two positions and rankings are not up for any debate. Ohio State and Notre Dame reached the finals of the College Football Playoff: the National Championship Game. Both programs were led by good coaches and elite-level talents.
Heading into the title game on Jan. 20, the contest featured the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked defenses in the nation. Ohio State averaged only 12.2 points against per game, while Notre Dame only conceded 14.3.
KEEP READING: 2026 College Football National Championship Odds
As a result, though social media is debating and discussing the recent AP poll college football ranking, the two top teams are deserving of that mantle after a strong regular season and College Football Playoff to reach the ultimate prize.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
