Josh Pate, one of the most respected voices in college football media, had the fan base abuzz last week when he released his Post-Spring Top 20 rankings. Known for his analytical mind and tell-it-like-it-is analysis on Late Kick Live, Pate’s rankings immediately set social media ablaze — and not positively.
Josh Pate Draws Fire for Post-Spring Top 20 Rankings Despite Clarifying Intent
Fans of traditionally dominant programs like Georgia and Ohio State were particularly vocal, wondering why their squads weren’t ranked higher after successful spring camps. The reaction was swift, passionate, and sometimes venomous, prompting a direct reply from Pate.
When the second Pate dropped his updated Top 20 rankings, fans noticed what they felt were egregious omissions or disrespectful positioning. Teams such as Ohio State, arguably the most talented roster in college football, and consecutive national champion Georgia were lower than anticipated.
Post-spring top 20 if I had to rank them right now pic.twitter.com/BEMWCS5Hsv
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) May 12, 2025
The backlash was especially loud from Buckeye and Bulldog faithful, who demanded an explanation. How could programs with elite recruiting, elite spring showings, and national championship hopes be relegated to the backseat?
“Rankings vs Ratings”: Pate Explains the Distinction
In an effort to respond to the increasing criticism, Pate took to X and offered a clear explanation:
rankings are what everyone does
ratings are in order of neutral field favorability
example: Ohio State and UGA will be much higher when my power ratings are released
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) May 12, 2025
This subtle yet important distinction highlighted what was missing in a number of fans. Pate’s rankings are based on how teams look now, including spring game performances, depth chart instability, and staff turnover. His power ratings, which will follow later, reflect how teams would be favoured at a neutral location, usually based on predictive analytics and roster talent.
This accounted for some of the controversy but did not stop fans from still debating the legitimacy of his method.
Why Fans Care — And Why Pate’s System Still Holds Weight
In a sport where preseason polls dictate perception and Playoff hopes, fans are susceptible to any rankings that could shape narratives. When a high-profile analyst like Pate puts out a Top 20, it generates content and fuels debates in barbershops, podcasts, and Twitter threads across the country.
KEEP READING: CFB Analyst Josh Pate Reveals Why Michigan’s Self-Imposed Suspension Could Backfire in a Big Way
But Pate’s willingness to differentiate between “rankings” and “ratings” is the kind of discernment that separates him from hot-take artists. He understands the power of data and perception, and by being clear about expectations, he leaves room for both objective breakdowns and subjective opinions.
For fans upset about where their team was ranked, the power ratings haven’t come yet. Pate was clear—when the time comes for naked talent and neutral-field potential, the Buckeyes, Bulldogs, and other giants will get their due deference.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
