From the Periphery to the Podium: College Football Teams That Defied Preseason Rankings
From the Periphery to the Podium: College Football Teams That Defied Preseason Rankings
The preseason AP Poll drops Monday, but history shows national champions like the Indiana Hoosiers and Auburn Tigers started outside the top 10. In this article, we’ll explore five college football teams that defied expectations and went on to win it all.
1. The 2004 Auburn Tigers
Auburn, a team that was ranked 16th in the preseason poll, won the national championship under coach Tommy Tuberville. The Tigers’ victory marked their first national title in school history.
2. The 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State, ranked 7th in the preseason poll, won the national championship under coach Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes’ victory marked their second national title in three years.
3. The 2013 Florida State Seminoles
Florida State, ranked 3rd in the preseason poll, won the national championship under coach Jimbo Fisher. The Seminoles’ victory marked their third national title in school history.
4. The 2015 Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama, ranked 2nd in the preseason poll, won the national championship under coach Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide’s victory marked their fourth national title in six years.
5. The 2019 LSU Tigers
LSU, ranked 5th in the preseason poll, won the national championship under coach Ed Orgeron. The Tigers’ victory marked their first national title in school history.
These teams prove that a team’s preseason ranking is not always a reliable indicator of their success. With a combination of talented players, strong coaching, and a bit of luck, these teams were able to overcome the odds and claim national championships.
As the preseason AP Poll drops Monday, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see which teams will rise to the top. But history shows that even the teams that start outside the top 10 can make a deep run in the playoffs.
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