In college football, team rankings are updated weekly throughout the season, primarily on Tuesdays based on games played over the weekend. There is also a midseason review by the CFP Committee to assess the overall landscape without changing rankings directly. Towards the end of the regular season, rankings influence bowl game selection and playoff eligibility. Special circumstances like major upsets or schedule changes can lead to additional updates. The frequency and timing of these updates make college football rankings a dynamic aspect of the sport, closely monitored by all stakeholders for their impact on championship contention.
How Often Do Team Rankings Update in College Football?
In college football, team rankings play a crucial role in determining the postseason opportunities for teams. These rankings are updated on a regular basis throughout the season, but how often do they change? Let's delve into the details.
Weekly Rankings
The most common type of ranking update occurs on a weekly basis. As games are played each week, the results have a direct impact on the rankings. Here's how it typically works:
- Monday Afternoon: Following the weekend's games, initial reactions and unofficial updates begin to circulate among media outlets and fans.
- Tuesday: The major polls, such as the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the Coaches' Poll, release their new rankings based on the previous week's games.
- Wednesday: Various analytics-based ranking systems, like the College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee Rankings, may also release updates.
Midseason Review
Aside from weekly updates, there is often a midseason review by the CFP Committee. This is less about specific rankings and more about assessing the overall landscape of the season so far. It doesn't change the rankings directly but sets the stage for discussions and anticipation of future updates.
End of Regular Season
Towards the end of the regular season, rankings become even more critical as teams jockey for position in conference championships and bowl games. The final regular season rankings can significantly influence:
- Bowl Game Selection: Higher-ranked teams generally get placed in more prestigious bowl games.
- Playoff Eligibility: For the teams aiming at the CFP, rankings near the top are essential for consideration.
Special Circumstances
It's worth noting that occasionally, special circumstances can lead to additional ranking updates. For instance:
- Major Upsets: If a highly ranked team suffers an unexpected loss to an unranked opponent, there might be some shuffling in the following week's rankings.
- Schedule Changes: In rare cases, if a game gets postponed or canceled, it could affect when and how rankings are adjusted.
Conclusion
While weekly updates are the norm, college football team rankings are dynamic and subject to change based on various factors throughout the season. Fans, players, and coaches all keep a close eye on these rankings as they can significantly impact a team's trajectory towards championship contention.