In recent years, preseason polls in college football have sparked intense reactions among fans. If you’re one who gets worked up over rankings, consider taking a mental health day when the preseason AP Poll is released. Although this event should be a celebration of college football’s upcoming season, it often leads to frustration. Many fans feel their teams or conferences are not ranked high enough, but there’s no need to worry.
The Five Most Surprising Preseason Top-10 College Football Teams Since 2000
Several championship-winning teams started their seasons ranked outside the top ten of the initial AP Poll. Below are five teams from the 21st century that turned expectations on their heads to achieve remarkable seasons.
2025 Indiana Hoosiers (Preseason #20)
Head coach Curt Cignetti led the Indiana Hoosiers to victory against the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Hoosiers began the season with modest expectations following their surprising 2024 campaign. Despite experiencing a tougher schedule, they prevailed and secured the national championship.
Indiana’s preseason ranking considered factors like the team’s undermanned roster and challenging fixtures. However, Coach Cignetti excelled, exemplified by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who soared from obscurity as a Cal transfer to a Heisman Trophy winner and first overall NFL Draft pick. In hindsight, Indiana’s triumph was sweeter thanks to proving the pollsters wrong.
2013 Florida State Seminoles (Preseason #11)
Quarterback Jameis Winston led the Florida State Seminoles to victory against the Auburn Tigers during the 2014 Vizio BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Starting the season at number 11, Florida State emerged as one of the defining teams of the 2010s. After overcoming a significant loss of veteran players to the NFL, Jimbo Fisher’s recruitment strategy paid off.
Winston, a redshirt freshman, spearheaded an undefeated season and won the Heisman Trophy, securing the Seminoles’ third national title. Florida State dominated their schedule, winning against ranked conference opponents with a combined score of 200-35, proving doubters wrong.
2000 Oklahoma Sooners (Preseason #19)
The Oklahoma Sooners, under second-year head coach Bob Stoops, achieved a perfect 13-0 season, culminating in a national championship victory against Florida State. Despite a rough patch prior to this season, Stoops demonstrated his coaching prowess, particularly on offense, with a 63-point win over Texas.
Oklahoma’s rise signified progress, coming off a 7-5 season and not being on preseason polls for years. Their achievements marked a turnaround for the team in the early 21st century.
2002 Ohio State Buckeyes (Preseason #13)
Ohio State Buckeyes coached by Jim Tressel, achieved greatness with a bruising defense and freshman tailback Maurice Clarette. Key victories included a close win against top-ten Michigan. The Buckeyes triumphed over Miami, a team historic for its talent, in a thrilling double-overtime national championship game.
Ohio State’s victory against odds showcased a team overcoming expectations, starting from a double-digit preseason ranking.
2010 Auburn Tigers (Preseason #22)
Quarterback Cam Newton led Auburn Tigers, coached by Gene Chizik, to a perfect 14-0 season. Despite initial boos over Chizik’s hire, Newton carried Auburn to victory with unprecedented performances. The Tigers conquered six ranked teams and Newton captured a Heisman Trophy.
Auburn’s triumph was unique for its reliance on one standout player, demonstrating the limitations of preseason polls. Yet, after Newton’s departure, both the team and Chizik struggled, highlighting the singular nature of their incredible season.
These examples show how teams have reshaped perceptions through performance, reminding sports enthusiasts of the unpredictable nature of college football.