Five College Football Teams That Defied Preseason Odds
In the world of college football, the release of the AP Top-25 poll is a significant event, signaling the start of the season and the arrival of the sport. However, it can also be a source of frustration for fans who believe their team or conference is being under-ranked or under-represented. This article takes a look at five notable examples of championship-winning teams that were ranked outside the top-10 of the inaugural AP Poll in the 21st century.
- 2025 Indiana Hoosiers (Preseason #20)
The Hoosiers' 2024 season was a surprise, as they navigated a friendly schedule to reach the College Football Playoff. However, not many fans or media pundits were predicting a repeat performance in 2025. The team's success was attributed to the wizardry of Coach Curt Cignetti and the emergence of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who went from a little-known transfer to a Heisman Trophy winner and a number one overall NFL Draft pick.
- 2013 Florida State Seminoles (Preseason #11)
The Seminoles' 2013 season was a defining moment in the 2010s, as they became the last ever BCS champion. Despite losing veteran leadership to the NFL, the team recruited well and head coach Jimbo Fisher managed to offset those personnel losses. The team's success was attributed to the gel of new players, particularly redshirt freshman signal caller Jameis Winston, who led the team to an undefeated season and a Heisman Trophy-winning campaign.
- 2000 Oklahoma Sooners (Preseason #19)
The Sooners' 2000 season was a perfect 13-0, with a national championship over a Florida State team that had lost only one game in its previous 24 contests. The team's success was attributed to the leadership of second-year head coach Bob Stoops, who showed that he and his team may have been a little ahead of schedule. The offense showed out for most of Oklahoma's biggest games, including a 63-point performance against the 11th-ranked Texas Longhorns.
- 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes (Preseason #13)
The Buckeyes' 2002 season was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Behind the bruising running of precocious freshman tailback Maurice Clarette and a suffocating defense, Ohio State didn't allow more than 17 points throughout the entirety of its conference slate. The team's success was attributed to the leadership of head coach Jim Tressel and the team's ability to topple a budding Miami dynasty in the national championship game.
- 2010 Auburn Tigers (Preseason #22)
The Tigers' 2010 season was a shining example of a team shattering preseason expectations. Despite the brilliance of quarterback Cam Newton, the team had no business winning anything of significance in the 2010 campaign. Coach Gene Chizik's questionable hire was roundly booed by Auburn fans, and the team's recruiting was stagnating behind other SEC rivals. However, Newton's magical performance throughout the season led to a perfect 14-0 season, a Heisman Trophy, and a crystal football.
These five teams defied the odds and turned what many thought would be a respectable season into an unforgettable one. Their success was attributed to the leadership of their coaches, the emergence of key players, and the team's ability to overcome challenges and adversity.
