AP Poll Release Dates: When To Expect The Rankings

The AP Poll is a highly anticipated ranking of the top college football and basketball teams in the United States. For fans, players, and coaches alike, the AP Poll provides a snapshot of the competitive landscape and sparks countless debates. If you're looking for when the AP Poll comes out, this guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the release schedule, historical context, and factors influencing the polls.

What is the AP Poll?

The Associated Press (AP) Poll is a weekly ranking of the top 25 teams in college football and men's college basketball. A panel of sports writers and broadcasters from across the nation votes on the rankings, offering their expert opinions based on team performance, strength of schedule, and other relevant factors. First released in 1936 for college football and 1949 for college basketball, the AP Poll has become a staple in sports media and a key benchmark for team success.

Why is the AP Poll Important?

The AP Poll holds significant weight in the world of college sports for several reasons: — South Florida Football: News, Scores, And More

• Prestige and Recognition: A high ranking in the AP Poll brings national recognition to a university and its athletic program.
• Recruiting: Top-ranked teams often have an easier time attracting top recruits.
• Bowl Game Selection: While not the sole determinant, AP Poll rankings can influence bowl game invitations, especially for non-College Football Playoff (CFP) bowls.
• Historical Significance: The AP Poll serves as a historical record of college football and basketball seasons, offering a consistent point of reference over decades.

AP Poll Release Schedule

Knowing when the AP Poll is released is crucial for staying up-to-date with the latest rankings. The release schedule varies slightly between football and basketball seasons.

College Football AP Poll

The college football AP Poll typically follows this schedule: — Jonathan Taylor Stats: Rushing Yards & Touchdowns

• Preseason Poll: Released in mid-to-late August, before the start of the regular season.
• Regular Season Polls: Released every Sunday afternoon during the college football season (from the Sunday after Labor Day weekend through the end of the regular season).
• Final Poll: Released after the completion of all bowl games and the College Football Playoff National Championship.

The exact time of release on Sundays can vary, but it's generally between 2 PM and 4 PM Eastern Time. You can usually find the updated rankings on the AP's official website and major sports news outlets like ESPN and CBS Sports.

College Basketball AP Poll

The college basketball AP Poll release schedule is as follows:

• Preseason Poll: Released in mid-November, prior to the start of the regular season.
• Regular Season Polls: Released every Monday afternoon during the college basketball season (from mid-November through the week of the NCAA Tournament selection).
• Final Poll: Released after the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament concludes.

Like football, the basketball AP Poll is typically released between 12 PM and 2 PM Eastern Time on Mondays. Keep an eye on the AP's website and major sports networks for the latest rankings.

Factors Influencing AP Poll Rankings

Several factors come into play when AP voters cast their ballots. Understanding these elements can help you appreciate the complexities of the rankings:

• Win-Loss Record: A team's record is the most obvious factor. Teams with fewer losses generally rank higher.
• Strength of Schedule: Voters consider the quality of opponents a team has played. Wins against highly ranked teams are valued more than wins against weaker teams.
• Margin of Victory: While not always a primary factor, dominant wins can impress voters more than narrow victories.
• Recent Performance: How a team has performed in recent games can influence voters' perceptions. A team on a winning streak might move up in the rankings.
• Key Injuries: Significant injuries to key players can impact a team's ranking.
• Poll Inertia: Teams that have been ranked highly tend to stay ranked highly unless they suffer significant losses. This phenomenon is sometimes called "poll inertia."

Expert Insight

According to ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, "The AP Poll is a reflection of how teams are playing right now, but it also takes into account their body of work throughout the season."

How to Stay Updated on AP Poll Releases

There are several ways to stay informed about the latest AP Poll releases:

• AP Official Website: The Associated Press website (ap.org) is the primary source for the rankings.
• Sports News Websites: ESPN, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, and other sports news sites will publish the AP Poll soon after it's released.
• Social Media: Follow the AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) on Twitter for real-time updates.
• Mobile Apps: Many sports apps, such as ESPN and The Score, will send notifications when the AP Poll is released.

Common Questions About the AP Poll

What time does the AP Poll come out on Sunday?

The college football AP Poll is typically released between 2 PM and 4 PM Eastern Time on Sundays during the regular season.

How is the AP Poll determined?

The AP Poll is determined by a panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cast votes based on team performance, strength of schedule, and other relevant factors.

When is the first college football AP Poll released?

The preseason college football AP Poll is released in mid-to-late August, before the start of the regular season.

When is the final AP Poll released?

The final AP Poll for college football is released after the completion of all bowl games and the College Football Playoff National Championship. For college basketball, it is released after the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament concludes. — LSU Vs. Florida: A Gridiron Showdown Score & Highlights

How many voters are in the AP Poll?

The AP Poll consists of 63 voters for college football and 61 voters for college basketball, all of whom are sports writers and broadcasters.

How does the AP Poll affect the College Football Playoff?

While the AP Poll is not directly used in the College Football Playoff selection process, it influences the perception of teams and can indirectly impact the CFP selection committee's decisions. The CFP committee has its own rankings that are released during the season.

Conclusion: Staying Informed About AP Polls

Knowing when the AP Poll comes out is essential for any college sports enthusiast. By understanding the release schedule, the factors influencing the rankings, and the ways to stay updated, you can follow the AP Poll with confidence and engage in informed discussions about your favorite teams. Whether you're tracking your team's progress or simply enjoying the competitive landscape of college sports, the AP Poll remains a vital part of the experience. Make sure to check the release times and stay tuned for the latest updates.

Ready to dive deeper into college sports rankings? Check out our related articles on the College Football Playoff and other ranking systems!