Voted on by panel of 67 sportswriters & broadcasters and released on Jan. 3, 1997, following the Sugar Bowl: winning team receives the Bear Bryant Trophy, given since 1983; first place votes in parentheses, records, total points (based on 25 for 1st, 24 for 2nd, etc.) bowl game result, head coach and career record, preseason rank (released on Aug. 11, 1996) and final regular season rank (released Dec. 8, 1996).
| | | Final Record | Points | Bowl Game | Head Coach | Aug. 11 Rank | Dec. 8 Rank |
|---|
| 1 | Florida (651/2) | 12-1-0 | 16731/2 | won Sugar | Steve Spurrier (10 yrs: 93-27-2) | 4 | 3 |
| 2 | Ohio St. (11/2) | 11-1-0 | 15851/2 | won Rose | John Cooper (20 yrs: 157-70-6) | 9 | 4 |
| 3 | Florida St. | 11-1-0 | 1529 | lost Sugar | Bobby Bowden (31 yrs: 270-82-4) | 3 | 1 |
| 4 | Arizona St. | 11-1-0 | 1486 | lost Rose | Bruce Snyder (17 yrs: 100-85-5) | 20 | 2 |
| 5 | Brigham Young | 14-1-0 | 1360 | won Cotton | LaVell Edwards (25 yrs: 228-81-3) | NR | 5 |
| 6 | Nebraska | 11-2-0 | 1316 | won Orange | Tom Osborne (24 yrs: 242-49-3) | 1 | 6 |
| 7 | Penn St. | 11-2-0 | 1293 | won Fiesta | Joe Paterno (31 yrs: 289-74-3) | 11 | 7 |
| 8 | Colorado | 10-2-0 | 1228 | won Holiday | Rick Neuheisel (2 yrs: 20-4-0) | 5 | 8 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 10-2-0 | 1172 | won Citrus | Phillip Fulmer (5 yrs: 42-9-0) | 2 | 9 |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10-2-0 | 1070 | won Gator | Mack Brown (13 yrs: 76-73-1) | NR | 12 |
| 11 | Alabama | 10-3-0 | 977 | won Outback | Gene Stallings (14 yrs: 97-61-2) | 15 | 16 |
| 12 | LSU | 10-2-0 | 849 | won Peach | Gerry DiNardo (6 yrs: 36-31-1) | 19 | 17 |
| 13 | Virginia Tech | 10-2-0 | 786 | lost Orange | Frank Beamer (16 yrs: 103-74-4) | 16 | 10 |
| 14 | Miami-FL | 9-3-0 | 690 | won Carquest | Butch Davis (2 yrs: 17-6-0) | 12 | 19 |
| 15 | Northwestern | 9-3-0 | 663 | lost Citrus | Gary Barnett (7 yrs: 35-40-2) | 18 | 11 |
| 16 | Washington | 9-3-0 | 643 | lost Holiday | Jim Lambright (3 yrs: 30-14-1) | NR | 13 |
| 17 | Kansas St. | 9-3-0 | 625 | lost Cotton | Bill Snyder (8 yrs: 55-36-1) | 21 | 14 |
| 18 | Iowa | 9-3-0 | 535 | won Alamo | Hayden Fry (35 yrs: 222-165-10) | 22 | 21 |
| 19 | Notre Dame | 8-3-0 | 511 | no bowl | Lou Holtz (27 yrs: 216-95-7) | 6 | 18 |
| 20 | Michigan | 8-4-0 | 466 | lost Outback | Lloyd Carr (2 yrs: 17-8-0) | 14 | 15 |
| 21 | Syracuse | 9-3-0 | 451 | won Liberty | Paul Pasqualoni (11 yrs: 85-35-1) | 10 | 23 |
| 22 | Wyoming | 10-2-0 | 314 | no bowl | Joe Tiller (6 yrs: 39-30-1) | NR | 22 |
| 23 | Texas | 8-5-0 | 169 | lost Fiesta | John Mackovic (12 yrs: 81-57-3) | 8 | 20 |
| 24 | Auburn | 8-4-0 | 130 | won Independence | Terry Bowden (13 yrs: 101-44-2) | 17 | NR |
| 25 | Army | 10-2-0 | 71 | lost Independence | Bob Sutton (6 yrs: 34-32-1) | NR | 24 |
Other teams receiving votes: 26. West Virginia (8-4-0, 43 points, lost Gator); 27. East Carolina (8-3-0, 37 pts, no bowl); 28. Southern Mississippi (8-3-0, 22 pts, no bowl); 29. Stanford (7-5-0, 16 pts, won Sun); 30. Wisconsin (8-5-0, 14 pts, won Copper); 31. San Diego St. (8-3-0, 4 pts, no bowl); 32. Virginia (7-5-0, 3 pts, lost Carquest); 33. Clemson (7-5-0, 2 pts, lost Peach).
1997-98 Season: Final AP Top 25 Poll
Voted on by panel of 67 sportswriters & broadcasters and released on Jan. 3, 1998, following the Orange Bowl: winning team receives the Bear Bryant Trophy, given since 1983; first place votes in parentheses, records, total points (based on 25 for 1st, 24 for 2nd, etc.) bowl game result, head coach and career record, preseason rank (released on Aug. 10, 1997) and final regular season rank (released Dec. 7, 1997).
| | | Final
Record | Points | Bowl Game | Head Coach | Aug. 10
Rank | Dec. 7
Rank |
|---|
| 1 | Michigan (511/2) | 12-0 | 17311/2 | won Rose | Lloyd Carr (3 yrs: 29-8-0) | 14 | 1 |
| 2 | Nebraska (181/2) | 13-0 | 16981/2 | won Orange | Tom Osborne (25 yrs: 255-49-3) | 6 | 2 |
| 3 | Florida St. | 11-1 | 1599 | won Sugar | Bobby Bowden (32 yrs: 281-83-4) | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | Florida | 10-2 | 1455 | won Citrus | Steve Spurrier (11 yrs: 103-29-2) | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | UCLA | 10-2 | 1413 | won Cotton | Bob Toledo (8 yrs: 44-43-0) | 30 | 5 |
| 6 | North Carolina | 11-1 | 1397 | won Gator | Mack Brown (14 yrs: 87-74-1) | 7 | 7 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 11-2 | 1320 | lost Orange | Phillip Fulmer (6 yrs: 53-11-0) | 5 | 3 |
| 8 | Kansas St. | 11-1 | 1302 | won Fiesta | Bill Snyder (9 yrs: 66-37-1) | 23 | 10 |
| 9 | Washington St. | 10-2 | 1259 | lost Rose | Mike Price (17 yrs: 99-93-0) | 44t | 8 |
| 10 | Georgia | 10-2 | 1121 | won Outback | Jim Donnan (8 yrs: 79-29-0) | 36 | 12 |
| 11 | Auburn | 10-3 | 1025 | won Peach | Terry Bowden (14 yrs: 111-47-2) | 16 | 13 |
| 12 | Ohio St. | 10-3 | 975 | lost Sugar | John Cooper (21 yrs: 167-73-6) | 9 | 9 |
| 13 | LSU | 9-3 | 856 | won Independence | Gerry DiNardo (7 yrs: 45-34-1) | 10 | 15 |
| 14 | Arizona St. | 8-3 | 773 | won Sun | Bruce Snyder (18 yrs: 108-88-5) | 27 | 16 |
| 15 | Purdue | 9-3 | 715 | won Alamo | Joe Tiller (7 yrs: 48-33-1) | NR | 17 |
| 16 | Penn St. | 9-3 | 706 | lost Citrus | Joe Paterno (32 yrs: 298-77-3) | 1 | 11 |
| 17 | Colorado St. | 11-2 | 673 | won Holiday | Sonny Lubick (9 yrs: 62-38-0) | 26 | 18 |
| 18 | Washington | 8-4 | 617 | won Aloha | Jim Lambright (4 yrs: 38-18-1) | 4 | 21 |
| 19 | So. Mississippi | 9-3 | 490 | won Liberty | Jeff Bower (8 yrs: 43-35-1) | 37 | 22 |
| 20 | Texas A&M | 9-4 | 421 | lost Cotton | R.C. Slocum (9 yrs: 83-25-2) | 28 | 20 |
| 21 | Syracuse | 9-4 | 331 | lost Fiesta | Paul Pasqualoni (12 yrs: 104-39-1) | 17 | 14 |
| 22 | Mississippi | 8-4 | 255 | won Motor City | Tommy Tuberville (3 yrs: 19-15-0) | NR | NR |
| 23 | Missouri | 7-5 | 175 | lost Holiday | Larry Smith (21 yrs: 128-107-7) | NR | 19 |
| 24 | Oklahoma St. | 8-4 | 72 | lost Alamo | Bob Simmons (3 yrs: 17-18-0) | NR | 24 |
| 25 | Georgia Tech | 7-5 | 64 | won Carquest | George O'Leary (3 yrs: 18-19-0) | 41t | NR |
Other teams receiving votes: 26. Arizona (7-5, 59 points, won Insight.com); 27. Oregon (7-5, 50 pts, won Las Vegas); 28. Air Force (10-3, 37 pts, lost Las Vegas); 29. Marshall (10-3, 33 pts, lost Motor City); 30. Virginia (7-4, 31 pts, no bowl); 31. Clemson (7-5, 27 pts, lost Peach); 32. Louisiana Tech (9-2, 20 pts, no bowl); 33. Mississippi St. (7-4, 15 pts, no bowl); 34. Michigan St. (7-5, 9 pts, lost Aloha); 35. Wisconsin (8-5, 8 pts, no bowl); 36. New Mexico (9-4, 6 pts, lost Insight.com); 37. Cincinnati (8-4, 5 pts, won Humanitarian); 38. Notre Dame (7-6, 3 pts, lost Independence); 39. Iowa (7-5, 2 pts, lost Sun); 40. Virginia Tech (7-5, 1 pt, lost Gator).
1936 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | 7–1–0 | Bernie Bierman | same |
| 2 | LSU | 9–0–1 | Bernie Moore | 9–1–1 |
| 3 | Pittsburgh | 7–1–1 | Jock Sutherland | 8–1–1 |
| 4 | Alabama | 8–0–1 | Frank Thomas | same |
| 5 | Washington | 7–1–1 | Jimmy Phelan | 7–2–1 |
| 6 | Santa Clara | 7–1–0 | Buck Show | 8–1–0 |
| 7 | Northwestern | 7–1–0 | Pappy Waldorf | same |
| 8 | Notre Dame | 6–2–1 | Elmer Layden | same |
| 9 | Nebraska | 7–2–0 | Dana X. Bible | same |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 7–1–0 | Harvey Harman | same |
| 11 | Duke | 9–1–0 | Wallace Wade | same |
| 12 | Yale | 7–1–0 | Ducky Pond | same |
| 13 | Dartmouth | 7–1–1 | Red Blaik | same |
| 14 | Duquesne | 7–2–0 | John Smith | 8–2–0 |
| 15 | Fordham | 5–1–2 | Jim Crowley | same |
| 16 | TCU | 8–2–2 | Dutch Meyer | 9–2–2 |
| 17 | Tennessee | 6–2–2 | Bob Neyland | same |
| 18 | Arkansas | 7–3–0 | Fred Thomsen | same |
| 19 | Navy | 6–3–0 | Tom Hamilton | same |
| 20 | Marquette | 7–1–0 | Frank Murray | 7–2–0 |
1937 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh | 9–0–1 | Jock Sutherland | same |
| 2 | California | 9–0–1 | Stub Allison | 10–0–1 |
| 3 | Fordham | 7–0–1 | Jim Crowley | same |
| 4 | Alabama | 9–0–0 | Frank Thomas | 9–1–0 |
| 5 | Minnesota | 6–2–0 | Bernie Bierman | same |
| 6 | Villanova | 8–0–1 | Clipper Smith | same |
| 7 | Dartmouth | 7–0–2 | Red Blaik | same |
| 8 | LSU | 9–1–0 | Bernie Moore | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Notre Dame | 6–2–1 | Elmer Layden | same |
| | Santa Clara | 8–0–0 | Buck Shaw | 9–0–0 |
| 11 | Nebraska | 6–1–2 | Biff Jones | same |
| 12 | Yale | 6–1–1 | Ducky Pond | same |
| 13 | Ohio St. | 6–2–0 | Francis Schmidt | same |
| 14 | Holy Cross | 8–0–2 | Eddie Anderson | same |
| | Arkansas | 6–2–2 | Fred Thomsen | same |
| 16 | TCU | 4–2–2 | Dutch Meyer | same |
| 17 | Colorado | 8–0–0 | Bunnie Oakes | 8–1–0 |
| 18 | Rice | 5–3–2 | Jimmy Kitts | 6–3–2 |
| 19 | N. Carolina | 7–1–1 | Ray Wolf | same |
| 20 | Duke | 7–2–1 | Wallace Wade | same |
1938 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | TCU | 10–0–0 | Dutch Meyer | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 10–0–0 | Bob Neyland | 11–0–0 |
| 3 | Duke | 9–0–0 | Wallace Wade | 9–1–0 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 10–0–0 | Tom Stidham | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Notre Dame | 8–1–0 | Elmer Layden | same |
| 6 | Carnegie Tech | 7–1–0 | Bill Kern | 7–2–0 |
| 7 | Southern Cal | 8–2–0 | Howard Jones | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh | 8–2–0 | Jock Sutherland | same |
| 9 | Holy Cross | 8–1–0 | Eddie Anderson | same |
| 10 | Minnesota | 6–2–0 | Bernie Bierman | same |
| 11 | Texas Tech | 10–0–0 | Pete Cawthon | 10–1–0 |
| 12 | Cornell | 5–1–1 | Carl Snavely | same |
| 13 | Alabama | 7–1–1 | Frank Thomas | same |
| 14 | California | 10–1–0 | Stub Allison | same |
| 15 | Fordham | 6–1–2 | Jim Crowley | same |
| 16 | Michigan | 6–1–1 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 17 | Northwestern | 4–2–2 | Pappy Waldorf | same |
| 18 | Villanova | 8–0–1 | Clipper Smith | same |
| 19 | Tulane | 7–2–1 | Red Dawson | same |
| 20 | Dartmouth | 7–2–0 | Red Blaik | same |
1939 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M | 10–0–0 | Homer Norton | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 10–0–0 | Bob Neyland | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Southern Cal | 7–0–2 | Howard Jones | 8–0–2 |
| 4 | Cornell | 8–0–0 | Carl Snavely | same |
| 5 | Tulane | 8–0–1 | Red Dawson | 8–1–1 |
| 6 | Missouri | 8–1–0 | Don Faurot | 8–2–0 |
| 7 | UCLA | 6–0–4 | Babe Horrell | same |
| 8 | Duke | 8–1–0 | Wallace Wade | same |
| 9 | Iowa | 6–1–1 | Eddie Anderson | same |
| 10 | Duquesne | 8–0–1 | Buff Donelli | same |
| 11 | Boston College | 9–1–0 | Frank Leahy | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Clemson | 8–1–0 | Jess Neely | 9–1–0 |
| 13 | Notre Dame | 7–2–0 | Elmer Layden | same |
| 14 | Santa Clara | 5–1–3 | Buck Shaw | same |
| 15 | Ohio St. | 6–2–0 | Francis Schmidt | same |
| 16 | Georgia Tech | 7–2–0 | Bill Alexander | 8–2–0 |
| 17 | Fordham | 6–2–0 | Jim Crowley | same |
| 18 | Nebraska | 7–1–1 | Biff Jones | same |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 6–2–1 | Tom Stidham | same |
| 20 | Michigan | 6–2–0 | Fritz Crisler | same |
1940 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | 8–0–0 | Bernie Bierman | same |
| 2 | Stanford | 9–0–0 | C. Shaughnessy | 10–0–0 |
| 3 | Michigan | 7–1–0 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 4 | Tennessee | 10–0–0 | Bob Neyland | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Boston Col. | 10–0–0 | Frank Leahy | 11–0–0 |
| 6 | Texas A&M | 8–1–0 | Homer Norton | 9–1–0 |
| 7 | Nebraska | 8–1–0 | Biff Jones | 8–2–0 |
| 8 | Northwestern | 6–2–0 | Pappy Waldorf | same |
| 9 | Miss. St. | 9–0–1 | Allyn McKeen | 10–0–1 |
| 10 | Washington | 7–2–0 | Jimmy Phelan | same |
| 11 | Santa Clara | 6–1–1 | Buck Shaw | same |
| 12 | Fordham | 7–1–0 | Jim Crowley | 7–2–0 |
| 13 | Georgetown | 8–1–0 | Jack Hagerty | 8–2–0 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 6–1–1 | George Munger | same |
| 15 | Cornell | 6–2–0 | Carl Snavely | same |
| 16 | SMU | 8–1–1 | Matty Bell | same |
| 17 | Hard.-Simmons | 9–0–0 | Abe Woodson | same |
| 18 | Duke | 7–2–0 | Wallace Wade | same |
| 19 | Lafayette | 9–0–0 | Hooks Mylin | same |
| 20 | — | | | |
1941 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | 8–0–0 | Bernie Bierman | same |
| 2 | Duke | 9–0–0 | Wallace Wade | 9–1–0 |
| 3 | Notre Dame | 8–0–1 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 4 | Texas | 8–1–1 | Dana X. Bible | same |
| 5 | Michigan | 6–1–1 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 6 | Fordham | 7–1–0 | Jim Crowley | 8–1–0 |
| 7 | Missouri | 8–1–0 | Don Faurot | 8–2–0 |
| 8 | Duquesne | 8–0–0 | Buff Donelli | same |
| 9 | Texas A&M | 9–1–0 | Homer Norton | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | Navy | 7–1–1 | Swede Larson | same |
| 11 | Northwestern | 5–3–0 | Pappy Waldorf | same |
| 12 | Oregon St. | 7–2–0 | Lon Stiner | 8–2–0 |
| 13 | Ohio St. | 6–1–1 | Paul Brown | same |
| 14 | Georgia | 8–1–1 | Wally Butts | 9–1–1 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 7–1–1 | George Munger | same |
| 16 | Miss. St. | 8–1–1 | Allyn McKeen | same |
| 17 | Mississippi | 6–2–1 | Harry Mehre | same |
| 18 | Tennessee | 8–2–0 | John Barnhill | same |
| 19 | Washington St. | 6–4–0 | Babe Hollingbery | same |
| 20 | Alabama | 8–2–0 | Frank Thomas | 9–2–0 |
1942 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Ohio St. | 9–1–0 | Paul Brown | same |
| 2 | Georgia | 10–1–0 | Wally Butts | 11–1–0 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 8–1–1 | H. Stuhldreher | same |
| 4 | Tulsa | 10–0–0 | Henry Frnka | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Georgia Tech | 9–1–0 | Bill Alexander | 9–2–0 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 7–2–2 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 7 | Tennessee | 8–1–1 | John Barnhill | 9–1–1 |
| 8 | Boston Col. | 8–1–0 | Denny Myers | 8–2–0 |
| 9 | Michigan | 7–3–0 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 10 | Alabama | 7–3–0 | Frank Thomas | 8–3–0 |
| 11 | Texas | 8–2–0 | Dana X. Bible | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Stanford | 6–4–0 | Marchie Schwartz | same |
| 13 | UCLA | 7–3–0 | Babe Horrell | 7–4–0 |
| 14 | Wm.& Mary | 9–1–1 | Carl Voyles | same |
| 15 | Santa Clara | 7–2–0 | Buck Shaw | same |
| 16 | Auburn | 6–4–1 | Jack Meagher | same |
| 17 | Wash. St. | 6–2–2 | Babe Hollingbery | same |
| 18 | Miss. St. | 8–2–0 | Allyn McKeen | same |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5–4–0 | George Hauser | same |
| | Holy Cross | 5–4–1 | Ank Scanlon | same |
| | Penn St. | 6–1–1 | Bob Higgins | same |
1943 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 9–1–0 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 2 | Iowa Pre-Flight | 9–1–0 | Don Faurot | same |
| 3 | Michigan | 8–1–0 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 4 | Navy | 8–1–0 | Billick Whelchel | same |
| 5 | Purdue | 9–0–0 | Elmer Burnham | same |
| 6 | Great Lakes | 10–2–0 | Tony Hinkle | same |
| 7 | Duke | 8–1–0 | Eddie Cameron | same |
| 8 | Del Monte P-F | 7–1–0 | Bill Kern | same |
| 9 | Northwestern | 6–2–0 | Pappy Waldorf | same |
| 10 | March Field | 9–1–0 | Paul Schissler | same |
| 11 | Army | 7–2–1 | Red Blaik | same |
| 12 | Washington | 4–0–0 | Ralph Welch | 4–1–0 |
| 13 | Georgia Tech | 7–3–0 | Bill Alexander | 8–3–0 |
| 14 | Texas | 7–1–0 | Dana X. Bible | 7–1–1 |
| 15 | Tulsa | 6–0–1 | Henry Frnka | 6–1–1 |
| 16 | Dartmouth | 6–1–0 | Earl Brown | same |
| 17 | Bainbridge NTS | 7–0–0 | Joe Maniaci | same |
| 18 | Colorado Col. | 7–0–0 | Hal White | same |
| 19 | Pacific | 7–2–0 | Amos A. Stagg | same |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 6–2–1 | George Munger | same |
Note: March Field beat Pacific, 19–0, on Dec.11 after final poll was released.
1944 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Army | 9–0–0 | Red Blaik | same |
| 2 | Ohio St | 9–0–0 | Carroll Widdoes | same |
| 3 | Randolph Field | 11–0–0 | Frank Tritico | same |
| 4 | Navy | 6–3–0 | Oscar Hagberg | same |
| 5 | Bainbridge NTS | 9–0–0 | Joe Maniaci | same |
| 6 | Iowa Pre-Flight | 10–1–0 | Jack Meagher | same |
| 7 | Southern Cal | 7–0–2 | Jeff Cravath | 8–0–2 |
| 8 | Michigan | 8–2–0 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 9 | Notre Dame | 8–2–0 | Ed McKeever | same |
| 10 | March Field | 7–1–2 | Paul Schissler | same |
| 11 | Duke | 5–4–0 | Eddie Cameron | 6–4–0 |
| 12 | Tennessee | 8–0–1 | John Barnhill | 8–1–1 |
| 13 | Georgia Tech | 8–2–0 | Bill Alexander | 8–3–0 |
| | Norman P-F | 6–0–0 | John Gregg | same |
| 15 | Illinois | 5–4–1 | Ray Eliot | same |
| 16 | El Toro Marines | 8–1–0 | Dick Hanley | same |
| 17 | Great Lakes | 9–2–1 | Paul Brown | same |
| 18 | Fort Pierce | 9–0–0 | Hamp Pool | same |
| 19 | St. Mary's P-F | 4–4–0 | Jules Sikes | same |
| 20 | 2nd Air Force | 7–2–1 | Bill Reese | same |
1945 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Army | 9–0–0 | Red Blaik | same |
| 2 | Alabama | 9–0–0 | Frank Thomas | 10–0–0 |
| 3 | Navy | 7–1–1 | Oscar Hagberg | same |
| 4 | Indiana | 9–0–1 | Bo McMillan | same |
| 5 | Oklahoma A&M | 8–0–0 | Jim Lookabaugh | 9–0–0 |
| 6 | Michigan | 7–3–0 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 7 | St. Mary's | 7–1–0 | Jimmy Phelan | 7–2–0 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 6–2–0 | George Munger | same |
| 9 | Notre Dame | 7–2–1 | Hugh Devore | same |
| 10 | Texas | 9–1–0 | Dana X. Bible | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Southern Cal | 7–3–0 | Jeff Cravath | 7–4–0 |
| 12 | Ohio St. | 7–2–0 | Carroll Widdoes | same |
| 13 | Duke | 6–2–0 | Eddie Cameron | same |
| 14 | Tennessee | 8–1–0 | John Barnhill | same |
| 15 | LSU | 7–2–0 | Bernie Moore | same |
| 16 | Holy Cross | 8–1–0 | John DeGrosa | 8–2–0 |
| 17 | Tulsa | 8–2–0 | Henry Frnka | 8–3–0 |
| 18 | Georgia | 8–2–0 | Wally Butts | 9–2–0 |
| 19 | Wake Forest | 4–3–1 | Peahead Walker | 5–3–1 |
| 20 | Columbia | 8–1–0 | Lou Little | same |
1946 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 8–0–1 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 2 | Army | 9–0–1 | Red Blaik | same |
| 3 | Georgia | 10–0–0 | Wally Butts | 11–0–0 |
| 4 | UCLA | 10–0–0 | B. LaBrucherie | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Illinois | 7–2–0 | Ray Eliot | 8–2–0 |
| 6 | Michigan | 6–2–1 | Fritz Crisler | same |
| 7 | Tennessee | 9–1–0 | Bob Neyland | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | LSU | 9–1–0 | Bernie Moore | 9–1–1 |
| 9 | N.Carolina | 8–1–1 | Carl Snavely | 8–2–1 |
| 10 | Rice | 8–2–0 | Jess Neely | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Georgia Tech | 8–2–0 | Bobby Dodd | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Yale | 7–1–1 | Howard Odell | same |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 6–2–0 | George Munger | same |
| 14 | Oklahoma | 7–3–0 | Jim Tatum | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | Texas | 8–2–0 | Dana X. Bible | same |
| 16 | Arkansas | 6–3–1 | John Barnhill | 6–3–2 |
| 17 | Tulsa | 9–1–0 | J.O. Brothers | same |
| 18 | N.C. State | 8–2–0 | Beattie Feathers | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Delaware | 9–0–0 | Bill Murray | 10–0–0 |
| 20 | Indiana | 6–3–0 | Bo McMillan | same |
1947 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 9–0–0 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 2 | Michigan | 9–0–0 | Fritz Crisler | 10–0–0 |
| 3 | SMU | 9–0–1 | Matty Bell | 9–0–2 |
| 4 | Penn St. | 9–0–0 | Bob Higgins | 9–0–1 |
| 5 | Texas | 9–1–0 | Blair Cherry | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Alabama | 8–2–0 | Red Drew | 8–3–0 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 7–0–1 | George Munger | same |
| 8 | Southern Cal | 7–1–1 | Jeff Cravath | 7–2–1 |
| 9 | N.Carolina | 8–2–0 | Carl Snavely | same |
| 10 | Georgia Tech | 9–1–0 | Bobby Dodd | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Army | 5–2–2 | Red Blaik | same |
| 12 | Kansas | 8–0–2 | George Sauer | 8–1–2 |
| 13 | Mississippi | 8–2–0 | Johnny Vaught | 9–2–0 |
| 14 | Wm.& Mary | 9–1–0 | Rube McCray | 9–2–0 |
| 15 | California | 9–1–0 | Pappy Waldorf | same |
| 16 | Oklahoma | 7–2–1 | Bud Wilkinson | same |
| 17 | N.C. State | 5–3–1 | Beattie Feathers | same |
| 18 | Rice | 6–3–1 | Jess Neely | same |
| 19 | Duke | 4–3–2 | Wallace Wade | same |
| 20 | Columbia | 7–2–0 | Lou Little | same |
1948 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 9–0–0 | Bennie Oosterbaan | same |
| 2 | Notre Dame | 9–0–1 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 3 | N. Carolina | 9–0–1 | Carl Snavely | 9–1–1 |
| 4 | California | 10–0–0 | Pappy Waldorf | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 9–1–0 | Bud Wilkinson | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Army | 8–0–1 | Red Blaik | same |
| 7 | Northwestern | 7–2–0 | Bob Voigts | 8–2–0 |
| 8 | Georgia | 9–1–0 | Wally Butts | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Oregon | 9–1–0 | Jim Aiken | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | SMU | 8–1–1 | Matty Bell | 9–1–1 |
| 11 | Clemson | 10–0–0 | Frank Howard | 11–0–0 |
| 12 | Vanderbilt | 8–2–1 | Red Sanders | same |
| 13 | Tulane | 9–1–0 | Henry Frnka | same |
| 14 | Michigan St. | 6–2–2 | Biggie Munn | same |
| 15 | Mississippi | 8–1–0 | Johnny Vaught | same |
| 16 | Minnesota | 7–2–0 | Bernie Bierman | same |
| 17 | Wm.& Mary | 6–2–2 | Rube McCray | 7–2–2 |
| 18 | Penn St. | 7–1–1 | Bob Higgins | same |
| 19 | Cornell | 8–1–0 | Lefty James | same |
| 20 | Wake Forest | 6–3–0 | Peahead Walker | 6–4–0 |
1949 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 10–0–0 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 10–0–0 | Bud Wilkinson | 11–0–0 |
| 3 | California | 10–0–0 | Pappy Waldorf | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Army | 9–0–0 | Red Blaik | same |
| 5 | Rice | 9–1–0 | Jess Neely | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Ohio St. | 6–1–2 | Wes Fesler | 7–1–2 |
| 7 | Michigan | 6–2–1 | Bennie Oosterbaan | same |
| 8 | Minnesota | 7–2–0 | Bernie Bierman | same |
| 9 | LSU | 8–2–0 | Gaynell Tinsley | 8–3–0 |
| 10 | Pacific | 11–0–0 | Larry Siemering | same |
| 11 | Kentucky | 9–2–0 | Bear Bryant | 9–3–0 |
| 12 | Cornell | 8–1–0 | Lefty James | same |
| 13 | Villanova | 8–1–0 | Jim Leonard | same |
| 14 | Maryland | 8–1–0 | Jim Tatum | 9–1–0 |
| 15 | Santa Clara | 7–2–1 | Len Casanova | 8–2–1 |
| 16 | N. Carolina | 7–3–0 | Carl Snavely | 7–4–0 |
| 17 | Tennessee | 7–2–1 | Bob Neyland | same |
| 18 | Princeton | 6–3–0 | Charlie Caldwell | same |
| 19 | Michigan St. | 6–3–0 | Biggie Munn | same |
| 20 | Missouri | 7–3–0 | Don Faurot | 7–4–0 |
| | Baylor | 8–2–0 | Bob Woodruff | same |
1950 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | 10–0–0 | Bud Wilkinson | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Army | 8–1–0 | Red Blaik | same |
| 3 | Texas | 9–1–0 | Blair Cherry | 9–2–1 |
| 4 | Tennessee | 10–1–0 | Bob Neyland | 11–1–0 |
| 5 | California | 9–0–1 | Pappy Waldorf | 9–1–1 |
| 6 | Princeton | 9–0–0 | Charlie Caldwell | same |
| 7 | Kentucky | 10–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 11–1–0 |
| 8 | Michigan St. | 8–1–0 | Biggie Munn | same |
| 9 | Michigan | 5–3–1 | Bennie Oosterhaan | 6–3–1 |
| 10 | Clemson | 8–0–1 | Frank Howard | 9–0–1 |
| 11 | Washington | 8–2–0 | Howard Odell | same |
| 12 | Wyoming | 9–0–0 | Bowden Wyatt | 10–0–0 |
| 13 | Illinois | 7–2–0 | Ray Eliot | same |
| 14 | Ohio St. | 6–3–0 | Wes Fesler | same |
| 15 | Miami, FL | 9–0–1 | Andy Gustafson | 9–1–1 |
| 16 | Alabama | 9–2–0 | Red Drew | same |
| 17 | Nebraska | 6–2–1 | Bill Glassford | same |
| 18 | Wash.& Lee | 8–2–0 | George Barclay | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Tulsa | 9–1–1 | J.O. Brothers | same |
| 20 | Tulane | 6–2–1 | Henry Frnka | same |
1951 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Tennessee | 10–0–0 | Bob Neyland | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Michigan St. | 9–0–0 | Biggie Munn | same |
| 3 | Maryland | 9–0–0 | Jim Tatum | 10–0–0 |
| 4 | Illinois | 8–0–1 | Ray Eliot | 9–0–1 |
| 5 | Ga. Tech | 10–0–1 | Bobby Dodd | 11–0–1 |
| 6 | Princeton | 9–0–0 | Charlie Caldwell | same |
| 7 | Stanford | 9–1–0 | Chuck Taylor | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Wisconsin | 7–1–1 | Ivy Williamson | same |
| 9 | Baylor | 8–1–1 | George Sauer | 8–2–1 |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 8–2–0 | Bud Wilkinson | same |
| 11 | TCU | 6–4–0 | Dutch Meyer | 6–5–0 |
| 12 | California | 8–2–0 | Pappy Waldorf | same |
| 13 | Virginia | 8–1–0 | Art Guepe | same |
| 14 | San Fran | 9–0–0 | Joe Kuharich | same |
| 15 | Kentucky | 7–4–0 | Bear Bryant | 8–4–0 |
| 16 | Boston Univ. | 6–4–0 | Buff Donelli | same |
| 17 | UCLA | 5–3–1 | Red Sanders | same |
| 18 | Wash. St. | 7–3–0 | Forest Evashevski | same |
| 19 | Holy Cross | 8–2–0 | Eddie Anderson | same |
| 20 | Clemson | 7–2–0 | Frank Howard | 7–3–0 |
1952 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Michigan St. | 9–0–0 | Biggie Munn | same |
| 2 | Ga. Tech | 11–0–0 | Bobby Dodd | 12–0–0 |
| 3 | Notre Dame | 7–2–1 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 8–1–1 | Bud Wilkinson | same |
| 5 | Southern Cal. | 9–1–0 | Jess Hill | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | UCLA | 8–1–0 | Red Sanders | same |
| 7 | Mississippi | 8–0–2 | Johnny Vaught | 8–1–2 |
| 8 | Tennessee | 8–1–1 | Bob Neyland | 8–2–1 |
| 9 | Alabama | 9–2–0 | Red Drew | 10–2–0 |
| 10 | Texas | 8–2–0 | Ed Price | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 6–2–1 | Ivy Williamson | 6–3–1 |
| 12 | Tulsa | 8–1–1 | J.O. Brothers | 8–2–1 |
| 13 | Maryland | 7–2–0 | Jim Tatum | same |
| 14 | Syracuse | 7–2–0 | Ben Schwartzwalder | 7–3–0 |
| 15 | Florida | 7–3–0 | Bob Woodruff | 8–3–0 |
| 16 | Duke | 8–2–0 | Bill Murray | same |
| 17 | Ohio St. | 6–3–0 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 18 | Purdue | 4–3–2 | Stu Holcomb | same |
| 19 | Princeton | 8–1–0 | Charlie Caldwell | same |
| 20 | Kentucky | 5–4–2 | Bear Bryant | same |
1953 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Maryland | 10–0–0 | Jim Tatum | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Notre Dame | 9–0–1 | Frank Leahy | same |
| 3 | Michigan St. | 8–1–0 | Biggie Munn | 9–1–0 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 8–1–1 | Bud Wilkinson | 9–1–1 |
| 5 | UCLA | 8–1–0 | Red Sanders | 8–2–0 |
| 6 | Rice | 8–2–0 | Jess Neely | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Illinois | 7–1–1 | Ray Eliot | same |
| 8 | Georgia Tech | 8–2–1 | Bobby Dodd | 9–2–1 |
| 9 | Iowa | 5–3–1 | Forest Evashevski | same |
| 10 | West Va. | 8–1–0 | Art Lewis | 8–2–0 |
| 11 | Texas | 7–3–0 | Ed Price | same |
| 12 | Texas Tech | 10–1–0 | DeWitt Weaver | 11–1–0 |
| 13 | Alabama | 6–2–3 | Red Drew | 6–3–3 |
| 14 | Army | 7–1–1 | Red Blaik | same |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 6–2–1 | Ivy Williamson | same |
| 16 | Kentucky | 7–2–1 | Bear Bryant | same |
| 17 | Auburn | 7–2–1 | Shug Jordon | 7–3–1 |
| 18 | Duke | 7–2–1 | Bill Murray | same |
| 19 | Stanford | 6–3–1 | Chuck Taylor | same |
| 20 | Michigan | 6–3–0 | Bennie Oosterbaan | same |
1954 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Ohio St. | 9–0–0 | Woody Hayes | 10–0–0 |
| 2 | UCLA | 9–0–0 | Red Sanders | same |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 10–0–0 | Bud Wilkinson | same |
| 4 | Notre Dame | 9–1–0 | Terry Brennan | same |
| 5 | Navy | 7–2–0 | Eddie Erdelatz | 8–2–0 |
| 6 | Mississippi | 9–1–0 | Johnny Vaught | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Army | 7–2–0 | Red Blaik | same |
| 8 | Maryland | 7–2–1 | Jim Tatum | same |
| 9 | Wisconsin | 7–2–0 | Ivy Williamson | same |
| 10 | Arkansas | 8–2–0 | Bowden Wyatt | 8–3–0 |
| 11 | Miami, FL | 8–1–0 | Andy Gustafson | same |
| 12 | West Va. | 8–1–0 | Art Lewis | same |
| 13 | Auburn | 7–3–0 | Shug Jordan | 8–3–0 |
| 14 | Duke | 7–2–1 | Bill Murray | 8–2–1 |
| 15 | Michigan | 6–3–0 | Bennie Oosterbaan | same |
| 16 | Va. Tech | 8–0–1 | Frank Moseley | same |
| 17 | Southern Cal. | 8–3–0 | Jess Hill | 8–4–0 |
| 18 | Baylor | 7–3–0 | George Sauer | 7–4–0 |
| 19 | Rice | 7–3–0 | Jess Neely | same |
| 20 | Penn St. | 7–2–0 | Rip Engle | same |
1955 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | 10–0–0 | Bud Wilkinson | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Michigan St. | 8–1–0 | Duffy Daugherty | 9–1–0 |
| 3 | Maryland | 10–0–0 | Jim Tatum | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | UCLA | 9–1–0 | Red Sanders | 9–2–0 |
| 5 | Ohio St. | 7–2–0 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 6 | TCU | 9–1–0 | Abe Martin | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Georgia Tech | 8–1–1 | Bobby Dodd | 9–1–1 |
| 8 | Auburn | 8–1–1 | Shug Jordan | 8–2–1 |
| 9 | Notre Dame | 8–2–0 | Terry Brennan | same |
| 10 | Mississippi | 9–1–0 | Johnny Vaught | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Pittsburgh | 7–3–0 | John Michelosen | 7–4–0 |
| 12 | Michigan | 7–2–0 | Bennie Oosterbaan | same |
| 13 | Southern Cal. | 6–4–0 | Jess Hill | same |
| 14 | Miami, FL | 6–3–0 | Andy Gustafson | same |
| 15 | Miami, OH | 9–0–0 | Ara Parseghian | same |
| 16 | Stanford | 6–3–1 | Chuck Taylor | same |
| 17 | Texas A&M | 7–2–1 | Bear Bryant | same |
| 18 | Navy | 6–2–1 | Eddie Erdelatz | same |
| 19 | West Va. | 8–2–0 | Art Lewis | same |
| 20 | Army | 6–3–0 | Red Blaik | same |
1956 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | 10–0–0 | Bud Wilkinson | same |
| 2 | Tennessee | 10–0–0 | Bowden Wyatt | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Iowa | 8–1–0 | Forest Evashevski | 9–1–0 |
| 4 | Georgia Tech | 9–1–0 | Bobby Dodd | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Texas A&M | 9–0–1 | Bear Bryant | same |
| 6 | Miami, FL | 8–1–1 | Andy Gustafson | same |
| 7 | Michigan | 7–2–0 | Bennie Oosterbaan | same |
| 8 | Syracuse | 7–1–0 | Ben Schwartzwalder | 7–2–0 |
| 9 | Michigan St. | 7–2–0 | Duffy Daugherty | same |
| 10 | Oregon St. | 7–2–1 | Tommy Prothro | 7–3–1 |
| 11 | Baylor | 8–2–0 | Sam Boyd | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Minnesota | 6–1–2 | Murray Warmath | same |
| 13 | Pittsburgh | 7–2–1 | John Michelosen | 7–3–1 |
| 14 | TCU | 7–3–0 | Abe Martin | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | Ohio St. | 6–3–0 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 16 | Navy | 6–1–2 | Eddie Erdelatz | same |
| 17 | G.Washington | 7–1–1 | Gene Sherman | 8–1–1 |
| 18 | Southern Cal. | 8–2–0 | Jess Hill | same |
| 19 | Clemson | 7–1–2 | Frank Howard | 7–2–2 |
| 20 | Colorado | 7–2–1 | Dallas Ward | 8–2–1 |
| | Penn St. | 6–2–1 | Rip Engle | same |
1957 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Auburn | 10–0–0 | Shug Jordan | same |
| 2 | Ohio St. | 8–1–0 | Woody Hayes | 9–1–0 |
| 3 | Michigan St. | 8–1–0 | Duffy Daugherty | same |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 9–1–0 | Bud Wilkinson | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Navy | 8–1–1 | Eddie Erdelatz | 9–1–1 |
| 6 | Iowa | 7–1–1 | Forest Evashevski | same |
| 7 | Mississippi | 8–1–1 | Johnny Vaught | 9–1–1 |
| 8 | Rice | 7–3–0 | Jess Neely | 7–4–0 |
| 9 | Texas A&M | 8–2–0 | Bear Bryant | 8–3–0 |
| 10 | Notre Dame | 7–3–0 | Terry Brennan | same |
| 11 | Texas | 6–3–1 | Darrell Royal | 6–4–1 |
| 12 | Arizona St. | 10–0–0 | Dan Devine | same |
| 13 | Tennessee | 7–3–0 | Bowden Wyatt | 8–3–0 |
| 14 | Miss. St. | 6–2–1 | Wade Walker | same |
| 15 | N.C.State | 7–1–2 | Earle Edwards | same |
| 16 | Duke | 6–2–2 | Bill Murray | 6–3–2 |
| 17 | Florida | 6–2–1 | Bob Woodruff | same |
| 18 | Army | 7–2–0 | Red Blaik | same |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 6–3–0 | Milt Bruhn | same |
| 20 | VMI | 9–0–1 | John McKenna | same |
1958 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | LSU | 10–0–0 | Paul Dietzel | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Iowa | 7–1–1 | Forest Evashevski | 8–1–1 |
| 3 | Army | 8–0–1 | Red Blaik | same |
| 4 | Auburn | 9–0–1 | Shug Jordan | same |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 9–1–0 | Bud Wilkinson | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Air Force | 9–0–1 | Ben Martin | 9–0–2 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 7–1–1 | Milt Bruhn | same |
| 8 | Ohio St. | 6–1–2 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 9 | Syracuse | 8–1–0 | Ben Schwartzwalder | 8–2–0 |
| 10 | TCU | 8–2–0 | Abe Martin | 8–2–1 |
| 11 | Mississippi | 8–2–0 | Johnny Vaught | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Clemson | 8–2–0 | Frank Howard | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | Purdue | 6–1–2 | Jack Mollenkopf | same |
| 14 | Florida | 6–3–1 | Bob Woodruff | 6–4–1 |
| 15 | S.Carolina | 7–3–0 | Warren Giese | same |
| 16 | California | 7–3–0 | Pete Elliott | 7–4–0 |
| 17 | Notre Dame | 6–4–0 | Terry Brennan | same |
| 18 | SMU | 6–4–0 | Bill Meek | same |
| 19 | Oklahoma St. | 7–3–0 | Cliff Speegle | 8–3–0 |
| 20 | Rutgers | 8–1–0 | John Stiegman | same |
1959 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Syracuse | 10–0–0 | Ben Schwartzwalder | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Mississippi | 9–1–0 | Johnny Vaught | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | LSU | 9–1–0 | Paul Dietzel | 9–2–0 |
| 4 | Texas | 9–1–0 | Darrell Royal | 9–2–0 |
| 5 | Georgia | 9–1–0 | Wally Butts | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 7–2–0 | Milt Bruhn | 7–3–0 |
| 7 | TCU | 8–2–0 | Abe Martin | 8–3–0 |
| 8 | Washington | 9–1–0 | Jim Owens | 10–1–0 |
| 9 | Arkansas | 8–2–0 | Frank Broyles | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | Alabama | 7–1–2 | Bear Bryant | 7–2–2 |
| 11 | Clemson | 8–2–0 | Frank Howard | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Penn St. | 8–2–0 | Rip Engle | 9–2–0 |
| 13 | Illinois | 5–3–1 | Ray Eliot | same |
| 14 | Southern Cal. | 8–2–0 | Don Clark | same |
| 15 | Oklahoma | 7–3–0 | Bud Wilkinson | same |
| 16 | Wyoming | 9–1–0 | Bob Devaney | same |
| 17 | Notre Dame | 5–5–0 | Joe Kuharich | same |
| 18 | Missouri | 6–4–0 | Dan Devine | 6–5–0 |
| 19 | Florida | 5–4–1 | Bob Woodruff | same |
| 20 | Pittsburgh | 6–4–0 | John Michelosen | same |
1960 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | 8–1–0 | Murray Warmath | 8–2–0 |
| 2 | Mississippi | 9–0–1 | Johnny Vaught | 10–0–1 |
| 3 | Iowa | 8–1–0 | Forest Evashevski | same |
| 4 | Navy | 9–1–0 | Wayne Hardin | 9–2–0 |
| 5 | Missouri | 9–1–0 | Dan Devine | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Washington | 9–1–0 | Jim Owens | 10–1–0 |
| 7 | Arkansas | 8–2–0 | Frank Broyles | 8–3–0 |
| 8 | Ohio St. | 7–2–0 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 9 | Alabama | 8–1–1 | Bear Bryant | 8–1–2 |
| 10 | Duke | 7–3–0 | Bill Murray | 8–3–0 |
| 11 | Kansas | 7–2–1 | Jack Mitchell | same |
| 12 | Baylor | 8–2–0 | John Bridgers | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | Auburn | 8–2–0 | Shug Jordan | same |
| 14 | Yale | 9–0–0 | Jordan Olivar | same |
| 15 | Michigan St. | 6–2–1 | Duffy Daugherty | same |
| 16 | Penn St. | 6–3–0 | Rip Engle | 7–3–0 |
| 17 | New Mex.St. | 10–0–0 | Warren Woodson | 11–0–0 |
| 18 | Florida | 8–2–0 | Ray Graves | 9–2–0 |
| 19 | Syracuse | 7–2–0 | Ben Schwartzwalder | same |
| | Purdue | 4–4–1 | Jack Mollenkopf | same |
1961 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
| 8–3–0 | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 10–0–0 | Bear Bryant | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Ohio St. | 8–0–1 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 3 | Texas | 9–1–0 | Darrell Royal | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | LSU | 9–1–0 | Paul Dietzel | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Mississippi | 9–1–0 | Johnny Vaught | 9–2–0 |
| 6 | Minnesota | 7–2–0 | Murray Warmath | 8–2–0 |
| 7 | Colorado | 9–1–0 | Sonny Grandelius | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Michigan St. | 7–2–0 | Duffy Daugherty | same |
| 9 | Arkansas | 8–2–0 | Frank Broyles | 8–3–0 |
| 10 | Utah St. | 9–0–1 | John Ralston | 9–1–1 |
| 11 | Missouri | 7–2–1 | Dan Devine | same |
| 12 | Purdue | 6–3–0 | Jack Mollenkopf | same |
| 13 | Georgia Tech | 7–3–0 | Bobby Dodd | 7–4–0 |
| 14 | Syracuse | 7–3–0 | Ben Schwartzwalder | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | Rutgers | 9–0–0 | John Bateman | same |
| 16 | UCLA | 7–3–0 | Bill Barnes | 7–4–0 |
| 17 | Rice | 7–3–0 | Jess Neely | 7–4–0 |
| | Penn St. | 7–3–0 | Rip Engle | 8–3–0 |
| | Arizona | 8–1–1 | Jim LaRue | same |
| 20 | Duke | 7–3–0 | Bill Murray | same |
1962 College Football Final AP Top 10
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
From 1962–67, AP ranked only 10 teams.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Southern Cal. | 10–0–0 | John McKay | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 8–1–0 | Milt Bruhn | 8–2–0 |
| 3 | Mississippi | 9–0–0 | Johnny Vaught | 10–0–0 |
| 4 | Texas | 9–0–1 | Darrell Royal | 9–1–1 |
| 5 | Alabama | 9–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Arkansas | 9–1–0 | Frank Broyles | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | LSU | 8–1–1 | Charlie McClendon | 9–1–1 |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 8–2–0 | Bud Wilkinson | 8–3–0 |
| 9 | Penn St. | 9–1–0 | Rip Engle | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | Minnesota | 6–2–1 | Murray Warmath | same |
1963 College Football Final AP Top 10
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
From 1962–67, AP ranked only 10 teams.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Texas | 10–0–0 | Darrell Royal | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Navy | 9–1–0 | Wayne Hardin | 9–2–0 |
| 3 | Illinois | 7–1–1 | Pete Elliott | 8–1–1 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh | 9–1–0 | John Michelosen | same |
| 5 | Auburn | 9–1–0 | Shug Jordan | 9–2–0 |
| 6 | Nebraska | 9–1–0 | Bob Devaney | 10–1–0 |
| 7 | Mississippi | 7–0–2 | Johnny Vaught | 7–1–2 |
| 8 | Alabama | 8–2–0 | Bear Bryant | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | 8–2–0 | Bud Wilkinson | same |
| 10 | Michigan St. | 6–2–1 | Duffy Daugherty | same |
1964 College Football Final AP Top 10
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
From 1962–67, AP ranked only 10 teams.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 10–0–0 | Bear Bryant | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Arkansas | 10–0–0 | Frank Broyles | 11–0–0 |
| 3 | Notre Dame | 9–1–0 | Ara Parseghian | same |
| 4 | Michigan | 8–1–0 | Bump Elliott | 9–1–0 |
| 5 | Texas | 9–1–0 | Darrell Royal | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Nebraska | 9–1–0 | Bob Devaney | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | LSU | 7–2–1 | Charlie McClendon | 8–2–1 |
| 8 | Oregon St. | 8–2–0 | Tommy Prothro | 8–3–0 |
| 9 | Ohio St. | 7–2–0 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 10 | Southern Cal. | 7–3–0 | John McKay | same |
1965 College Football Final AP Top 10
For the first time, the complete writers' poll was taken after the bowl games. From 1962–67, AP ranked only 10 teams.
| | | After Bowls | Head Coach | Regular Season |
|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 9–1–1 | Bear Bryant | 8–1–1 |
| 2 | Michigan St. | 10–1–0 | Duffy Daugherty | 10–0–0 |
| 3 | Arkansas | 10–1–0 | Frank Broyles | 10–0–0 |
| 4 | UCLA | 8–2–1 | Tommy Prothro | 7–2–1 |
| 5 | Nebraska | 10–1–0 | Bob Devaney | 10–0–0 |
| 6 | Missouri | 8–2–1 | Dan Devine | 7–2–1 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 8–1–2 | Doug Dickey | 7–1–2 |
| 8 | LSU | 8–3–0 | Charlie McClendon | 7–3–0 |
| 9 | Notre Dame | 7–2–1 | Ara Parseghian | same |
| 10 | Southern Cal. | 7–2–1 | John McKay | same |
1966 College Football Final AP Top 10
After waiting until the bowl games were played last year, the writers' poll returned to a final vote before the bowl games in 1966. From 1962–67, AP ranked only 10 teams.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 9–0–1 | Ara Parseghian | same |
| 2 | Michigan St. | 9–0–1 | Duffy Daugherty | same |
| 3 | Alabama | 10–0–0 | Bear Bryant | 11–0–0 |
| 4 | Georgia | 9–1–0 | Vince Dooley | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | UCLA | 9–1–0 | Tommy Prothro | same |
| 6 | Nebraska | 9–1–0 | Bob Devaney | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Purdue | 8–2–0 | Jack Mollenkopf | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Georgia Tech | 9–1–0 | Bobby Dodd | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Miami, FL | 7–2–1 | Charlie Tate | 8–2–1 |
| 10 | SMU | 8–2–0 | Hayden Fry | 8–3–0 |
1967 College Football Final AP Top 10
Writers' poll taken before bowl games.
From 1962–67, AP ranked only 10 teams.
| | | Regular Season | Head Coach | After Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Southern Cal | 9–1–0 | John McKay | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 9–1–0 | Doug Dickey | 9–2–0 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 9–1–0 | Chuck Fairbanks | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Indiana | 9–1–0 | John Pont | 9–2–0 |
| 5 | Notre Dame | 8–2–0 | Ara Parseghian | same |
| 6 | Wyoming | 10–0–0 | Lloyd Eaton | 10–1–0 |
| 7 | Oregon St. | 7–2–1 | Dee Andros | same |
| 8 | Alabama | 8–1–1 | Bear Bryant | 8–2–1 |
| 9 | Purdue | 8–2–0 | Jack Mollenkopf | same |
| 10 | Penn St. | 8–2–0 | Joe Paterno | 8–2–1 |
1968 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Ohio St. | 10–0–0 | Woody Hayes | 9–0–0 |
| 2 | Penn St. | 11–0–0 | Joe Paterno | 10–0–0 |
| 3 | Texas | 9–1–1 | Darrell Royal | 8–1–1 |
| 4 | Southern Cal | 9–1–1 | John McKay | 9–0–1 |
| 5 | Notre Dame | 7–2–1 | Ara Parseghian | same |
| 6 | Arkansas | 10–1–0 | Frank Broyles | 9–1–0 |
| 7 | Kansas | 9–2–0 | Pepper Rodgers | 9–1–0 |
| 8 | Georgia | 8–1–2 | Vince Dooley | 8–0–2 |
| 9 | Missouri | 8–3–0 | Dan Devine | 7–3–0 |
| 10 | Purdue | 8–2–0 | Jack Mollenkopf | same |
| 11 | Oklahoma | 7–4–0 | Chuck Fairbanks | 7–3–0 |
| 12 | Michigan | 8–2–0 | Bump Elliott | same |
| 13 | Tennessee | 8–2–1 | Doug Dickey | 8–1–1 |
| 14 | SMU | 8–3–0 | Hayden Fry | 7–3–0 |
| 15 | Oregon St. | 7–3–0 | Dee Andros | same |
| 16 | Auburn | 7–4–0 | Shug Jordan | 6–4–0 |
| 17 | Alabama | 8–3–0 | Bear Bryant | 8–2–0 |
| 18 | Houston | 6–2–2 | Bill Yeoman | same |
| 19 | LSU | 8–3–0 | Charlie McClendon | 7–3–0 |
| 20 | Ohio Univ. | 10–1–0 | Bill Hess | 10–0–0 |
1969 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Texas | 11–0–0 | Darrell Royal | 10–0–0 |
| 2 | Penn St. | 11–0–0 | Joe Paterno | 10–0–0 |
| 3 | Southern Cal. | 10–0–1 | John McKay | 9–0–1 |
| 4 | Ohio St. | 8–1–0 | Woody Hayes | same |
| 5 | Notre Dame | 8–2–1 | Ara Parseghian | 8–1–1 |
| 6 | Missouri | 9–2–0 | Dan Devine | 9–1–0 |
| 7 | Arkansas | 9–2–0 | Frank Broyles | 9–1–0 |
| 8 | Mississippi | 8–3–0 | Johnny Vaught | 7–3–0 |
| 9 | Michigan | 8–3–0 | Bo Schembechler | 8–2–0 |
| 10 | LSU | 9–1–0 | Charlie McClendon | same |
| 11 | Nebraska | 9–2–0 | Bob Devaney | 8–2–0 |
| 12 | Houston | 9–2–0 | Bill Yeoman | 8–2–0 |
| 13 | UCLA | 8–1–1 | Tommy Prothro | same |
| 14 | Florida | 9–1–1 | Ray Graves | 8–1–1 |
| 15 | Tennessee | 9–2–0 | Doug Dickey | 9–1–0 |
| 16 | Colorado | 8–3–0 | Eddie Crowder | 7–3–0 |
| 17 | W.Virginia | 10–1–0 | Jim Carlen | 9–1–0 |
| 18 | Purdue | 8–2–0 | Jack Mollenkopf | same |
| 19 | Stanford | 7–2–1 | John Ralston | same |
| 20 | Auburn | 8–3–0 | Shug Jordan | 8–2–0 |
1970 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | 11–0–1 | Bob Devaney | 10–0–1 |
| 2 | Notre Dame | 10–1–0 | Ara Parseghian | 9–1–0 |
| 3 | Texas | 10–1–0 | Darrell Royal | 10–0–0 |
| 4 | Tennessee | 11–1–0 | Bill Battle | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Ohio St. | 9–1–0 | Woody Hayes | 9–0–0 |
| 6 | Arizona St. | 11–0–0 | Frank Kush | 10–0–0 |
| 7 | LSU | 9–3–0 | Charlie McClendon | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Stanford | 9–3–0 | John Ralston | 8–3–0 |
| 9 | Michigan | 9–1–0 | Bo Schembechler | same |
| 10 | Auburn | 9–2–0 | Shug Jordan | 8–2–0 |
| 11 | Arkansas | 9–2–0 | Frank Broyles | same |
| 12 | Toledo | 12–0–0 | Frank Lauterbur | 11–0–0 |
| 13 | Georgia Tech | 9–3–0 | Bud Carson | 8–3–0 |
| 14 | Dartmouth | 9–0–0 | Bob Blackman | same |
| 15 | Southern Cal | 6–4–1 | John McKay | same |
| 16 | Air Force | 9–3–0 | Ben Martin | 9–2–0 |
| 17 | Tulane | 8–4–0 | Jim Pittman | 7–4–0 |
| 18 | Penn St. | 7–3–0 | Joe Paterno | same |
| 19 | Houston | 8–3–0 | Bill Yeoman | same |
| 20 | Oklahoma | 7–4–1 | Chuck Fairbanks | 7–4–0 |
| | Mississippi | 7–4–0 | Johnny Vaught | 7–3–0 |
1971 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | 13–0–0 | Bob Devaney | 12–0–0 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Chuck Fairbanks | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Colorado | 10–2–0 | Eddie Crowder | 9–2–0 |
| 4 | Alabama | 11–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | Penn St. | 11–1–0 | Joe Paterno | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Michigan | 11–1–0 | Bo Schembechler | 11–0–0 |
| 7 | Georgia | 11–1–0 | Vince Dooley | 10–1–0 |
| 8 | Arizona St. | 11–1–0 | Frank Kush | 10–1–0 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 10–2–0 | Bill Battle | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | Stanford | 9–3–0 | John Ralston | 8–3–0 |
| 11 | LSU | 9–3–0 | Charlie McClendon | 8–3–0 |
| 12 | Auburn | 9–2–0 | Shug Jordan | 9–1–0 |
| 13 | Notre Dame | 8–2–0 | Ara Parseghian | same |
| 14 | Toledo | 12–0–0 | John Murphy | 11–0–0 |
| 15 | Mississippi | 10–2–0 | Billy Kinard | 9–2–0 |
| 16 | Arkansas | 8–3–1 | Frank Broyles | 8–2–1 |
| 17 | Houston | 9–3–0 | Bill Yeoman | 9–2–0 |
| 18 | Texas | 8–3–0 | Darrell Royal | 8–2–0 |
| 19 | Washington | 8–3–0 | Jim Owens | same |
| 20 | Southern Cal | 6–4–1 | John McKay | same |
1972 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Southern Cal | 12–0–0 | John McKay | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Chuck Fairbanks | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Texas | 10–1–0 | Darrell Royal | 9–1–0 |
| 4 | Nebraska | 9–2–1 | Bob Devaney | 8–2–1 |
| 5 | Auburn | 10–1–0 | Shug Jordan | 9–1–0 |
| 6 | Michigan | 10–1–0 | Bo Schembechler | same |
| 7 | Alabama | 10–2–0 | Bear Bryant | 10–1–0 |
| 8 | Tennessee | 10–2–0 | Bill Battle | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Ohio St. | 9–2–0 | Woody Hayes | 9–1–0 |
| 10 | Penn St. | 10–2–0 | Joe Paterno | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | LSU | 9–2–1 | Charlie McClendon | 9–1–1 |
| 12 | N.Carolina | 11–1–0 | Bill Dooley | 10–1–0 |
| 13 | Arizona St. | 10–2–0 | Frank Kush | 9–2–0 |
| 14 | Notre Dame | 8–3–0 | Ara Parseghian | 8–2–0 |
| 15 | UCLA | 8–3–0 | Pepper Rodgers | same |
| 16 | Colorado | 8–4–0 | Eddie Crowder | 8–3–0 |
| 17 | N.C.State | 8–3–1 | Lou Holtz | 7–3–1 |
| 18 | Louisville | 9–1–0 | Lee Corso | same |
| 19 | Wash.St. | 7–4–0 | Jim Sweeney | same |
| 20 | Georgia Tech | 7–4–1 | Bill Fulcher | 6–4–1 |
1973 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 11–0–0 | Ara Parseghian | 10–0–0 |
| 2 | Ohio St. | 10–0–1 | Woody Hayes | 9–0–1 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 10–0–1 | Barry Switzer | same |
| 4 | Alabama | 11–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | Penn St. | 12–0–0 | Joe Paterno | 11–0–0 |
| 6 | Michigan | 10–0–1 | Bo Schembechler | same |
| 7 | Nebraska | 9–2–1 | Tom Osborne | 8–2–1 |
| 8 | Southern Cal | 9–2–1 | John McKay | 9–1–1 |
| 9 | Arizona St. | 11–1–0 | Frank Kush | 10–1–0 |
| | Houston | 11–1–0 | Bill Yeoman | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Texas Tech | 11–1–0 | Jim Carlen | 10–1–0 |
| 12 | UCLA | 9–2–0 | Pepper Rodgers | same |
| 13 | LSU | 9–3–0 | Charlie McClendon | 9–2–0 |
| 14 | Texas | 8–3–0 | Darrell Royal | 8–2–0 |
| 15 | Miami, OH | 11–0–0 | Bill Mallory | 10–0–0 |
| 16 | N.C. State | 9–3–0 | Lou Holtz | 8–3–0 |
| 17 | Missouri | 8–4–0 | Al Onofrio | 7–4–0 |
| 18 | Kansas | 7–4–1 | Don Fambrough | 7–3–1 |
| 19 | Tennessee | 8–4–0 | Bill Battle | 8–3–0 |
| 20 | Maryland | 8–4–0 | Jerry Claiborne | 8–3–0 |
| | Tulane | 9–3–0 | Bennie Ellender | 9–2–0 |
1974 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | 11–0–0 | Barry Switzer | same |
| 2 | Southern Cal | 10–1–1 | John McKay | 9–1–1 |
| 3 | Michigan | 10–1–0 | Bo Schembechler | same |
| 4 | Ohio St. | 10–2–0 | Woody Hayes | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | Alabama | 11–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 11–0–0 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 10–2–0 | Ara Parseghian | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Penn St. | 10–2–0 | Joe Paterno | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Auburn | 10–2–0 | Shug Jordan | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 9–3–0 | Tom Osborne | 8–3–0 |
| 10 | Miami, OH | 10–0–1 | Dick Crum | 9–0–1 |
| 11 | N.C. State | 9–2–1 | Lou Holtz | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Michigan St. | 7–3–1 | Denny Stolz | same |
| 13 | Maryland | 8–4–0 | Jerry Claiborne | 8–3–0 |
| 14 | Baylor | 8–4–0 | Grant Teaff | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | Florida | 8–4–0 | Doug Dickey | 8–3–0 |
| 16 | Texas A&M | 8–3–0 | Emory Ballard | same |
| 17 | Miss. St. | 9–3–0 | Bob Tyler | 8–3–0 |
| | Texas | 8–4–0 | Darrell Royal | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Houston | 8–3–1 | Bill Yeoman | 8–3–0 |
| 20 | Tennessee | 7–3–2 | Bill Battle | 6–3–2 |
1975 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Barry Switzer | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Arizona St. | 12–0–0 | Frank Kush | 11–0–0 |
| 3 | Alabama | 11–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Ohio St. | 11–1–0 | Woody Hayes | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | UCLA | 9–2–1 | Dick Vermeil | 8–2–1 |
| 6 | Texas | 10–2–0 | Darrell Royal | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Arkansas | 10–2–0 | Frank Broyles | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Michigan | 8–2–2 | Bo Schembechler | 8–1–2 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 10–2–0 | Tom Osborne | 10–1–0 |
| 10 | Penn St. | 9–3–0 | Joe Paterno | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Texas A&M | 10–2–0 | Emory Bellard | 10–1–0 |
| 12 | Miami, OH | 11–1–0 | Dick Crum | 10–1–0 |
| 13 | Maryland | 9–2–1 | Jerry Claiborne | 8–2–1 |
| 14 | California | 8–3–0 | Mike White | same |
| 15 | Pittsburgh | 8–4–0 | Johnny Majors | 7–4–0 |
| 16 | Colorado | 9–3–0 | Bill Mallory | 9–2–0 |
| 17 | Southern Cal | 8–4–0 | John McKay | 7–4–0 |
| 18 | Arizona | 9–2–0 | Jim Young | same |
| 19 | Georgia | 9–3–0 | Vince Dooley | 9–2–0 |
| 20 | West Virginia | 9–3–0 | Bobby Bowden | 8–3–0 |
1976 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh | 12–0–0 | Johnny Majors | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Southern Cal | 11–1–0 | John Robinson | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Michigan | 10–2–0 | Bo Schembechler | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Houston | 10–2–0 | Bill Yeoman | 9–2–0 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 9–2–1 | Barry Switzer | 8–2–1 |
| 6 | Ohio St. | 9–2–1 | Woody Hayes | 8–2–1 |
| 7 | Texas A&M | 10–2–0 | Emory Bellard | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Maryland | 11–1–0 | Jerry Claiborne | 11–0–0 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 9–3–1 | Tom Osborne | 8–3–1 |
| 10 | Georgia | 10–2–0 | Vince Dooley | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Alabama | 9–3–0 | Bear Bryant | 8–3–0 |
| 12 | Notre Dame | 9–3–0 | Dan Devine | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | Texas Tech | 10–2–0 | Steve Sloan | 10–1–0 |
| 14 | Oklahoma St. | 9–3–0 | Jim Stanley | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | UCLA | 9–2–1 | Terry Donahue | 9–1–1 |
| 16 | Colorado | 8–4–0 | Bill Mallory | 8–3–0 |
| 17 | Rutgers | 11–0–0 | Frank Burns | same |
| 18 | Kentucky | 9–3–0 | Fran Curci | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Iowa St. | 8–3–0 | Earle Bruce | same |
| 20 | Miss. St. | 9–2–0 | Bob Tyler | same |
1977 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 11–1–0 | Dan Devine | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Alabama | 11–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Arkansas | 11–1–0 | Lou Holtz | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Texas | 11–1–0 | Fred Akers | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | Penn St. | 11–1–0 | Joe Paterno | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Kentucky | 10–1–0 | Fran Curci | same |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 10–2–0 | Barry Switzer | 10–1–0 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh | 9–2–1 | Jackie Sherrill | 8–2–1 |
| 9 | Michigan | 10–2–0 | Bo Schembechler | 10–1–0 |
| 10 | Washington | 10–2–0 | Don James | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Ohio St. | 9–3–0 | Woody Hayes | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Nebraska | 9–3–0 | Tom Osborne | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | Southern Cal | 8–4–0 | John Robinson | 7–4–0 |
| 14 | Florida St. | 10–2–0 | Bobby Bowden | 9–2–0 |
| 15 | Stanford | 9–3–0 | Bill Walsh | 8–3–0 |
| 16 | S. Diego St. | 10–1–0 | Claude Gilbert | same |
| 17 | N. Carolina | 8–3–1 | Bill Dooley | 8–2–1 |
| 18 | Arizona St. | 9–3–0 | Frank Kush | 9–2–0 |
| 19 | Clemson | 8–3–1 | Charley Pell | 8–2–1 |
| 20 | BYU | 9–2–0 | LaVell Edwards | same |
1978 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 11–1–0 | Bear Bryant | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Southern Cal | 12–1–0 | John Robinson | 11–1–0 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Barry Switzer | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Penn St. | 11–1–0 | Joe Paterno | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | Michigan | 10–2–0 | Bo Schembechler | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Clemson | 11–1–0 | Charley Pell | 10–1–0 |
| 7 | Notre Dame | 9–3–0 | Dan Devine | 8–3–0 |
| 8 | Nebraska | 9–3–0 | Tom Osborne | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Texas | 9–3–0 | Fred Akers | 8–3–0 |
| 10 | Houston | 9–3–0 | Bill Yeoman | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Arkansas | 9–2–1 | Lou Holtz | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Michigan St. | 8–3–0 | Darryl Rogers | same |
| 13 | Purdue | 9–2–1 | Jim Young | 8–2–1 |
| 14 | UCLA | 8–3–1 | Terry Donahue | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | Missouri | 8–4–0 | Warren Powers | 7–4–0 |
| 16 | Georgia | 9–2–1 | Vince Dooley | 9–1–1 |
| 17 | Stanford | 8–4–0 | Bill Walsh | 7–4–0 |
| 18 | N.C. State | 9–3–0 | Bo Rein | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Texas A&M | 8–4–0 | Emory Bellard (4–2) | 7–4–0 |
| | Tom Wilson (4–2) | |
| 20 | Maryland | 9–3–0 | Jerry Claiborne | 9–2–0 |
1979 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 12–0–0 | Bear Bryant | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Southern Cal | 11–0–1 | John Robinson | 10–0–1 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Barry Switzer | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Ohio St. | 11–1–0 | Earle Bruce | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | Houston | 11–1–0 | Bill Yeoman | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Florida St. | 11–1–0 | Bobby Bowden | 11–0–0 |
| 7 | Pittsburgh | 11–1–0 | Jackie Sherrill | 10–1–0 |
| 8 | Arkansas | 10–2–0 | Lou Holtz | 10–1–0 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 10–2–0 | Tom Osborne | 10–1–0 |
| 10 | Purdue | 10–2–0 | Jim Young | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Washington | 9–3–0 | Don James | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Texas | 9–3–0 | Fred Akers | 9–2–0 |
| 13 | BYU | 11–1–0 | LaVell Edwards | 11–0–0 |
| 14 | Baylor | 8–4–0 | Grant Teaff | 7–4–0 |
| 15 | N. Carolina | 8–3–1 | Dick Crum | 7–3–1 |
| 16 | Auburn | 8–3–0 | Doug Barfield | same |
| 17 | Temple | 10–2–0 | Wayne Hardin | 9–2–0 |
| 18 | Michigan | 8–4–0 | Bo Schembechler | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Indiana | 8–4–0 | Lee Corso | 7–4–0 |
| 20 | Penn St. | 8–4–0 | Joe Paterno | 7–4–0 |
1980 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Georgia | 12–0–0 | Vince Dooley | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Pittsburgh | 11–1–0 | Jackie Sherrill | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 10–2–0 | Barry Switzer | 9–2–0 |
| 4 | Michigan | 10–2–0 | Bo Schembechler | 9–2–0 |
| 5 | Florida St. | 10–2–0 | Bobby Bowden | 10–1–0 |
| 6 | Alabama | 10–2–0 | Bear Bryant | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Nebraska | 10–2–0 | Tom Osborne | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Penn St. | 10–2–0 | Joe Paterno | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Notre Dame | 9–2–1 | Dan Devine | 9–1–1 |
| 10 | N. Carolina | 11–1–0 | Dick Crum | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Southern Cal | 8–2–1 | John Robinson | same |
| 12 | BYU | 12–1–0 | LaVell Edwards | 11–1–0 |
| 13 | UCLA | 9–2–0 | Terry Donahue | same |
| 14 | Baylor | 10–2–0 | Grant Teaff | 10–1–0 |
| 15 | Ohio St. | 9–3–0 | Earle Bruce | 9–2–0 |
| 16 | Washington | 9–3–0 | Don James | 9–2–0 |
| 17 | Purdue | 9–3–0 | Jim Young | 8–3–0 |
| 18 | Miami, FL | 9–3–0 | H. Schnellenberger | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Miss. St. | 9–3–0 | Emory Bellard | 9–2–0 |
| 20 | SMU | 8–4–0 | Ron Meyer | 8–3–0 |
1981 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Clemson | 12–0–0 | Danny Ford | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Texas | 10–1–1 | Fred Akers | 9–1–1 |
| 3 | Penn St. | 10–2–0 | Joe Paterno | 9–2–0 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh | 11–1–0 | Jackie Sherrill | 10–1–0 |
| 5 | SMU | 10–1–0 | Ron Meyer | same |
| 6 | Georgia | 10–2–0 | Vince Dooley | 10–1–0 |
| 7 | Alabama | 9–2–1 | Bear Bryant | 9–1–1 |
| 8 | Miami, FL | 9–2–0 | H. Schnellenberger | same |
| 9 | N. Carolina | 10–2–0 | Dick Crum | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | Washington | 10–2–0 | Don James | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Nebraska | 9–3–0 | Tom Osborne | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Michigan | 9–3–0 | Bo Schembechler | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | BYU | 11–2–0 | LaVell Edwards | 10–2–0 |
| 14 | Southern Cal | 9–3–0 | John Robinson | 9–2–0 |
| 15 | Ohio St. | 9–3–0 | Earle Bruce | 8–3–0 |
| 16 | Arizona St. | 9–2–0 | Darryl Rogers | same |
| 17 | W. Virginia | 9–3–0 | Don Nehlen | 8–3–0 |
| 18 | Iowa | 8–4–0 | Hayden Fry | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Missouri | 8–4–0 | Warren Powers | 7–4–0 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | 7–4–1 | Barry Switzer | 6–4–1 |
1982 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Penn St. | 11–1–0 | Joe Paterno | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | SMU | 11–0–1 | Bobby Collins | 10–0–1 |
| 3 | Nebraska | 12–1–0 | Tom Osborne | 11–1–0 |
| 4 | Georgia | 11–1–0 | Vince Dooley | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | UCLA | 10–1–1 | Terry Donahue | 9–1–1 |
| 6 | Arizona St. | 10–2–0 | Darryl Rogers | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Washington | 10–2–0 | Don James | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | Clemson | 9–1–1 | Danny Ford | same |
| 9 | Arkansas | 9–2–1 | Lou Holtz | 8–2–1 |
| 10 | Pittsburgh | 9–3–0 | Foge Fazio | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | LSU | 8–3–1 | Jerry Stovall | 8–2–1 |
| 12 | Ohio St. | 9–3–0 | Earle Bruce | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | Florida St. | 9–3–0 | Bobby Bowden | 8–3–0 |
| 14 | Auburn | 9–3–0 | Pat Dye | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | Southern Cal | 8–3–0 | John Robinson | same |
| 16 | Oklahoma | 8–4–0 | Barry Switzer | 8–3–0 |
| 17 | Texas | 9–3–0 | Fred Akers | 9–2–0 |
| 18 | N. Carolina | 8–4–0 | Dick Crum | 7–4–0 |
| 19 | W. Virginia | 9–3–0 | Don Nehlen | 9–2–0 |
| 20 | Maryland | 8–4–0 | Bobby Ross | 8–3–0 |
1983 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Miami, FL | 11–1–0 | H. Schnellenberger | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Nebraska | 12–1–0 | Tom Osborne | 12–0–0 |
| 3 | Auburn | 11–1–0 | Pat Dye | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Georgia | 10–1–1 | Vince Dooley | 9–1–1 |
| 5 | Texas | 11–1–0 | Fred Akers | 11–0–0 |
| 6 | Florida | 9–2–1 | Charley Pell | 8–2–1 |
| 7 | BYU | 11–1–0 | LaVell Edwards | 10–1–0 |
| 8 | Michigan | 9–3–0 | Bo Schembechler | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | Ohio St. | 9–3–0 | Earle Bruce | 8–3–0 |
| 10 | Illinois | 10–2–0 | Mike White | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Clemson | 9–1–1 | Danny Ford | same |
| 12 | SMU | 10–2–0 | Bobby Collins | 10–1–0 |
| 13 | Air Force | 10–2–0 | Ken Hatfield | 9–2–0 |
| 14 | Iowa | 9–3–0 | Hayden Fry | 9–2–0 |
| 15 | Alabama | 8–4–0 | Ray Perkins | 7–4–0 |
| 16 | W. Virginia | 9–3–0 | Don Nehlen | 8–3–0 |
| 17 | UCLA | 7–4–1 | Terry Donahue | 6–4–1 |
| 18 | Pittsburgh | 8–3–1 | Foge Fazio | 8–2–1 |
| 19 | Boston Col. | 9–3–0 | Jack Bicknell | 9–2–0 |
| 20 | E. Carolina | 8–3–0 | Ed Emory | same |
1984 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | BYU | 13–0–0 | LaVell Edwards | 12–0–0 |
| 2 | Washington | 11–1–0 | Don James | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Florida | 9–1–1 | Chas. Pell (0–1–1) | same |
| | Galen Hall (9–0) | |
| 4 | Nebraska | 10–2–0 | Tom Osborne | 9–2–0 |
| 5 | Boston Col. | 10–2–0 | Jack Bicknell | 9–2–0 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 9–2–1 | Barry Switzer | 9–1–1 |
| 7 | Oklahoma St. | 10–2–0 | Pat Jones | 9–2–0 |
| 8 | SMU | 10–2–0 | Bobby Collins | 9–2–0 |
| 9 | UCLA | 9–3–0 | Terry Donahue | 8–3–0 |
| 10 | Southern Cal | 9–3–0 | Ted Tollner | 8–3–0 |
| 11 | S. Carolina | 10–2–0 | Joe Morrison | 10–1–0 |
| 12 | Maryland | 9–3–0 | Bobby Ross | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | Ohio St. | 9–3–0 | Earle Bruce | 9–2–0 |
| 14 | Auburn | 9–4–0 | Pat Dye | 8–4–0 |
| 15 | LSU | 8–3–1 | Bill Arnsparger | 8–2–1 |
| 16 | Iowa | 8–4–1 | Hayden Fry | 7–4–1 |
| 17 | Florida St. | 7–3–2 | Bobby Bowden | 7–3–1 |
| 18 | Miami, FL | 8–5–0 | Jimmy Johnson | 8–4–0 |
| 19 | Kentucky | 9–3–0 | Jerry Claiborne | 8–3–0 |
| 20 | Virginia | 8–2–2 | George Welsh | 7–2–2 |
1985 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Barry Switzer | 10–1–0 |
| 2 | Michigan | 10–1–1 | Bo Schembechler | 9–1–1 |
| 3 | Penn St. | 11–1–0 | Joe Paterno | 11–0–0 |
| 4 | Tennessee | 9–1–2 | Johnny Majors | 8–1–2 |
| 5 | Florida | 9–1–1 | Galen Hall | same |
| 6 | Texas A&M | 10–2–0 | Jackie Sherrill | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | UCLA | 9–2–1 | Terry Donahue | 8–2–1 |
| 8 | Air Force | 12–1–0 | Fisher DeBerry | 11–1–0 |
| 9 | Miami, FL | 10–2–0 | Jimmy Johnson | 10–1–0 |
| 10 | Iowa | 10–2–0 | Hayden Fry | 10–1–0 |
| 11 | Nebraska | 9–3–0 | Tom Osborne | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Arkansas | 10–2–0 | Ken Hatfield | 9–2–0 |
| 13 | Alabama | 9–2–1 | Ray Perkins | 8–2–1 |
| 14 | Ohio St. | 9–3–0 | Earle Bruce | 8–3–0 |
| 15 | Florida St. | 9–3–0 | Bobby Bowden | 8–3–0 |
| 16 | BYU | 11–3–0 | LaVell Edwards | 11–2–0 |
| 17 | Baylor | 9–3–0 | Grant Teaff | 8–3–0 |
| 18 | Maryland | 9–3–0 | Bobby Ross | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Georgia Tech | 9–2–1 | Bill Curry | 8–2–1 |
| 20 | LSU | 9–2–1 | Bill Arnsparger | 9–1–1 |
1986 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Penn St. | 12–0–0 | Joe Paterno | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Miami, FL | 11–1–0 | Jimmy Johnson | 11–0–0 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Barry Switzer | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Arizona St. | 10–1–1 | John Cooper | 9–1–1 |
| 5 | Nebraska | 10–2–0 | Tom Osborne | 9–2–0 |
| 6 | Auburn | 10–2–0 | Pat Dye | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Ohio St. | 10–3–0 | Earle Bruce | 9–3–0 |
| 8 | Michigan | 11–2–0 | Bo Schembechler | 11–1–0 |
| 9 | Alabama | 10–3–0 | Ray Perkins | 9–3–0 |
| 10 | LSU | 9–3–0 | Bill Arnsparger | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Arizona | 9–3–0 | Larry Smith | 8–3–0 |
| 12 | Baylor | 9–3–0 | Grant Teaff | 8–3–0 |
| 13 | Texas A&M | 9–3–0 | Jackie Sherrill | 9–2–0 |
| 14 | UCLA | 8–3–1 | Terry Donahue | 7–3–1 |
| 15 | Arkansas | 9–3–0 | Ken Hatfield | 9–2–0 |
| 16 | Iowa | 9–3–0 | Hayden Fry | 8–3–0 |
| 17 | Clemson | 8–2–2 | Danny Ford | 7–2–2 |
| 18 | Washington | 8–3–1 | Don James | 8–2–1 |
| 19 | Boston Col. | 9–3–0 | Jack Bicknell | 8–3–0 |
| 20 | Va. Tech | 9–2–1 | Bill Dooley | 8–2–1 |
1987 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Miami, FL | 12–0–0 | Jimmy Johnson | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Florida St. | 11–1–0 | Bobby Bowden | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 11–1–0 | Barry Switzer | 11–0–0 |
| 4 | Syracuse | 11–0–1 | Dick MacPherson | 11–0–0 |
| 5 | LSU | 10–1–1 | Mike Archer | 9–1–1 |
| 6 | Nebraska | 10–2–0 | Tom Osborne | 10–1–0 |
| 7 | Auburn | 9–1–2 | Pat Dye | 9–1–1 |
| 8 | Michigan St. | 9–2–1 | George Perles | 8–2–1 |
| 9 | UCLA | 10–2–0 | Terry Donahue | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | Texas A&M | 10–2–0 | Jackie Sherrill | 9–2–0 |
| 11 | Oklahoma St. | 10–2–0 | Pat Jones | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Clemson | 10–2–0 | Danny Ford | 9–2–0 |
| 13 | Georgia | 9–3–0 | Vince Dooley | 8–3–0 |
| 14 | Tennessee | 10–2–1 | Johnny Majors | 9–2–1 |
| 15 | S. Carolina | 8–4–0 | Joe Morrison | 8–3–0 |
| 16 | Iowa | 10–3–0 | Hayden Fry | 9–3–0 |
| 17 | Notre Dame | 8–4–0 | Lou Holtz | 8–3–0 |
| 18 | Southern Cal | 8–4–0 | Larry Smith | 8–3–0 |
| 19 | Michigan | 8–4–0 | Bo Schembechler | 7–4–0 |
| 20 | Arizona St. | 7–4–1 | John Cooper | 6–4–1 |
1988 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame | 12–0–0 | Lou Holtz | 11–0–0 |
| 2 | Miami, FL | 11–1–0 | Jimmy Johnson | 10–1–0 |
| 3 | Florida St. | 11–1–0 | Bobby Bowden | 10–1–0 |
| 4 | Michigan | 9–2–1 | Bo Schembechler | 8–2–1 |
| 5 | W. Virginia | 11–1–0 | Don Nehlen | 11–0–0 |
| 6 | UCLA | 10–2–0 | Terry Donahue | 9–2–0 |
| 7 | Southern Cal | 10–2–0 | Larry Smith | 10–1–0 |
| 8 | Auburn | 10–2–0 | Pat Dye | 10–1–0 |
| 9 | Clemson | 10–2–0 | Danny Ford | 9–2–0 |
| 10 | Nebraska | 11–2–0 | Tom Osborne | 11–1–0 |
| 11 | Oklahoma St. | 10–2–0 | Pat Jones | 9–2–0 |
| 12 | Arkansas | 10–2–0 | Ken Hatfield | 10–1–0 |
| 13 | Syracuse | 10–2–0 | Dick MacPherson | 9–2–0 |
| 14 | Oklahoma | 9–3–0 | Barry Switzer | 9–2–0 |
| 15 | Georgia | 9–3–0 | Vince Dooley | 8–3–0 |
| 16 | Wash. St. | 9–3–0 | Dennis Erickson | 8–3–0 |
| 17 | Alabama | 9–3–0 | Bill Curry | 8–3–0 |
| 18 | Houston | 9–3–0 | Jack Pardee | 9–2–0 |
| 19 | LSU | 8–4–0 | Mike Archer | 8–3–0 |
| 20 | Indiana | 8–3–1 | Bill Mallory | 7–3–1 |
1989 College Football Recap: Final AP Top 25
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Miami, FL | 11-1-0 | Dennis Erickson | 10-1-0 |
| 2 | Notre Dame | 12-1-0 | Lou Holtz | 11-1-0 |
| 3 | Florida St. | 10-2-0 | Bobby Bowden | 9-2-0 |
| 4 | Colorado | 11-1-0 | Bill McCartney | 11-0-0 |
| 5 | Tennessee | 11-1-0 | Johnny Majors | 10-1-0 |
| 6 | Auburn | 10-2-0 | Pat Dye | 9-2-0 |
| 7 | Michigan | 10-2-0 | Bo Schembechler | 10-1-0 |
| 8 | Southern Cal | 9-2-1 | Larry Smith | 8-2-1 |
| 9 | Alabama | 10-2-0 | Bill Curry | 10-1-0 |
| 10 | Illinois | 10-2-0 | John Mackovic | 9-2-0 |
| 11 | Nebraska | 10-2-0 | Tom Osborne | 10-1-0 |
| 12 | Clemson | 10-2-0 | Danny Ford | 9-2-0 |
| 13 | Arkansas | 10-2-0 | Ken Hatfield | 10-1-0 |
| 14 | Houston | 9-2-0 | Jack Pardee | Same |
| 15 | Penn St. | 8-3-1 | Joe Paterno | 7-3-1 |
| 16 | Michigan St. | 8-4-0 | George Perles | 7-4-0 |
| 17 | Pittsburgh | 8-3-1 | Mike Gottfried | 7-3-1 |
| 18 | Virginia | 10-3-0 | George Welsh | 10-2-0 |
| 19 | Texas Tech | 9-3-0 | Spike Dykes | 8-3-0 |
| 20 | Texas A&M | 8-4-0 | R.C. Slocum | 8-3-0 |
| 21 | West Virginia | 8-3-1 | Don Nehlen | 8-2-1 |
| 22 | BYU | 10-3-0 | LaVell Edwards | 10-2-0 |
| 23 | Washington | 8-4-0 | Don James | 7-4-0 |
| 24 | Ohio St. | 8-4-0 | John Cooper | 8-3-0 |
| 25 | Arizona | 8-4-0 | Dick Tomey | 7-4-0 |
Note: Pittsburgh fired Mike Gottfried as head coach on Dec. 14. Pitt beat Texas A&M in John Hancock Bowl on Dec. 30 for new coach Paul Hackett.
1990 College Football Recap: Final AP Top 25
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 11-1-1 | Bill McCartney | 10-1-1 |
| 2 | Georgia Tech | 11-0-1 | Bobby Ross | 10-0-1 |
| 3 | Miami-FL | 10-2-0 | Dennis Erickson | 9-2-0 |
| 4 | Florida St. | 10-2-0 | Bobby Bowden | 9-2-0 |
| 5 | Washington | 10-2-0 | Don James | 9-2-0 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 9-3-0 | Lou Holtz | 9-2-0 |
| 7 | Michigan | 9-3-0 | Gary Moeller | 8-3-0 |
| 8 | Tennessee | 9-2-2 | Johnny Majors | 8-2-2 |
| 9 | Clemson | 10-2-0 | Ken Hatfield | 9-2-0 |
| 10 | Houston | 10-1-0 | John Jenkins | same |
| 11 | Penn St. | 9-3-0 | Joe Paterno | 9-2-0 |
| 12 | Texas | 10-2-0 | David McWilliams | 10-1-0 |
| 13 | Florida | 9-2-0 | Steve Spurrier | same |
| 14 | Louisville | 10-1-1 | Howard Schnellenberger | 9-1-1 |
| 15 | Texas A&M | 9-3-1 | R.C. Slocum | 8-3-1 |
| 16 | Michigan St. | 8-3-1 | George Perles | 7-3-1 |
| 17 | Oklahoma | 8-3-0 | Gary Gibbs | same |
| 18 | Iowa | 8-4-0 | Hayden Fry | 8-3-0 |
| 19 | Auburn | 8-3-1 | Pat Dye | 7-3-1 |
| 20 | USC | 8-4-1 | Larry Smith | 8-3-1 |
| 21 | Mississippi | 9-3-0 | Billy Brewer | 9-2-0 |
| 22 | BYU | 10-3-0 | LaVell Edwards | 10-2-0 |
| 23 | Virginia | 8-4-0 | George Welsh | 8-3-0 |
| 24 | Nebraska | 9-3-0 | Tom Osborne | 9-2-0 |
| 25 | Illinois | 8-4-0 | John Mackovic | 8-3-0 |
1991 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Miami-FL | 12-0-0 | Dennis Erickson | 11-0-0 |
| 2 | Washington | 12-0-0 | Don James | 11-0-0 |
| 3 | Penn St. | 11-2-0 | Joe Paterno | 10-2-0 |
| 4 | Florida St. | 11-2-0 | Bobby Bowden | 10-2-0 |
| 5 | Alabama | 11-1-0 | Gene Stallings | 10-1-0 |
| 6 | Michigan | 10-2-0 | Gary Moeller | 10-1-0 |
| 7 | Florida | 10-2-0 | Steve Spurrier | 10-1-0 |
| 8 | California | 10-2-0 | Bruce Snyder | 9-2-0 |
| 9 | East Carolina | 11-1-0 | Bill Lewis | 10-1-0 |
| 10 | Iowa | 10-1-1 | Hayden Fry | 10-1-0 |
| 11 | Syracuse | 10-2-0 | Paul Pasqualoni | 9-2-0 |
| 12 | Texas A&M | 10-2-0 | R.C. Slocum | 10-1-0 |
| 13 | Notre Dame | 10-3-0 | Lou Holtz | 9-3-0 |
| 14 | Tennessee | 9-3-0 | Johnny Majors | 9-2-0 |
| 15 | Nebraska | 9-2-1 | Tom Osborne | 9-1-1 |
| 16 | Oklahoma | 9-3-0 | Gary Gibbs | 8-3-0 |
| 17 | Georgia | 9-3-0 | Ray Goff | 8-3-0 |
| 18 | Clemson | 9-2-1 | Ken Hatfield | 9-1-1 |
| 19 | UCLA | 9-3-0 | Terry Donahue | 8-3-0 |
| 20 | Colorado | 8-3-1 | Bill McCartney | 8-2-1 |
1992 College Football Recap: Final AP Top 25
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 13-0-0 | Gene Stallings | 12-0-0 |
| 2 | Florida St. | 11-1-0 | Bobby Bowden | 10-1-0 |
| 3 | Miami, FL | 11-1-0 | Dennis Erickson | 11-0-0 |
| 4 | Notre Dame | 10-1-0 | Lou Holtz | 9-1-0 |
| 5 | Michigan | 9-0-3 | Gary Moeller | 8-0-3 |
| 6 | Syracuse | 10-2-0 | Paul Pasqualoni | 9-2-0 |
| 7 | Texas A&M | 12-1-0 | R.C. Slocum | 12-0-0 |
| 8 | Georgia | 10-2-0 | Ray Goff | 9-2-0 |
| 9 | Stanford | 10-3-0 | Bill Walsh | 9-3-0 |
| 10 | Florida | 9-4-0 | Steve Spurrier | 8-4-0 |
| 11 | Washington | 9-3-0 | Don James | 9-2-0 |
| 12 | Tennessee | 9-3-0 | Johnny Majors (5-3) | 8-3-0 |
| | | | & Phillip Fulmer (4-0) | |
| 13 | Colorado | 9-2-1 | Bill McCartney | 9-1-1 |
| 14 | Nebraska | 9-3-0 | Tom Osborne | 9-2-0 |
| 15 | Washington St. | 9-3-0 | Mike Price | 8-3-0 |
| 16 | Mississippi | 9-3-0 | Billy Brewer | 8-3-0 |
| 17 | N.C. State | 9-3-1 | Dick Sheridan | 9-2-1 |
| 18 | Ohio St. | 8-3-1 | John Cooper | 8-2-1 |
| 19 | North Carolina | 9-3-0 | Mack Brown | 8-3-0 |
| 20 | Hawaii | 11-2-0 | Bob Wagner | 10-2-0 |
| 21 | Boston College | 8-3-1 | Tom Coughlin | 8-2-1 |
| 22 | Kansas | 8-4-0 | Glen Mason | 7-4-0 |
| 23 | Mississippi St. | 7-5-0 | Jackie Sherrill | 7-4-0 |
| 24 | Fresno St. | 9-4-0 | Jim Sweeney | 8-4-0 |
| 25 | Wake Forest | 8-4-0 | Bill Dooley | 7-4-0 |
1993 College Football Recap: Final AP Top 25
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Florida St. | 12-1-0 | Bobby Bowden | 11-1-0 |
| 2 | Notre Dame | 11-1-0 | Lou Holtz | 10-1-0 |
| 3 | Nebraska | 11-1-0 | Tom Osborne | 11-0-0 |
| 4 | Auburn | 11-0-0 | Terry Bowden | 11-0-0 |
| 5 | Florida | 11-2-0 | Steve Spurrier | 10-2-0 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 10-1-1 | Barry Alvarez | 9-1-1 |
| 7 | West Virginia | 11-1-0 | Don Nehlen | 11-0-0 |
| 8 | Penn St. | 10-2-0 | Joe Paterno | 9-2-0 |
| 9 | Texas A&M | 10-2-0 | R.C. Slocum | 10-1-0 |
| 10 | Arizona | 10-2-0 | Dick Tomey | 9-2-0 |
| 11 | Ohio St. | 10-1-1 | John Cooper | 9-1-1 |
| 12 | Tennessee | 9-2-1 | Philip Fulmer | 9-1-1 |
| 13 | Boston College | 9-3-0 | Tom Coughlin | 8-3-0 |
| 14 | Alabama | 9-3-1 | Gene Stallings | 8-3-1 |
| 15 | Miami-FL | 9-3-0 | Dennis Erickson | 9-2-0 |
| 16 | Colorado | 8-3-1 | Bill McCartney | 7-3-1 |
| 17 | Oklahoma | 9-3-0 | Gary Gibbs | 8-3-0 |
| 18 | UCLA | 8-4-0 | Terry Donahue | 8-3-0 |
| 19 | North Carolina | 10-3-0 | Mack Brown | 10-2-0 |
| 20 | Kansas St. | 9-2-1 | Bill Snyder | 8-2-1 |
| 21 | Michigan | 8-4-0 | Gary Moeller | 7-4-0 |
| 22 | Virginia Tech | 9-3-0 | Frank Beamer | 8-3-0 |
| 23 | Clemson | 9-3-0 | Ken Hatfield/Tommy West | 8-3-0 |
| 24 | Louisville | 9-3-0 | Howard Schellenberger | 8-3-0 |
| 25 | California | 9-4-0 | Keith Gilbertson | 8-4-0 |
1994 College Football Final AP Top 20
Writers' poll taken after bowl games.
| | | Final Record | Head Coach | Before Bowls |
|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | 13-0-0 | Tom Osborne | 12-0-0 |
| 2 | Penn St. | 12-0-0 | Joe Paterno | 11-0-0 |
| 3 | Colorado | 11-1-0 | Bill McCartney | 10-1-0 |
| 4 | Florida St. | 10-1-1 | Bobby Bowden | 9-1-1 |
| 5 | Alabama | 12-1-0 | Gene Stallings | 11-1-0 |
| 6 | Miami-FL | 10-2-0 | Dennis Erickson | 10-1-0 |
| 7 | Florida | 10-2-1 | Steve Spurrier | 10-1-1 |
| 8 | Texas A&M | 10-0-1 | R.C. Slocum | same |
| 9 | Auburn | 9-1-1 | Terry Bowden | same |
| 10 | Utah | 10-2-0 | Ron McBride | 9-2-0 |
| 11 | Oregon | 9-4-0 | Rich Brooks | 9-3-0 |
| 12 | Michigan | 8-4-0 | Gary Moeller | 7-4-0 |
| 13 | USC | 8-3-1 | John Robinson | 7-3-1 |
| 14 | Ohio St. | 9-4-0 | John Cooper | 9-3-0 |
| 15 | Virginia | 9-3-0 | George Welsh | 8-3-0 |
| 16 | Colorado St. | 10-2-0 | Sonny Lubick | 10-1-0 |
| 17 | N.C. State | 9-3-0 | Mike O'Cain | 8-3-0 |
| 18 | BYU | 10-3-0 | LaVell Edwards | 9-3-0 |
| 19 | Kansas St. | 9-3-0 | Bill Snyder | 9-2-0 |
| 20 | Arizona | 8-4-0 | Dick Tomey | 8-3-0 |
No more laters for the Gators
1997 NCAA College Football Season Overview
1996-97 Season: AP Preseason and Final Regular Season Polls
