See the "notes" file for information on the preseason consensus. See the "2004 accuracy" file for a comparison between 2004 preseason predictions and final conference standings.
Columns headed with yellow backgrounds are online sites that are not reviewed by me. Clicking on the column heading text of on online site will take you to the actual site instead of a review.
If you are having trouble locating a magazine that you want, the individual reviews will tell you how to order direct from the publisher.
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| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | Southern Cal | 357 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 344 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | Georgia | 336 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 4 | Louisiana State | 318 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| 5 | Miami-Florida | 302 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| 6 | Florida State | 295 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| 7 | Texas | 285 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| 8 | Michigan | 277 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| 9 | Ohio State | 238 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 24 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 14 |
| 10t | Auburn | 188 | 22 | 19 | 19 | 12 | 13 | 25 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 20 | 7 |
| 10t | Kansas State | 188 | 16 | 12 | 20 | 14 | - | 16 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 25 |
| 10t | West Virginia | 188 | 9 | 5 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | - | 20 | 19 | 15 | 15 |
| 13 | Tennessee | 178 | 17 | 18 | 24 | 10 | 10 | 22 | 16 | 18 | 11 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| 14 | Florida | 176 | 13 | 15 | 12 | 19 | 9 | 18 | - | 20 | 6 | 18 | 14 | 21 |
| 15 | Missouri | 173 | 15 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 14 | 17 | - | 14 | 25 | 12 | 11 |
| 16 | California | 169 | 10 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 17 | 8 | - | 14 | 22 | 24 | 11 | 24 |
| 17 | Clemson | 151 | - | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 11 | 19 | 13 | 16 | 14 | - | - |
| 18 | Virginia | 148 | 14 | 25 | 9 | 21 | 14 | - | 10 | - | - | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| 19 | Iowa | 122 | - | 17 | 16 | 18 | 11 | 15 | 23 | - | 15 | 11 | - | - |
| 20 | Utah | 111 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 10 | - | - | 19 | - | 19 | - |
| 21 | Wisconsin | 97 | 18 | 21 | - | 11 | 20 | - | 21 | 21 | - | - | - | 8 |
| 22 | Maryland | 90 | - | 20 | 17 | - | 18 | 20 | 20 | - | 17 | 15 | - | - |
| 23 | Oregon | 77 | 20 | - | 18 | 23 | - | - | 24 | 19 | 18 | - | 18 | - |
| 24 | Nebraska | 74 | - | 23 | - | 22 | - | - | - | 12 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 22 |
| 25 | Memphis | 58 | 19 | - | - | - | 23 | 9 | - | 15 | - | - | - | - |
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 26 | Louisville | 54 | 21 | - | 22 | - | - | 17 | 18 | - | - | - | 23 | - |
| 27 | Purdue | 49 | - | - | - | 24 | 22 | - | - | 17 | - | 22 | 21 | - |
| 28 | Oklahoma State | 43 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 13 | 24 | - | - | - | 13 |
| 29 | Toledo | 37½ | - | - | 25 | - | 24½ | 19 | - | - | 25 | - | 24 | - |
| 30 | Minnesota | 35½ | - | 24 | - | - | 24½ | - | - | - | 23 | - | 17 | - |
| 31 | Virginia Tech | 30 | - | - | 23 | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 32 | N.C. State | 28 | 23 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 17 | 25 | - |
| 33 | Oregon State | 24 | - | 22 | - | - | - | - | - | 16 | - | - | - | - |
| 34t | Alabama | 23 | 25 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 22 | - | - | - | 23 |
| 34t | Texas Christian | 23 | - | - | - | 25 | - | 21 | - | - | 24 | - | - | - |
| 36 | Notre Dame | 22 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 23 | - | - | - | 17 |
| 37 | Georgia Tech | 18 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 25 | - | - | - | - | 19 |
| 38 | Texas A&M | 13 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 18 |
| 39t | South Carolina | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 20 |
| 39t | Washington State | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 20 | - | - |
| 41 | Mississippi | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 22 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 42t | Boise State | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 23 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 42t | Miami-Ohio | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 23 | - | - |
| 44 | Hawaii | 7 | 24 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 45 | Connecticut | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 25 | - | - | - | - |
| 46 | unranked | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Notes:
- Street & Smith picked Toledo and Minnesota tied for 24th/25th nationally.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | Miami-Florida | 19 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2½ | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1½ |
| 2 | Florida State | 19½ | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2½ | 1 | 2½ | 2 | 2 | 1½ |
| 3 | Virginia | 45 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 2½ | 5 | 2½ | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | Clemson | 50 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5½ | 3 | 4½ | 4 | 7 | 4 |
| 5 | Maryland | 63½ | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5½ | 7 | 4½ | 5 | 5 | 6½ |
| 6 | N.C. State | 69½ | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 2½ | 4 | 6½ | 6 | 4 | 6½ |
| 7 | Virginia Tech | 80½ | 4 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8½ |
| 8 | Georgia Tech | 86½ | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6½ | 7 | 9 | 4 |
| 9 | Wake Forest | 106½ | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8½ |
| 10 | North Carolina | 123 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| 11 | Duke | 129 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a four-way tie between Florida State, Miami-Florida, Virginia, and N.C. State for first/second/third/fourth in the ACC.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Clemson and Maryland for fifth/sixth in the ACC.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Florida State and Virginia for second/third in the ACC.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Clemson and Maryland for fourth/fifth in the ACC.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between N.C. State and Georgia Tech for sixth/seventh in the ACC.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Miami-Florida and Florida State for first/second in the ACC.
- ATS Consultants predicted a three-way tie between Virginia, Clemson, and Georgia Tech for third/fourth/fifth in the ACC.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Maryland and N.C. State for sixth/seventh in the ACC.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Virginia Tech and Wake Forest for eighth/ninth in the ACC.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | West Virginia | 13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Boston College | 29½ | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2½ |
| 3 | Pittsburgh | 44½ | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 2½ |
| 4 | Syracuse | 52½ | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5½ |
| 5 | Connecticut | 53½ | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 5½ | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 6 | Rutgers | 61 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 5½ | 6 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 5½ |
| 7 | Temple | 82 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a three-way tie between Boston College, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse for second/third/fourth in the Big East.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Connecticut and Rutgers for fifth/sixth in the Big East.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Boston College and Pittsburgh for second/third in the Big East.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Syracuse and Rutgers for fifth/sixth in the Big East.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | Michigan | 16½ | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 1 | 2½ | 2 | 1 | 1½ |
| 2 | Ohio State | 25 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1½ | 2 | 2½ | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 46½ | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3½ | 4 | 4½ | 5 | 5 | 1½ |
| 4 | Iowa | 49½ | 6 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3½ | 6 | 4½ | 3 | 6 | 6½ |
| 5 | Minnesota | 60½ | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 4½ |
| 6 | Purdue | 61 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6½ | 3 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4½ |
| 7 | Penn State | 84½ | 5 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6½ | 5 | 8 | 8½ | 8 | 6½ |
| 8 | Michigan State | 90 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8½ | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8½ |
| 9 | Northwestern | 107½ | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8½ | 9 | 9 | 8½ | 9 | 8½ |
| 10 | Illinois | 123 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| 11 | Indiana | 128 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a tie between Michigan and Ohio State for first/second in the Big Ten.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Iowa and Wisconsin for third/fourth in the Big Ten.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Purdue and Penn state for sixth/seventh in the Big Ten.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Michigan State and Northwestern for eighth/ninth in the Big Ten.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Ohio State and Michigan for second/third in the Big Ten.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Iowa and Wisconsin for fourth/fifth in the Big Ten.
- CPA Rankings predicted a three-way tie between Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Purdue for fourth/fifth/sixth in the Big Ten.
- CPA Rankings predicted a tie between Penn State and Northwestern for eighth/ninth in the Big Ten.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Michigan and Wisconsin for first/second in the Big Ten.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Minnesota and Purdue for fourth/fifth in the Big Ten.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Iowa and Penn State for sixth/seventh in the Big Ten.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Michigan State and Northwestern for eighth/ninth in the Big Ten.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| North | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Missouri | 18½ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2½ | 1 |
| 2 | Kansas State | 21 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2½ | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2½ |
| 3 | Nebraska | 35½ | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2½ | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2½ | 2½ |
| 4 | Colorado | 49½ | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4½ | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | Kansas | 61 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| 6 | Iowa State | 66½ | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4½ | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| South | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Oklahoma | 12½ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1½ |
| 2 | Texas | 23½ | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1½ |
| 3 | Oklahoma St. | 42½ | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3½ | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | Texas Tech | 49 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | Texas A&M | 52½ | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3½ | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| 6 | Baylor | 72 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a tie between Kansas State and Nebraska for second/third in the Big XII North.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Colorado and Iowa State for fourth/fifth in the Big XII North.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Oklahoma State and Texas A&M for third/fourth in the Big XII South.
- Blue Ribbon predicted a tie between Nebraska and Missouri for second/third in the Big XII North.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Kansas State and Nebraska for second/third in the Big XII North.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Oklahoma and Texas for first/second in the Big XII South.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | Louisville | 27 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Texas Christian | 28½ | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2½ |
| 3 | Memphis | 29 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | Southern Miss | 42 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 5 | UAB | 65 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 5½ | 7 | 6½ | 6½ | 5 | 2½ |
| 6 | South Florida | 80 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7½ | 9 | 6½ | 5 | 7 | 7 |
| 7t | Cincinnati | 83 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5½ | 4 | 6½ | 8 | 9 | 5 |
| 7t | Houston | 83 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 6½ | 6½ | 6 | 8 |
| 9 | Tulane | 108 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| 10 | East Carolina | 115½ | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 7½ | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| 11 | Army | 131 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a three-way tie between Memphis, Texas Christian, and Southern Mississippi for second/third/fourth in CUSA.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Cincinnati and UAB for fifth/sixth in CUSA.
- College Football News predicted a tie between South Florida and East Carolina for seventh/eighth in CUSA.
- CNN/SI predicted a three-way tie between Louisville, Texas Christian, and Southern Mississippi for second/third/fourth in CUSA.
- CNN/SI predicted a four-way tie between Cincinnati, Houston, UAB, and South Florida for fifth/sixth/seventh/eighth in CUSA.
- CPA Rankings predicted a tie between UAB and Houston for sixth/seventh in CUSA.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Texas Christian and UAB for second/third in CUSA.
- ATS Consultants predicted a three-way tie between Memphis, Southern Miss, and Cincinnati for fourth/fifth/sixth in CUSA.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| East | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Marshall | 15½ | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | Miami-Ohio | 21½ | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1½ | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Central Florida | 45 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 4 | Akron | 45½ | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4½ | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 5 | Kent | 57½ | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4½ | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| 6 | Ohio U. | 72 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6½ | 5 | 6½ | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 7 | Buffalo | 79 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 6½ | 7 | 6½ | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| West | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Toledo | 17½ | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2½ | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | N. Illinois | 25½ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2½ | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| 3 | Bowling Green | 29 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2½ | 1 | 2½ | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Western Michigan | 54½ | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4½ |
| 5 | Ball State | 62½ | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4½ |
| 6 | Central Michigan | 73 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 6½ | 7 | 7 | 6½ |
| 7 | Eastern Michigan | 74 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 6½ | 6 | 5 | 6½ |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a tie between Marshall and Miami-Ohio for first/second in the MAC East.
- College Football News predicted a three-way tie between Akron, Central Florida, and Kent for third/fourth/fifth in the MAC East.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Ohio and Buffalo for sixth/seventh in the MAC East.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Toledo and Bowling Green for second/third in the MAC West.
- College Football News predicted a three-way tie between Western Michigan, Central Michigan, and Eastern Michigan for fifth/sixth/seventh in the MAC West.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Akron and Kent for fourth/fifth in the MAC East.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Ohio and Buffalo for sixth/seventh in the MAC East.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Northern Illinois and Bowling Green for second/third in the MAC West.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan for sixth/seventh in the MAC West.
- ATS Consultants predicted a three-way tie between Miami-Ohio, Central Florida, and Akron for second/third/fourth in the MAC East.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Ball State and Western Michigan for fourth/fifth in the MAC West.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan for sixth/seventh in the MAC West.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | Utah | 13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | San Diego St. | 35 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3½ | 4 | 2 | 2½ |
| 3 | Colorado St. | 36 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | New Mexico | 54 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 4½ | 6 | 3½ | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 5 | Brigham Young | 55 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 4½ | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 2½ |
| 6 | UNLV | 72½ | 3 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5½ |
| 7 | Air Force | 74 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7½ | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5½ |
| 8 | Wyoming | 92½ | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7½ | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a tie between Brigham Young and New Mexico for fourth/fifth in the Mountain West.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Air Force and Wyoming for seventh/eighth in the Mountain West.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between San Diego State and New Mexico State for third/fourth in the Mountain West.
- CNN/SI predicted a three-way tie between UNLV, Air Force, and Wyoming for sixth/seventh/eighth in the Mountain West.
- CPA Rankings predicted a three-way tie between UNLV, Air Force, and Brigham Young for fifth/sixth/seventh in the Mountain West.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between San Diego State and Brigham Young for second/third in the Mountain West.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Air Force and UNLV for fifth/sixth in the Mountain West.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | Southern Cal | 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | California | 28 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3½ | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3½ |
| 3 | Oregon | 40 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3½ | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3½ |
| 4 | Oregon State | 55 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 3½ | 3 | 5½ | 5 | 4 | 7 |
| 5 | Arizona State | 64½ | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3½ | 5 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| 6 | Washington St. | 65½ | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6½ | 7 | 5½ | 2 | 5 | 3½ |
| 7 | Washington | 79½ | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6½ | 8 | 7½ | 6 | 7 | 3½ |
| 8 | UCLA | 90½ | 6 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7½ | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| 9 | Arizona | 111 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| 10 | Stanford | 114 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a four-way tie between California, Oregon, Oregon State, and Arizona State for second/third/fourth/fifth in the Pacific 10.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Washington and Washington State for sixth/seventh in the Pacific 10.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Oregon State and Washington State for fifth/sixth in the Pacific 10.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Washington and UCLA for seventh/eighth in the Pacific 10.
- ATS Consultants predicted a four-way tie between California, Oregon, Washington State, and Washington for second/third/fourth/fifth in the Pacific 10.
- ATS Consultants predicted a three-way tie between Oregon State, Arizona State, and UCLA for sixth/seventh/eighth in the Pacific 10.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| East | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Georgia | 12½ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 30 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1½ | 2 | 3½ | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | Florida | 31½ | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3½ | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 46 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3½ | 4 | 3½ | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 5 | Kentucky | 65½ | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5½ |
| 6 | Vanderbilt | 66½ | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5½ |
| West | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Louisiana St. | 12½ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1½ |
| 2 | Auburn | 24½ | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1½ |
| 3 | Alabama | 42½ | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4½ | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 4 | Mississippi | 45½ | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4½ |
| 5 | Arkansas | 56 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4½ | 4 | 5 | 4½ |
| 6 | Mississippi St. | 71 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a tie between Georgia and Tennessee for first/second in the SEC East.
- College Football News predicted a tie between Florida and South Carolina for third/fourth in the SEC East.
- College Football News predicted a three-way tie between Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi for third/fourth/fifth in the SEC West.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Tennessee and South Carolina for third/fourth in the SEC East.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Alabama and Arkansas for fourth/fifth in the SEC West.
- ATS Consultants predicted a three-way tie between Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina for second/third/fourth in the SEC East.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Kentucky and Vanderbilt for fifth/sixth in the SEC East.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Auburn and Louisiana State for first/second in the SEC West.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Arkansas and Mississippi for fourth/fifth in the SEC West.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | North Texas | 13½ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2½ |
| 2 | Troy State | 31½ | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2½ | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 | New Mexico St. | 44 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2½ | 6 | 5 | 4½ |
| 4 | Middle Tennessee | 55½ | 3 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4½ |
| 5 | Louisiana-Lafay. | 64 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| 6 | Utah State | 67 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| 7 | Arkansas State | 81½ | 9 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 2½ |
| 8 | Louisiana-Monroe | 88 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| 9 | Idaho | 95 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 8 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a five-way tie between Louisiana-Lafayette, Utah State, Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas State, and Idaho, for fifth/sixth/seventh/eighth/ninth in the Sun Belt.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Troy State and New Mexico State for second/third in the Sun Belt.
- CNN/SI predicted a three-way tie between Louisiana-Lafayette, Utah State, and Arkansas State for sixth/seventh/eighth in the Sun Belt.
- CPA Rankings predicted a three-way tie between Middle Tennessee, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Utah State for third/fourth/fifth in the Sun Belt.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Arkansas State and North Texas for second/third in the Sun Belt.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Middle Tennessee and New Mexico State for fourth/fifth in the Sun Belt.
| Rank | Team | Total Points |
Phil Steele |
Athlon | Sporting News |
Lindy | Street & Smith |
Gold Sheet |
Coll. F'ball News |
Game Plan |
CNN/ SI |
CPA rnk |
Blue Ribbon |
ATS Cons. |
| 1 | Fresno State | 19½ | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1½ |
| 2 | Boise State | 22 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2½ | 1 | 3 | 1½ |
| 3 | Tulsa | 43 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 2½ | 4 | 2 | 4½ |
| 4 | Hawaii | 44½ | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4½ | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 5 | Rice | 64 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4½ | 5 | 5 | 4½ |
| 6 | Nevada | 71½ | 9 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5½ | 5 | 8½ | 6½ | 6 | 3 |
| 7 | Louisiana Tech | 83 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 5½ | 8 | 6 | 6½ | 7 | 9 |
| 8 | Texas-El Paso | 88 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| 9 | S. Methodist | 108½ | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8½ | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| 10 | San Jose St. | 116 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 |
Notes:
- College Football News predicted a tie between Nevada and Louisiana Tech for fifth/sixth in the WAC.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Boise State and Tulsa for second/third in the WAC.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Hawaii and Rice for fourth/fifth in the WAC.
- CNN/SI predicted a tie between Nevada and Southern Methodist for eighth/ninth in the WAC.
- CPA Rankings predicted a tie between Nevada and Louisiana Tech for sixth/seventh in the WAC.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Boise State and Fresno State for first/second in the WAC.
- ATS Consultants predicted a tie between Rice and Tulsa for fourth/fifth in the WAC.