AP Preseason #5 Wins More Natty’s than #1

[tf3]

While we’re waiting for today’s scrimmage reports, I thought I’d share a fun fact about AP preseason rankings. As you may know, AP preseason #1 is “cursed,” only finishing with the National Championship twice this century: USC in 2004, and Alabama in 2017. But that got me wondering what preseason ranking was “best” in the modern era (since 1998). Turns out, #5 is just slightly better! Not as good as #2, but I’ll take it over the #1 curse. No PTSD from last season here, lol. Stats below. But enjoy the season knowing we’re basically a lock for the ‘ship, haha. Hook ‘em.

AP Preseason Rank that Won
• #2 has 9 titles (32%)

• #1 has 3 titles (10.7%)

• #3 has 3 titles (10.7%)

• #5 has 4 titles (14.3%)

• Everything else (6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 19, 20, 22) has 1 title each