As we unveil the final US LBM Coaches Poll of the regular season, it’s important to keep a couple of things in mind. First and foremost, the poll might not – and probably will not – look the same as the playoff committee’s rankings. Furthermore, the rankings in either case will not mirror the bracket seedings, since the top four spots are reserved for conference champions. With all that said, however, there is no dispute about which team will be No. 1 in all seedings and rankings entering the quest for the championship.
Oregon remains the unanimous top team after claiming the Big Ten title, and will enter the playoff as the lone unbeaten squad. Georgia moves up to No. 2 in the poll after its overtime win against Texas in the SEC finale. Notre Dame is No. 3, followed by runners-up Texas and Penn State. Tennessee holds at No. 6, followed by Ohio State. Mountain West champ Boise State climbs to No. 8, with Indiana and Arizona State rounding out the top 10.
TOP 25: Complete US LBM Coaches Poll ranking
BOWL PROJECTIONS: Forecasting the entire postseason lineup
To reiterate, the coaches rank Alabama at No. 11 ahead of SMU at No. 12, but that might not be how the committee has it for that all-important final at-large spot. Clemson is No. 13 in the poll but is assured of being in the field as the ACC champ.
The conference championship games didn’t cause anyone to drop out of the top 25. Army moves up five positions to No. 18 after claiming the American Athletic Conference title, and UNLV holds on at NO. 24 despite coming up short against Boise State.
(This story has been updated to change a video and add a gallery.)
