Griffin III Questions AP Poll Rankings Favoring Notre Dame Over BYU

In the world of college football, rankings can often spark heated debates, especially when they seem to contradict the outcomes of head-to-head matchups. This is precisely the situation that former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has taken issue with regarding the latest AP Top 25 rankings. Despite BYU's recent victory over Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish have been placed higher in the rankings, leading to questions about the criteria used by voters.

Griffin's ire was directed at the fact that both teams currently hold one loss, yet Notre Dame is ranked above BYU, which defeated them just weeks prior. "There is no way in the Book of Mormon that BYU should be ranked behind Notre Dame when they both have 1 loss, and BYU beat them head to head," Griffin expressed on X, showcasing his disbelief at the voters' decision.

The controversy intensified after BYU suffered its first loss of the season against UCF, falling 39-31 in a double-overtime thriller. This defeat dropped the Cougars from No. 2 to No. 8 in the AP rankings, while Notre Dame, who also has one loss, moved ahead of them. The inconsistency in ranking raises significant questions about how the AP voters weigh head-to-head results against overall performance.

The Cougars had previously defeated Notre Dame 28-24 on October 17, a result that seemed to solidify their claim to a higher ranking. However, after their loss to UCF, both teams now share a 6-1 record, yet Notre Dame remains ahead at No. 4, while BYU sits at No. 7. Griffin's frustration is rooted in the belief that the voters should prioritize the results of games played on the field over subjective interpretations of team strength.

The role of past performance in rankings

Adding to the complexity of the rankings is Notre Dame's recent playoff history, which includes their exclusion from the 2025 College Football Playoff despite a strong finish to the season. This context only deepens the discussion surrounding their current ranking, as fans and analysts alike wonder if past performances are influencing present evaluations.

As both teams prepare for upcoming matchups—BYU against undefeated Utah and Notre Dame facing No. 1 Miami—the stakes remain high. Griffin's comments highlight a broader issue within college football: the need for transparency and consistency in how rankings are determined. The AP poll, distinct from the College Football Playoff rankings, is based on media votes, which can sometimes lead to discrepancies that frustrate players and fans alike.

Let's Call It What It Is

The ongoing debate over BYU and Notre Dame's rankings underscores the importance of head-to-head matchups in college football. Griffin's argument is that a victory should carry significant weight, particularly when both teams have similar records. As the Cougars look to rebound from their loss and prove their worth against Utah, the question remains: will the AP voters adjust their rankings to reflect the realities of the field, or will they continue to prioritize other factors?

In the end, the rankings serve not just as a reflection of team performance but as a narrative that shapes the college football landscape. As the season progresses, the outcomes of these critical matchups will ultimately determine how teams are perceived and ranked, but for now, Griffin's critique serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the ranking process. The AP voters have a responsibility to consider all aspects of competition, including head-to-head results, when determining the hierarchy of college football teams.