The University of Alabama has been ranked the number one team in the 2022 college football season for the second consecutive year. The Crimson Tide received 54 of the 63 first-place votes and a total of 1,566 points, according to a poll released on Monday. This marks the ninth time overall that the team has held the top spot, as reported by the Associated Press (AP).
Alabama’s number one ranking is attributed to their strong starting lineup, which includes Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and national defense player of the year Will Anderson Jr. This preseason ranking is the seventh time in 15 years under coach Nick Saban that the Crimson Tide has been ranked first. In the history of preseason rankings since 1950, only Oklahoma has held the top spot more times than Alabama.
Following Alabama in the rankings are Ohio State at number two with six first-place votes and 1,506 points, and the University of Georgia at number three with three first-place votes and 1,455 points. The preseason poll by the Associated Press is the oldest national football poll, consisting of a panel of 63 sports writers and broadcasters who release weekly rankings.
Alabama is among six teams from the Southeastern Conference in the Top 25 rankings, including Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Ole Miss. While rankings may shift as the season progresses, these preseason rankings provide fans with an idea of what to expect in the upcoming college football season.
