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AP Poll voters do not rank SEC teams among top spots

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 8:06 AM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

AP Poll voters do not rank SEC teams among top spots

Summary

In the preseason AP Poll released today, nearly 70 media members unanimously left SEC teams, including Texas and Georgia, without a first-place vote. This marks the first time since 2015 that no SEC team has garnered such recognition. Experts attribute this trend to the Big Ten's recent dominance, having produced the last three national champions. Discussions among analysts reveal that while Texas has a strong roster, past performance may have influenced voters' reluctance. Alabama opens the season ranked No. 13 in the poll, with analysts also weighing the team's transition amid a quarterback change.

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Key Details

•No SEC team received a first-place vote in the AP Poll.
•This is the first time since 2015 for the SEC's absence at the top.
•Big Ten's recent success influences voter sentiment.
•Texas' past performance may have affected their polling.
•Alabama is ranked No. 13 amidst a quarterback transition.

Latest Updates

8:06 AMYahoo Sports — AP Poll voters rejected Texas, Georgia. Why are media out on the SEC?

What they're saying

"
Nearly 70 media members voted in the preseason AP Poll. None of them voted for an SEC team as No. 1. What gives? Why are the media out on the SEC?
— Yahoo Sports

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