Power 4 conferences claim 24 spots in AFCA preseason top 25 rankings

The AFCA preseason poll features 24 teams from the Power 4 leagues, with Notre Dame at No. 5 as the only exception. This mark reflects the increasing divide in college football, where major conferences dominate talent acquisition and resources. Boise State is the highest-ranked non-Power 4 program, receiving 24 votes, followed by UNLV, Memphis, and James Madison, which also earned votes. Changes to the College Football Playoff rules this year give an automatic bid to the highest-ranked Group of 6 team, a distinction that has not seen success in prior years as smaller conference teams struggle in playoff games. Tulane and James Madison's recent departures of key players to major programs exacerbate the challenges faced by non-Power 4 schools.

• 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Power 4 Conference Programs Dominate College Football’s Preseason Top 25