In recent years, preseason polls in college football have left many fans frustrated. If you’re among those who feel this way, brace yourself for Monday’s release of the preseason AP Poll. While this moment should be a cause for excitement as it signals the start of college football season, it has often led to discontent.
Much of the frustration stems from fans believing their favorite teams or conferences are undervalued. If this resonates with you, don’t worry. This reflection looks at some of the remarkable teams that exceeded expectations.
Top 5 Most Surprising Preseason Top-10 College Football Teams of the 21st Century
Several teams that won championships over the past 25 years started the season outside the top-10 in the initial AP Poll. Let’s dive into five notable examples from the 21st century, showcasing their unexpected triumphs.
2025 Indiana Hoosiers (Preseason #20)
Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers holds the George P. Crumbley Trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 9, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images)
The most recent national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, are a prime example of surpassing expectations. Entering the previous season, Indiana surprised many with a Playoff appearance. In 2025, against a tougher schedule, they not only reached the College Football Playoff again but won it all.
Despite a roster considered undermanned in recruiting terms and a challenging schedule, Coach Curt Cignetti’s leadership proved crucial. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza transformed from a little-known transfer to a Heisman Trophy winner and number one NFL Draft pick.
2013 Florida State Seminoles (Preseason #11)
Quarterback Jameis Winston of the Florida State Seminoles prepares to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the 2014 BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl on January 6, 2014, in Pasadena, California. (Getty Images)
Despite starting at 11th, the 2013 Florida State Seminoles were one of the defining teams of the 2010s, ending with a BCS championship. Head coach Jimbo Fisher lost key veterans to the NFL, making the new lineup a question mark, especially with redshirt freshman QB Jameis Winston.
FSU dominated the ACC and Winston won the Heisman Trophy, as they went undefeated and claimed their third national title. Their dominance included comprehensive victories over four ranked conference opponents, defeating them by a combined score of 200-35.
2000 Oklahoma Sooners (Preseason #19)
A view of an Oklahoma Sooners helmet during the Reese’s Senior Bowl practice on February 2, 2023, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 2000 Oklahoma Sooners share parallels with the 2025 Indiana Hoosiers. With second-year head coach Bob Stoops, Oklahoma posted a 13-0 season, clinching a national championship. Notably, they toppled a Florida State team that had lost only once in its previous 24 games.
Though known for defense, Oklahoma’s offense excelled in crucial games, including a 63-point performance against rival Texas Longhorns.
2002 Ohio State Buckeyes (Preseason #13)
A helmet of Ohio State Buckeyes before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Ohio Stadium. (Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)
Ohio State entered the 2002 season with little hype under second-year coach Jim Tressel. Key to their success was freshman Maurice Clarette’s running and a defense that didn’t allow more than 17 points in conference games.
The Buckeyes defeated a dominant Miami team in the national championship, overcoming 11.5-point favorites and 17 first-round NFL Draft picks in a contentious double-overtime win.
2010 Auburn Tigers (Preseason #22)
Quarterback Cam Newton of the Auburn Tigers in action against Alabama. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The 2010 Auburn Tigers eclipsed all expectations under Coach Gene Chizik, who faced skepticism after arriving with a losing record. Led by the astonishing performance of quarterback Cam Newton, Auburn led the SEC in scoring despite having no other NFL-bound skill players.
Auburn defeated six ranked teams, going 14-0, with Newton winning the Heisman and Auburn claiming a national championship. The following seasons showed the vital role Newton played, as Auburn regressed to 8-5 in 2011 and 3-9 in 2012.
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