The 2021 Final College Football News Season Rankings from No. 1 to 130? How did all the seasons stack up based on the CFN Season Formula.
CFN College Football Rankings: 2021 Final Season Rankings
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
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The CFN Season Formula is based on straight numbers, wins, losses, and strengths of schedules to measure just how good a season really was, and NOT how good we thought all of the teams were.
That’s what the CFN Opinion Rankings are for.
This is all about evaluating every team’s season from start to finish with an emphasis on the big wins, the painful losses, and who had the toughest and easiest roads.
This formula – used to compare seasons on a historical basis, as well as year-by-year – only cares about victories and the raw numbers, completely taking out the eye test.
It’s simple … was your schedule good, and did you win with it? Then your ranking is high. Was your schedule mediocre? This exposes that. Here’s the breakdown of how the CFN Season Formula is calculated.
One more note before getting started. The idea of the “best” and “worst” wins are based on how important the wins are according to the formula. For example, of course South Carolina’s most important and biggest wins were against Florida, Auburn, and in the bowl game against North Carolina, but technically, beating East Carolina – who finished 7-6 – was the “best” win.
Basically, which teams had the most fun, and which teams didn’t?
130 UMass Minutemen (1-11)
2021 CFN Season Score -6.13
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 130
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 129
Best Win UConn 27-13
Worst Loss Rhode Island 35-22
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 129.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 130
129 UConn Huskies (1-11)
2021 CFN Season Score -5.17
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 129
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 128
Best Win Yale 21-15
Worst Loss Holy Cross 38-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 128.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 129
128 Vanderbilt Commodores (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score -3.49
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 73
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 104
Best Win Colorado State 24-21
Worst Loss East Tennessee State 23-3
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 116
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 120
127 Akron Zips (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score -3.19
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 125
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 127
Best Win at Bowling Green 35-20
Worst Loss Ohio 34-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 127
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 127
126 FIU Golden Panthers (1-11)
2021 CFN Season Score -2.49
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 115
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 130
Best Win Long Island 48-10
Worst Loss at Southern Miss 37-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 128
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 128
125 Arizona Wildcats (1-11)
2021 CFN Season Score -1.88
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 72
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 86
Best Win Cal 10-3
Worst Loss Northern Arizona 21-19
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 105.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 106
124 Duke Blue Devils (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score -1.03
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 83
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 107
Best Win Northwestern 30-23
Worst Loss Georgia Tech 31-27
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 115.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T118
123 New Mexico State Aggies (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.97
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 126
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 126
Best Win UMass 44-27
Worst Loss at New Mexico 34-25
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 124.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 126
122 New Mexico Lobos (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.95
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 106
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 125
Best Win at Wyoming 14-3
Worst Loss UNLV 31-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 123.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 125
121 Kansas Jayhawks (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.65
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 81
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 83
Best Win at Texas 57-56
Worst Loss at Duke 52-33
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 102
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 104
120 UNLV Rebels (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.53
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 110
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 113
Best Win Hawaii 27-13
Worst Loss Eastern Washington 35-33
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 116.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 121
119 Temple Owls (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.29
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 37
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 118
Best Win Memphis 34-31
Worst Loss at USF 34-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 118.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T122
118 Northwestern Wildcats (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.24
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 32
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 80
Best Win Rutgers 21-7
Worst Loss at Duke 30-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 99
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 101
117 USF Bulls (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.21
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 105
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 103
Best Win Temple 34-14
Worst Loss at Tulane 45-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 110
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 112
116 Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score -0.18
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 97
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 123
Best Win at ULM 27-24
Worst Loss at Georgia Southern 59-33
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 119.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 124
115 Texas State Bobcats (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 0.39
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 28
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 122
Best Win South Alabama 33-31
Worst Loss Incarnate Word 59-21
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 118.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T122
114 Colorado State Rams (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 0.45
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 93
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 117
Best Win at Toledo 22-6
Worst Loss South Dakota State 42-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 115.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T118
113 Ohio Bobcats (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 0.82
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 111
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 112
Best Win Miami University 35-33
Worst Loss Duquesne 28-26
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 112.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 113
112 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 1.03
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 100
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 114
Best Win North Texas 24-17
Worst Loss Southern Miss 35-19
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 113
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 114
111 Tulane Green Wave (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score 1.65
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 78
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 99
Best Win USF 45-14
Worst Loss at Memphis 33-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 105
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 105
110 Southern Miss Golden Eagles (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 1.77
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 35
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 119
Best Win at Louisiana Tech 35-19
Worst Loss at Rice 24-19
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 114.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T116
109 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 1.86
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 64
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 82
Best Win North Carolina 45-22
Worst Loss Virginia Tech 26-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 95.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T98
108 Georgia Southern Eagles (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 1.91
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 87
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 121
Best Win at Texas State 38-30
Worst Loss at South Alabama 41-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 114.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T116
107 Indiana Hoosiers (2-10)
2021 CFN Season Score 2.00
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 31
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 88
Best Win at WKU 33-31
Worst Loss Rutgers 38-3
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 97.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 100
106 Washington Huskies (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 2.19
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 13
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 75
Best Win Cal 31-24
Worst Loss Montana 13-7
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 90.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 94
105 Bowling Green Falcons (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 2.22
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 127
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 108
Best Win at Minnesota 14-10
Worst Loss Akron 35-20
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 106.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T108
104 ULM Warhawks (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 2.57
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 124
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 124
Best Win Liberty 31-28
Worst Loss Arkansas State 27-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 114
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 115
103 Buffalo Bulls (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 2.75
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 99
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 109
Best Win at Old Dominion 35-34
Worst Loss Bowling Green 56-44
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 106
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 107
102 Stanford Cardinal (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 2.81
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 77
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 85
Best Win Oregon 31-24
Worst Loss Washington 20-13
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 93.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 96
101 Rice Owls (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 3.32
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 120
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 116
Best Win at UAB 30-24
Worst Loss at Charlotte 31-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 108.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 111
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: 2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula 76 to 100
2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula 76 to 100
100 USC Trojans (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 3.46
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 16
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 74
Best Win at Washington State 45-15
Worst Loss Stanford 42-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 87
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 90
99 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 3.61
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 59
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 81
Best Win at Illinois 20-14
Worst Loss at Northwestern 21-7
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 90
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 93
98 Charlotte 49ers (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 3.85
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 119
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 115
Best Win Middle Tennessee 42-39
Worst Loss at Louisiana Tech 42-32
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 106.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T108
97 Colorado Buffaloes (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 3.88
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 46
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 76
Best Win Oregon State 37-24
Worst Loss USC 37-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 86.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T88
96 San Jose State Spartans (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 4.14
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 67
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 87
Best Win Wyoming 27-21
Worst Loss at Colorado State 32-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 91.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 95
95 Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-9)
2021 CFN Season Score 4.38
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 58
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 60
Best Win Buffalo 28-3
Worst Loss at Illinois 30-22
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 77.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T77
94 South Alabama Jaguars (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 4.74
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 47
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 120
Best Win at Bowling Green 22-19
Worst Loss at Texas State
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 107
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 110
93 Troy Trojans (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 4.78
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 76
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 110
Best Win South Alabama 31-24
Worst Loss at ULM 29-16
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 101.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 103
92 Florida State (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 5.05
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 55
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 58
Best Win Miami 31-28
Worst Loss Jacksonville State 20-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 75
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 73
91 Cal Golden Bears (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 5.10
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 36
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 57
Best Win Oregon State 39-25
Worst Loss at Arizona 10-3
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 74
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 72
90 Florida Atlantic Owls (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 5.63
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 101
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 111
Best Win UTEP 28-25
Worst Loss at Old Dominion 30-16
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 100.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 102
89 Syracuse Orange (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 5.75
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 27
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 62
Best Win Liberty 24-21
Worst Loss Rutgers 17-7
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 75.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T74
88 Boston College Eagles (6-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 5.80
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 43
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 63
Best Win Virginia Tech 17-3
Worst Loss Florida State 26-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 75.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T74
87 TCU Horned Frogs (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 6.17
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 84
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 73
Best Win Baylor 30-28
Worst Loss Texas 32-27
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 80
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 81
86 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 6.37
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 74
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 102
Best Win Fresno State 27-24
Worst Loss at UNLV 27-13
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 94
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 97
85 UTEP Miners (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 6.52
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 123
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 106
Best Win Old Dominion 28-21
Worst Loss at Florida Atlantic 28-25
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 95.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T98
84 Old Dominion Monarchs (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 6.69
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 128
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 94
Best Win at Middle Tennessee 24-17
Worst Loss Buffalo 35-34
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 89
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 92
83 Virginia Tech Hokies (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 6.75
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 44
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 64
Best Win Middle Tennessee 35-14
Worst Loss Syracuse 41-36
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 73.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 71
82 Navy Midshipmen (4-8)
2021 CFN Season Score 6.85
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 96
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 93
Best Win Army 17-13
Worst Loss at Memphis 35-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 87.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 91
81 Illinois Fighting Illini (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 6.96
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 68
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 59
Best Win at Minnesota 14-6
Worst Loss Rutgers 20-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 70
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 69
80 Tulsa Golden Hurricane (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.01
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 80
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 77
Best Win at SMU 34-31
Worst Loss UC Davis 19-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 78.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 79
79 Virginia Cavaliers (6-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.33
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 51
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 53
Best Win Miami 30-28
Worst Loss at Louisville 59-39
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 66
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 67
78 Missouri Tigers (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.34
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 42
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 47
Best Win Central Michigan 34-24
Worst Loss at Boston College 41-34
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 62.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 61
77 Memphis Tigers (6-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.35
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 71
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 91
Best Win SMU 28-25
Worst Loss at Temple 34-31
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 84
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 86
76 Louisville Cardinals (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.52
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 49
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 54
Best Win UCF 42-35
Worst Loss Virginia 34-33
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 65
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 64
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: 2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula 51 to 75
2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula 51 to 75
75 Maryland Terrapins (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.61
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 66
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 46
Best Win Virginia Tech (Pinstripe Bowl) 54-10
Worst Loss Penn State 31-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 60.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 58
74 North Texas Mean Green (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.71
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 102
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 92
Best Win UTSA 45-23
Worst Loss at Louisiana Tech 24-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 83
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 85
73 Florida Gators (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.72
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 9
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 51
Best Win Tennessee 38-14
Worst Loss at Missouri 24-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 62
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T59
72 Toledo Rockets (7-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.80
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 112
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 101
Best Win Western Michigan 34-15
Worst Loss Colorado State 22-6
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 86.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T88
71 West Virginia Mountaineers (6-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 7.89
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 48
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 44
Best Win Iowa State 38-31
Worst Loss Texas Tech 23-20
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 57.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 55
70 Miami University RedHawks (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.05
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 109
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 96
Best Win Central Michigan 28-17
Worst Loss at Ohio 35-33
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 83
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 84
69 South Carolina Gamecocks (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.11
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 116
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 37
Best Win at East Carolina 20-17
Worst Loss at Missouri 31-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 53
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 51
68 Kent State Golden Flashes (7-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.29
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 107
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 90
Best Win Northern Illinois 52-47
Worst Loss Wyoming (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl) 52-38
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 79
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 80
67 Ball State Cardinals (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.40
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 90
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 98
Best Win Army 28-16
Worst LossToledo 22-12
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 82.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 83
66 Marshall Thundering Herd (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.49
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 92
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 89
Best Win at North Texas 49-21
Worst Loss at Middle Tennessee 34-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 77.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T77
65 East Carolina (7-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.49
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 104
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 79
Best Win at Marshall 42-38
Worst Loss South Carolina 20-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 72
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 70
64 Wyoming Cowboys (6-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.51
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 88
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 105
Best Win at Utah State 44-17
Worst Loss New Mexico 14-3
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 84.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 87
63 Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.56
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 117
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 100
Best Win Western Michigan 22-21
Worst Loss Ohio 34-26
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 81.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 82
62 North Carolina Tar Heels (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 8.62
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 12
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 50
Best Win Wake Forest 58-55
Worst Loss at Georgia Tech 45-22
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 56
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 54
61 Texas Longhorns (5-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 9.17
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 5
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 65
Best Win Louisiana 38-18
Worst Loss Kansas 57-56
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 63
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 62
60 Washington State Cougars (7-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 9.26
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 56
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 71
Best Win at Arizona State 34-21
Worst Loss USC 45-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 65.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 66
59 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 9.33
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 118
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 95
Best Win Toledo (Bahamas Bowl) 31-24
Worst Loss at Charlotte 42-39
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 77
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 76
58 UCLA Bruins (8-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 9.34
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 23
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 42
Best Win LSU 38-27
Worst Loss Arizona State 42-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 50
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 48
57 LSU Tigers (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 9.45
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 7
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 35
Best Win Texas A&M 27-24
Worst Loss Auburn 24-19
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 46
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T44
56 Arizona State Sun Devils (8-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 9.60
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 19
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 72
Best Win at UCLA 42-23
Worst Loss Washington State 34-21
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 64
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 63
55 Oregon State Beavers (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 9.75
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 57
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 61
Best Win Utah 42-34
Worst Loss at Colorado 37-34
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 58
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 56
54 Nevada Wolf Pack (8-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 10.06
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 60
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 56
Best Win at Boise State 41-31
Worst Loss Western Michigan (Quick Lane Bowl) 52-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 55
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 52
53 SMU Mustangs (8-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 10.37
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 122
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 78
Best Win UCF 55-28
Worst Loss at Memphis 28-25
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 65.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 65
52 Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 10.45
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 38
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 28
Best Win Kentucky 31-17
Worst Loss LSU 28-25
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 40
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 40
51 Auburn Tigers (6-7)
2021 CFN Season Score 10.56
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 15
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 41
Best Win at Arkansas 38-23
Worst Loss Mississippi State 43-34
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 46
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T44
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: 2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula 26 to 50
2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula 26 to 50
50 Penn State Nittany Lions (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 10.79
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 14
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 32
Best Win at Wisconsin 16-10
Worst Loss Illinois 20-18
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 41
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 42
49 Georgia State Panthers (7-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.01
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 98
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 68
Best Win at Coastal Carolina 42-40
Worst Loss at North Carolina 59-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 58.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 57
48 Kansas State Wildcats (8-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.47
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 40
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 26
Best Win Nevada 38-17
Worst Loss at Texas 22-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 37
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T37
47 Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.56
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 89
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 27
Best Win Houston 38-21
Worst Loss TCU 52-31
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 37
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T37
46 NC State Wolfpack (9-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.61
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 34
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 15
Best Win Clemson 27-21
Worst Loss at Miami 31-30
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 30.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 31
45 UCF Knights (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.65
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 45
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 48
Best Win Boise State 36-31
Worst Loss at Navy 34-30
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 46.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 46
44 Iowa State Cyclones (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.69
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 11
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 30
Best Win Oklahoma State 24-21
Worst Loss at West Virginia 38-31
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 37
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T37
43 Tennessee Volunteers (7-6)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.87
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 18
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 20
Best Win at Kentucky 45-42
Worst Loss at Florida 38-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 31.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 32
42 Miami Hurricanes (7-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 11.93
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 26
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 49
Best Win at Pitt 38-34
Worst Loss at Florida State 31-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 45.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 43
41 Northern Illinois Huskies (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 12.43
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 121
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 69
Best Win at Central Michigan 39-38
Worst Loss at Kent State 52-47
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 55
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 53
40 Western Michigan Broncos (8-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 12.67
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 91
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 84
Best Win at Pitt 44-41
Worst Loss Ball State 45-20
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 62
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T59
39 Texas A&M Aggies (8-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 12.78
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 114
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 29
Best Win Alabama 41-38
Worst Loss at LSU 27-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 34
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 36
38 Liberty Flames (8-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 12.94
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 62
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 97
Best Win UAB 36-12
Worst Loss at ULM 31-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 67.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 68
37 WKU Hilltoppers (8-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 13.47
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 94
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 67
Best Win Appalachian State (Boca Raton Bowl) 59-38
Worst Loss Indiana 33-31
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 52
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T49
36 Kentucky Wildcats (10-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 13.65
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 33
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 21
Best Win Iowa (Citrus Bowl) 20-17
Worst Loss at Mississippi State 31-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T27
35 Arkansas Razorbacks (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 13.73
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 41
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 12
Best Win Texas A&M 20-10
Worst Loss Auburn 38-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 23.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T19
34 Central Michigan Chippewas (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 13.79
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 108
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 70
Best Win Washington State (Sun Bowl) 24-21
Worst Loss at Missouri 34-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 52
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T49
33 UAB Blazers (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 14.01
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 82
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 33
Best Win BYU (Independence Bowl) 31-28
Worst Loss Rice 30-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 33
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T33
32 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (11-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 14.11
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 75
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 66
Best Win Northern Illinois (Cure Bowl) 47-41
Worst Loss Georgia State 42-40
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 49
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 47
31 Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 14.25
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 39
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 17
Best Win Wisconsin 23-13
Worst Loss Bowling Green 14-10
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 24
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 21
30 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 14.55
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 21
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 22
Best Win Minnesota 27-22
Worst Loss Purdue 24-7
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 26
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 23
29 Air Force Falcons (10-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 14.73
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 103
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 52
Best Win at Nevada 41-39
Worst Loss Army 21-14
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 40.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 41
28 Clemson Tigers (10-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 14.76
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 3
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 16
Best Win Wake Forest 48-27
Worst Loss at NC State 27-21
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 22
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 17
27 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 14.99
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 52
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 23
Best Win NC State 45-42
Worst Loss at North Carolina 58-55
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 25
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 22
26 Purdue Boilermakers (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 15.06
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 53
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 19
Best Win Michigan State 40-29
Worst Loss Wisconsin 30-13
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 22.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 18
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: 2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula Top 25
2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula Top 25
25 Wisconsin Badgers (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 15.89
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 10
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 18
Best Win Iowa 27-7
Worst Loss Penn State 16-10
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 21.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 16
24 BYU Cougars (10-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 16.10
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 63
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 34
Best Win at Utah State 34-20
Worst Loss Boise State 26-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 29
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 30
23 Army Black Knights (9-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 16.31
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 85
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 43
Best Win Air Force 21-14
Worst Loss Navy 17-13
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 33
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T33
22 Oregon Ducks (10-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 16.58
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 8
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 31
Best Win at Ohio State 35-28
Worst Loss at Stanford 31-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 26.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T24
21 Ole Miss Rebels (10-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 16.69
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 29
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 11
Best Win Arkansas 52-51
Worst Loss at Auburn 31-20
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 13
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T9
20 Boise State Broncos (7-5)
2021 CFN Season Score 16.80
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 61
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 36
Best Win at Utah State 27-3
Worst Loss Nevada 41-31
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 26
19 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 16.87
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 17
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 8
Best Win Wisconsin 41-13
Worst Loss Oklahoma State (Fiesta Bowl) 37-35
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 13.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 11
18 Houston Cougars (11-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 17.02
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 70
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 39
Best Win SMU 44-37
Worst Loss Texas Tech 38-21
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T27
17 Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 17.08
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 2
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 9
Best Win Oregon (Alamo Bowl) 47-32
Worst Loss at Oklahoma State 37-33
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 13
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T9
16 Utah Utes (10-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 17.36
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 20
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 13
Best Win Oregon (Pac-12 Championship) 38-10
Worst Loss at Oregon State 42-34
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 14.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T12
15 Pitt Panthers (11-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 17.53
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 30
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 14
Best Win Wake Forest (ACC Championship) 45-21
Worst Loss Western Michigan 44-41
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 14.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T12
14 Utah State Aggies (11-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 17.68
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 113
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 24
Best Win San Diego State (Mountain West Championship) 46-13
Worst Loss Wyoming 44-17
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 19
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 15
13 Fresno State Bulldogs (9-3)
2021 CFN Season Score 17.69
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 86
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 40
Best Win at San Diego State 30-20
Worst Loss at Hawaii 27-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 26.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T24
12 Appalachian State Mountaineers (10-4)
2021 CFN Season Score 17.69
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 65
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 45
Best Win Coastal Carolina 30-27
Worst Loss at Miami 25-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T27
11 UTSA Roadrunners (12-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 18.82
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 95
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 55
Best Win WKU (Conference USA Championship) 49-41
Worst Loss North Texas 45-23
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 33
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T33
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: 2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula Top 10
2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula Top 10
10 San Diego State Aztecs (12-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 19.67
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 69
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 25
Best Win UTSA (Frisco Bowl) 38-24
Worst Loss Fresno State 30-20
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 17.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 14
Coming up with 12 wins was big, the Frisco Bowl victory over a UTSA team that finished 12-2 for an Elite Win was huge, and the five Quality Wins matter. Had the team been healthy and able to field a whole team in the Mountain West Championship against Utah State – and win – the Aztecs would’ve pushed hard for a five-win season.
9 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (13-1)
2021 CFN Season Score 19.69
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 79
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 38
Best Win Appalachian State (Sun Belt Championship) 24-16
Worst Loss at Texas 38-18
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 23.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T19
Georgia, Cincinnati, Alabama. Those are the only other teams able to come up with at least 13 wins. The Ragin’ Cajuns lost to Texas to start the season, and then they ripped through the rest of the slate with a 13-win run, a Sun Belt Championship over Appalachian State, and a New Orleans Bowl victory over Marshall. The lack of Quality Wins compare to the rest of the top teams – just five – kept the score from being up with the big guys.
8 Michigan State Spartans (11-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 19.95
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 54
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 10
Best Win Michigan 37-33
Worst Loss at Purdue 40-29
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 9
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 8
Michigan State came up with the most surprising season of 2021 in a positive way, and it showed with the final Season Ranking. The Elite Wins over 12-2 Michigan and Pitt ended up bringing a giant boost to the overall score – it’s fun to come up with huge wins – and the six Quality Wins helped push past some of the top Group of Five programs.
7 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 22.33
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 6
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 4
Best Win Michigan State 56-7
Worst Loss Oregon 35-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 5.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 7
As any Ohio State fan if it was a successful season, and considering there wasn’t a national title, there wasn’t a Big Ten Championship, there wasn’t a trip to the College Football Playoff, and worst of all, there wasn’t a win over Michigan, the answer is probably, “not really.” By any reasonable standards it was a great year – winning the Rose Bowl is never a bad thing – with the 594 points cranking up the Season Score. On the flip side …
6 Michigan Wolverines (12-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 23.19
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 24
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 3
Best Win Ohio State 42-27
Worst Loss at Michigan State 37-33
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 4.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T4
The 2021 season might have ended with a thud, but the Wolverines beat Ohio State, won the Big Ten Championship, and they broke through and got to the College Football Playoff. Seven Quality Wins – the victories over teams like Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, and Maryland mattered – but the season was about the finishing kick. Who had a more fun season than Michigan? These five …
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: 2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula Top 5
2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula Top 5
5 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 24.33
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 1
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 2
Best Win Georgia (SEC Championship) 41-24
Worst Loss at Texas A&M 41-38
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 3.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 2
Remember, this is based on the overall season. The CFN Final Rankings reflect the win over Cincinnati in the CFP.
Here’s the problem – a bulk of the SEC ended up with losing seasons. Had Auburn, LSU, and Florida won their respective bowl games to finish 7-6 instead of 6-7, Alabama is No. 2 on the list with three more Quality Wins.
That’s sort of the point, though – were those wins that great if those teams couldn’t finish with winning campaigns? Even so, Alabama was a drive away – and maybe a Jameson Williams injury away – from winning the national title.
4 Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 24.43
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 22
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 6
Best Win Baylor 24-14
Worst Loss at Iowa State 24-21
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 6
The season might have ultimately been defined for coming up six inches short of winning the Big 12 Championship – and probably getting into the College Football Playoff, but an Elite Win over Baylor in the regular season, and closed out by handing Notre Dame its second loss, cranked up the Season Score to a top four spot. The Point Differential of 182 was a huge part of the puzzle.
3 Baylor Bears (12-2)
2021 CFN Season Score 24.48
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 50
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 5
Best Win Oklahoma State (Big 12 Championship) 21-16
Worst Loss at TCU 30-28
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 4
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 3
Considering how rough the 2020 season was, Dave Aranda and his Bears did an amazing job. There might have been a loss to a TCU team that finished with a losing season, but everything else was fantastic. The Bears closed out with five straight Quality Wins and three Elite Wins – Oklahoma, Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship, and Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl.
2 Cincinnati Bearcats (13-1)
2021 CFN Season Score 25.23
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 25
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 7
Best Win at Notre Dame 24-13
Worst Loss Alabama (Cotton Bowl) 27-6
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 4.5
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking T4
Yeah, Cincinnati lost to Alabama, but 13 wins are 13 wins – there were more wins over teams that finished with stronger records.
The Bearcats might not have played the toughest schedule on the eye test, but there were seven Quality Wins – victories over teams that finished with a winning record – the win at Notre Dame was a big deal in the final score, and taking down a Houston team that finished 12-2 added another Elite win on the pile. Scoring 516 points certainly helped.
1 Georgia Bulldogs (14-1)
2021 CFN Season Score 29.69
CFN 2021 Preseason Ranking 4
2021 CFN Final Opinion Ranking 1
Best Win Alabama (CFP National Championship) 33-18
Worst Loss Alabama (SEC Championship) 41-24
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 1
2021 CFN Combined Overall Ranking 1
The Bulldogs started the season with an Elite Win over Clemson and ended it with a national championship. The overall score would’ve been through the roof if the SEC did a better job in the bowl season, but the team was still No. 1 by a mile.
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: CFN Combined – Opinion & Season – Final Rankings
2021 College Football Rankings: CFN Season Formula plus Opinion Rankings
It’s the combination of the CFN Final Rankings based on our opinion, and the final rankings based on the Season Formula. Take the two rankings, divide it by two, and that’s the Combined Final Ranking.
130 UMass Minutemen (1-11)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 129.5
129 UConn Huskies (1-11)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 128.5
128 FIU Golden Panthers (1-11)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 128
127 Akron Zips (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 127
126 New Mexico State Aggies (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 124.5
125 New Mexico Lobos (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 123.5
124 Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 119.5
T122 Temple Owls (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 118.5
T122 Texas State Bobcats (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 118.5
121 UNLV Rebels (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 116.5
120 Vanderbilt Commodores (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 116
T118 Duke Blue Devils (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 115.5
T118 Colorado State Rams (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 115.5
T116 Southern Miss Golden Eagles (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 114.5
T116 Georgia Southern Eagles (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 114.5
115 ULM Warhawks (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 114
114 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 113
113 Ohio Bobcats (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 112.5
112 USF Bulls (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 110
111 Rice Owls (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 108.5
110 South Alabama Jaguars (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 107
T108 Bowling Green Falcons (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 106.5
T108 Charlotte 49ers (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 106.5
107 Buffalo Bulls (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 106
106 Arizona Wildcats (1-11)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 105.5
105 Tulane Green Wave (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 105
104 Kansas Jayhawks (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 102
103 Troy Trojans (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 101.5
102 Florida Atlantic Owls (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 100.5
101 Northwestern Wildcats (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 99
100 Indiana Hoosiers (2-10)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 97.5
T98 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 95.5
T98 UTEP Miners (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 95.5
97 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 94
96 Stanford Cardinal (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 93.5
95 San Jose State Spartans (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 91.5
94 Washington Huskies (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 90.5
93 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 90
92 Old Dominion Monarchs (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 89
91 Navy Midshipmen (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 87.5
90 USC Trojans (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 87
T88 Colorado Buffaloes (4-8)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 86.5
T88 Toledo Rockets (7-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 86.5
87 Wyoming Cowboys (6-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 84.5
86 Memphis Tigers (6-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 84
85 North Texas Mean Green (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 83
84 Miami University RedHawks (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 83
83 Ball State Cardinals (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 82.5
82 Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 81.5
81 TCU Horned Frogs (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 80
80 Kent State Golden Flashes (7-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 79
79 Tulsa Golden Hurricane (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 78.5
T77 Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-9)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 77.5
T77 Marshall Thundering Herd (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 77.5
76 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 77
T74 Syracuse Orange (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 75.5
T74 Boston College Eagles (6-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 75.5
73 Florida State (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 75
72 Cal Golden Bears (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 74
71 Virginia Tech Hokies (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 73.5
70 East Carolina (7-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 72
69 Illinois Fighting Illini (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 70
68 Liberty Flames (8-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 67.5
67 Virginia Cavaliers (6-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 66
66 Washington State Cougars (7-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 65.5
65 SMU Mustangs (8-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 65.5
64 Louisville Cardinals (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 65
63 Arizona State Sun Devils (8-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 64
62 Texas Longhorns (5-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 63
61 Missouri Tigers (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 62.5
T59 Florida Gators (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 62
T59 Western Michigan Broncos (8-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 62
58 Maryland Terrapins (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 60.5
57 Georgia State Panthers (7-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 58.5
56 Oregon State Beavers (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 58
55 West Virginia Mountaineers (6-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 57.5
54 North Carolina Tar Heels (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 56
53 Northern Illinois Huskies (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 55
52 Nevada Wolf Pack (8-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 55
51 South Carolina Gamecocks (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 53
T49 WKU Hilltoppers (8-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 52
T49 Central Michigan Chippewas (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 52
48 UCLA Bruins (8-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 50
47 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (11-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 49
46 UCF Knights (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 46.5
T44 LSU Tigers (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 46
T44 Auburn Tigers (6-7)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 46
43 Miami Hurricanes (7-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 45.5
42 Penn State Nittany Lions (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 41
41 Air Force Falcons (10-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 40.5
40 Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 40
T37 Kansas State Wildcats (8-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 37
T37 Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 37
T37 Iowa State Cyclones (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 37
36 Texas A&M Aggies (8-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 34
T33 UAB Blazers (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 33
T33 Army Black Knights (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 33
T33 UTSA Roadrunners (12-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 33
32 Tennessee Volunteers (7-6)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 31.5
31 NC State Wolfpack (9-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 30.5
30 BYU Cougars (10-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 29
T27 Kentucky Wildcats (10-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28.5
T27 Houston Cougars (11-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28.5
T27 Appalachian State Mountaineers (10-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28.5
26 Boise State Broncos (7-5)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 28
T24 Oregon Ducks (10-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 26.5
T24 Fresno State Bulldogs (9-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 26.5
23 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 26
22 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 25
21 Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 24
T19 Arkansas Razorbacks (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 23.5
T19 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (13-1)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 23.5
18 Purdue Boilermakers (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 22.5
17 Clemson Tigers (10-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 22
16 Wisconsin Badgers (9-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 21.5
15 Utah State Aggies (11-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 19
14 San Diego State Aztecs (12-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 17.5
T12 Utah Utes (10-4)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 14.5
T12 Pitt Panthers (11-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 14.5
11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 13.5
T9 Ole Miss Rebels (10-3)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 13
T9 Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 13
8 Michigan State Spartans (11-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 9
7 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 5.5
6 Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 5
T4 Michigan Wolverines (12-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 4.5
T4 Cincinnati Bearcats (13-1)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 4.5
3 Baylor Bears (12-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 4
2 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-2)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 3.5
1 Georgia Bulldogs (14-1)
2021 CFN Combined Final Ranking 1
CFN 2021 Rankings: Season Formula Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10 | Top 5
Combined Opinion & Season Rankings
CFN College Football Season Formula
NEXT: CFN Historical Rankings Formula
CFN Historical Season Rankings Formula
1. Wins. Obviously, winning matters. Just win lots of games, and all is fine. 1 point per win.
2. Ties. Yeah, there used to be those. 0.5 points per tie. (These only matter when it comes to historical comparisons.)
3. Quality Wins. The wins over the good teams. 1 point per win over a team that finished with a winning record.
4. Elite Wins. The wins over the great teams. 1 point per home win over a team that finished with two losses, or a road, bowl, or neutral site win over a team that finished with three losses. An extra 0.5 added to a road win over a team that finished with two losses.
5. Bad Losses. The soul-crushers. -1 point per loss to a non-FBS/D-I team, or a team that finished with three wins or fewer. An extra 0.5 is added to a home loss to a “bad” team.
6. Bad Wins. The layups. -0.25 for a win over a team that finished with three losses or fewer.
7. Elite Losses. The forgivable defeats. 0.25 added for a loss to a team that finished with two losses of fewer.
8. Point Differential. They keep score for a reason. Points scored minus points against divided by 100.
9. Winning Percentage. A sort of tie-breaker, taking into account how good the season was beyond the raw wins and loss.
CFN 2021 Rankings: Regular Season Final
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
Rankings By Conference
ACC | AAC | Big Ten | Big 12 | C-USA | IND
MAC | M-West | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt
