Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to AP Trophy.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
AP Trophy
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
The Associated Press (AP) Trophy is the annual award given by the Associated Press (AP) to the team ranked No. 1 in the season's final AP Poll. The trophy is emblematic of the college football national championship as awarded by the Associated Press.
Key Information
The current version of trophy consists of a silver or gold football suspended above a base which contains the letters "AP" (for Associated Press), along with the information on who the recipient of the trophy was.[1]
Until the 1968 college football season, the final AP poll of the season was released following the end of the regular season,[2] with the exception of the 1965 season.[3]
Prior to the College Football Playoff (CFP) and Bowl Championship Series (BCS), a tournament or championship game was not held to determine the national champion of what is now the highest level, NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) due to the long-standing historical ties between individual college football conferences and high-paying bowl games like the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl. The NCAA did, however, recognize a national champion based upon the final results of major "wire-service" (AP and Coaches') polls. The extent of that recognition came in the form of acknowledgment in the annual NCAA Football Guide of the "unofficial" national champions. As a result, the public and the media began to acknowledge the leading vote-getter in the final AP Poll as the national champion for that season.[4][5]
The Associated Press was not tied to the BCS, and the trophy could be awarded to a team which did not win the BCS National Championship Game. This has happened once after the 2003 season when LSU won the BCS title game, but USC received a higher total of votes in the final AP Poll, and therefore received the AP National Championship Trophy.[6] Teams serving NCAA postseason bans are still eligible for the AP National Championship. This has occurred twice, following the 1957 and 1974 seasons.[7][8]
Trophies
[edit]No trophy (1936–1940)
[edit]In its initial years, the AP Poll did not award a trophy.[9]
The preeminent national championship trophy of the era was the Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy awarded by the Dickinson System.[9] Following the retirement of Frank G. Dickinson and his rating system in 1940, Minnesota tasked the AP Poll with awarding the new trophy it put into play.
Williams Trophy (1941–1947)
[edit]From 1941–1947, the No. 1 team in the final Associated Press poll was awarded the Dr. Henry L. Williams Trophy.[10] The trophy, named in honor of Minnesota head coach Henry L. Williams, was donated by the Golden Gophers after they permanently retired the Dickinson System's Rockne Trophy by winning it for the third time in 1940.
The Williams trophy was retired when it was won for the third time by Notre Dame in 1947.
O'Donnell Trophy (1948–1956)
[edit]Following their retirement of the Williams trophy, Notre Dame donated the Rev. J. Hugh O'Donnell Memorial Trophy to be presented to the 1948 national champion as determined by the Associated Press poll.[10] Like the previous college football national championship trophies, it was to be permanently retired by the first team to win it three times.
Oklahoma retained permanent possession of the O'Donnell trophy after winning it for the third time in 1956.[11]
Bryant Trophy (1957–1965)
[edit]A dedicated Associated Press Trophy was commissioned following the retirement of the O'Donnell Trophy by Oklahoma.[12] The AP Trophy was first awarded to Auburn for their 1957 AP national championship.[13] Like the previous national championship trophies, the "huge, 40-inch high, bronze" Associated Press trophy would be kept by the first school to win it three times.[14]
This original "big, silver" AP trophy was retired by Alabama in 1965, upon winning their third AP title in five years.[15] Upon permanently awarding the trophy to Alabama, the Associated Press named it the Paul W. Bryant Trophy.[16] This AP trophy is still held by Alabama and is on display at the Paul W. Bryant Museum on the university campus in Tuscaloosa.[9]
AP Trophy (1966–1977)
[edit]Another traveling Associated Press Trophy was awarded from 1966–1977.[17] It was retired permanently by Notre Dame following their third win of the trophy.[18]
Bryant Trophy (1978–1989)
[edit]A new traveling Associated Press Trophy was put into competition for the 1978 season.[18][19] Following the death of the great coach in January 1983, this trophy was renamed the Paul W. "Bear" Bryant Trophy.[20] This same name had previously been given to the AP trophy used from 1957–1965, upon it being won 3 times and retired by the coach's Alabama team.[16]
This Bryant trophy was retired by the University of Miami, which gained permanent possession after their 3 wins in 1983, 1987, and 1989.[19] The trophy currently resides at the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
AP Trophy (1990–present)
[edit]Since the conclusion of the 1990 season, the AP has annually awarded an individual Associated Press Trophy to the school that finishes No. 1 in the final AP Poll (signifying that team as the national champion in Division I-A / FBS).
Winners
[edit] |
The following teams have finished in the No. 1 spot in the final AP Poll of the season for college football:
By year
[edit]By team
[edit]| Team | Number | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 12 | 1961, 1964, 1965, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020 |
| Notre Dame | 8 | 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973, 1977, 1988 |
| Oklahoma | 7 | 1950, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1975, 1985, 2000 |
| Ohio State | 6 | 1942, 1954, 1968, 2002, 2014, 2024 |
| Miami (FL) | 5 | 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2001 |
| USC | 5 | 1962, 1967, 1972, 2003, 2004 |
| Minnesota | 4 | 1936, 1940, 1941, 1960 |
| Nebraska | 4 | 1970, 1971, 1994, 1995 |
| Clemson | 3 | 1981, 2016, 2018 |
| Florida | 3 | 1996, 2006, 2008 |
| Florida State | 3 | 1993, 1999, 2013 |
| Georgia | 3 | 1980, 2021, 2022 |
| LSU | 3 | 1958, 2007, 2019 |
| Michigan | 3 | 1948, 1997, 2023 |
| Texas | 3 | 1963, 1969, 2005 |
| Army | 2 | 1944, 1945 |
| Auburn | 2 | 1957, 2010 |
| Penn State | 2 | 1982, 1986 |
| Pittsburgh | 2 | 1937, 1976 |
| Tennessee | 2 | 1951, 1998 |
| BYU | 1 | 1984 |
| Colorado | 1 | 1990 |
| Indiana | 1 | 2025 |
| Maryland | 1 | 1953 |
| Michigan State | 1 | 1952 |
| Syracuse | 1 | 1959 |
| TCU | 1 | 1938 |
| Texas A&M | 1 | 1939 |
References
[edit]- ^ College Football Awards: All National and Conference Winners Through 2010. McFarland. August 31, 2012. ISBN 9780786448678.
- ^ "Poll Matches Rose Foes – 'One-Two' Fracas Set". Moberly Monitor–Index. Moberly, Missouri. Associated Press. December 3, 1968. p. 8. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
That Dream Match—the No. 1 team against the No. 2 outfit in the Rose Bowl—remained a reality today... but just barely. [...] Because the race is so tight, the final AP poll of the season won't be released until after the Jan. 1 bowl games.
- ^ Green, Bob (January 4, 1966). "Crimson Tide Named National Collegiate Football Champions — Third Title in Five Years". Fort Collins Coloradoan. Associated Press. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
Ironically, when the Tide won last year, the poll was taken at the close of the regular season and 'Bama went on to lose to Texas in the Orange Bowl. This year the final poll of the season was conducted after the New Year's bowl games—the first time it had been held until after the bowls—because the six top teams were in action New Year's Day.
- ^ Sports in America from Colonial Times to the Twenty-First Century: An Encyclopedia: An Encyclopedia. Routledge. March 26, 2015. ISBN 9781317459477.
- ^ College Football Awards: All National and Conference Winners Through 2010. McFarland. August 31, 2012. ISBN 9780786448678.
- ^ Miller, Ted (May 20, 2008). "BCS system leaves long trail of wounded victims". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 20, 2008.
- ^ Irvine, Steve (January 9, 2011). "Defense, lobbying helped 1957 Auburn team to Tigers only national title". AL.com.
- ^ Tramel, Berry. "USC poll ban: OU football started it all". The Oklahoman.
- ^ a b c Inabinett, Mark (November 23, 2017). "Auburn's 1957 national-championship team: 'There wasn't a lot of hoopla about it'". AL.com. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
But there was a trophy for the Dickinson System, and there was a trophy for the AP poll when Minnesota's lettermen's club sponsored the Williams Trophy. With the Dickinson System dead, Minnesota shifted its responsibility to replace the national-championship trophy that it retired to the AP poll, naming the award after Henry Williams, the Golden Gophers' football coach from 1900 through 1921.
- ^ a b Written at South Bend, Indiana. "Fighting Irish Grid Team Retires Williams Trophy". The News and Observer. Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press. March 13, 1948. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
- ^ "Sooners To Get Trophy Feb. 1". The Norman Transcript. January 2, 1957. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
The Sooners will keep the trophy, having won it three times, in 1950, 1955, and 1956. Whether the University or the Associated Press will sponsor the next trophy is still undecided. In the past the school which retired a trophy sponsored the replacement.
- ^ Written at Oklahoma City. "Sooners Given AP Grid Award". The Terre Haute Tribune. Terre Haute, Indiana. Associated Press. February 2, 1957. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
The Associated Press Friday night announced it will award a huge bronze trophy to future collegiate football champions ... Like the O'Donnell Trophy awarded by Notre Dame, the Associated Press Trophy will become the permanent possession of the team which wins the national title three times.
- ^ "Auburn Is Voted Football Champ". The Norman Transcript. Associated Press. December 3, 1957. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
Auburn will be the first national champion to receive the Associated Press Trophy, put into competition this season as a successor to the Father Hugh O'Donnell Memorial trophy that was retired by Oklahoma last fall.
- ^ Written at Oklahoma City. "Sports Briefs — Associated Press awarding 40 inch high bronze trophy". The Oneonta Star. Oneonta, New York. Associated Press. February 1, 1957. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
The Associated Press is awarding a 40 inch high bronze trophy emblematic of the national collegiate football championship to replace the famous O'Donnell Trophy retired by the University of Oklahoma.
- ^ Green, Bob (January 4, 1966). "Crimson Tide Named National Collegiate Football Champions — Third Title in Five Years". Fort Collins Coloradoan. Associated Press. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
...and gives 'Bama permanent possession of the big, silver AP trophy. [...] Keeps Trophy — The three championships give Alabama permanent possession of the AP trophy, which goes to the first team to win three titles since the trophy has been up for competition. The trophy was put up for competition in 1957. Another trophy will be put up next season.
- ^ a b Thompson, Wayne (May 17, 1966). Written at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. "'Spartan Effort' Won For Tide". Clarion-Ledger. Jackson, Mississippi. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
Ted Smits, general sports editor of the Associated Press, presented the wire service's national championship award. And, Smits was truly on the ball. First, he brought down the house with the announcement that said trophy—which the Tide retired with titles in 1961–64–65—has been named the Paul W. Bryant Trophy.
- ^ The Associated Press Trophy (Trophy). Joyce Center, University of Notre Dame: Associated Press. 1966–1977. Archived from the original on November 27, 2023.
The National Collegiate Football Championship Award — Based on the Top Ten Championship Poll of Nation's Sports Writers and Sportscasters — 1966: Notre Dame; 1967: USC; 1968: Ohio State; 1969: Texas; 1970: Nebraska; 1971: Nebraska; 1972: USC; 1973: Notre Dame; 1974: Oklahoma; 1975: Oklahoma; 1976: Pitt; 1977: Notre Dame
- ^ a b "To the Victor Belongs the Spoils". The Selma Times-Journal. April 15, 1979. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
the AP retires a championship trophy once a school wins the national crown three times. The trophy used Saturday afternoon was the original AP trophy which was to be given permanently to Alabama. "I would have brought last year's trophy down here today to present to you but I didn't think you would want the same trophy that Notre Dame had," Nissenson said with a smile. Nissenson informed the crowd that the Associated Press was having a new trophy made and after it was obtained from the jewelers it would be taken to Tuscaloosa.
- ^ a b The Paul W. "Bear" Bryant Trophy Presented By The Associated Press (Trophy inscription). University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame: Associated Press. 1978–1989.
National College Football Championship: 1978 Alabama; 1979 Alabama; 1980 Georgia; 1981 Clemson; 1982 Penn State; 1983 Miami, 1984 Brigham Young; 1985 Oklahoma; 1986 Penn State; 1987 Miami; 1988 Notre Dame; 1989 Miami
- ^ Nissenson, Hershel (January 4, 1984). "Miami earns top spot in AP poll". The Desert Sun. Associated Press. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
It was the first national championship for Miami and the first for any team since The AP Trophy was renamed the Paul "Bear" Bryant Trophy, after the late Alabama coach.
AP Trophy
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
AP Poll Origins
The Associated Press (AP) established the college football poll in 1936 as a weekly ranking system to gauge the nation's top teams, spearheaded by former AP sports editor Alan J. Gould. Gould, seeking to generate interest and discussion among newspaper readers during the interweeks of the football season, transitioned from his personal 1935 rankings—which had declared a three-way tie for the national championship—to a collaborative effort involving AP member outlets. The inaugural poll was released on October 19, 1936, ranking the top 20 teams based on votes from 35 sportswriters across the United States, with each voter submitting their top 10 selections on a points system (10 points for first place, decreasing to 1 for tenth place).[7][8][9] In the first poll, the University of Minnesota earned the No. 1 spot with 32 first-place votes out of 35, reflecting its strong early-season performance under coach Bernie Bierman. This marked a significant milestone, as the poll provided a standardized, nationwide perspective on team strength amid the sport's growing popularity beyond regional confines. The methodology emphasized subjective expert opinion from sportswriters, often AP staff or affiliates, to compile rankings that influenced public perception and media coverage, though regional biases occasionally surfaced in voting patterns.[10][11] Over the ensuing years, the AP Poll evolved in scope and frequency to meet increasing demand for comprehensive coverage. By the 1950s, it expanded to include a preseason ranking—debuting in 1950 with Notre Dame at No. 1—and consistent end-of-regular-season polls, while maintaining weekly updates throughout the campaign. The number of voters grew gradually from the initial group of sportswriters to incorporate more diverse input, and the poll size was 20 teams, though it temporarily ranked only the top 10 from 1961 to 1967, before expanding to 25 teams in 1989; the points system has since evolved to award 25 points for a first-place vote down to 1 point for 25th place, solidifying its role as a barometer for college football excellence.[12][13][7]Role in National Championship
The Associated Press (AP) Poll has served as a de facto selector of the college football national champion since its inception in 1936, with the team ranked No. 1 in the final poll recognized as the titleholder. This system provided an early framework for identifying a season's top team amid the absence of a playoff, relying on media voters' assessments of performance throughout the regular season and, from 1968 onward, postseason bowl games. Prior to the poll's creation, national champions were often retrospectively claimed by schools or retroactively selected by organizations, but the AP's weekly rankings introduced a consistent, forward-looking method that gained widespread authority.[3][7][5] In the pre-BCS era from 1936 to 1997, the AP's final No. 1 ranking was a cornerstone of the "mythical national championship," frequently aligning with other major polls like the United Press International (UPI) Coaches Poll to form consensus selections, though splits occurred in notable seasons such as 1954 and 1964. The poll's influence extended to shaping perceptions of dominance, with teams like Minnesota (1936) and Notre Dame (multiple titles in the 1940s) benefiting from its endorsement. This period underscored the AP's role in standardizing championship recognition, as it transitioned from pre-bowl releases (common until 1965) to post-bowl polls, incorporating postseason results for greater accuracy.[3][5][7] Following the BCS's launch in 1998 and the CFP's debut in 2014, the AP Poll evolved into one of several championship selectors, contributing to BCS standings but maintaining its independent final ranking, which has aligned with the official CFP champion in every season since 2014. Despite the playoff's definitive resolution, the AP's No. 1 designation retains symbolic weight, with the AP Trophy awarded annually to the top-ranked team as an emblem of journalistic consensus on elite performance. This persistence highlights the poll's enduring status as the longest-running human-voted ranking system.[3][7][5] The AP Trophy and its accompanying No. 1 ranking confer substantial prestige, elevating a program's national profile and influencing factors like bowl game invitations, CFP seeding, and broader media exposure. For instance, teams achieving the top spot, such as Alabama's multiple titles in the 2000s and 2010s, experience heightened visibility that bolsters recruiting efforts by attracting top talent drawn to championship-caliber programs. This media-driven validation fosters long-term institutional pride and fan engagement, reinforcing the AP's cultural significance in college football even in the playoff era.[7][3][14]Trophy History
Absence of Trophy (1936–1940)
The Associated Press (AP) college football poll, initiated in 1936, served primarily as a journalistic tool to rank the nation's top teams based on votes from sportswriters, without any accompanying physical trophy during its first five years.[15] The poll's final ranking at the end of the regular season was recognized as the de facto national championship designation, but no tangible award was presented to the top team, distinguishing it from other contemporary honors like the Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy awarded by separate organizations.[6] This absence underscored the poll's origins as a consensus-building mechanism for media rather than a formal awards program.[7] The lack of a trophy stemmed from the AP's emphasis on objective reporting and ranking over ceremonial recognition, coupled with logistical challenges in the poll's nascent phase. Created by AP sports editor Alan J. Gould to provide a standardized way for writers to evaluate teams amid disparate regional opinions, the poll focused on weekly publications in newspapers without the infrastructure for physical awards.[15] Early polls concluded before postseason bowl games, limiting opportunities for presentation events, and the AP prioritized broad dissemination of rankings to influence public and media perceptions of team strength.[16] During this era, the AP's top-ranked teams gained significant prestige through their poll position alone, shaping national championship discussions. Minnesota topped the inaugural 1936 poll after a 7-1 season, followed by another No. 1 finish in 1940 with an undefeated 8-0 record, solidifying the Golden Gophers' dominance under coach Bernie Bierman.[6] Pittsburgh claimed the 1937 honor with a 9-0-1 campaign, while Texas Christian University (TCU) earned the 1938 crown at 11-0, led by Heisman winner Davey O'Brien.[17] Texas A&M rounded out the period in 1939, finishing 11-0 and outscoring opponents 261-73, though their selection sparked debate due to a lighter schedule compared to runners-up like USC. These rankings carried substantial weight, often aligning with or influencing other selectors and elevating the teams' status without a physical symbol.[5] As the poll's popularity surged—drawing widespread media attention and fan interest by the late 1930s—the AP recognized the value of a more formalized honor, leading to the introduction of the first physical trophy in 1941.[7] This shift marked the evolution from a purely informational ranking to a celebrated award, enhancing the poll's role in college football's national championship landscape.[3]Williams Trophy Era (1941–1947)
The introduction of the first physical trophy for the Associated Press (AP) college football national champion occurred in 1941, when the Minnesota M Club— the university's lettermen's organization—sponsored the Dr. Henry L. Williams Trophy in honor of the longtime Golden Gophers head coach who led the program from 1900 to 1922.[18] Named after Dr. Williams, a pioneer in offensive innovations like the shifting formation, the award was presented to the team ranked No. 1 in the final AP poll, which aggregated votes from approximately 125 sportswriters nationwide to determine a consensus champion.[18] This marked a shift from earlier informal recognitions, establishing a tangible symbol of the poll's authority amid the growing popularity of college football rankings since their inception in 1936.[19] The trophy itself was designed as a walnut-and-silver plaque, serving as a perpetual award that would be retained by a team upon winning the national title three times within a decade, after which it would be retired.[18] In its inaugural year, Minnesota claimed the honor, finishing the season undefeated at 8-0 and topping the AP poll, thus receiving the trophy as the consensus national champion.[20] The following year, Ohio State earned the award with a 9-0 record, securing the Buckeyes' first AP-recognized title. World War II profoundly disrupted college football during this era, with many institutions facing player shortages as athletes enlisted or were drafted, leading to shortened seasons, canceled games, and over 200 schools suspending their programs entirely by 1943.[21] Travel restrictions and resource rationing further limited schedules, often reducing teams to 6-8 games, while service academies like Army benefited from military training integrations that bolstered their rosters.[21] Despite these challenges, the Williams Trophy played a key role in sustaining national interest, offering a beacon of tradition and competition that boosted public morale during wartime uncertainty.[21] Army dominated the mid-1940s, capturing back-to-back titles in 1944 (9-0) and 1945 (9-0), powered by stars like Heisman winner Felix Blanchard and eventual NFL Hall of Famer Doc Blanchard. Notre Dame emerged as the era's most frequent recipient, winning in 1943 (9-1), 1946 (8-0-1), and 1947 (9-0), the latter prompting the Fighting Irish to retire the trophy after three championships within the decade.[22] Under coach Frank Leahy, these victories highlighted the sport's resilience, with the 1946 and 1947 squads featuring undefeated runs that underscored college football's enduring appeal even as the war ended and programs rebuilt with returning veterans.[21] The Williams Trophy thus bridged the prewar and postwar periods, symbolizing continuity until its retirement in 1947.[23]O'Donnell Trophy Era (1948–1956)
Following the retirement of the Williams Trophy by Notre Dame in 1947 after three national championships, the Associated Press introduced a new award in 1948: the Rev. J. Hugh O'Donnell Memorial Trophy. This trophy was donated by the Notre Dame Monogram Club, the university's athletic alumni association, to honor Rev. J. Hugh O'Donnell, a former Notre Dame president (1934–1940) and All-American football player in 1912.[23][24] The donation reflected Notre Dame's prominent role in the AP Poll's early years and aimed to continue the tradition of a symbolic national championship honor for the top-ranked team.[25] Like its predecessors, the O'Donnell Trophy was designed to be kept permanently by the first team to win it three times, promoting prestige and rotation among programs. Descriptions from the era portray it as an imposing three-foot-high plaque, emblematic of the sport's growing national stature.[26] It was presented annually at banquets or ceremonies to the AP's No. 1 team, underscoring the poll's influence in crowning consensus champions during a period of increasing media coverage.[27] The trophy was awarded to eight different teams over its nine-year run, with Oklahoma claiming it three times and retiring it in 1956. The recipients were:| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Michigan |
| 1949 | Notre Dame |
| 1950 | Oklahoma |
| 1951 | Tennessee |
| 1952 | Michigan State |
| 1953 | Maryland |
| 1954 | Ohio State |
| 1955 | Oklahoma |
| 1956 | Oklahoma |
First AP Trophy Era (1957–1965)
The AP Trophy was introduced in 1957 as the new award for the Associated Press national champion, succeeding the O'Donnell Trophy, which had been retired by Oklahoma after three wins.[30] This era marked a transition in the presentation of the AP's recognition, amid ongoing discussions about the structure of college football championships. After Alabama secured three titles under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant (1961, 1964, 1965), the trophy was named the Bryant Trophy in his honor. During these nine years, the AP recognized a diverse set of champions, with Southern teams dominating but Northern and Western programs also claiming honors. The winners were:| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1957 | Auburn |
| 1958 | LSU |
| 1959 | Syracuse |
| 1960 | Minnesota |
| 1961 | Alabama |
| 1962 | USC |
| 1963 | Texas |
| 1964 | Alabama |
| 1965 | Alabama |
First AP Trophy Era (1966–1977)
The Associated Press introduced its first official branded trophy in 1966, marking a shift from donor-sponsored awards to an in-house design that symbolized the organization's growing authority in college football rankings.[32] This traveling trophy was presented annually to the team finishing No. 1 in the final AP Poll, emphasizing the poll's role as a definitive selector amid increasing national media scrutiny.[5] It served as a perpetual award passed between champions until a team accumulated enough wins to retain it permanently. Notre Dame achieved this distinction after securing their third AP title in 1977, retiring the trophy from circulation. During this era, the AP Poll's influence expanded alongside the sport's visibility, driven by burgeoning national television contracts that transformed college football from regional rivalries into a coast-to-coast spectacle. NCAA-controlled broadcasts, starting with NBC in the early 1950s and expanding through the 1960s, boosted viewership and revenues, with TV income rising from $3 million in 1961 to over $31 million by 1981, while attendance climbed from 20 million to 35.8 million spectators.[28] This media growth elevated the AP Trophy's prestige, as poll rankings increasingly shaped perceptions of supremacy in an era shadowed by the Vietnam War, which fueled campus protests and declining student support for athletics—from 49% war approval in 1967 to 20% by 1969—yet football remained a unifying escape.[33] Key champions exemplified the era's competitive intensity, with Notre Dame claiming titles in 1966, 1973, and 1977 under coaches Ara Parseghian and Dan Devine, leveraging disciplined defenses and iconic victories like the 1966 "Game of the Century" tie against Michigan State.[34] USC won two titles (1967, 1972), led by John McKay's innovative offense, while Nebraska's back-to-back triumphs in 1970 and 1971 under Bob Devaney showcased the Big Eight's rise through powerhouse rushing attacks. Ohio State (1968), Texas (1969), Oklahoma (1974–1975), and Pittsburgh (1976) rounded out the recipients, often amid debates over split national claims, underscoring the AP's post-bowl voting format adopted in 1968 for finality.[35] The period transitioned from the preceding era by branding the award directly with the AP, reflecting the organization's independence in honoring top teams.[5]Second Bryant Trophy Era (1978–1989)
In 1978, the Associated Press introduced a new iteration of its national championship trophy following the retirement of the prior design after Notre Dame's 1977 title. The trophy continued as the official award for the AP's No. 1-ranked team until 1989, during which time it was renamed the Paul "Bear" Bryant Trophy in 1983 to honor the legendary Alabama coach, who had died earlier that year after leading the Crimson Tide to multiple national titles.[36][23] Notable champions during this era included Alabama in 1978 (11–1 record, defeated Penn State 14–7 in the Sugar Bowl) and 1979 (12–0, defeated Penn State 14–7 in the Sugar Bowl), Georgia in 1980 (12–0, defeated Notre Dame 17–10 in the Sugar Bowl), Clemson in 1981 (12–0, defeated Nebraska 22–15 in the Orange Bowl), Penn State in 1982 (11–1, defeated Georgia 27–23 in the Sugar Bowl) and 1986 (12–0, defeated Miami 14–10 in the Fiesta Bowl), Miami in 1983 (11–1, defeated Nebraska 31–30 in the Orange Bowl), 1987 (12–0, defeated Oklahoma 20–14 in the Orange Bowl), and 1989 (11–1, defeated Colorado 21–6 in the Orange Bowl), BYU in 1984 (13–0, defeated Michigan 24–17 in the Fiesta Bowl), Oklahoma in 1985 (11–1, defeated Penn State 25–10 in the Orange Bowl), and Notre Dame in 1988 (12–0, defeated West Virginia 34–21 in the Fiesta Bowl).[5][36] This pre-BCS era witnessed growing tensions in national championship selections, with several split titles between the AP poll and other selectors like the Coaches Poll (formerly UPI), underscoring the AP Trophy's role as a key symbol of consensus amid poll dominance. Prominent examples include 1978, when AP chose Alabama but the Coaches Poll selected USC, and 1984, when AP crowned BYU while the Coaches Poll favored Oklahoma.[36]Current AP Trophy Era (1990–present)
The Associated Press reintroduced its dedicated national championship trophy in 1990 following a period without one, awarding it annually to the team finishing No. 1 in the final AP Poll of the college football season.[5] This marked a return to the AP's tradition of recognizing its poll leader with a distinct honor, separate from other selectors. The trophy, presented at a ceremony shortly after the season's conclusion, symbolizes the AP's longstanding role in crowning a consensus favorite through media voting.[4] Since 1990, the AP Trophy has been bestowed upon a diverse array of programs, highlighting dominant runs and standout seasons. Notable recipients include Florida State, which claimed the honor in 1993 and 1999 under coaches Bobby Bowden, capping undefeated campaigns; Nebraska in 1995, completing a perfect 12-0 record led by Tom Osborne; Michigan in 1997 for its 12-0 season and again in 2023 amid a sign-stealing scandal controversy; and Ohio State in 2024, securing the AP title alongside the College Football Playoff championship with a 14-2 record.[5] Other multiple winners in this era, such as Alabama (seven times: 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020) and USC (2003, 2004), underscore the trophy's association with powerhouse dynasties.[37] The trophy's design has evolved to align with contemporary college football developments while preserving its core identity. Throughout this era, the AP Trophy has adapted to major structural changes in championship determination while upholding the poll's independence. From 1998 to 2013, during the Bowl Championship Series, the AP continued to rank teams separately, occasionally diverging from the BCS outcome—such as in 2003 when USC topped the final AP Poll despite LSU winning the BCS title. Since the 2014 inception of the College Football Playoff, the AP Trophy has frequently aligned with the CFP champion, as seen in 10 of the first 11 seasons, but retains its media-driven autonomy to reflect voter perspectives on overall performance.[30] This integration has solidified the trophy's status as a prestigious, poll-specific accolade amid the sport's evolving landscape.[37]Selection and Presentation
Poll Composition and Voting
The Associated Press (AP) college football poll, which determines the recipient of the AP Trophy, is compiled by a panel of 62 voters comprising sportswriters, editors, and broadcasters who cover the sport professionally. These voters are selected by AP staff to ensure geographic diversity, with representation from media outlets in every state that has a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program, as well as additional members from major markets to provide balanced perspectives across regions.[38][39][40] Voters submit ballots weekly during the season, ranking their top 25 teams from 1 to 25, with points awarded on a descending scale: 25 points for the No. 1 selection, 24 for No. 2, and down to 1 point for No. 25. The rankings are calculated by aggregating all ballots, with the team accumulating the highest total points receiving the No. 1 position; teams that receive votes but do not accumulate enough total points to rank in the top 25 are listed under "others receiving votes," with their total points indicated. Ballots are submitted digitally through a secure online platform, a method in use since the late 1990s to streamline tabulation and ensure transparency, as individual voter ballots are publicly released after each poll. The season culminates in a final poll released shortly after the College Football Playoff national championship game, crowning the AP's national champion and AP Trophy winner.[11][41][42] While there is no rigid mathematical formula dictating rankings, AP provides voters with guidelines emphasizing objective evaluation of team performance, including strength of schedule, head-to-head results, recent form, and overall body of work throughout the season. Voters are instructed to minimize regional bias and avoid penalizing teams for factors like playing in competitive conferences, focusing instead on merit-based assessments to promote fairness. To maintain the panel's relevance and incorporate fresh perspectives, AP periodically rotates voters, typically reviewing and updating the composition every few years based on professional standing and coverage expertise.[41][38][43]Award Ceremony and Traditions
The AP Trophy is presented to the team ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press college football poll, typically shortly after the poll's release through a ceremony organized in coordination with the winning program. In the pre-College Football Playoff era, presentations often followed major bowl games, as seen when the University of Southern California received the trophy during a campus ceremony on January 5, 2004, after their Rose Bowl victory over Michigan.[44] Similarly, USC was awarded the trophy early Wednesday, January 5, 2005, alongside other honors like the BCS and Grantland Rice trophies, following their Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma.[45] Since the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014, the final AP poll occurs after the national championship game on January 20, enabling presentations tied to that event when the rankings align, with AP executives handing the trophy to team representatives. For instance, Ohio State received the trophy at a national championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on January 24, 2015, drawing thousands of fans for the event.[4] In the 2024 season, Ohio State was presented with the trophy at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta following their playoff victory.[46] Ceremonial traditions include speeches from coaches and captains, such as Pete Carroll's post-presentation remarks in 2005 emphasizing the team's special achievement, along with photo opportunities featuring the trophy and media interviews to highlight the season's accomplishments.[45] These events often incorporate displays of past trophies for historical context and conclude with fan interactions to celebrate the program's success. During the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional elements like parades were omitted for safety, with Alabama's national championship recognition delayed until an on-campus event at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 17, 2021, attended by over 47,000 fans under capacity restrictions.[47] Virtual components, including remote announcements and limited in-person gatherings, were incorporated to maintain the tradition while adhering to health protocols.Winners
Annual Winners
The AP Trophy is awarded each year to the college football team ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press (AP) Poll, recognizing the national champion based on media votes.[30][37] This section chronicles the winners from the poll's inception in 1936 through the 2024 season, including each team's final record and brief highlights of their performance, such as undefeated seasons or pivotal victories that contributed to their top ranking. In years with split national championships—where the AP differed from other major selectors like the Coaches Poll or Football Writers Association of America (FWAA)—the AP's selection is noted.| Year | AP Champion | Record | Key Highlights | Split Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Minnesota | 7-1 | Big Ten champions with a strong 7-1 record and dominant play, securing the inaugural AP top spot. | None |
| 1937 | Pittsburgh | 9-0-1 | Perfect regular season capped by Sugar Bowl win over TCU. | None |
| 1938 | Texas Christian | 11-0 | Undefeated Southwest Conference champions with strong defense. | None |
| 1939 | Texas A&M | 11-0 | Undefeated, highlighted by Cotton Bowl victory over Tulane. | None |
| 1940 | Minnesota | 8-0 | Undefeated Big Ten title run amid World War II disruptions. | None |
| 1941 | Minnesota | 8-0 | Back-to-back undefeated seasons with national-best scoring defense. | None |
| 1942 | Ohio State | 9-1 | Big Ten champions despite lone loss, outscoring opponents 270-44. | None |
| 1943 | Notre Dame | 9-1 | Dominant wins including over Army, with Angelo Bertelli as Heisman winner. | None |
| 1944 | Army | 9-0 | Undefeated featuring future president Dwight D. Eisenhower's son at QB. | None |
| 1945 | Army | 9-0 | Undefeated "Black Knights" with unbeaten streak of 32 games. | None |
| 1946 | Notre Dame | 8-0-1 | Near-perfect season under Frank Leahy, tying USC 0-0. | None |
| 1947 | Notre Dame | 9-0 | Undefeated with wins over Michigan and USC, extending streak to 21. | None |
| 1948 | Michigan | 9-0 | Undefeated Big Ten champs, outscoring foes 252-44. | None |
| 1949 | Notre Dame | 10-0 | Undefeated national scoring leaders at 34.3 points per game. | None |
| 1950 | Oklahoma | 10-1 | Strong comeback season with Orange Bowl win over LSU. | None |
| 1951 | Tennessee | 10-1 | Dominant SEC play, defeating Maryland in Sugar Bowl. | None |
| 1952 | Michigan State | 9-0 | Undefeated Big Ten debut, Rose Bowl rout of UCLA. | None |
| 1953 | Maryland | 10-1 | ACC champions with Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma. | None |
| 1954 | Ohio State | 10-0 | Undefeated despite bowl ban, topping UCLA in AP tiebreaker. | Split with UCLA (FWAA, UPI) |
| 1955 | Oklahoma | 11-0 | Undefeated with record 47-game win streak. | None |
| 1956 | Oklahoma | 10-0 | Undefeated Orange Bowl champions over Syracuse. | None |
| 1957 | Auburn | 10-0 | Undefeated SEC champions, but bowl ineligible due to NCAA violations. | Split with Ohio State (UPI, FWAA) |
| 1958 | LSU | 11-0 | Undefeated Sugar Bowl win over Clemson, Billy Cannon's Heisman. | Split with Iowa (FWAA) |
| 1959 | Syracuse | 11-0 | Undefeated Cotton Bowl champions over Texas. | None |
| 1960 | Minnesota | 8-2 | Gained No. 1 on late-season surge, edging Ole Miss on voters' preference. | Split with Mississippi (FWAA) |
| 1961 | Alabama | 11-0 | Undefeated SEC champs, national-best defense allowing 4.8 points per game. | Split with Ohio State (FWAA) |
| 1962 | USC | 11-0 | Undefeated Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin. | None |
| 1963 | Texas | 11-0 | Undefeated Cotton Bowl champions over Navy. | None |
| 1964 | Alabama | 10-1 | Strong season despite loss, topped in AP over multiple contenders. | Split with Arkansas (FWAA), Notre Dame (NFF) |
| 1965 | Alabama | 9-1-1 | Edged Michigan State on head-to-head simulation votes. | Split with Michigan State (FWAA, UPI) |
| 1966 | Notre Dame | 9-0-1 | Tied Michigan State 10-10 but topped on voters' margin. | Split with Michigan State (other polls) |
| 1967 | USC | 10-1 | Rose Bowl win over Indiana after late rise in rankings. | None |
| 1968 | Ohio State | 10-0 | Undefeated Rose Bowl champions over USC. | None |
| 1969 | Texas | 11-0 | Undefeated Cotton Bowl win over Notre Dame. | None |
| 1970 | Nebraska | 11-0-1 | Tied USC 21-21 but claimed No. 1 on overall strength. | Split with Texas (NFF, UPI), Ohio State (others) |
| 1971 | Nebraska | 13-0 | Undefeated Orange Bowl rout of Louisiana Tech. | None |
| 1972 | USC | 12-0 | Undefeated Rose Bowl win over Ohio State. | None |
| 1973 | Notre Dame | 11-0 | Undefeated Sugar Bowl champions over Alabama. | Split with Alabama (UPI) |
| 1974 | Oklahoma | 11-0 | Undefeated despite AP split, outscoring opponents 390-87. | Split with USC (FWAA, UPI) |
| 1975 | Oklahoma | 11-1 | Edged in rankings after loss, with strong Big Eight title. | None |
| 1976 | Pittsburgh | 12-0 | Undefeated Sugar Bowl win over Georgia. | None |
| 1977 | Notre Dame | 11-1 | Rose Bowl victory over USC clinched top ranking. | None |
| 1978 | Alabama | 11-1 | Sugar Bowl win over Penn State after late-season surge. | Split with USC (UPI) |
| 1979 | Alabama | 12-0 | Undefeated Sugar Bowl champions over Arkansas. | None |
| 1980 | Georgia | 12-0 | Undefeated Sugar Bowl win over Notre Dame. | None |
| 1981 | Clemson | 12-0 | Undefeated Orange Bowl rout of Nebraska. | None |
| 1982 | Penn State | 11-1 | Orange Bowl win over Georgia for top spot. | None |
| 1983 | Miami (FL) | 11-1 | Strong ACC play, edged Nebraska in Orange Bowl. | None |
| 1984 | BYU | 13-0 | Undefeated Holiday Bowl win over Michigan. | None |
| 1985 | Oklahoma | 11-1 | Orange Bowl victory over Penn State. | None |
| 1986 | Penn State | 12-0 | Undefeated Fiesta Bowl champions over Miami. | None |
| 1987 | Miami (FL) | 12-0 | Undefeated national scoring leaders at 45.8 points per game. | None |
| 1988 | Notre Dame | 12-0 | Undefeated Fiesta Bowl win over West Virginia. | None |
| 1989 | Miami (FL) | 11-1 | Edged Notre Dame on head-to-head, Sugar Bowl win over Alabama. | None |
| 1990 | Colorado | 11-1-1 | "Fifth Down" miracle win over Missouri clinched Big Eight; topped Georgia Tech. | Split with Georgia Tech (Coaches) |
| 1991 | Miami (FL) | 12-0 | Undefeated season with victories over ranked opponents like Florida State. | Split with Washington (Coaches Poll) |
| 1992 | Alabama | 13-0 | Undefeated Sugar Bowl win over Miami. | None |
| 1993 | Florida State | 12-1 | Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska despite early loss. | None |
| 1994 | Nebraska | 13-0 | Undefeated Orange Bowl rout of Miami. | None |
| 1995 | Nebraska | 12-0 | Undefeated Fiesta Bowl win over Florida. | None |
| 1996 | Florida | 12-1 | Edged Florida State on head-to-head, Fiesta Bowl win over Florida State. | None |
| 1997 | Michigan | 12-0 | Undefeated despite Nebraska's split claim, outscoring foes 359-100. | Split with Nebraska (Coaches) |
| 1998 | Tennessee | 13-0 | Undefeated Fiesta Bowl champions over Florida State. | None |
| 1999 | Florida State | 12-0 | Undefeated national title in first BCS era. | None |
| 2000 | Oklahoma | 13-0 | Undefeated Orange Bowl win over Florida State. | None |
| 2001 | Miami (FL) | 12-0 | Undefeated Rose Bowl rout of Nebraska. | None |
| 2002 | Ohio State | 14-0 | Undefeated Fiesta Bowl win over Miami despite no TDs in title game. | None |
| 2003 | USC | 12-1 | Edged LSU on voters' preference after strong Pac-10 title. | Split with LSU (BCS) |
| 2004 | USC | 13-0 | Undefeated Orange Bowl champions over Oklahoma (later vacated). | None |
| 2005 | Texas | 13-0 | Undefeated Rose Bowl win over USC. | None |
| 2006 | Florida | 13-1 | BCS title win over Ohio State despite SEC loss. | None |
| 2007 | LSU | 12-2 | BCS title over Ohio State after two losses but dominant wins. | None |
| 2008 | Florida | 13-1 | BCS title rout of Oklahoma. | None |
| 2009 | Alabama | 14-0 | Undefeated BCS title win over Texas. | None |
| 2010 | Auburn | 14-0 | Undefeated BCS title over Oregon, Cam Newton's Heisman. | None |
| 2011 | Alabama | 12-1 | BCS title comeback over LSU, 9-6. | None |
| 2012 | Alabama | 13-1 | BCS title rout of Notre Dame, 42-0. | None |
| 2013 | Florida State | 14-0 | Undefeated BCS title win over Auburn. | None |
| 2014 | Ohio State | 14-1 | CFP title run with three straight playoff wins after 8-5 regular season. | None |
| 2015 | Alabama | 14-1 | CFP title over Clemson. | None |
| 2016 | Clemson | 14-1 | CFP title comeback over Alabama, 7-6. | None |
| 2017 | Alabama | 13-1 | CFP title over Georgia after SEC loss. | None |
| 2018 | Clemson | 15-0 | Undefeated CFP title rout of Alabama, 44-16. | None |
| 2019 | LSU | 15-0 | Undefeated CFP title over Clemson, Joe Burrow's record season. | None |
| 2020 | Alabama | 13-0 | Undefeated CFP title over Ohio State amid COVID-shortened season. | None |
| 2021 | Georgia | 14-1 | CFP title over Alabama, ending 41-year drought. | None |
| 2022 | Georgia | 15-0 | Undefeated CFP title rout of TCU. | None |
| 2023 | Michigan | 15-0 | Undefeated CFP title over Washington. | None |
| 2024 | Ohio State | 14-2 | CFP title 34-23 over Notre Dame; defeated five top-5 teams including Oregon and Texas. | None |
Wins by Team
The Associated Press Trophy has been awarded to 27 different programs since the poll's inception in 1936, with a total of 89 championships distributed across the eras. Alabama holds the record for the most AP national titles with 12, followed by Notre Dame with 8.[5] These leaders exemplify the trophy's recognition of sustained excellence, though no program has secured more than two consecutive titles in the AP era.[50]| Team | Titles | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 12 | 1961, 1964, 1965, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020 |
| Notre Dame | 8 | 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973, 1977, 1988 |
| Oklahoma | 7 | 1950, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1975, 1985, 2000 |
| Ohio State | 6 | 1942, 1954, 1968, 2002, 2014, 2024 |
| Miami (FL) | 5 | 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2001 |
| USC | 5 | 1962, 1967, 1972, 2003, 2004 |
| Minnesota | 4 | 1936, 1940, 1941, 1960 |
| Nebraska | 4 | 1970, 1971, 1994, 1995 |