Preseason 2012 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | USC |
| 2 | Alabama |
| 3 | LSU |
| 4 | Oklahoma |
| 5 | Oregon |
| 6 | Georgia |
| 7 | Florida State |
| 8 | Michigan |
| 9 | South Carolina |
| 10 | Arkansas |
| 11 | West Virginia |
| 12 | Wisconsin |
| 13 | Michigan State |
| 14 | Clemson |
| 15 | Texas |
| 16 | Virginia Tech |
| 17 | Nebraska |
| 18 | Ohio State |
| 19 | Oklahoma State |
| 20 | TCU |
| 21 | Stanford |
| 22 | Kansas State |
| 23 | Florida |
| 24 | Boise State |
| 25 | Louisville |