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