Arizona State, Ole Miss, Penn State, SMU Ranked in Final AP Poll

The final Associated Press Top 25 college football poll for the 2024 season has crowned Ohio State as the national champion, followed by Notre Dame and Oregon. Arizona State achieved a remarkable No. 7 ranking, its highest since 1996, after winning the Big 12 title and making a strong playoff run, ultimately losing to Texas in double overtime. Ole Miss also finished strong at No. 11 after a successful season, while Penn State celebrated its first top 5 finish under James Franklin, ending the season at No. 5. SMU, in its first year in the ACC, secured the No. 12 ranking, marking its best finish since 1984. The SEC dominated the rankings with seven teams in the top 22, showcasing its competitive strength in college football. The final poll reflects a season of surprising performances and a shift in power among the conferences.