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twitter_paulbd Ballot for 2026 Week 3

Ballot Type: Hybrid

Submitted: Sept. 13, 2026, 7:35 a.m.

Overall Rationale: My pre-season and Week 1 ballots tried a different methodology since I was now an official r/CFB voter. But after seeing some of my other voters ballots, I decided to go back to my methodology from last season because it helps me stay engaged with a broader spectrum of the sport. So without further ado,

This ranking tries to balance resume and talent.

Teams are broken into tiers and then they are ranked within their respective tiers. The tiers are:

Tier 1 Blue-Chip Ratio Undefeated
Tier 2 Power 2 Undefeated
Tier 3 Next 2 Undefeated
Tier 4 Group of 6 Undefeated
Tier 5 BCR 1 Loss
Tier 6 P2 1 Loss
Tier 7 N2 1 Loss
Tier 8 BCR 2 Loss
Tier 9 P2 2 Loss
Tier 10 BCR 3 Loss
Tier 11 G6 1 Loss
Tier 12 N2 2 Loss
Tier 13 G6 2 Loss
Tier 14 P2 3 Loss
Tier 15 N2 3 Loss
Tier 16 BCR 4 Loss

Then I rank the teams within the tier based on how many points they have. The point system:
Beat a BCR = 5 Points
Beat a P2 = 4 Points
Beat a N2 = 3 Points
Beat a G6 = 2 Points
Beat an FCS = 1 Point

Ties are broken by my opinion of which is the better team.

Author’s Note: I understand that the blue-chip ratio was finally busted last season. Until we see multiple BCR bust seasons, I’m going to still respect the concept.

Rank Team Reason
1 Texas Longhorns BCR Undefeated 7 Points
2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish BCR Undefeated 6 Points
Looked more impressive in both their victories.
3 Alabama Crimson Tide BCR Undefeated 6 Points
Struggled at times in both wins. Not as clean.
4 USC Trojans BCR Undefeated 6 Points
All six points come from 3 G6 teams.
5 Michigan Wolverines BCR Undefeated 6 Points
While the Oklahoma win looks good, the whole Western Michigan of it all.
6 LSU Tigers BCR Undefeated 5 Points
They seem to have the momentum at the moment.
7 Texas A&M Aggies BCR Undefeated 5 Points
Quiet and steady.
8 Miami Hurricanes BCR Undefeated 4 Points
9 Georgia Bulldogs BCR Undefeated 3 Points
Would be my overall #1 if not for the point system. Closest thing to 2010s Alabama in the sport right now.
10 Florida Gators BCR Undefeated 3 Points
Has the talent and what looks like a competent coaching staff now. Will now more once in conference play.
11 Mississippi State Bulldogs P2 Undefeated 6 Points
12 Ole Miss Rebels P2 Undefeated 5 Points
Have possibly the best QB in the sport at the moment that can make up for a lot of their short comings.
13 Iowa Hawkeyes P2 Undefeated 5 Points
All defense and all punts makes Homer something something.
14 UCLA Bruins P2 Undefeated 5 Points
They don’t have elite elements like Ole Miss and Iowa do.
15 Auburn Tigers P2 Undefeated 5 Points
Auburn Jesus loves them again.
16 Tennessee Volunteers P2 Undefeated 4 Points
Probably the most talented in this Tier of 4 point teams.
17 Penn State Nittany Lions P2 Undefeated 4 Points
Workable schedule and a solid team.
18 Missouri Tigers P2 Undefeated 4 Points
One solid win and one paid win.
19 Nebraska Cornhuskers P2 Undefeated 4 Points
Still have Ohio taste in my mouth, but they have done a good job washing it out.
20 Michigan State Spartans P2 Undefeated
Still have Toledo taste in my mouth, but they have done an okay job of washing it out.
21 Washington Huskies P2 Undefeated 4 Points
They have struggled through both wins.
22 Indiana Hoosiers P2 Undefeated 3 Points
If they played a more challenging non-con, they would be ranked higher.
23 Vanderbilt Commodores P2 Undefeated 3 Points
Vandy has shown proof of concept the last two seasons back to back. I know a lot of new players in key positions, but Clark seems to know what he is doing.
24 South Carolina Gamecocks P2 Undefeated 3 Points
Shane Beamer would be an elite ACC/Big 12 coach.
25 Maryland Terrapins P2 Undefeated 3 Points
September Maryland

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