The FWAA‑NFF Super 16 Poll, launched in 2013 through a partnership between the Football Writers Association of America and the National Football Foundation, has become a weekly barometer for the nation’s top 16 FBS programs, releasing its rankings each Sunday throughout the season.
Week 1 2026 Results
In the opening week of the 2026 season, SMU surged to 53 votes, positioning the Mustangs just 17 points behind No. 16 Penn State, which entered the poll undefeated at 1‑0, while Tennessee gathered 25 votes but fell outside the top 16.
Voting Highlights
Three members of the College Football Hall of Fame lent their ballots to Tennessee’s cause, with former Stanford running back Toby Gerhart ranking the Volunteers No. 16, ex‑Syracuse quarterback Don McPherson placing them No. 13, and former Michigan defensive tackle Mark Messner slotting them No. 15.
While Tennessee’s 25‑vote total fell short of the cut‑off, the poll also captured support for Washington (20 votes), Louisville (17) and Virginia (13), underscoring a crowded mid‑tier of contenders.
The early-season landscape features programs such as Penn State and Ohio State, both unbeaten at 1‑0, setting the tone for a competitive year that will likely see frequent movement within the top tier.
The poll’s weekly release schedule ensures that each Sunday brings fresh insight into how voter sentiment evolves as the season unfolds, keeping fans and analysts alike engaged in the ongoing narrative of college football.