The conclusion of the college football season brings with it a unique tradition—grading each team’s performance. This evaluation goes beyond mere win-loss records, factoring in preseason expectations and critical matchups. While some teams exceeded all predictions, others fell short despite respectable records. The grading system highlights not just success but also the context in which victories and defeats occurred, providing a nuanced view of the season.

Teams like Marshall and Mississippi both finished with identical records, yet their grades differed significantly due to contrasting performances in pivotal games. Similarly, Vanderbilt and Southern California shared the same record but received vastly different evaluations based on their overall performance. This article delves into the reasoning behind these grades and explores the standout achievements and disappointments of the season.

Grading the Champions and Contenders

The top-performing teams were evaluated not only by their final standings but also by how they met or surpassed initial expectations. Indiana, for instance, earned an A+ for its best regular season under new leadership. Meanwhile, Ohio State secured an A for its championship victory, albeit marred by a regular-season loss that prevented a perfect score. These evaluations underscore the importance of consistency throughout the season, even when a team excels in the postseason.

Indiana’s remarkable turnaround under Curt Cignetti exemplifies the grading system’s emphasis on progress. The Hoosiers’ unprecedented success in the regular season earned them the highest possible grade. In contrast, Ohio State’s championship win was overshadowed by a crucial loss earlier in the year, demonstrating that even the most impressive finishes can be affected by earlier missteps. Other top performers like Marshall, who claimed their first conference title since 2014, also received high marks for exceeding expectations. The Thundering Herd’s achievement in the Sun Belt highlighted the value of winning within one’s league.

Challenges Faced by Powerhouses and Newcomers

Despite strong records, several prominent programs faced unexpected challenges, leading to lower-than-anticipated grades. Alabama, for example, saw its once-dominant program falter under new leadership, finishing with a modest 9-4 record and earning a C. Michigan, too, experienced ups and downs, ending the season with an 8-5 record and a C+. Both teams demonstrated resilience in key matchups, but their overall inconsistency impacted their final evaluations.

Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC proved more difficult than anticipated, resulting in a C+ grade. The Sooners struggled to adapt to the new conference’s competitive landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by newcomers. Conversely, teams like Florida State, despite having a dismal season, were not alone in receiving failing grades. Arizona and Purdue also found themselves at the bottom of the grading scale, reflecting broader issues within their programs. These evaluations serve as a reminder that success in college football is about more than just wins; it’s about meeting and exceeding expectations in every game.