Voter Sparked Backlash Over AP Top 25 Ballot
Social media users criticized a college football ranking that favored Mississippi State over unbeaten Pittsburgh.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football
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AP Top 25 voter Greg Luca drew public ire after releasing a ballot that ranked Mississippi State significantly higher following a loss. The ranking excluded the 5-0 Pittsburgh team, sparking accusations of bias.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding subjective college football rankings and their potential to influence postseason implications for undefeated programs.
Mississippi State climbed 8 spots in the voter's poll following a loss to Alabama. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh fell out of the rankings despite holding a perfect 5-0 record and a recent road win against Virginia Tech.
The players
Greg Luca
He is a college football beat reporter for the San Antonio Express-News who contributes to the AP Top 25 poll.
Mississippi State
This university operates a college football program competing within the Southeastern Conference.
Pittsburgh
This is a major college football program currently maintaining an undefeated 5-0 record.
Mason Heintschel
He serves as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh football team.
The details
Greg Luca, who covers Texas-San Antonio for the San Antonio Express-News, published the controversial ballot following the conclusion of Week 5. Public criticism focused on the perceived Southeastern Conference bias, further complicated by news that Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel sustained a season-ending knee injury.
Timeline
Week 5 games concluded immediately before the rankings were updated.
The AP Top 25 ballot was released on October 4, 2026.
The rankings currently reflect expectations for the ongoing Week 6 of the season.
Season Trajectory
This controversy underscores the volatility of media polls as the season moves into Week 6, where undefeated teams often vie for critical positioning against high-profile conference rivals. Such ballot disputes directly influence the perceived competitive balance and national narrative leading into the postseason selection process.
The exclusion of Pittsburgh from the Top 25 removes them from current consideration for major bowl projections despite their unblemished 5-0 record. Fans and bettors should monitor how this ranking dip affects the team's power rating as they navigate the remainder of the schedule without starting quarterback Mason Heintschel.
The takeaway
Media-driven rankings remain inherently subjective and often reflect differing philosophies regarding conference strength versus raw win-loss records. Readers should utilize multiple polling sources to develop a more balanced view of a team's true standing during the season.
Further reading
For more analysis on college rankings and season progress, visit the Football section.
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Do you believe AP Top 25 college football voters should be held accountable for their rankings?
