The Crimson Tide were the overwhelming choice for the No.1 ranking, topping 58 of 62 ballots. (USA Today)
| RANK | TEAM | 2012 RECORD | POINTS | PREVIOUS RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama (58) | 13-1 | 1545 | 1 |
| 2 | Ohio St. (3) | 12-0 | 1427 | NR |
| 3 | Oregon | 12-1 | 1397 | 2 |
| 4 | Stanford | 12-2 | 1262 | 6 |
| 5 | Georgia | 12-2 | 1250 | 4 |
| 6 | Texas A&M (1) | 11-2 | 1215 | 5 |
| 7 | South Carolina | 11-2 | 1136 | 7 |
| 8 | Clemson | 11-2 | 1047 | 9 |
| 9 | Louisville | 11-2 | 1010 | 13 |
| 10 | Florida | 11-2 | 930 | 10 |
| 11 | Notre Dame | 12-1 | 872 | 3 |
| 12 | Florida St. | 12-2 | 844 | 8 |
| 13 | LSU | 10-3 | 797 | 12 |
| 14 | Oklahoma St. | 8-5 | 726 | NR |
| 15 | Texas | 9-4 | 622 | 18 |
| 16 | Oklahoma | 10-3 | 620 | 15 |
| 17 | Michigan | 8-5 | 589 | NR |
| 18 | Nebraska | 10-4 | 426 | 23 |
| 19 | Boise St. | 11-2 | 420 | 14 |
| 20 | TCU | 7-6 | 400 | NR |
| 21 | UCLA | 9-5 | 202 | NR |
| 22 | Northwestern | 10-3 | 186 | 16 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | 8-0 | 172 | NR |
| 24 | USC | 7-6 | 165 | NR |
| 25 | Oregon St. | 9-4 | 135 | 19 |
