NCAA Football Conference Championships Tie-Breakers

Determining the Conference Champions

SEC, Big 12, and ACC

The champions of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Big 12, and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) are determined through a clear and definitive process:

• Championship Games: The title of "Conference Champion" is awarded to the victor of the conference's championship game. This game pits predetermined teams against each other based on their performance throughout the season, ensuring a competition that celebrates excellence and hard work.

Other Conferences

For conferences outside the SEC, Big 12, and ACC, there are specific guidelines in place to address situations where the regular season concludes with a tie in standings:

1. BCS Standings: In the event of a tie, the championship title is assigned to the team ranked highest according to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings released the week following the conference championship games. The BCS standings provide a comprehensive ranking by combining polls and computer selection methods to ensure a fair and unbiased determination.
2. AP Poll Consideration: If none of the tied teams are ranked in the BCS standings, the focus then shifts to the Associated Press (AP) poll. The team holding the highest position in the AP poll the week after the conference championship games will be deemed the conference champion. The AP poll, known for its long-standing reputation and reliability, offers another layer of validation to the process.