New Mexico’s football program made history by entering the AP Top 25 rankings at No. 22 for the first time on November 1, 2026. This milestone marks the end of a 90-season wait since the AP poll began in 1936, with the Lobos having had notable teams before but never cracking the list. Their strong 7-1 record, with the only loss a close 14-6 game against Oklahoma, signals potential for an even higher ranking as they tackle upcoming Mountain West Conference opponents including Nevada, UNLV, Wyoming, and Air Force.

Despite New Mexico’s breakthrough, 21 FBS teams have yet to appear in the AP Top 25. Thirteen of these teams are relatively new to the FBS, with their program starts within the past 15 years or so, including North Dakota State and Sacramento State, who are still seeking their first ranking. The remaining eight teams have competed at the highest level for over two decades but have never reached the AP poll spot, underscoring the challenges smaller or less prominent programs face in gaining national recognition.

Among the longer-tenured teams that remain unranked are Akron, Arkansas State, Eastern Michigan, Florida Atlantic (FAU), Florida International (FIU), Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee State, and UAB. Each school has experienced moments of success, such as UAB’s 2018 season when they garnered AP votes after an 11-3 record and a Conference USA title, but none have yet achieved a top 25 ranking. Individual program histories reflect sporadic successes and difficulties in maintaining consistent winning records or attracting poll voters.

The landscape of college football continues to evolve with new programs entering the FBS and teams like New Mexico breaking new ground. However, the gap remains significant between top-tier programs regularly ranked and those still striving to break into the national spotlight. As the season progresses, whether current contenders such as New Mexico or rising teams can capitalize on their chances to climb the polls will be a focal point for fans and analysts tracking college football’s competitive hierarchy.