Georgia becomes 12th back-to-back champ in AP Top 25 history

By Ralph D. Russo

Related Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Georgia was No. 1 within the ultimate Related Press High 25 school soccer ballot, changing into the twelfth back-to-back nationwide champion within the historical past of the rankings after routing TCU on Monday night time.

The Horned Frogs had been No. 2, their greatest ultimate rankings for the reason that 2010 season. Michigan was No. 3, adopted by Ohio State and Alabama.

Georgia obtained all 63 first-place votes within the ballot, which is introduced by Areas Financial institution.

The Bulldogs received the Faculty Soccer Playoff nationwide championship recreation 65-7 to safe their third AP title total. Their first got here in 1980. Georgia additionally grew to become the 14th faculty with as many as three AP nationwide titles.

“Man, we maintain ourself to a excessive customary,” Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo mentioned after the historic blowout of TCU at Sofi Stadium.

The final staff to complete consecutive seasons No. 1 within the AP High 25 was Alabama in 2011 and ’12.

Tennessee was No. 6, giving the Southeastern Convention half of the highest six groups.

Penn State was No. 7, the primary time the Nittany Lions have completed a season ranked since 2019. No. 8 Washington completed ranked for the primary time since 2018.

Tulane was ninth, its first look within the ultimate ballot for the reason that Inexperienced Wave completed seventh in 1998.

Utah rounded out the highest 10, giving the Utes a top-10 end for the primary time since they had been No. 2 within the ultimate 2008 rankings.

No. 11 Florida State is again within the ultimate High 25 for the primary time since 2016. No. 12 USC was adopted by Clemson, Kansas State and Oregon at No. 15.

LSU was No. 16 and No. 17 Oregon State completed ranked for the primary time since 2012.

At No. 19, Troy has its greatest rating at school historical past and its first within the ultimate AP High 25.

Mike Leach’s ultimate staff at Mississippi State completed the season at No. 20. Leach died immediately of a coronary heart situation final month earlier than the the Bulldogs received their bowl recreation towards Illinois to complete 9-4.