College Football Fan Index presented by Goodyear is a cumulative data-based ranking of America’s most active and engaged fan bases, as determined by social media and online polling. These are the final results for the 2015 season.
The Fan Index Top 10
1. Ohio State (919,462 social mentions, 3,308 voting points)
For the defending national champion Buckeyes—who last year won the inaugural Fan Index—the 2015 season seemed to be unfolding a lot like their 2014 campaign did. Ohio State won its first 10 games and appeared to be a lock to make the College Football Playoff for the second straight season.
Then, on Nov. 21, the Buckeyes lost to Michigan State, effectively ending their quest to capture their second consecutive title. Ohio State, however, ended its regular season strong by blowing out archrival Michigan. Fan support never wavered. After LSU held on to the top spot in the Fan Index for eight straight weeks, Ohio State ascended to No. 1 for good in Week 9.
Highest ranking: No. 1 (twice)
Lowest ranking: No. 3
Poll trophies: Best Road Trip (runner-up), Best Band (runner-up)
2. LSU (1,167,257 social mentions, 2,000 voting points)
When the season began, it looked like sensational LSU running back Leonard Fournette would run away with the Heisman Trophy. His production decreased as the Tigers began to struggle in November, but Fournette still had a remarkable year. Thankfully for Tigers fans, he — along with Les Miles — will be back in 2016.
Highest ranking: No. 1 (eight times)
Lowest ranking: No. 2
Poll trophies: Best Pros (runner-up), Best Stadium/Atmosphere (runner-up), Best Tailgating (runner-up)
3. Michigan (645,773 social mentions, 3,018 voting points)
The 2015 season featured a handful of heartbreaking moments for Wolverines fans, but Michigan’s first season under Jim Harbaugh was a rousing success. The new coach always seemed to be making news, whether he was sharing his thoughts on his diet or throwing off his puffy coat in a fit of rage.
Highest ranking: No. 2 (three times)
Lowest ranking: No. 8
Poll trophies: Best Uniforms/Helmets
4. Clemson (507,755 social mentions, 2,867 voting points)
Undefeated Clemson, the No. 1 seed in the CFB Playoff, is having a spectacular season. The team’s biggest star? Coach Dabo Swinney, whose fiery speeches, emotional outbursts, and locker room dance moves make him one of the most entertaining figures in college football.
Highest ranking: No. 4 (nine times)
Lowest ranking: No. 6
Poll trophies: Best Stadium/Atmosphere, Best Entrance (runner-up)
5. Alabama (889,849 social mentions, 876 voting points)
After an early hiccup against Ole Miss, Alabama has been untouchable. Despite Nick Saban’s previous claims of media disrespect, the Crimson Tide appears to be the most feared team in the nation. Alabama will be taking on Michigan State in the national semifinals on New Year’s Eve.
Highest ranking: No. 3 (twice)
Lowest ranking: No. 5
6. Notre Dame (422,942 social mentions, 1,691 voting points)
Notre Dame fans are everywhere. Case in point: when the Fighting Irish played Boston College at Fenway Park this fall, the crowd at the 103-year-old stadium was overwhelmingly pro-Notre Dame. Irish supporters would’ve liked to have seen their team in the playoff, but it was still a successful season.
Highest ranking: No. 6 (seven times)
Lowest ranking: No. 10
Poll trophies: Best Road Trip, Best Fight Song (runner-up)
7. Michigan State (479,188 social mentions, 807 voting points)
It’s been a magical season for the Spartans and their fans. First, Michigan State beat rival Michigan after blocking a punt and scoring on the final play of the game. Then, in the Big 10 title game, playoff bound MSU used an epic final drive to topple undefeated Iowa. Incredible.
Highest ranking: No. 7 (once)
Lowest ranking: No. 17
Poll trophies: Best Mascot (runner-up)
8. USC (543,854 social mentions, 592 voting points)
Despite the tumult that has followed the firing of Steve Sarkisian, USC’s season has not gone down in flames. The Trojans finished the regular season 8-5 and appear to have a strong new head coach in Clay Helton.
Highest ranking: No. 5 (once)
Lowest ranking: No. 29
9. Florida (938,522 social mentions, 347 voting points)
Under first-year coach Jim McElwain, the Gators shocked the college football world by going 10-3. Florida fans have come out in full force this season. Their team has been in the Fan Index top 10 for the entirety of the 10-week competition.
Highest ranking: No. 6 (twice)
Lowest ranking: No. 10
10. Oklahoma (517,826 social mentions, 590 voting points)
It’s hard to believe that the Sooners finished only 8-5 last season. These days, Oklahoma is sitting pretty. The 11-1 Sooners, who are looking to win their first national title since 2000, will face Clemson in the national semifinals on New Year’s Eve.
Highest ranking: No. 7 (once)
Lowest ranking: No. 20
For the full rankings, including teams 11-128, visit the Fan Index.
Week 10 poll results: Best On Social Media
1. Penn State (21% of the fan vote) — The Penn State football program’s Twitter and Instagram accounts (both @PennStateFball) give fans a great behind-the-scenes look at the Nittany Lions on and off the field.
Runners-up: — Oregon (18%), Notre Dame (9%)
Previous poll results
Week 1: Best Tailgates—Wisconsin
Week 2: Best Pros—Wisconsin
Week 3: Best Stadium/Atmosphere—Clemson
Week 4: Best Fight Songs—Tennessee
Week 5: Best Road Trips—Notre Dame
Week 6: Best Uniforms/Helmets—Michigan
Week 7: Best Entrances—Virginia Tech
Week 8: Best Mascots—West Virginia
Week 9: Best Bands—Texas A&M
Thanks for weighing in this season, congratulations to the winners, and see you in 2016!
