Addisyn Barnes
Research Mentor: Michael Mignano
Mentor Department: Movement Science, Kinesiology
Author(s): Addisyn Barnes, Michael Mignano
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 50
Abstract
In recent years, college football has experienced increasing scrutiny regarding team performance, ranking systems, and coaching stability. Within the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), program success is evaluated through a combination of on-field results, national rankings, and fan engagement. Despite these measures, limited research has examined how ranking systems and fan attendance relate to actual team performance and coaching turnover across the FBS programs. This study analyzes all FBS football programs from the 2022 through 2025 seasons. Quantitative data were collected for each team, including overall performance metrics, conference wins, home game wins, average attendance, Associated Press (AP) rankings, Coaches Poll rankings, and ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). In addition, head coaching changes during this period were recorded to examine potential relationships between performance outcomes and leadership turnover. The purpose of this study is to identify discrepancies between ranking systems and on-field performance while also evaluating whether fan attendance is correlated with team success and coaching changes. By comparing multiple ranking systems to measurable performance indicators, our research seeks to determine how accurately rankings reflect competitive outcomes. Overall, this research provides an examination of performance evaluation and program stability within FBS football. The findings aim to contribute to a better understanding of how rankings, fan engagement, and coaching decisions interact in modern college football.
