AI gives its thoughts on the Top 25, botches things from top to bottom

The Associated Press releases its weekly version of the top 25 teams in the country. This list, voted on by writers and broadcasters who cover college football for organizations that are members of the AP, is widely respected. With the rise of artificial intelligence, however, many people were curious as to what a synthetically generated Top 25 would look like.

We prompted Bard, Google’s AI chatbot, asking it to create a current college football Top 25. To give the AI a better chance, we asked it to generate its own list on Sunday, Oct. 1, after the official Week 6 AP poll was released.

Below are the more shocking differences. After each AI generated ranking, our writer has provided his own analysis of the team so far this season.

AI No. 1 University of Miami (4-0) (AP Ranking: No. 17)

The Canes have enjoyed a successful start to the season winning all four games they have played thus far, including a win over then-ranked Texas A&M (23). Junior quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has thrown for 11 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards while his partner in the backfield, Henry Parrish Jr., a former Ole Miss Rebel, has run for 331 yards on 42 carries and three touchdowns.

AI No. 2 LSU (3-2) (AP Ranking: No. 23)

Possibly the second biggest shock on this list is the Tigers at No. 2. After losing in Oxford in week 5, the Tigers fell to 23rd in the AP poll, a whopping 10 spots from their previous spot. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has looked every bit of the NFL-caliber talent he is touted to be, but the letdown for the Bayou Bengals is on the other side of the ball. They allowed 55 points and over 700 total yards of offense to the Rebels.

AI No. 3 USC (5-0) (AP Ranking: No. 9)

Not much of a surprise here with the Trojans coming in at third, six spots higher than their actual AP ranking. After denying Deion Sanders’ Colorado squad a late comeback, Heisman hopeful Caleb Williams is leading the Trojans to what potentially could be a great season.

AI No. 11 Georgia (5-0) (AP Ranking: No. 1)

This is the biggest shock on the list, for me. While Georgia has had its struggles in games so far this season, the Bulldogs still have not been beaten. That being said, Georgia has four teams currently ranked in the AP top 25 left to play on its schedule. Can QB Carson Beck lead the Bulldogs to glory?

AI No. 12 Kentucky (5-0) (AP Ranking: 20)

Speaking of which, the Wildcats happen to be one of those teams remaining for Georgia. After dominating Florida at home, Kentucky jumped into the AP rankings at No. 20. AI holds the Wildcats in much higher regard than the AP voters.

AI No. 13. Missouri (5-0) (AP Ranking 21)

Perhaps the surprise of the season in the SEC, the Tigers knocked off Kansas State in their undefeated start to the season. In Week 6, they host LSU. This is yet another example of the AI placing a team much higher than AP voters.

AI No. 14 Tennessee (4-1) (AP Ranking: 22)

Aside from its only loss this season to Florida, Tennessee has won all of its games pretty easily. Like many others in this list, the Vols have a back-loaded schedule, having to travel to Bama and hosting Georgia, too.

AI No. 20 Michigan (5-0) (AP Ranking: No. 2)

Another shocking result here. The Wolverines are ranked second in the AP poll and deservedly so. They are the favorites for the Big Ten, with Ohio State hot on their trail. However, AI barely sees Michigan as a top-20 team, let alone a top College Football Playoff contender.

AI No. 21 Texas (5-0) (AP Ranking: No. 3)

Is Texas back? It is looking like that could be true. A huge win in Week 2 over Alabama has kickstarted the Longhorns in their undefeated start. Coach Steve Sarkisian has something cooking in Austin, but AI is not quite convinced of that.

Full AI Rankings: