Inside the Final Coaches Poll: How Mike Elko and Matt Rhule Cast Their Votes

The release of the final US LBM Coaches Poll always brings intrigue, but this year, the ballots cast by Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule have garnered particular attention. Their votes, reflecting their perspectives on the 2025 college football season, provide insight into how two Power 5 coaches assessed the year’s top teams, especially after eventful playoff runs and upsets.

Texas A&M's Season and Elko's Ballot Choices

The Texas A&M Aggies finished the 2025 campaign with a strong 11-2 record and a 7-1 mark in SEC play. Their season ended in disappointment, however, as they fell 10-3 at home to eventual national runner-up Miami (FL) in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Elko’s final Coaches Poll ballot reflected both the respect for teams that succeeded in the postseason and acknowledgment of regular-season performance. Notably, Elko made several adjustments and additions compared to the consensus poll, highlighting his unique perspective on the national landscape. His ballot included some shakeups in the Top 25, with an emphasis on playoff teams and those with marquee wins late in the season.

• Texas A&M (11-2) landed strongly in his Top 10, a nod to their high-level SEC play despite the playoff exit.
• Elko gave notable placement to Miami (FL) after their playoff run, reinforcing the value of postseason success in his rankings.
• Several teams outside the traditional blue bloods made late surges into his Top 25, signaling recognition for breakthrough seasons.

Matt Rhule’s Perspective and Nebraska’s Season

Over in the Big Ten, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule also revealed his Coaches Poll ballot, providing another lens on the 2025 season’s hierarchy. While Nebraska’s record didn’t match the heights of Texas A&M, Rhule’s vote distribution offered a different view on the year’s top contenders and surprise teams.

• Rhule’s ballot emphasized teams with strong conference championship performances and late-season momentum.
• He placed several traditional powers in his Top 10, but also elevated a handful of rising programs, reflecting the shifting balance of power in college football.
• Rhule’s vote for the No. 1 spot aligned with the eventual national champion, signaling agreement with the playoff outcome.

Comparing the Coaches’ Ballots: Consensus and Contrasts

Both Elko and Rhule’s ballots aligned on several key points, such as recognizing playoff teams and valuing head-to-head results. However, their differences provided insight into how coaches weigh factors like conference strength, postseason performance, and quality wins.

• Miami (FL) received elevated attention from both coaches after their deep playoff run, highlighting the impact of postseason play on perceptions.
• Both ballots reflected a mix of traditional power programs and emerging teams in the lower half of the Top 25, suggesting appreciation for both sustained excellence and breakthrough seasons.
• Each coach’s placement of their own team showcased a balance between self-assessment and objectivity, with neither excessively inflating their program’s ranking.

Notable Trends from the Final Coaches Poll

• The poll continues to serve as a vital indicator of how coaches view the national landscape, incorporating both statistical performance and subjective assessment.
• The 2025 season’s playoff results, upsets, and late surges played a significant role in shaping final ballot decisions.
• Teams that performed well in conference championship games or made deep playoff runs were rewarded in both Elko’s and Rhule’s ballots.

Looking Ahead: What the Ballots Mean for 2026

As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the final US LBM Coaches Poll ballots from Mike Elko and Matt Rhule offer a preview of how coaches may approach preseason rankings for 2026. The inclusion of rising teams and the emphasis on postseason results suggest that the traditional college football hierarchy is more fluid than ever.

With the 2026 season on the horizon, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if the trends reflected in these ballots—greater recognition for breakthrough programs and a premium on playoff achievement—continue to shape the national conversation. For now, the ballots provide a snapshot of where the sport stands and hint at the evolving criteria coaches use to evaluate success.