While much is being said of ESPN’s updated Football Power Index (FPI) this week, Longhorns Wire decided to revisit their strength of schedule rankings ahead of the 2022 college football season.
As a refresher, ESPN states their FPI is a “measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season.” It’s often interesting to take a look at throughout the season, as the ratings and projections are updated on a daily basis.
In regards to the strength of schedule rankings, ESPN’s FPI has 12 SEC teams in the top 25, eight of those falling within the top 10. The Big Ten conference is just behind the SEC with 10 teams inside the top 25.
The Texas Longhorns are the only Big 12 program on this list, likely due to their scheduling of Alabama in Week 2. Auburn holds the title of having the toughest schedule in the country.
Here’s a look at the toughest schedules ahead of the 2022 college football season, according to ESPN’s FPI.