Tennessee (7-6, 4-4 SEC) concluded its 2021 season Dec. 30 in the Transperfect Music City Bowl, losing to Purdue in overtime, 48-45.
The 2021 college football season came to an end Monday as Georgia defeated Alabama, 33-18, in the College Football Playoff national championship game.
The final USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll for the 2021 season was released Tuesday.
| Rank | Team | Record | Points | Change |
| 1 | Georgia | 14-1 | 1,550 (62) | +2 |
| 2 | Alabama | 13-2 | 1,488 | -1 |
| 3 | Michigan | 12-2 | 1,398 | -1 |
| 4 | Cincinnati | 13-1 | 1,346 | – |
| 5 | Ohio State | 11-2 | 1,279 | +2 |
| 6 | Baylor | 12-2 | 1,275 | – |
| 7 | Oklahoma State | 12-2 | 1,197 | +2 |
| 8 | Michigan State | 11-2 | 1,066 | +2 |
| 9 | Notre Dame | 11-2 | 1,028 | -4 |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 11-2 | 994 | +3 |
| 11 | Ole Miss | 10-3 | 909 | -3 |
| 12 | Utah | 10-4 | 877 | -1 |
| 13 | Pittsburgh | 11-3 | 742 | -1 |
| 14 | Wake Forest | 11-3 | 609 | +5 |
| 15 | Kentucky | 10-3 | 592 | +5 |
| 16 | Clemson | 10-3 | 528 | +6 |
| 17 | Houston | 12-2 | 510 | +4 |
| 18 | ULL | 13-1 | 502 | -1 |
| 19 | NC State | 9-3 | 453 | -1 |
| 20 | Arkansas | 9-4 | 354 | +4 |
| 21 | Oregon | 10-4 | 336 | -6 |
| 22 | BYU | 10-3 | 284 | -8 |
| 23 | Iowa | 10-4 | 276 | -7 |
| 24 | Utah State | 11-3 | 142 | +3 |
| 25 | Texas A&M | 8-4 | 133 | -2 |
Dropped from the rankings:
No. 25: Texas-San Antonio
Others receiving votes:
San Diego State 114; Wisconsin 75; Air Force 42; Minnesota 23; Texas-San Antonio 11; Coastal Carolina 7; Purdue 6; Fresno State 3; Army 1
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