Here it is your folks, your last Poll of Death of the 2022 season. I hope you had as much fun reading these as I did writing them. Without further ado, it’s time to crown your national champion and unveil the final top 25.

1. Georgia

Win vs. No. 8 Ohio State 42-42; Win vs. No. 2 TCU 65-7.

The Dawgs have done it! Not only did they win the actual National Championship, but they’re Poll of Death Champions as well. They took the top spot from Tennessee and never looked back. What a career for Stetson Bennett. I’m sure he’ll look back at his time in Athens and be most proud of his Poll of Death title.

2. TCU

Win vs. No. 2 Michigan 51-45; Loss vs. No. 1 Georgia 65-7.

This is the first time ever that the Poll of Death title actually came down to No. 1 and No. 2 and, well, Max Duggan and the Horned Frogs were in the game for about two minutes. It really stinks that’s how they went out, but they had a hell of a season and should keep their heads up. No one was beating Georgia in that game.

3. Notre Dame

Win vs. No. 3 South Carolina 45-38.

After losing a top spot to Marshall and then losing to Stanford, the Irish finished the year at No. 3 in a weird, fluctuating season. They beat the Gamecocks in a super fun Gator Bowl and look to have another top five season with Sam Hartman at quarterback next year.

4. Penn State

Win vs. No. 4 Utah 35-21.

Penn State finally makes it in the poll! The Nittany Lions absolutely dominated Utah in the Rose Bowl in what was a great send-off for Sean Clifford. This team could be dangerous next year with a ton of returning starters and a young gunslinger in Drew Allar.

5. Tennessee

Win vs. No. 13 Clemson 31-14.

Orange Bowl MVP Joe Milton III is a stud. Clemson had no answer for him in that game, and it’ll be exciting to see what he can do as the expected starter next season.

6. Western Kentucky

Win vs. No. 6 South Alabama 44-23.

I would’ve loved to see South Alabama finish the year in the top 10, but Austin Reed and Big Red deserve the spot here. What a performance by the Hilltoppers in the New Orleans Bowl.

7. Texas A&M

Not bowl eligible but finished the year at No. 7. Congrats, Aggies!

8. Ohio State

Loss vs. No. 1 Georgia 42-41.

In what was the game of the year and C.J. Stroud’s best game as a Buckeye, Ohio State fell short.

9. Alabama

Win vs. No. 9 Kansas State 45-20.

What a send-off for Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. They each pretty much solidified themselves as top five picks in the upcoming draft.

10. Washington

Win vs. No. 12 Texas 27-20.

Huskies fans should be very excited for another year of Michael Penix Jr.

11. Fresno State

Win vs. No. 11 Washington State.

The Jake Haener legacy game was absolutely beautiful. He threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns in his last game as a Bulldog. I’m excited to see how he does at the next level.

12. Texas

Loss vs. No. 10 Washington 27-20.

Arch Manning time in Austin?

13. Clemson

Loss vs. No. 5 Tennessee 31-14.

If Clemson wants to return to its former successes, Cade Klubnik has to be much better next season.

14. Oregon State

Win vs. Florida 30-3.

A great season for the Beavers was capped off with a big win against a Gators team that was limping into the game. This is going to be a team to watch out for in the Pac-12 next year.

15. Arizona

Not bowl eligible but finished the year at No. 15. Congrats, Wildcats!

16. Wake Forest

Win vs. No. 16 Missouri 27-17.

The Sam Hartman and A.T. Perry era comes to an end.

17. Kansas State

Loss vs. No. 17 Alabama 45-20.

At least the Wildcats won the Big 12.

18. Tulane

Win vs. No. 18 USC 46-45.

USC WHAT HAPPENED? A monumental collapse of the Trojans results in the biggest win in Tulane history. The Green Wave never quit in this one and they deserve all the praise. What a season for them.

19. Army

Win vs. No. 23 Navy 20-17.

20. Arkansas

3OT Win vs. Kansas 55-53.

Ughhhh. I can’t believe the Razorbacks hung around long enough to finish with a spot in this poll. Kansas sold this one by taking the ball out of Jalon Daniels’ hands on the final play.

21. Florida State

Win vs. Oklahoma 35-32.

Jordan Travis and the Seminoles are a team to watch out for next season. They’re a legitimate threat to win the ACC.

22. Iowa

Win vs. No. 22 Kentucky 21-0.

Everyone knew this was going to be the game of the year going into it and it sure didn’t disappoint. Two defensive touchdowns for the Hawkeyes is absolutely beautiful. *chef’s kiss*

23. Navy

Loss vs. No. 19 Army 20-17.

24. Michigan

This was a disappointment for Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines. A lot of people expected them to win this game and be competitive with Georgia or Ohio State, but sometimes that’s just not how the cookie crumbles.

25. Texas Tech

Win vs. Ole Miss 42-25.

Tyler Shough shough-ed everyone that he’s the clear-cut starter for next season. I’ll see myself out.

Teams that left the Poll of Death after Bowl Season: South Carolina, Utah, South Alabama, Washington State, Missouri, USC, Kentucky