When I first developed an interest in American sports, I found it quite hard to pick up some of the terminology, so I wanted to create a glossary of college football terms I use here. Every time I see another one slip into my blog I will try and remember to add it!
I have tried to give an explanation if needed in a short sentence.
| Acronym | Meaning | Explanation |
| AP | Associated Press | Press organisation that organises the press poll. You will see this AP Top 25 poll |
| ACC | Atlantic Coast Conference | A power 5 conference |
| AAC | American Athletic Conference | A group of 5 conference |
| Big Ten | Big Ten Conference | A power 5 conference |
| Big 12 | Big 12 Conference | A power 5 conference |
| [insert name] Bowl | Bowl game | End of season closing games by invitation for eligible teams |
| BCS | Bowl Championship Series | The forerunner to the current College playoff system used to determine a national champion. |
| CUSA | Conference USA | A group of 5 conference |
| DC | Defensive Coordinator | Coach responsible for the Defence |
| MAC | Mid American Conference | A group of 5 conference |
| FBS | Football Bowl Subdivision | The highest tier of college football |
| FCS | Football Championship Subdivision | The second tier of college football |
| PAC-12 | Pac 12 conference | Was a power 5 conference albeit only has 2 teams at present after reorganisation in 2024. They will have more teams joining in 2026. |
| Mountain West | Mountain West Conference | A group of 5 conference |
| Natty | National Championship | Slang for the big game! |
| NCAA | National Collegiate Athletic Association | National organisation that regulates student athletes. |
| NIL Payments | Name, Image and Likeness payments | The system that allows college athletes to earn money from their marketability i.e. their name, image and likeness |
| OC | Offensive Coordinator | Coach responsible for the Offense |
| SEC | Southeastern conference | A power 5 conference |
| Sunbelt | Sunbelt Conference | A group of 5 conference |
