CFB Strength of Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Strength of Schedule in College Football?

Strength of schedule (SOS) measures how tough a team's slate of opponents was. Pro Football Network's CFB Strength of Schedule tool ranks all FBS teams by how tough their opponents were, using PFN's model-adjusted rating — the higher the rating, the harder the schedule.

How Is This Strength of Schedule Calculated?

The primary ranking uses PFN's model-adjusted SOS rating, which weighs opponent quality on a points scale rather than treating every win the same. We also show each team's opponents' combined win percentage — the raw share of games their FBS opponents won — as a second lens.

What Is the Adjusted SOS Rating?

Alongside opponent win percentage, each team shows a model-adjusted SOS rating from PFN’s Impact system. Rather than treating every win the same, it weighs opponent quality on a points scale, so beating a great team counts more than beating a merely winning one. It’s a useful second lens next to raw win percentage.

Why Does Strength of Schedule Matter for the Playoff?

The College Football Playoff selection committee explicitly weighs strength of schedule when comparing teams with similar records. A one-loss team that played a brutal slate is viewed very differently from a one-loss team that avoided ranked opponents, which is why SOS is one of the most-cited resume metrics every December.

Can I Filter and Sort the Rankings?

Yes. You can filter by conference, search for any team, and sort by opponent win percentage, team record, or the adjusted SOS rating to compare schedules however you like.

Is the CFB Strength of Schedule Tool Free?

Yes. The CFB Strength of Schedule tool is completely free to use, with no account required.