The MacQuarrie Strength of Schedule Index represents a significant shift in how college football evaluates team performance, replacing subjective human voting with objective mathematical calculations. Developed by historian and author Mike MacQuarrie, this system aims to eliminate the bias inherent in traditional ranking methods like the Coaches Poll and AP rankings, where personal preferences and logistical constraints can influence outcomes.
Unlike current systems where coaches may vote to protect their own programs or writers face deadline pressures that affect their assessments, the MacQuarrie Index relies solely on mathematical analysis of on-field performance and opponent quality. Each week throughout the 2025 college football season, the Index will provide updated rankings that reflect actual results rather than reputation or narrative. This approach ensures that teams advancing in rankings do so based on merit rather than popularity.
The implications for the college football playoff system are substantial. The Index will rank the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven best-performing teams using its mathematical formula, theoretically guaranteeing that the National Championship Playoff includes the twelve most deserving teams rather than the most prominent programs. This could dramatically alter postseason matchups and potentially give lesser-known programs with strong schedules and performances greater opportunities for national recognition.
MacQuarrie draws inspiration from his Scottish heritage, specifically the tradition of Highland Games where objective measures of strength and skill prevail over subjective opinion. He applies this principle to college football, arguing that performance should determine rankings rather than politics or preference. Beyond rankings, the MacQuarrie Index platform at https://macquarriesosi.com will enhance fan engagement through features like Player of the Week selections by former players and coaches, analyses of toughest stadiums and largest crowds, and discussions of traditions that define the sport.
The introduction of this mathematical system addresses longstanding criticisms of college football's ranking methodologies while potentially increasing competitive fairness across conferences and programs. As the 2025 season approaches, the MacQuarrie Strength of Schedule Index represents both a technical innovation and philosophical shift in how the sport measures excellence, with implications that could extend to playoff structures, team reputations, and fan experiences throughout the collegiate athletic landscape.
