The 2012 preseason AP Poll is out, and the Hokies are ranked #16, four spots higher than in the Coaches Poll.

This year's ranking continues a gradual slide in the AP preseason rankings over the last few years. Going into their 2009 opener with Alabama, the then-ACC champion Hokies were ranked an all-time AP preseason high of #7, but preseason regard for VT has slipped since then:

  • 2012: #16
  • 2011: #13
  • 2010: #10
  • 2009: #7
  • 2008: #17
  • 2007: #9
  • 2006: #17
  • 2005: #8
  • 2004: not ranked
  • 2003:#9
  • 2002: #16
  • 2001: #9
  • 2000: #11
  • 1999: #13

This year's AP ranking does, however, show more respect for the Hokies than the coaches poll, in which VT was ranked #20.

Just like in the coaches poll, Florida State was ranked #7 in the AP and Clemson #14. FSU, Clemson and the Hokies are the only ACC teams to appear in the preseason polls.

The Hokies open the season Monday, September 3rd against Georgia Tech, which received votes in the AP Poll and came in at #31.

Complete Poll