Fact Check: "App State football is the best"
What We Know
The claim that "App State football is the best" is subjective and lacks definitive evidence to support it. Appalachian State University (App State) has a storied football program, particularly known for its success in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) and its transition to the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) in 2014. The Mountaineers have won multiple conference championships and have a notable victory over Michigan in 2007, which is often cited as one of the biggest upsets in college football history (source-1).
As of 2025, App State is competing in the Sun Belt Conference, and they are expected to be led by new head coach Dowell Loggains. The team's performance in recent seasons has been mixed, with varying win-loss records and a competitive standing within their conference (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
Evaluating the claim requires examining App State's performance relative to other college football programs. While App State has had significant achievements, such as winning three consecutive FCS national championships from 2005 to 2007 and maintaining a competitive edge in the Sun Belt Conference, the term "best" is inherently subjective.
Comparative metrics, such as the College Football Power Index (FPI) and other statistical analyses, show that while App State is competitive, it does not consistently rank among the top programs nationally (source-5, source-4).
Furthermore, the reliability of sources discussing App State's performance varies. Official athletic department statistics (source-8) provide factual data, while fan opinions and rankings may introduce bias. Additionally, team rankings can fluctuate significantly from season to season based on player performance, injuries, and coaching changes, making it difficult to definitively label any team as the "best" at any given time.
Conclusion
The claim that "App State football is the best" is Unverified. While App State has a commendable football program with notable achievements, the subjective nature of the term "best" and the lack of consistent top-tier rankings in the broader context of college football prevent a definitive verification of this claim.
