The latest College Football Playoff rankings have ignited a fiery exchange between Iowa State Cyclones athletic director Jamie Pollard and SMU Mustangs athletic director Rick Hart. The penultimate rankings, released Tuesday night, sparked controversy even before the playoff field is officially set.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings celebrates a touchdown pass during a game against California. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The debate centers around strength of schedule. SMU, boasting an 11-1 record and a nine-game winning streak heading into the ACC Championship, sits at No. 3. Iowa State, with a 10-2 record and a Big 12 title game appearance looming, was left out of the top 12. Pollard expressed his frustration on X, arguing that strength of schedule seemed irrelevant given SMU, Indiana, and Boise State's rankings. He suggested a reevaluation of non-conference scheduling, highlighting a perceived discrepancy with basketball ranking criteria.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht during a game against Kansas State. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Hart quickly countered, defending SMU's schedule, which included Nevada, HCU, TCU, and BYU, noting the Mustangs scrambled after Vanderbilt dropped them. He emphasized SMU's conference dominance and overall Power Five wins, adding that the team rarely trailed in recent games. He challenged Pollard to stay out of his business, metaphorically speaking.

SMU running back LJ Johnson Jr. evades a Virginia defender. (AP Photo/Mike Kropf)

Pollard retorted, tying respect for SMU's ranking to a victory over Clemson in the ACC Championship, pointing out SMU's lack of games against certain ACC powerhouses and their loss to BYU. He implied SMU's perceived strength of schedule was inflated.

Iowa State offensive lineman Jalen Travis prepares for a play during a game against Kansas State. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Hart concluded by stating SMU would focus on what they could control. The upcoming conference championship games hold significant weight in shaping the final playoff picture.