Bama (still) rules, TCU surges into Way-Too-Early Top 25
So is it still technically “Way Too Early” to rank teams? Maybe, maybe not. But we’re voting for yes.
In likely the final batch before August, defending champ Alabama stays at No. 1, Clemson sits tight at No. 2, Baylor drops out and Tennessee moves into the top 10. The one new team joining the top 25: the TCU Horned Frogs.
Here’s the rest of the early-summer Way-Too-Early Top 25:
2015 record: 14-1, 7-1 SEC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: RB Derrick Henry, QB Jake Coker, C Ryan Kelly, DE A’Shawn Robinson, DE Jarran Reed, LB Reggie Ragland, CB Cyrus Jones, S Geno Matias-Smith
Post-spring outlook: For the third season in a row, Alabama exited spring practice with an unresolved quarterback competition. Of course, the Crimson Tide eventually found answers the past two seasons, reaching the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014 (with Blake Sims) and winning their fourth national title under coach Nick Saban in 2015 (with Coker). Junior Cooper Bateman might have the edge heading into preseason camp, but he’ll continue to be pushed by Blake Barnett, Jalen Hurts and David Cornwell. One big question: the status of star OT Cam Robinson after his offseason arrest.
2015 record: 14-1, 8-0 ACC
Returning starters: 8 offense, 3 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: DE Shaq Lawson, DE Kevin Dodd, LB Travis Blanks, LB B.J. Goodson, CB Mackensie Alexander, S T.J. Green, S Jayron Kearse, G Eric Mac Lain, WR Charone Peake
Post-spring outlook: With junior quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back for what will probably be his final college season, the Tigers might be poised to be even more explosive on offense than they were last season. If Clemson is to reach the CFP National Championship Game for the second season in a row, however, it will have to rebuild its defense. The Tigers should be pretty solid up front, but their secondary remains a concern heading into the summer. Three starting defensive backs left early for the NFL draft, and cornerbacks Kaleb Chalmers (dismissed from the team) and Adrian Baker (torn knee ligaments) were lost during the spring.
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 Big Ten
Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: C Graham Glasgow, QB Jake Rudock, LB Desmond Morgan, LB Joe Bolden, LB James Ross, FS Jarrod Wilson, DE Willie Henry
Post-spring outlook: In between his Twitter wars with other coaches, recruiting extravaganzas and spring break trips, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is quickly building a playoff contender. Houston transfer John O’Korn was thought to be the favorite to take over at quarterback, but sophomore Wilton Speight seems to have the edge heading into the summer. New defensive coordinator Don Brown is experimenting with star Jabrill Peppers at safety and linebacker.
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC
Returning starters: 11 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, DT Nile Lawrence-Stample, LB Reggie Northrup, LB Terrance Smith, FS Lamarcus Brutus, QB Everett Golson, K Roberto Aguayo
Post-spring outlook: With incumbent quarterback Sean Maguire sitting out the spring while he recovers from a broken ankle, redshirt freshman Deondre Francois gave FSU coach Jimbo Fisher plenty to think about heading into the summer. Francois completed 20 of 33 passes for 246 yards with two touchdowns and two picks in the spring game. Maguire started seven games during the past two seasons, but he’ll have to hold off Francois in the preseason camp to keep the job. Star tailback Dalvin Cook had surgery to clean up his right shoulder but is expected to be ready for the start of camp in August.
2015 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big 12
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Sterling Shepard, C Ty Darlington, LB/DE Eric Striker, DE Charles Tapper, CB Zack Sanchez, LB Dominique Alexander
Post-spring outlook: OU’s loaded backfield returns intact, with quarterback Baker Mayfield and tailbacks Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon leading what should be an explosive offense. The Sooners spent the spring trying to identify pass-rushers on defense, following the departures of Eric Striker (7½ sacks), Charles Tapper (seven) and Devante Bond (three). Junior Ogbonnia Okoronkwo had two sacks, including one that resulted in a safety, in the spring game. Defensive tackle Charles Walker will be sidelined for a while after undergoing wrist surgery.
2015 record: 9-3, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Vadal Alexander, LB Lamar Louis, LB Deion Jones, FS Jalen Mills, OT Jerald Hawkins
Post-spring outlook: The Tigers spent much of the spring battling injuries to several of their top-line players, but quarterback Brandon Harris’ improvement is reason for optimism. With tailback Leonard Fournette and receivers Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural returning, Harris doesn’t have to be Superman for LSU’s offense to be effective. He only has to distribute the ball and not turn it over. LSU also spent the spring installing new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s 3-4 scheme, which will be loaded with future NFL players.
2015 record: 12-2, 8-1 Pac-12
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Kevin Hogan, OT Kyle Murphy, G Joshua Garnett, TE Austin Hooper, LB Blake Martinez, DE Aziz Shittu, FS Kodi Whitfield
Post-spring outlook: The Cardinal will head into the summer with a full-fledged quarterback battle; neither senior Ryan Burns nor sophomore Keller Chryst did enough during the spring to create separation. Both looked more than capable of replacing departed starter Hogan, who won 36 games at Stanford. The offensive line also remains in flux after losing three starters. Coach David Shaw praised tackle David Bright, and Casey Tucker remains an option to move from right tackle to left tackle.
2015 record: 10-3
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Ronnie Stanley, C Nick Martin, WR Will Fuller, RB C.J. Prosise, WR Amir Carlisle, DL Sheldon Day, LB Joe Schmidt, LB Jaylon Smith, CB KeiVarae Russell
Post-spring outlook: There’s no question Notre Dame’s overall talent has increased dramatically under coach Brian Kelly. Since 2012, six Fighting Irish players have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft, after the school had only four first-rounders from 1995 to 2011. In fact, Notre Dame has had 15 players picked in the first three rounds of the draft during the past five seasons. Only Alabama (22), Ohio State (19), LSU (18) and Florida State (17) had more. Whomever Kelly chooses to start at quarterback — DeShone Kizer seems to have a slight lead over Malik Zaire — will have plenty of help around him.
2015 record: 12-1, 7-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 3 offense, 3 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: RB Ezekiel Elliott, OT Taylor Decker, C Jacoby Boren, WR Braxton Miller, DE Joey Bosa, LB Darron Lee, LB Joshua Perry, S Tyvis Powell, WR Michael Thomas, S Vonn Bell
Post-spring outlook: The NFL draft was probably a celebration and sobering reality check for Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer. Ohio State set a record by having 12 players selected in the first four rounds of the draft. Clearly the Buckeyes have plenty of work to do if they’re going to be in position for the CFB Playoff this coming fall. Quarterback J.T. Barrett is back, but the Buckeyes had to reshuffle their offensive line, with guard Pat Elflein moving to center and guard Billy Price moving to the right side. Redshirt freshman Mike Weber emerged as Elliott’s potential replacement. There are also plenty of unknowns in the interior of the defensive line and the secondary, where three starters have to be replaced.
2015 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Kyler Kerbyson, WR Von Pearson, DT Owen Williams, SS LaDarrell McNeil, FS Brian Randolph, DE/LB Curt Maggitt
Post-spring outlook: With so many starters coming back, Tennessee is a popular pick to win the SEC East this season. New Volunteers defensive coordinator Bob Shoop had to install his system this spring without several of his best players, including star defensive end Derek Barnett (shoulder) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder). They’re expected back for the start of preseason camp. Quarterback Josh Dobbs continued to work to improve his passing accuracy, and sophomore receiver Preston Williams and juco transfer Jeff George emerged as go-to possibilities.
2015 record: 8-6, 6-3 Pac-12
Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: QB Cody Kessler, C Max Tuerk, OLB Su’a Cravens, LB Anthony Sarao, DT Delvon Simmons, NT Antwaun Woods, DE Greg Townsend Jr.
Post-spring outlook: Clay Helton wrapped up his first spring practice as the Trojans’ coach without naming a starting quarterback, although Max Browne seems to have a lead over Sam Darnold in the race to replace Cody Kessler. USC’s more pressing concern heading into the summer is its lack of depth on the defensive line. The Trojans already had to replace four defensive linemen who were in the rotation last season, and then starting defensive tackle Kenny Bigelow tore the ACL in his right knee in the fourth practice of the spring and will miss the season.
2015 record: 10-3, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: LB Jordan Jenkins, LB Jake Ganus, LB Leonard Floyd, DE Sterling Bailey, WR Malcolm Mitchell, G/T Kolton Houston, C Hunter Long, OT John Theus
Post-spring outlook: Freshman Jacob Eason, the No. 1 pocket passer in the 2016 ESPN 300, showed off his arm strength in Georgia’s spring game. New Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart won’t name a starter until preseason camp (or later?), but Eason is in the mix, along with senior Greyson Lambert and junior Brice Ramsey. The Bulldogs are also being quiet about the health of tailback Nick Chubb, who is recovering from a knee injury. If Chubb is healthy, and the Bulldogs can shore up their offensive and defensive lines, Smart might be poised to make some noise in his first season as a head coach.
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Laremy Tunsil, DT Robert Nkemdiche, WR Laquon Treadwell, WR Cody Core, RB Jaylen Walton, DB Mike Hilton, S Trae Elston
Post-spring outlook: The Rebels dominated the conversation on the opening night of the NFL draft, if not for the right reasons. Three Ole Miss players — Treadwell, Tunsil and Nkemdiche — were selected in the first round, and then Tunsil suggested that he had received money from a Rebels official while playing there. The Rebels return the SEC’s most established quarterback in Chad Kelly, but they’ll have to replace many of the pieces around him. Redshirt freshman Alex Givens emerged as Tunsil’s potential replacement at left tackle, but he’ll have to hold off incoming freshman Greg Little. The cupboard certainly isn’t bare with the way coach Hugh Freeze and his staff have recruited recently.
2015 record: 10-3, 7-2 Big 12
Returning starters; 10 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, WR David Glidden, QB J.W. Walsh, CB Kevin Peterson, CB Michael Hunter
Post-spring outlook: OSU coach Mike Gundy wanted his offensive line to get more physical during the spring, and he said the unit improved despite having a mediocre rushing performance in the spring game. Junior college transfers Marcus Keyes and Larry Williams might be able to help up front, and Stanford graduate transfer Barry J. Sanders, son of the legendary Pokes star Barry Sanders, might give the running game a boost once he arrives this summer. Sophomore defensive end Trey Carter had three sacks in the spring game, easing the Pokes’ concerns about losing Ogbah’s pass-rushing abilities.
2015 record: 12-2, 7-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 3 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Connor Cook, WR Aaron Burbridge, C Jack Allen, G Donovan Clark, OT Jack Conklin, DE Shilique Calhoun, DT Joel Heath DE Lawrence Thomas, LB Darien Harris
Post-spring outlook: The Spartans have been as steady as any FBS program during the past three seasons, winning two Big Ten championships and 36 games. But Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio faces a major rebuilding job this coming season, having to replace quarterback Connor Cook, a three-year starter, and three starting offensive linemen. Fifth-year senior Tyler O’Connor will finally get his chance to start at quarterback. The offensive line remains in flux, with projected starting left tackle Dennis Finley still making his way back from a broken leg. The back seven of the defense remains largely in place, and sophomore tackle Malik McDowell looks like a budding All-American.
2015 record: 7-6, 4-5 Pac-12
Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: C Siosifa Tufunga, TE Joshua Perkins, WR Jaydon Mickens, DT Taniela Tupou, DE Travis Feeney, LB Cory Littleton, S Brian Clay, RB Dwayne Washington
Post-spring outlook: After losing six games in each of coach Chris Petersen’s first two seasons in Seattle, the Huskies look more than ready to make a move in the Pac-12 North. Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning spent the spring trying to improve his deep balls, and he was helped by the return of speedster John Ross III, who missed the 2015 season with a torn ACL in his left knee. The offensive line, which surrendered 34 sacks last season, is also getting something of a makeover, with Coleman Shelton moving from right guard to center. Of course, Washington’s Rose Bowl hopes are riding on its defense, which led the Pac-12 in scoring (18.8 points per game) in 2015.
2015 record: 13-1, 7-1 AAC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Alex Cooper, OT Carter Wall, WR Demarcus Ayers, RB Kenneth Farrow, LB Elandon Roberts, SS Adrian McDonald, FS Trevon Stewart, CB William Jackson III, CB Lee Hightower
Post-spring outlook: After going 13-1 in coach Tom Herman’s debut season, the Cougars might have a hard time duplicating that in 2016. Electrifying quarterback Greg Ward Jr. is back, and Texas transfer Duke Catalon looks like the Cougars’ next every-down back. Wide receivers Chance Allen and Isaiah Johnson also emerged as potential playmakers this spring. On defense, Matt Adams looks like a steady performer at middle linebacker, and sophomore Garrett Davis and junior Khalil Williams are the leading candidates to take over at the vacant safety spots.
2015 record: 11-3, 8-0 ACC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Marquise Williams, WR Quinshad Davis, G Landon Turner, LB Shakeel Rashad, S Sam Smiley, DT Justin Thomason
Post-spring outlook: To almost no one’s surprise, rising junior Mitch Trubisky was named UNC’s starting quarterback at the conclusion of spring practices. Trubisky, who completed 85.1 percent of his passes for 555 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions as a backup last season, might make the Tar Heels even more explosive on offense. He’s surrounded by plenty of playmakers, such as running back Elijah Hood and receivers Ryan Switzer and Mack Hollins. The Tar Heels have to continue to improve on defense, though, if they’re going to challenge Clemson and FSU in the ACC. The defense forced four turnovers in the spring game, which is a good sign heading into coordinator Gene Chizik’s second season.
2015 record: 9-4, 7-2 Pac-12
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Tyler Johnstone, G Matt Pierson, QB Vernon Adams Jr., DE DeForest Buckner, LB Joe Walker, LB Rodney Hardrick, WR Bralon Addison
Post-spring outlook: Unlike last season, when graduate transfer Vernon Adams Jr. arrived late and was still handed the starting quarterback job, the Ducks appear to have an ongoing battle heading into the summer. Montana State grad transfer Dakota Prukop is already on campus, and he looked pretty good in the spring game, completing 20 of 29 passes for 190 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. However, redshirt freshman Travis Jonsen will probably push him into preseason camp; Jonsen completed 15 of 24 passes for 188 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the spring game. The Ducks must replace three starting offensive linemen. On defense, former Michigan coach Brady Hoke unveiled his 4-3 scheme. He’ll have to replace five of the Ducks’ starting linemen and linebackers from a year ago, and safety Charles Nelson is now focused on playing wide receiver.
2015 record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12
Returning starters: 3 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Trevone Boykin, WR Josh Doctson, RB Aaron Green, OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai, C Joey Hunt, FS Derrick Kindred, CB Corry O’Meally
Outlook: After injuries derailed the Horned Frogs’ Big 12 title hopes in 2015, they’ll have to reload to make another run this coming season. TCU loses record-setting quarterback Trevone Boykin and All-American receiver Josh Doctson, along with six other starters on offense. Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill is the early leader to replace Boykin, and coach Gary Patterson has help coming for the receiver corps. LSU transfer John Diarse and juco transfers Ryan Parker and Taj Williams might help immediately.
2015 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC
Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: RB Tra Carson, C Mike Matthews, G Joseph Cheek, OT Germain Ifedi, NG Julien Obioha, DT Alonzo Williams, CB Brandon Williams, CB De’Vante Harris, P Drew Kaser
Post-spring outlook: After his teams lost five games in each of the past two seasons, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin might be coaching for his job in 2016. Maybe that’s why #swag seems to be fading in College Station, Texas, where the Aggies seem more concerned about getting back to basics and fundamentals. Oklahoma graduate transfer Trevor Knight was named the starting quarterback after completing 25 of 36 passes for 282 yards with two total touchdowns and one interception in the spring game. Keith Ford, another OU transfer, and freshman Trayveon Williams might help shore up the running game, which figures to be more of an emphasis under new coordinator Noel Mazzone. With All-American Myles Garrett, Daeshon Hall and Daylon Mack coming back on the defensive line, coordinator John Chavis’ unit should be better in his second season with the Aggies.
2015 record: 8-5, 5-4 Pac-12
Returning starters: 5 offense, 9 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: RB Paul Perkins, WR Jordan Payton, C Jake Brendel, OT Caleb Benenoch, NT Kenny Clark, LB Aaron Wallace
Post-spring outlook: The Bruins unveiled a new offense under new coordinator Kennedy Polamalu this spring. Sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen is lining up under center instead of the shotgun, and UCLA is expected to use a fullback and tight end a lot more this coming season. The Bruins lost their top three receivers from 2015, and converted cornerback Ishmael Adams and early enrollee Theo Howard looked like they might be able to help right away. The Bruins also have to replace three interior offensive linemen. With nine starters coming back on defense, the offense might have some time to adjust to its new scheme.
2015 record: 12-2, 8-0 Big Ten
Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: RB Jordan Canzeri, TE Henry Krieger Coble, WR Tevaun Smith, C Austin Blythe, G Jordan Walsh, LB Cole Fisher, FS Jordan Lomax, DE Nate Meier
Post-spring outlook: Fresh off one of the best seasons in school history, in which the Hawkeyes won their first 12 games and the Big Ten West, they spent the spring trying to shore up their lines on both sides of the ball. Iowa was dealt a serious blow when the NCAA denied star defensive end Drew Ott a sixth year of eligibility for medical hardship. Without Ott and departed Nate Meier, the Hawkeyes are hoping sophomore Matt Nelson emerges as a pass-rushing threat. Defensive end Anthony Nelson, linebacker Aaron Mends and cornerback Michael Ojemudia also made big strides in the spring. The offensive line has work to do this summer, but Cole Croston and Ike Boettger emerged as the potential starting tackles.
2015 record: 8-5, 5-3 ACC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense, special teams
Key losses: WR Rashawn Scott, WR Herb Waters, DE Ufomba Kamalu, NT Calvin Heurtelou, LB Tyriq McCord, LB Raphael Kirby, CB Tracy Howard, S Dallas Crawford, S Deon Bush, CB Artie Burns
Post-spring outlook: The Hurricanes will have to stay healthy and get a few breaks to make a lot of noise in Mark Richt’s first season coaching his alma mater. But with Brad Kaaya leading the offense and a formidable front leading the defense, there’s reason for optimism. Miami will have to solidify its offensive line and get some help from incoming freshmen and juco receivers. There are also concerns about depth on defense, especially at linebacker and in the secondary, where all four starters must be replaced. Early enrollees Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney are expected to start at linebacker in coordinator Manny Diaz’s aggressive scheme.
2015 record: 8-5, 5-3 ACC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: OT Aaron Epps, DE Sheldon Rankins, DE Pio Vatuvei, LB James Burgess
Post-spring outlook: After winning six of their last seven games in 2015, the Cardinals are flying high heading into the offseason. Another reason for optimism: quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s rapid improvement. After becoming only the third player in FBS history to run and pass for more than 200 yards in a bowl game (Texas’ Vince Young and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel were the others), Jackson threw for 519 yards with eight touchdowns (against the No. 2 defense) in the spring game. He has plenty of skill players coming back around him, but the Cardinals will have to improve an offensive line that ranked next to last in sacks allowed (44) last season. Top pass-rushers Trevon Young (fractured hip) and Devonte Fields (shoulder surgery) missed spring practices.