College Football is almost here, and I for one cannot wait for the season to kick off. The question remains will we see yet another Clemson vs. Alabama showdown for the National Championship? I am ranking who I think are the best twenty five teams in the upcoming collegiate season. Feel free to leave your thoughts and replies below!

1. Clemson Tigers: The Tigers attempt to repeat as national champions hinges on the health of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence is expected to be a number one pick once he is eligible for the NFL Draft. Their offense is expected to be elite again with Travis Etienne returning at running back, and eletric receivers like Justyn Ross, Tee Higgins, and Amari Rodgers. The biggest question will be their defense as they lost several key contributers such as Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant, and Clelin Ferrell. Their offense should be good enough to dominate the ACC yet again

2. Alabama Crimson Tide: As long as Nick Saban is calling the shots, Alabama will always be in the hunt. They will be lead by future top draft pick quaterback Tua Tagovailoa, and their deep receiving core is headlined by Jerry Jeudy. It will be interesting to see how their running game is affected by the loss of Damien Harris. The defense is full of young talent led by standout linebacker Dylan Moses. The Crimson Tide will be dominate again, and likely are headed back to the college football playoff.

3. Georgia Bulldogs: The Bulldogs had a rough finish to their season last year losing to Texas. They are expected to rebound however behind the leadership of their one-two punch combo of quarterback Jake Fromm and running back DeAndre Swift. Their offensive line is also one of the best and most experienced in the county led by All-American Andrew Thomas. Their receiving core is thin as well as the defense, but expect a big year from J.R. Reed their standout safety. Kirby Smart has always had his team in the mix, and knows how to win in the SEC.

4. Florida Gators: Dan Mullen had a standout year in his first season at the helm at Florida. The Gators have a very talented defense that did not have a high amount of turnover. Quarterback Felipe Franks showed flashes of greatness, and if he continues to develop could lead Florida back to the promised land. The biggest test for Florida will be surviving against the tough SEC schedule.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes: The Buckeyes are primed for another great season under first year coach Ryan Day. It remains to be seen if he can match the success put together by Urban Meyer. Their defense is deep and talented, and will likely have to carry the load early in the season. They also have one of the best running backs in J.K. Dobbins who is  a sleeper Heisman candidate. The biggest question will be how does the highly touted transfer Justin Fields perform? He was one of the best quarterbacks in the country during high school, and will finally get his chance to lead a team.

6. Oklahoma Sooners: Lincoln Riley is a mastermind when it comes to offense, and will have another transfer quarterback to work with. The Sooners brought in former starter and national champion, Jalen Hurts, to call the shots. Trey Sermon their star running back is primed for a big year, and CeeDee Lamb their star receiver has loads of potential. The biggest question will be the offensive line which will be inexperienced, and also the defense that lacks significant playmakers.

7. LSU Tigers: This could be a make or break year for head coach Ed Orgeron at LSU. The Tigers have a ton of defensive talent, but will surely miss the do it all linebacker in Devin White. Their offense as usual is the biggest question mark, but quarterback Joe Burrow showed the ability to lead his team and win. They will have to find a replacement at running back for Nick Brossette as well. The team will be tested early on with a trip to Austin against the Texas Longhorns.

8. Texas Longhorns: Texas made a statement by beating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Are the Longhorns really back to contention? They are led by Heisman candidate Sam Ehlinger, running back Keontay Ingram, and future first round pick receiver Collin Johnson. The offense for the Longhorns is expected to be dangerous despite a young offensive line. Their defense is very young, and lacks veteran leadership that could be daunting. They essentially lost the majority of their corner backs and defensive line. Texas in the past has stumbled out of the gate, and coach Tom Herman has a ton of pressure with expectations in Austin being high.

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Fighting Irish have a solid defense to lean on for the upcoming season. They are led by All-Americans Julian Okwara and Alohi Gilman on the defensive sid eof the ball. Ian Book also showed he is their future at the quarterback position, but they have serious question marks at the running back position. Dexter Williams graduating leaves a gaping hole at the position. They also have a tough schedule headlined with a showdown against Georgia.

10. Michigan Wolverines: The Wolverines have to do some damage control with their defense. They lost major contributors in Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich who was the leader of last years team. Their offense should be solid with quarterback Shea Patterson returning, but there are question marks at the running back position. The pressure is on for Jim Harbaugh to push his team over the top.

11. Texas A&M Aggies: The Aggies were a surprise contender last year under Jimbo Fisher. Fisher quickly turned things around, and helped establish Kellen Mond as a legit force at quarterback. They will have to find a replacement for bell cow Trayveon Williams at running back. However, they have a super talented receiving core headlined by Kendrick Rogers who went beast mode against LSU last year. Their defense will be tested, and the jury is still out on how they will handle the pressure.

12. Washington Huskies: The Huskies lost some talent on offense and defense, but are helped by the fact they play in a lackluster conference. They will be lead by transfer quarterback Jacob Eason, who was once a top recruit before injuries got in the way. Salvon Ahmed is expected to be a superstar at running back, and can help take the pressure off of Eason. Their offense will have to help carry the young defense in order to compete.

13. Utah Utes: Utah is always overlooked because they do not have the flash or history of other programs. They keep winning, and will be led by quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Moss. They also have a light schedule compared to the SEC teams, and have a better defense on paper than Washington. Don’t be surprised if Utah makes a real run next year.

14. Oregon Ducks: The Ducks have a talented and tested offensive line, and a returning quarterback in Justin Herbert who will eventually be a top pick in next years NFL Draft. They also have young running backs and receivers that can stretch the field. The biggest question will be their defense, and how far can Herbert lead this team?

15. Mississippi State Bulldogs: The defense for the Bulldogs is solid at the linebacker and secondary positions. Their defensive line is a question mark with the loss of leader Jefferey Simmons. They are going to be led offensively by star running back Kylin Hill, and transfer receiver in Isaiah Zuber. The question will be who is their quarterback? Will it be transfer Tommy Stevens or Keyaton Thompson?

16. UCF Golden Knights: The Golden Knights have become a staple in the top 25 over the last couple of years. They are led by returning star quarterback McKenzie Milton, and flashy running back Adrian Killins. Their defense should be good enough for them to win a lot of games in their lackluster conference.

17. Penn State Nittany Lions: The defense for Penn State will have to carry them in order to be successful. They are embarking on a new journey with Sean Clifford taking over quarterback duties. Journey Brown is expected to be their bell-cow at running back, and will likely make or break this offense. If Clifford and Brown can prove they have what it takes Penn State could be a sleeper.

18. Florida State Seminoles: The Seminoles could make some noise in a lackluster ACC conference. They are expected to be led by quarterback James Blackman, and solid running back Cam Akers. The Seminoles have to get better defensively, but Blackman has the tools to be elite.

19. Auburn Tigers: The Tigers once again are expected to have a good if not great defense. However, they find themselves asking how are we going to score? The jury is still out on if freshman Bo Nix will lead the team or Joey Gatewood. JaTarvious Whitlow will have to showout at the running back position to help his offense function. This team will have to rely on the defense in order to compete.

20. Michigan State Spartans: Marc Dantonio seems to shine when his team has no expectations. Their defense should be respectable to say the least, but the season hinges on how quarterback Brian Lewerke performs. The Spartans are most dangerous when they are not talked about, and this season could repeat history again.

21. Missouri Tigers: The Tigers offense shouldn’t miss a beat with the arrival of transfer quarterback Kelly Bryant. They can also lean on running back Larry Rountree III who impressed rushing for over a 1,000 yards last year. They play in the weaker SEC East which bodes well for the chances to compete.

22. Iowa Hawkeyes: The perennial upset kings are back for another season. Iowa has a multitude of running backs, and Nate Stanley their solid quarterback is back again. They are led on defense by pass rusher A.J. Epensea and will have to step up to compete in the Big Ten. Kirk Ferentz always has his team in the mix, and this year will be no different.

23. Northwestern: The Wildcats are always competitive and like Iowa have knack for upsets. They have replaced Clayton Thorsen at QB with transfer from Clemson Hunter Johnson. Isaiah Bowser will lead the shot in the running back field, and will likely have to carry the load offensively. Pat Fitzgerald is an underrate coach, and is likely to exceed expectations.

24. Wisconsin Badgers. This Badgers team is all about running back Jonathan Taylor. He is good enough to carry this team to multiple wins. They have to replace Alex Hornibrook, and will turn to Jack Coan or Graham Mertz. Wisconsin is likely to play an old-school smash mouth type of football, and will be good enough to sneak in the top 25.

25. Virginia Tech Hokies: The Hokies will be controlled by quarterback Ryan Willis, and have some real play makers on the offensive side. Their defense was terrible last year, and has to be better or else this season will crash and burn.

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