The team’s offensive system breeds confidence, not to mention elite quarterback play, and Gary Patterson puts forth top-notch defenses on an annual basis. Like Michigan State, the Horned Frogs must replace a valuable senior quarterback. On paper, there’s enough returning talent to remain in the mix for a Playoff berth but too many departed pieces to be considered a leading contender.
It would be a little surprising to see Michigan State match this season’s Big Ten Conference championship, though it’s never wise to doubt Mark Dantonio and the Spartans. It stands to reason that a move into double-digit wins would mark the next step forward for this program. Whether Tennessee can win more than the league’s East Division may depend on the continued growth of a younger core that still defines the roster. Tennessee (2015 record: 9-4)īutch Jones has steadily built the Volunteers into SEC contenders. The top-ranked team among the Group of Five conferences has ample reason for confidence, from the number of returning starters on both sides of the ball through the return of second-year coach Tom Herman, who declined overtures from power programs to make another try at an undefeated season. A healthy team could play with any opponent in the country. This was on display during this past season, even if the Irish were stymied by injuries. Notre Dame (2015 record: 10-3)Ī potential quarterback competition will make headlines, but what makes Notre Dame a legitimate title contender is a roster brimming with athleticism. Barrett, right guard Pat Elflein, linebacker Raekwon McMillan and defensive end Sam Hubbard to help blend new contributors into the starting lineup. With no unit totally immune from an overhaul, Ohio State will lean on quarterback J.T. The Buckeyes’ superb recruiting efforts will come in handy for a team set for fairly substantial changes on both sides of the ball.
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With so many other positions loaded with skill and experience, FSU needs a healthy and consistent Maguire to reach its full potential. The only great concern for the Seminoles is quarterback play, especially with likely starter Sean Maguire set to miss spring drills following surgery on his injured ankle. In a crowded top of the Big 12 Conference, the Bears seem the safest bet. Another season in his unique system will yield an even stronger, deeper, tougher and more physical team, and one that will be right in the mix for the national championship.Ī spot in the Playoff is just a matter of time for Baylor, which might lose some important pieces on both the offensive and defensive line - led by Spencer Drango and Shawn Oakman - yet will again house the nation’s most dynamic offense.
There’s no reason to think Michigan won’t be capable of making this climb in the follow-up to Harbaugh’s successful debut. Alabama will reload across the board, with the only concerns over another competition at quarterback and the change at defensive coordinator from Kirby Smart to Jeremy Pruitt. Alabama (2015 record: 14-1)Īnother year, another push for the national title. There remains enough in place for Clemson to defend its Atlantic Coast Conference title and complete another unbeaten regular season. The Tigers have a few holes to fill on defense, especially with several would-be senior starters contemplating the NFL draft. Rounding out the top five are Michigan, which is ready to take an enormous leap forward in Jim Harbaugh’s second season Baylor, thanks in large part to the return of quarterback Seth Russell from injury and Florida State, with the Seminoles poised to rebound from a somewhat underwhelming 2015 season and challenge for the College Football Playoff. In what has become a familiar refrain, Alabama has more than enough talent and depth to weather a number of personnel losses on both sides of the ball. The Tigers will return quarterback Deshaun Watson, an early Heisman Trophy favorite, along with the majority of an offense that ranked among the best in program history. With both teams set to reload during the offseason, there’s reason to believe the Tigers and Crimson Tide will do it again next year.Ĭlemson and Alabama top the USA TODAY Sports early top 25 for the 2016 season. On Monday night in Glendale, Ariz., Clemson and Alabama met to decide college football's national championship. Watch Video: NCAA football look ahead: Who wins it all in 2016?
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