Way Too Early College Football Top 25

College Football Week 10 – Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Plays

Way Too Early College Football Top 25

Congratulations to the Buckeyes and their fans on their national title win. With that in the rearview, we have nine months until college football returns. During that time it will be a lot of fan bases making the case for their respective teams. Before the conversations begin, let’s get a look at who I perceive to be top 25 teams going into next year.

This exercise is just to get an early look at what to expect next season. I’m aware that over half of these teams will likely not look the same. This could be due to the transfer portal or coaches leaving.

With the information that we have on who is leaving and staying, I have compiled my top 25 teams going into next year with a sentence or two as to why I have them there. I have also listed their betting odds to win the college football championship. Please be sure to shop around as these numbers fluctuate from book to book

 

 

Texas Longhorns (+650)

Despite being the 2nd co-favorite, I believe Texas should be ranked number one. Ewers leaves but many (myself included) believe Arch Manning will be an upgrade. The defense will be outstanding once again and the offense may have to replace quite a bit of production but I trust Sark to get the proper personnel in place.

Ohio State Buckeyes (+450)

If any other team lost what the Buckeyes were losing, they would be in trouble. Several key contributors on both sides of the ball exit but we know they reload in Columbus like no other. You have two superstars in Smith and Downs to build on, which is a great starting point. The biggest question mark is the quarterback position. Julian Sayin has to live up to that five-star billing if they want to go back-to-back

Penn State Nittany Lions (+850)

No school I think benefits more from an extended playoff than the Nittany Lions. They have been consistent in beating who they are supposed to beat which will get them in the playoff more often than not. This season however is likely their best chance to win it all. They lose Tyler Warren but Allar, Singleton, and Allen all return. That trio could be the most dangerous in FBS if Allar takes a big jump. Defensively, they will be fine despite the losses of Allen as coordinator as well as Abdul Carter. I think we can pencil them in for another double-digit win season and a playoff appearance.

Oregon Ducks (+650)

A great season for the Ducks last year but the playoff blowout will be the only thing they remember. This team will be full of young talent and will go as far as Dante Moore takes them. Depth is a bit of an issue on both sides of the ball but the portal can fix that. The recruiting class is elite but for the Ducks to repeat as B10 champs, those young guys are going to need to grow up FAST.

Georgia Bulldogs (+700)

Bulldog fans were a Carson Beck injury away from making some noise in the playoffs, in my opinion. Now that the Beck era is over, I think this team gets back to what they do best – run the football and play lights out defensively. Stockton is the front-runner to take over as QB1 and if Kirby can get the defense back to being what we are accustomed to being, Stockton’s job should be a little easier.

Clemson Tigers (+1800)

Hate them or love them, Clemson has been the model of consistency. That will continue here with the return of their quarterback Cade Klubnik. He showed flashes all year and with another off-season plus more weapons, this offense could be one of the best in the country. They also upgrade at defensive coordinator as well as returning a lot of their core. I would be shocked if they do not run the table in the ACC with the amount of talent and continuity on both sides of the ball

LSU Tigers (+2000)

I am likely higher on the Tigers than most, I will admit. The main reason for that is the ability of Garrett Nussmeier, who was remarkable in his first year as a starter. He will however have a brand new offensive line which will take time to gel, but I believe it will come together. This is a huge year for LSU and Kelly. They have lost at least three games for three straight years. He can not afford a fourth, especially with this good of a quarterback.

Alabama Crimson Tide (+1600)

Year one under the new regime had some highs and lows but overall I think Tide fans were left disappointed. Not to worry, I believe DaBoer is primed to have this team back in the playoffs. The loss of Milroe is not as big as some may think in my opinion. I do not think he fit what DaBoer wants to do and the options he has now will make this offense more efficient. We could see the defense take another step as well despite losing a few key pieces.

Notre Dame (+1200)

Hat tip to what Freeman was able to accomplish this year. I am very fascinated with how they follow it up. Their flaws were put to the test against Ohio State but inserting some new personnel in could help that. They retain both coordinators while losing Riley Leonard stings, CJ Carr and Steve Angeli could boost the offense with their ability to stretch the field. You lose five high-level players defensively, but that side of the ball is where I would have the least worries due to development and scheme.

South Carolina (+4000)

It could be debated that the Gamecocks were playing the best football in the country to end the year. Despite the loss in the bowl game, they rattled off six straight wins including a win over in-state rival Clemson. They lose a solid amount defensively but we know how well they recruit and develop on that side of the ball. LaNorris Sellers has to take the next step in his maturation process, mainly with his arm. If he does, this ranking might be a little low

Tennessee Volunteers (+1800)

It was a roller coaster ride for Vol Nation this year and despite that, they found themselves in the playoffs. A little regression for the offense in big moments caused them to not reach their full potential but the play on defense has to have fans hopeful for next season. I believe that Heupel will have the offense back humming and Nico will be much improved. Would not be shocked if the Vols are back in the playoffs next year with a chance to win a game or two.

Miami Hurricanes (+4000)

Can the defense improve just a little? If so, this may be too low for Miami. Carson Beck who has championship pedigree and experience to replace Cam Ward is a good starting point. The offense returns two good backs and a nice duo on the offensive line. That is a good starting point but they will need some receivers to emerge in the absence of the terrific trio from last year. The defense is the biggest wildcard here. If they can be average to below average, this Hurricane team could be fighting for a playoff spot.

Florida Gators (+5000)

Billy Napier had one of the best coaching seasons of anyone despite only finishing 8-5. He navigated through injuries and the hardest schedule we have seen and I do not think that is getting enough credit. Along with that he got productive reps for his star quarterback. We saw improvements from this team from start to finish and now the depth should be built to be a tough out for any team in the country.

Arizona State (+9000)

Don’t be so quick to rule out the Sun Devils going into next year. They lose the heart and soul of their offense in Skattebo but there is a lot of production returning. Replacing Skattebo is not something one back can do but they have a nice duo in Udoh and Brown who will be productive. Leavitt needs to continue to get better along with the defense who struggled in the secondary last year.

Ole Miss Rebels (+2300)

The portal king (Lane Kiffin) will have to be at his best this offseason. He has to replace a lot of production on both sides of the ball and will likely take a big step back this year. He has already reloaded at wide receiver but defensively is my biggest concern. Seven key contributors are gone and will not be easy to replace. Not worried about the offense, Simmons will be found under the calling of Kiffin. If the defense can remain a top-30 unit, they will be just fine.

Louisville Cardinals (+6600)

I would argue that the best portal get thus far would be Miller Moss. He is going to an offense that has made a living off of transfer quarterbacks – which seems to be the Brohm way to do things. Cardinal fans should be excited for this team as the ACC can be had by any team. Clemson is your favorite but outside of them, I think a handful of teams are worthy of the second spot – why not Louisville?

Kansas State (+12000)

I expected more from the Wildcats this past season. That starts with the play of one of their highest-rated recruits in school history – Avery Johnson. He was too one-dimensional and not consistent enough to throw the ball. The weapons were there and they just kept coming up short in big moments. Another off-season should help improve Johnson and this offense, especially with the weapons they have returning.

Iowa State (+15000)

It will be interesting to see how the Cyclones respond to a historic season. They bring back Rocco Becht and two stud running backs but the big-play receivers will be missed. The secondary is their biggest issue to fix in the portal but I expect the Cyclones to be well-equipped to contend for the B12 title.

Illinois Fighting Illini (+10000)

the Illini delivered the first 10-win season since 2002, now there is even more pressure to stay consistent. The Illini have not had back-to-back winning seasons in over 12 years. A reason I am high on this team is their offensive line is almost all back to protect Luke Altmyer. The pass catchers will be a question after losing their top two but they have already been busy in the portal to help that. Defensively there should be another step taken, especially with the schedule being a little lighter this year.

BYU Cougars (+15000)

I know this seems low for what they accomplished last year but regression could be looming. The way they won some of the games last year is likely to regress back to the mean and that does not suggest they will be a bad team. They return a hefty amount of production on offense but defensively they lose five key contributors. The B12 will be better as well from top to bottom but I do expect BYU to be among the top three or four, just not as good as last year.

Texas A&M Aggies (+3100)

The Aggies were a Texas win away from going to the SEC championship. Despite rotating quarterbacks and injuries piling up, they exceeded pre-season expectations. I see none of that stopping with another year and recruiting class under Elko. Reed is going to have to improve as a passer to keep the offense consistent, but now he has a full off-season knowing he is the starter and that helps his play on the field.

Michigan Wolverines (+3500)

After the whirlwind change in Ann Arbor, the end was rather fitting. They beat their rival and won a bowl against Alabama. I think that was the worst version of Michigan we will see during the next handful of years. They have their quarterback of the future and a huge NIL collection to help. Losing some key contributors on defense does hurt but we can all agree that the defensive side of the ball is where Michigan thrives year in and year out. If the true freshman is all he is built up to be, the Wolverines may blow through this pre-season ranking. If he is average, they are still a top 20-ish team in my eyes.

Auburn Tigers (+5000)

This has to be the year for the Tigers and Freeze. I don’t think he can have another season like the previous two and survive. He got his quarterback in Jackson Arnold and has stacked some solid recruiting classes. The time is now for all of that to come to fruition. They were competitive last year and were to me a quarterback away from winning the games they lost by a narrow margin. Arnold is a perfect scheme fit for what Freeze likes to do, and the defense should be massively improved with all of the studs they have returning.

SMU (+8000)

After pretty much dominating the ACC in their first year, can the Mustangs overcome a large amount of losses? They do return their Quarterback in Jennings who will be on a mission after his playoff performance. The supporting cast around him will all be different and they will need several young players to step up. I expect SMU to be heavily involved in the portal and they will need to land quite a few to replace the loss production.

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