Waaaay too early Top 25

At 307 we never feel like it’s too early to start talking about next season.  The truth is, we still have 208 days until the beginning of the 2015 season and we need some college football to talk about.  We realize that top 25’s are ridiculous and they’re even more ridiculous in February but we’re still a month away from March Madness and let’s face it, does anyone watch baseball before the All-Star break? 

So, here it is.  Our ‘Way Too Early Top 25.’  We’re starting with 25-21 and over the next few days we’ll bring you 20-16, 15-11, 10-6 and finally 5-1.  Let the arguing begin!!!

#1 Ohio State Buckeyes

Before last season if you’d asked most experts, they would have told you that Ohio State was probably a year away from contending for a national championship, especially after Braxton Miller went down.  Going into 2015, the only question mark in Columbus is which quarterback to choose from- Braxton Miller, the two-time Big 10 POTY.  J.T. Barrett, who replaced Miller, was a Heisman contender before his own injury and accounted for 3,772 yards and 45 TD’s.  Or, the replacement for the replacement who in three starts won the Big 10 Championship, beat Alabama in the playoff and beat Oregon in the National Championship, Cardale Jones?  Given what the Buckeyes have returning it won’t make much difference who’s playing quarterback.  Ezekiel Elliott returns at running back and they lose only Devin Smith at receiver.  Defensively, Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington will anchor one of the college football’s best d-lines and there’s talent abound at linebacker and in the secondary.  The only thing that could keep Ohio State out of the playoff in 2015 is injury or complacency.

Best case: 12-0
Worst case: 10-2   

 

#2 TCU Horned Frogs

TCU took college football by storm and by seasons end they might have been the best team in the nation.  Trevone Boykin was a revelation in 2014 under co-OC’s Sunny Cumbie and Doug Meachem and given what the Horned Frogs have coming back (10 returning starters), there’s no reason to think they won’t be as good or better in 2015.  They return their top three receivers as well as their top running backs.  Defensive has been the calling card for TCU since Gary Patterson arrived and that won’t change this coming season.  He’ll have some holes to fill at linebacker and in the secondary but Patterson seems to always just plug a new player in and keep right on truckin’.  It’s going to be playoff or bust in Ft. Worth this year and I don’t see any reason to think that won’t happen.  This might be the most complete team in the country. 
Best case: 12-0
Worst case: 10-2 

 

#3 Auburn Tigers

I’m really excited about the 2015 Auburn team and biggest reason is the addition of Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator.  Muschamp should be able to elevate the defense to at least a middle-of-the-pack squad which would be a major improvement over the past few seasons.  Getting DE Carl Lawson back from injury, along with a slew of young talent Auburn has brought in over the last few recruiting classes and you’ve got a recipe for a nasty unit.  Combine an improved defense with what Gus Malzhan will field on offense and this team is a legit contender.  The offense might be a work in progress early but Jeremy Johnson should be a solid replacement for Nick Marshall at quarterback and the ground game should be in good hands with JC transfer Jovon Robinson and incoming freshman Kerryon Johnson.  Duke Johnson returns at receiver, giving the Tigers a deep threat keep defenses from loading up the box to stop the run.
Best case: 11-1
Worst case: 9-3

 

#4 Baylor Bears

With all that’s returning for the Bears, a return to the top five and a run at the playoff seems more than likely for Baylor.  Art Briles brings back 17 starters from last year’s team including eight on offense.  The skill positions are among the elite in college football with KD Cannon and Corey Coleman on the outside to go along with running backs Shock Linwood and Devin Chafin.  The line should again be solid, which should smooth the transition for presumed starter Seth Russell at quarterback.  The Bears defense is an underrated squad and with the return of Shawn Oakman, Andrew Billings and K.J. Smith up front and Orion Stweart and Xavien Howard among the returners in the back seven, Baylor should be solid. 
Best case: 12-0
Worst case: 10-2

 

#5 Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama will almost completely overhaul their offense from 2014, losing nine starters.  Blake Sims had a solid season as a starter but it’s not a stretch to think that Jacob Coker can equal or surpass what Sims brought to the Tide last year.  The major losses for Alabama are at the receiver position- they lose Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White and Christian Jones, as well as the offensive line where Nick Saban will have to replace three starters.  Defensively, Alabama should still be solid.  Saban and Co. bring back plenty of talent along the defensive line and expectations will be high for a secondary full of young 5-stars that should take a major step forward in 2015.

Best case: 11-1
Worst case: 9-3

 

 

#6 Clemson Tigers

It’s safe to assume there will be playoff expectations for the Clemson Tigers in 2015.  Deshaun Watson, despite being limited by injuries, looked the part of a Heisman-type quarterback and he’s got big-time weapons to work with on offense.  Mike Williams and Artavis Scott highlight one of the most talented groups of receivers in the country.  Wayne Gallman was a solid contributor as a freshman from the running back position and they return three starters along the line.  Keep an eye on how they replace a brilliant OC Chad Morris with co-OC’s Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott.  DC Brent Venables will have his hands full trying to replace eight starts from the #1 ranked defense in college football last year.  Given what Clemson should get from offense, as long as the defense is a little above average, they’ll be in the mix for an ACC Championship and playoff picture.

Best case: 11-1
Worst case: 9-3

 

#7 Oregon Ducks

The biggest question, and really the only question in Eugene this offseason is who will replace Heisman winner, Marcus Mariota at quarterback.  Whether Mariota’s replacement is junior Jeff Lockie or recent Eastern Washington transfer, Vernon Adams, they’ll have plenty of weapons around them.  Royce Freeman and Thomas Tyner both return at running back and the Ducks bring back their top three receivers.  There are holes to fill along the offensive line which was shaky at times in 2015.  Defensively, they lose some key pieces along the d-line in Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, as well as in the secondary with Erick Dargan, Troy Hill and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.  Ultimately, it’s going to come down to the quarterback for the Ducks.  Oregon has a proven system and with the right trigger-man this team can make a return trip to the playoff. 

Best case: 11-1
Worst case: 9-3

 

#8 USC Trojans

Steve Sarkisian will field one of the most talented teams in the nation in 2015 and for the first time since Pete Carroll, the Trojans might finally live up to their lofty expectations.  Quarterback Cody Kessler returns along with all five starters on the offensive line.  They lose their best receiver in Nelson Agholor but JuJu Smith, Darreus Rogers and Steven Mitchell are stars in the making.  Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox will have some holes to fill defensively, especially along the defensive line but the secondary is as talented as any in the country.  Depth is still a bit of a concern for the Trojans and considering the depth of the Pac-12 South, SC might be a year away from a playoff berth but they should be a favorite in the conference.

Best case: 11-1
Worst case: 8-4 

 

#9 Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State’s 2015 got a big boost when quarterback Connor Cook decided to return for his senior season.  Cook gets three offensive lineman back but will have to break in a new group of skill players.  A few promising underclassman to keep an eye on are TE Josiah Price and WR R.J. Shelton.  The defense returns seven starters and despite the loss of DC Pat Narduzzi, should still be among the best in the nation.  Mark Dantonio always does a great job developing players and getting the absolute best out of what he’s got to work with.  Shaq Calhoun coming back for his senior year should help as they bring along players like Malik McDowell.  The secondary should be among the best in the Big 10. 

Best case: 10-2
Worst case: 9-3 

 

#10 Arizona State Sun Devils

By all accounts ASU overachieved last season.  The defense was incredibly young and despite some struggles, the unit showed flashes and with nine starters returning, should be much better in 2015. Probably the biggest benefit the Sun Devils have going into 2015 is the return of Mike Bercovici at quarterback.  Bercovici played as well or better than Taylor Kelly and despite the loss of Jalen Strong, ASU still has weapons of offense.  Running back DJ Foster returns along with promising freshman Demario Richard.  USC is the likely favorite in the South but ASU should be right in the mix.

Best case: 10-2
Worst case: 8-4


#11 Florida State Seminoles

No team in college football was hit harder by the NFL draft than the Seminoles.  They lose their Heisman winning quarterback, four offensive line starters, their all-time leading receiver and starting tight end.  And that‘s just the offense.  The skill positions should be in good shape with the return of Dalvin Cook at running back and the ‘Noles are brimming with young talent at the receiver position.  Defensively, the Seminoles underachieved in 2014 and the loss of Eddie Goldman and Mario Edwards Jr. on the defensive line, along with starting corners PJ Williams and Ronald Darby will hurt.  Jimbo Fisher has recruited as well as anyone in college football over the past few years and if FSU has any chance of competing in the ACC or the playoff they’ll need that talent to step up and play big. 

Best case: 10-2
Worst case: 9-3

#12 Georgia Bulldogs

Like a number of teams on this list, quarterback is a big question mark going into 2015.  The Bulldogs should be one of the better running teams in the country with the return of Nick Chubb but the passing game will be a work in progress.  I expect the defense to continue to improve under second year coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.  There’s loads of talent on that side of the ball and they should be among the best defenses in the conference. 

Best case: 10-2
Worst case: 8-4 

 

# 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Brian Kelly is bringing back what look like his best team yet.  The Irish should have a strong ground game with the emergence of Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant and they return most of their offensive line.  Whether Kelly goes with Golson or Zaire at quarterback, they’ll have plenty of options in the passing game with their top four receivers all returning.  Defense should be healthier and the return of KeiVarae Russell and Ishaq Williams will be a boost.

Best case: 10-2
Worst case: 8-4

 

#14 UCLA Bruins

UCLA brings back one of the more experienced groups in college football, with 18 returning starters.  All five starters return on the offense line, along with running back Paul Perkins.  Whether it’s Jerry Neuheisel, Asiantii Woulard or talented freshman Josh Rosen at quarterback, they can take comfort in what should be a solid ground game.  Despite the loss of DC, Jeff Ulbrich, Eric Kendricks and Owamagbe Odighizuwa, there’s still plenty playmakers on the Bruins defense.  If the quarterback position develops, this team will be in the mix for the South and the playoff.

Best case: 11-1
Worst case: 8-4

 

#15 LSU Tigers

The recipe for success in Baton Rouge has always been to play dominant defense and run the football down defenses throats.  That won’t change in 2015 with the return of Leonard Fournette who will certainly garner some early Heisman attention.  The question, as usual will be what they can get out of the quarterback position.  Whether it’s Anthony Jennings or Brandon Harris, there are targets abound in one of the more talented groups of receivers in the nation.  Kevin Steele steps in for John Chavis as defensive coordinator but with the athletes LSU continually brings in, I don’t expect a drop off.

Best case: 10-2
Worst case: 8-4

 #16 Stanford Cardinal

 

I don’t see Stanford having the same struggles in 2015 as they did in 2014.  Under David Shaw, this has been one of the most physically imposing teams in the country and I think they’ll be back to their usual Stanford selves in 2015.  The running game never materialized last year and that put a lot of pressure on Kevin Hogan, who wasn’t up to the task.  They return four starters along the offensive line so that should help the ground game and open things up for Hogan to take advantage of some talented players like McCaffrey, Austin Hooper and Michael Rector.  The defense should continue to be among the nation’s best.

Best case: 10-2

Worst case: 8-4 

 

#17 Texas A&M Aggies

If I’d written this immediately after the season, there’s no way A&M would be on this list.  But, after some of the moves they’ve made so far this offseason, namely, adding John Chavis to run the defense, I think the Aggies could be a player in the SEC West.  We’ve seen Kevin Sumlin offenses put up yards and points and Kyle Allen looks like he’s the right triggerman.  There’s plenty of talent on the outside for Allen to choose from with a young receiving corps that should be a year better.  The key here is what Chavis can do with the defense.  If A&M’s defense is even just average, they could be a contender.

Best case: 10-2

Worst case: 7-5

 

#18 Arizona Wildcats

With a freshman quarterback and a number of new starters on defense, Arizona overachieved by all accounts in 2014.  It’s hard to imagine they’ll be any worse in 2015, given the return of Anu Solomon and a dynamic group of receivers.  Combine that with the return of running back Nick Wilson who ran for over 1,300 yards last year and we could see one of RichRod’s best offenses yet.  The defense played above their talent level most of last season and at their best, they were solid.  At their worst they were giving up 51 point to Oregon.  This team went 9-3 last year and if Solomon stays healthy they could be better in 2015.

Best case: 10-2

Worst case: 8-4

 

#19 Arkansas Razorbacks

Few teams improved over the course of the 2014 season like the Razorbacks and I expect that trend to continue into 2015… or we’ll all look really stupid for overblowing a team that went 6-6 in the regular season.  The running game should be among the best in the nation with a massive offensive line and a pair of 1,000 yard backs, Johnathan Williams and Alex Collins.  The defense finished in the top 10 last year and had back-to-back shutouts against LSU and Ole Miss.  They return seven starters and should be very solid again. 

Best case: 9-3

Worst case: 7-5

#20 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The Yellow Jackets will likely fly under the radar yet again in 2015 but there’s a lot to like about what Paul Johnson brings back.  Namely, quarterback Justin Thomas.  The triple-option is a challenge with an average point man, Thomas was exceptional running it last year.  He’s a dangerous runner but showed some chops throwing the ball last year as well.  The defense improved over the course of the season and ended up being pretty serviceable and return eight starters.  This team is always competitive under Johnson and as long has he’s got someone like Thomas calling the shots, they’ll be dangerous.

Best case: 9-3

Worst case: 8-4

 

#21 Tennessee Volunteers

 

The Vols have come a long way under Butch Jones and 2015 could be the year that they leap into a contender.  Josh Dobbs was a revelation at quarterback in the second half of 2014 and he’ll have a solid supporting cast, including running back Jalen Hurd.  The big questions facing Tennessee will be in the trenches where youth and inexperience should be developing into more consistent play.  Ultimately, if the Vols can grow up in 2015 and get solid play along the line of scrimmage they could contend for a wide open SEC East.

Best case: 9-3

Worst case: 6-6

 

 

#22 Oklahoma Sooners

 

The Sooners wet the bed last year but don’t expect a repeat in 2015.  Bob Stoops has proven that he’ll have his team in contention for the Big 12 and the return of one of the deepest backfields in the country should be a big help.  Samaje Perine exploded onto the scene and was one of the best young backs in the nation and there’s depth behind him in Alex Ross, Keith Ford and Joe Mixon.  The passing game will be the area to watch as it looks like Stoops will open things up and Trevor Knight will have to beat out Baker Mayfield and Cody Thomas.

Best case: 10-2

Worst case: 8-4

 

 

#23 Ole Miss Rebels

 

The Rebels might surprise me especially because they return 17 starters from a team that won nine games last year.  Getting some of their star players back and healthy will be a major factor in 2015 as a number of their best players were injured during the year.  If players like Denzel Nkemdiche, Laremy Tunsil and Laquon Treadwell come back healthy and Hugh Freeze finds a quarterback to replace Bo Wallace, look out. 

Best case: 9-3

Worst case: 7-5

 

 

#24 Missouri Tigers

 

After back-to-back SEC East titles, you could argue that Missouri should start to get the benefit of the doubt.  But, for the second year in a row Coach Gary Pinkel loses NFL talent along the defensive line.  Replacing four starters along the line, including Shane Ray will be a challenge.  Maty Mauk returns and normally a returning starter at quarterback is a huge plus.  Mauk has shown flashes but consistency is an issue and he must replace is best pass catchers.  The offense will be helped out by the return of running back Russell Hansbrough at running back and four starters are back along the offensive line.

Best case: 10-2

Worst case: 7-5

 

 

#25 Michigan Wolverines

 

Michigan had, perhaps the biggest move of the offseason, hiring Jim Harbaugh and if he can make Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick above average NFL quarterbacks, surely he can manage to find someone to do the job at UM.  The defense should be solid and much healthier than 2014.  The big question mark here will be whether Harbaugh can improve an offensive line that has been a disaster the past two years and find a passable (no pun intended) option to run the offense. 

Best case: 8-4

Worst case: 6-6