Never Too Early: 2009 College Football Preseason Top 25

I know that early polls are the problem with rankings when the end of the season rolls around because it creates an expectation of teams that leads to voting biases, but since they are done anyway I'm going to submit my early 2009 poll.

Obviously, not everyone has declared yet so I'll probably update once the declaration date for the NFL has passed. 

So here we go; the 2009 Top 25 are:

1. Florida

With Tim Tebow most likely coming back, who doesn't like the Gators? 19 of the Gators' 22 starters are eligible to come back, but Harvin and Spikes are expected to leave early. Still with all of the talent left the Gators will be huge Vegas favorites to repeat in 2009, as long as Superman returns that is.

2. USC

The Trojans got to enjoy having one of the greatest defenses of all time this year, and at least nine of those players will be gone for 2009, but we all know that USC simply reloads talent, especially on defense.

If Mark Sanchez returns for his senior campaign, the men of Troy will have 10 returning starters on offense, including one of the best receivers in Damian Williams, and one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country in Joe McKnight.

If USC can get motivated to play every game this year (and they will have to because they have a murderous schedule in 2009),, then they will find themselves with the chance to hoist the crystal ball.

3. Texas

Texas was a big time overachiever this year.  The experience they gained from being the hunted in 2008 will serve this team well in 2009.  Colt McCoy says he is returning to the team in 2009, and back for a sixth year will be his best friend and go-to guy Jordan Shipley.

The defensive line is suffering the most losses for the Longhorns with three starters gone for 2009, but that is a position they were deep at for 2008, and their production shouldn't drop off much.

The young Texas secondary looks to be a strength for the Longhorns in 2009, with the youngsters gaining a lot of valuable experience in 2008. A Big 12 title should be in the picture for the Longhorns.

4. LSU 

After a down year for the Tigers, I believe they will rebound nicely in 2009.  The defense looked outstanding against a Georgia Tech that tore apart fellow SEC member Georgia. Also, it looks as though the quarterback position has come into focus for the Tigers and shouldn't be a weakness for them in 2009.

LSU could throw some interesting looks next year with both Jefferson and incoming freshman Russell Shepard in the backfield at the same time. I look for LSU to claim the SEC West title next year.

5. Oklahoma

The last two games of the season were very strong showings for this Sooners defense that will return nine starters next year. If Bradford decides to jet for the NFL, the Sooners will likely have to rely on this defense to be their strong point, and then rely on a strong running game from DeMarco Murray. If Bradford returns, then we will once again see a three horse race for the Big 12 South.

6. Ole Miss

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