Grading Depth Charts for Every Top 25 College Football Team Entering 2015 Season
With fall camps getting underway across the country, teams are getting closer to locking down their depth charts for September's season openers.
While depth charts are always subject to change—especially with several weeks of practice still left on the schedule—spring camp and offseason talk can give writers and fans a good idea of what the starting lineups will look like this fall.
Some of the nation's best teams for 2015 look to be loaded on both sides of the ball, while others have some major holes that need to be filled before toe meets leather in a few weekends.
Let's hand out some depth-chart grades for the Top 25 in the latest set of preseason rankings, the Amway coaches poll.
These grades were based on the number of returning starters for each program and the amount of experience for new first-teamers and key backups. High recruiting ratings are nice for newcomers, but snaps and starts against college talent are the best measures of a depth chart's strength.
25. Tennessee Volunteers
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Offense
Tennessee's massive amount of experience starts on offense, where the Volunteers bring back 10 starters from the 2014 season. The top five receivers return, along with junior quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who went 4-1 as a starter to get the program back into bowl season.
The offensive line replaces one starter at tackle, but it will need wholesale improvement after allowing the fourth-most sacks of any team in the country last season. JUCO star Alvin Kamara will be a huge relief to a thin running back unit that is led by sophomore sensation Jalen Hurd.
Defense
Eight starters return on the Volunteers defense, including the team's top two pass-rushers from last season—sophomore defensive end Derek Barnett and senior linebacker Curt Maggitt—and three starters in the secondary.
Tennessee will need some relatively unproven players to step up at defensive tackle and cornerback this season. Former blue-chippers Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle may have to play major minutes on the line, while sophomore Emmanuel Moseley is expected to take a corner spot after starting a pair of games last season.
Special Teams
Aaron Medley returns to start at kicker, while Tennessee adds Nathan Renfro, a former starter at Maryland, at punter. Evan Berry and Cameron Sutton each had solid work in the return game last season.
Grade: A
The Volunteers have an incredible amount of experience and depth that should allow them to take a huge step this fall. They just need a couple of new faces to contribute as the team looks to improve as a whole.
24. Boise State Broncos
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Offense
Boise State will have a brand-new backfield this season as starting quarterback Grant Hedrick graduated, and running back Jay Ajayi left early for the NFL draft. The Broncos add Stanford transfer Kelsey Young to a deep list of rushers, while Ryan Finley looks set to be the starter after backing up Hedrick last season.
Other than the issues in the backfield, Boise State's offense is set. Boise returns the nine remaining starters, including the wide receiver pairing of Thomas Sperbeck and Shane Williams-Rhodes. The top offensive line group is completely made up of juniors and seniors with plenty of starting experience.
Defense
Eight starters return on defense for the Broncos, including their top five tacklers from last season. That group is led by Tanner Vallejo, the Fiesta Bowl defensive MVP who is moving from strong-side linebacker to "his natural spot in the middle of the defense," according to Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman.
The defensive line is deep and experienced along with a linebacking corps that added quality JUCO player Mercy Maston and Texas A&M transfer Kameron Miles. In the secondary, Boise State has three returning starters, most notably senior safety Darian Thompson.
Special Teams
JUCO transfer Tyler Rausa is coming off a good spring practice at kicker for the Broncos, while a top-40 punter returns in Sean Wale. The top three return men are all back this season for Boise.
Grade: A-
Boise State's backfield is the only real concern heading into the 2015 season, and it has plenty of options to choose from there. If the new starters can produce early, this is a team that could go undefeated in the Mountain West.
23. Missouri Tigers
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Offense
Junior quarterback Maty Mauk returns for another season in Columbia, along with running back Russell Hansbrough, who led the team in rushing last season. The Tigers can rely on an experienced offensive line that has combined for 97 career starts, according to Phil Steele's College Football Preview, and boasts one of the nation's best centers in Evan Boehm.
Missouri is mostly unproven at wide receiver, though, with the top three wideouts from last season all gone from the program. Tight end Sean Culkin started all 14 games of 2014, but he only recorded 174 receiving yards and a single touchdown.
Defense
Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer, Missouri's top two tacklers from last season, will nail down leadership spots at linebacker again this year. Three starters also return from a secondary that had a solid season in 2014 thanks to the presence of a dominant defensive line.
Unfortunately, that dominant defensive line is a huge question mark at this point for Missouri. The Tigers lost All-American end Shane Ray, fellow star end Markus Golden and tackle Matt Hoch from last season, and their only returning starter—tackle Harold Brantley—is out for the season after injuries he suffered in a car accident.
Special Teams
Senior kicker Andrew Baggett is a decent kicker who is at his best when he is booming kickoffs out of the back of the end zone. The Tigers break in a new punter this year, as well as a new return man in place of Marcus Murphy, who had three special teams touchdowns in 2014.
Grade: C+
Missouri has done a phenomenal job of exceeding expectations these last two seasons by winning the SEC East. The Tigers will have to do that again this season, because their depth chart has several major holes.
22. Arizona Wildcats
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Offense
Rich Rodriguez's explosive offense should be in good hands this season with the return of starting quarterback Anu Solomon, running back Nick Wilson and receiver duo Cayleb Jones and Samajie Grant. None of these starters are seniors yet, and they should continue to grow along with the depth behind them.
The Achilles' heel on offense, though, is the fact the Wildcats return only two starters on their offensive line. Arizona has a mixture of transfers and experienced backups who will step into these spots this fall, but they haven't played together as a cohesive line yet.
Defense
The front seven of Arizona's defense should be strong again as all-world linebacker Scooby Wright III returns for his junior season in Tucson. Arizona will only replace two starters there, and several of the candidates at those positions have starting experience.
The Wildcats will, however, break in three new starters in a secondary that ranked No. 121 nationally in pass defense a season ago. Sophomore cornerback Cam Denson was a highly touted recruit for Arizona, and he will be counted on to help turn this unit around in 2015.
Special Teams
Drew Riggleman ranked fourth nationally in average yards per punt last season and will once again be a valued weapon for the Wildcats. Casey Skowron is back at kicker, along with lightning-fast return specialists Tyrell Johnson and DaVonte' Neal.
Grade: B
Arizona has plenty of proven talent across its depth chart, but the lack of established starters on the offensive line and in the secondary could be troublesome this fall. These new starters will have to step up quickly in order for Arizona to defend its Pac-12 South crown.
21. Stanford Cardinal
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Offense
Stanford is looking to bounce back from last season's 8-5 record, and it has the weapons on offense to make some serious noise again in the Pac-12. Senior quarterback Kevin Hogan is entering his fourth season as a starter, and he has his second, third, fourth and fifth-best receivers back from a season ago.
The Cardinal just break in one new starter on the offensive line this season as elite tackle Andrus Peat moved onto the NFL. Stanford has depth at running back but needs one of its playmakers to break out as a strong option in order for the offense to take a major step.
Defense
Stanford only returns three starters on defense, but the ones it has coming back are all seniors with multiple seasons of experience. Do-it-all linebacker Blake Martinez is the heart and soul of this unit and is flanked by outside linebacker Kevin Anderson and cornerback Ronnie Harris.
The defensive line, one of the strengths of great Stanford teams, will be completely made up of new starters this fall. The Cardinal have recruited well there, but only time will tell if they're ready for the prolific offenses of the Pac-12—much like the largely inexperienced secondary. Starting safety Zach Hoffpauir elected to start his pro baseball career this offseason.
Special Teams
The Cardinal will have new starters at each major special teams position in 2015. Top return man Ty Montgomery will most likely be replaced by speedy sophomore running back Christian McCaffrey.
Grade: B
While the offense should give Stanford fans plenty of reasons for optimism, the defense is mostly unproven heading into 2015. How high the Cardinal fly will depend on the defensive newcomers.
20. Arkansas Razorbacks
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Offense
Bret Bielema, no one man should have all that power. Arkansas' ground-and-pound offense is stacked with depth and talent this season, led by senior quarterback Brandon Allen, senior running back Jonathan Williams and junior running back Alex Collins. The Razorbacks also have four returning starters, a fifth All-SEC freshman and a media guide cover shoot on their offensive line.
The only thing Arkansas lacks on offense is a No. 2 receiver to line up opposite senior Keon Hatcher. Sure, Arkansas will be a run-first team, but it could use a proven option—second-leading receiver Jared Cornelius only had 212 receiving yards last season.
Defense
When you think Arkansas, you should think strength in the trenches. But the top unit on this defense should be in the secondary, where the Hogs return three starters from a unit that made good strides in 2014.
The top trio for getting into opponents' backfields last season, Martrell Spaight, Darius Philon and Trey Flowers, are no longer in Fayetteville. Arkansas will need new faces on the defensive line and also at linebacker—Brooks Ellis is the only one at the position with double-digit starts.
Special Teams
Arkansas is looking for improvement in special teams this season and will add a couple of new starters to the unit. The Hogs must replace punter Sam Irwin-Hill and kick returner Korliss Marshall, who ran one back for a touchdown in 2014.
Grade: B+
The Razorbacks offense is virtually hole-free, and the defense has solid depth in the areas without returning starters. The special teams are somewhat concerning, but this is still one of the best all-around teams Arkansas has had in a while.
19. Oklahoma Sooners
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Offense
Oklahoma has one of the top combinations of backs and receivers heading into the 2015 season. Samaje Perine leads a rushing attack that features the versatile Alex Ross and talented redshirt freshman Joe Mixon. The Sooners return their top three receivers and add JUCO star Dede Westbrook, who broke out in spring practice.
Oklahoma has options at quarterback, but neither transfer Baker Mayfield, former starter Trevor Knight nor backup Cody Thomas has emerged as a reliable leader so far this offseason. The Sooners also return only two veterans on the offensive line and will have first-time starters at both tackle spots.
Defense
After taking a step back last season, Oklahoma's defense will look to rebound with several star players back for 2015. Defensive end Charles Tapper and cornerback Zack Sanchez lead their respective groups, and the linebackers look strong with the experienced trio of Dominique Alexander, Jordan Evans and Eric Striker.
Oklahoma will have two new starters on the defensive line, but junior tackle Jordan Wade has starting experience from his work as a redshirt freshman. Ahmad Thomas returns with Sanchez in the secondary, while touted sophomores Steven Parker and William Johnson are set to lock down the remaining slots.
Special Teams
Ross is a fantastic return man who could be one of the nation's best by season's end. Oklahoma will have two new starters at kicker and punter, and big-legged true freshman Austin Seibert might pull double duty.
Grade: B
With a solid quarterback and offensive line protection, new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley's Air Raid attack will give the Sooners' skill talents opportunities to thrive. The defense should take a step forward, too, with the amount of experience returning in Norman.
18. Wisconsin Badgers
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Offense
Wisconsin returns only five starters on offense, but they come in key positions. Senior Joel Stave looks to have the quarterback job nailed down in Madison, and he will have No. 1 receiver Alex Erickson, two experienced tight ends and two senior offensive linemen around him this fall.
While Corey Clement might not put up the ridiculous numbers of a Melvin Gordon behind three new starters on the offensive line, the Badgers' rushing attack should be in good hands. Stave's passing game needs more than one established weapon, though, as the No. 2 returning receiver had 646 yards fewer than Erickson.
Defense
Dave Aranda's defense should be loaded at defensive back this season. Three starters return there, and the team will also add the athletic talents of former quarterback Tanner McEvoy at safety.
Wisconsin has depth across its front seven and will be led by returning outside linebackers Vince Biegel and Joe Schobert. The Badgers are young at defensive end, but sophomores Alec James and Chikwe Obasih have already recorded starts in their collegiate careers.
Special Teams
Sophomore Rafael Gaglianone, a 231-pound kicker, knocked down 19 of his 22 attempts last season and showed excellent leg strength. Senior Drew Meyer is a decent punter, but the Badgers need new players to step up in the return game.
Grade: B-
Even after a head-coaching change and the loss of 11 starters, Wisconsin is still picked to win the Big Ten West because of the depth it has stored for this season. It's hard to worry too much about the Badgers in the trenches, where they will be breaking in the most of their new faces.
17. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
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Offense
Junior quarterback Justin Thomas is back to lead Paul Johnson's option attack after a great 2014 season that finished with an Orange Bowl victory. Four starting offensive linemen also return from the nation's No. 2 rushing attack.
But the players receiving balls from Thomas and running behind that veteran offensive line will all be new starters. The Yellow Jackets lost their top four backs and top four receivers from last season, which will test the depth of what SB Nation's Bill Connelly so expertly called "the most plug-and-play offense in the ACC."
Defense
Georgia Tech returns eight starters from its defense, so improvement in several major categories should be expected this fall. The defensive line is especially strong with senior Adam Gotsis, and all four starters in the secondary are back this season.
The Yellow Jackets did, however, lose their leading linebacker in Quayshawn Nealy, and they will have two new starters in that unit this fall. The projected starters are all experienced, so Georgia Tech won't have completely fresh faces at linebacker.
Special Teams
All starters are back for Georgia Tech's special teams, including powerful kicker Harrison Butker, who drilled a clutch 53-yarder in the victory over Georgia. Punter Ryan Rodwell and return specialist Jamal Golden will join Butker.
Grade: C+
Even with an experienced defense and special teams unit, all those losses in the skill positions are reasons for concern. Can Georgia Tech handle that much turnover and still keep up its offensive excellence? Only time will tell for these Jackets.
16. Arizona State Sun Devils
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Offense
Arizona State returns seven starters on offense, including a loaded backfield of sophomore Demario Richard and potential three-way star Kalen Ballage. Senior quarterback Mike Bercovici is the leader now for ASU after starting three games last season, and he'll line up behind a veteran offensive line.
The biggest concern on offense for Arizona State is replacing the production of top wide receiver Jaelen Strong. Almost every other key receiver returns for the Sun Devils this season, so there are plenty of possibilities for big plays.
Defense
Last year, Arizona State only had two returning starters on defense, and it showed. This season, the Sun Devils have nine back on their defense, with their major losses consisting of leading tackler Damarious Randall and sack master Marcus Hardison.
Arizona State will have to replace Hardison's pass-rushing talents and break in a newcomer at "Devil backer"—and it could be the physical Ballage. Boundary safety will receive a special spotlight after the loss of Randall, but sophomore James Johnson chipped in with a pair of starts last year.
Special Teams
Junior Zane Gonzalez, who was a second-team All-Pac-12 kicker last season, is back for the Sun Devils, along with punter Matt Haack. Arizona State needs a new return specialist, and Ballage flashed his potential with a huge return against Duke in the Sun Bowl.
Grade: A-
Arizona State has loads of experience on both sides of the ball and is set up well for the future with talented depth at nearly every position. Head coach Todd Graham's streak of 10-win seasons has a great chance of staying intact.
15. Ole Miss Rebels
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Offense
Nine starters are back on the Ole Miss offense, including five offensive linemen who have combined for the third-most career starts in the FBS, per Phil Steele. The top two rushers return for the Rebels along with four of the top five receivers, including the long-awaited return of junior star Laquon Treadwell.
Ole Miss doesn't have quarterback Bo Wallace or receiver Vince Sanders back this season, but there are options thanks to JUCO signal-caller Chad Kelly, Washington transfer Damore'ea Stringfellow and several impressive underclassmen.
Defense
Even with C.J. Johnson's move to linebacker, the defensive line at Ole Miss should be stacked this season. Junior Robert Nkemdiche is the leader there, along with JUCO star D.J. Jones and sophomore sack leader Marquis Haynes. Tony Conner joins Johnson and Trae Elston as returning starters behind the impressive front.
The Rebels will have to replace a pair of All-American defensive backs in Senquez Golson and Cody Prewitt this season, but they have recruited well in those positions. The "Land Sharks" should continue to feed with Tee Shepard and Chief Brown returning from injuries.
Special Teams
Ole Miss returns all its starters from an average special teams group, and it should improve with the likes of kicker Gary Wunderlich and punter Will Gleeson back.
Grade: A-
Ole Miss has the talented depth needed to fill the few holes it has on its 2015 depth chart thanks to some great recruiting classes. With 16 offensive and defensive starters back, the Rebels can build on last year's successes.
14. UCLA Bruins
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Offense
UCLA boasts one of the strongest offensive depth charts in the entire country. The Bruins return the most career starts on the offensive line—their top five receivers and the Pac-12's top running back last season in junior Paul Perkins.
The only hole is at quarterback, where talented rue freshman Josh Rosen is expected to start after enrolling early and going through spring practice with this veteran team. Rosen is walking into the best possible situation for a young signal-caller.
Defense
The large amount of experience continues on defense, as UCLA returns eight starters from last season. Myles Jack is the leader at linebacker, Eddie Vanderdoes will hold down the defensive line, and all four starters in the secondary are back for the 2015 campaign.
The Bruins need to replace the talents of Owamagbe Odighizuwa at defensive end, and it will most likely be with a player who doesn't have a ton of experience. Odighizuwa had the second-most sacks last season and created a strong pass-rushing tandem with outside linebacker Deon Hollins.
Special Teams
UCLA returns consistent kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn this fall, along with former JUCO punter Matt Mengel. Ishmael Adams had a solid season in the return game and will be back for 2015.
Grade: A
One can't argue with 18 returning starters, and the only real concern is the possibility of playing someone completely new to the college game at quarterback. If Rosen can live up to his high expectations, UCLA should feast with its large amount of experienced talent.
13. LSU Tigers
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Offense
LSU's great work at recruiting talent at skill positions will be on full display this season with the return of sophomore star running back Leonard Fournette and the top four receivers from 2014. And while the quarterback play of Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings wasn't great, at least they will go into 2015 with experience.
The only two newcomers on LSU's offense can be found on the offensive line. The Tigers return Vadal Alexander, Jerald Hawkins and Ethan Pocic but will have to break in two new starters on the interior this fall.
Defense
The offseason debate over "Defensive Back U" was highlighted by the Tigers' crop of talent in the secondary. Cornerback Tre'Davious White and safety Jalen Mills each have multiple years of starting experience, while Ed Paris and Jamal Adams logged minutes as freshmen last season.
While four of LSU's top six linebackers from last season return, including breakout star Kendell Beckwith, interior defensive line depth is a major issue. Earlier this week, Maquedius Bain became the third defensive lineman to leave LSU this offseason, hurting the numbers behind starters Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux.
Special Teams
LSU returns all of its special teams starters this season. Colby Delahoussaye will be in his third year of starting at kicker for the Tigers, as Jamie Keehn looks to build on his top-10 finish in punting average. Fournette is a dangerous return man along with White.
Grade: A-
The depth and experience are everywhere for LSU, except for the growing problems on the defensive line. The Tigers, especially the ones at quarterback, just need to play better to avoid another disappointing season.
12. Clemson Tigers
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Offense
Offensive weapons won't be hard to come by for Clemson this fall. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was one of the nation's most efficient passers when healthy last season, and he will be surrounded by six of his top seven receivers and top three rushers from a season ago.
Clemson has three new full-time starters on the offensive line, but Tyrone Crowder, Eric Mac Lain and Joe Gore each received plenty of snaps on a banged-up unit last year.
Defense
And now for the less exciting portion of the Clemson depth chart—the nation's No. 1 defense from a season ago returns just three starters. However, the secondary is in good shape with the return of cornerback Mackensie Alexander and safety Jayron Kearse.
The front seven will almost entirely be made up of brand-new starters. The Tigers have talent there—junior Shaq Lawson was an incredible rotation player on the defensive line—thanks to strong recruiting classes in the area. But a lot of that talent lacks starting experience.
Special Teams
The Tigers lost ace punter Bradley Pinion, who left early for the NFL, and their top punt returner is gone. According to Scott Keepfer of the Greenville News, senior kicker Ammon Lakip will miss some games this season after being charged with DUI and cocaine possession this offseason.
Grade: B
The offense should lead the way for Clemson this season with Watson and plenty of skill talent. The defense will have to grow up quickly, though, in order for the Tigers to claim the ACC.
11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Offense
Notre Dame's passing attack looks to be in fine shape with its top three receivers—Will Fuller, Chris Brown and Corey Robinson—coming back for 2015. They will join sophomore quarterback Malik Zaire, who excelled in a bowl win over LSU and spring camp by beating out former starter Everett Golson.
The Irish will have a couple of new starters on an offensive line that is starting to stabilize. They will also need a boost from their newcomers at running back, including converted receiver C.J. Prosise, as Tarean Folston's top backup Greg Bryant was recently ruled ineligible for the 2015 season.
Defense
Notre Dame's defense was underwhelming last season, but there is no reason why it shouldn't improve in 2015. This unit returns an incredible 10 starters in coordinator Brian VanGorder's second year in charge.
Junior linebacker Jaylon Smith will be relied on heavily again after he led the team with 112 tackles last season. The Irish need more consistency in rushing the quarterback, and a deeper defensive line might spark a turnaround in that category this season.
Special Teams
Notre Dame's special teams have been shaky at best in recent years, and they could be starting a pair of freshmen at kicker and punter this fall. Amir Carlisle returns as the top kick returner for the Irish.
Grade: A-
Notre Dame has few holes on its squad and has developed a solid amount of depth under head coach Brian Kelly. The faces are familiar on defense—now they just have to produce.
10. USC Trojans
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Offense
Senior quarterback Cody Kessler should thrive again this season behind one of the nation's most experienced offensive lines. Thanks to some depth issues in recent years, six different linemen have been starters for the Trojans, and that's a great problem to have.
Kessler needs some weapons to develop outside of star wide receiver JuJu Smith, who recorded 724 yards and five touchdowns last season, and three-way phenom Adoree' Jackson. USC finally has depth on its roster. Now it has to capitalize on it with new playmakers at running back and wideout.
Defense
Four of the top six defensive linemen are back for USC, and versatile defensive leader Su'a Cravens made his move from safety to linebacker this offseason.
The numbers are there for the Trojans. They just simply need to produce more in order to follow through on the building hype. Three defensive back starters return, but USC had one of the nation's worst defenses against the pass in 2014. Its top two players for sacks, Leonard Williams and J.R. Tavai, have departed.
Special Teams
Senior punter Kris Albarado has been solid over the last two seasons, but the Trojans will have a new full-time kicker in 2015. Jackson's return prowess should make for some huge plays.
Grade: A-
USC has a deep roster again, but several key areas lack established playmakers. The Trojans will have to cash in on their recruiting success and find some big-time players to complement the veteran leaders.
9. Georgia Bulldogs
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Offense
The stars of Georgia's seemingly never-ending supply of blue-chip running backs gained another year of experience and should be ready for huge numbers in 2015. Nick Chubb, Keith Marshall and Sony Michel will enjoy running behind an experienced offensive line that returns four starters and adds a senior at the fifth spot.
Georgia's passing game remains up in the air, though. The Bulldogs are still sorting out their options at quarterback, and their top two receivers from 2014 are gone. While Georgia has a ton of experience on the ground, dropping back to pass will have less familiar faces.
Defense
The Bulldogs are crazy-good on the edge of their defense with Lorenzo Carter and Leonard Floyd set to terrorize backfields all season long. Georgia's secondary has plenty of starting experience, too, even after the departure of stars such as Damian Swann.
The interior of that defense, though, looks troublesome. As Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee wrote last month, Georgia's recruiting success on the defensive line has been amazing, "but are they really going to shine bright just a few months removed from prom against grown men on opposing offensive lines?"
Special Teams
Georgia boasts two senior specialists, kicker Marshall Morgan and punter Collin Barber, and it also can rely on return specialist Isaiah McKenzie—he had three special teams touchdowns in 2014.
Grade: B+
The Bulldogs have obvious holes on their depth chart, but the strengths are some of the best you can find in the SEC. The star pickups of the past few recruiting classes will have to shine early.
8. Florida State Seminoles
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Offense
Florida State's offense is all about turnover this season—and that is not a thinly veiled criticism of transfer quarterback Everett Golson, who is battling to replace Jameis Winston. Florida State returns four starters, and that number could drop to three depending on the result of sophomore running back Dalvin Cook's case.
The most troubling area for the Seminoles is along the offensive line, where they only have one returning starter in left tackle Roderick Johnson. Florida State's line was middle of the road last season, and now it must rebuild along with newcomers at quarterback and wide receiver.
Defense
But the Seminoles are completely devoid of established talent, as they return seven starters on the defensive side of the ball in 2015. The top four tacklers from last season's team are back, including elite defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who will be a strong leader this fall.
Florida State also returns a pair of starters on the defensive line and the linebacking corps, respectively. Several newcomers, such as JUCO pickup Lorenzo Phillips, will have to step up, but this defense should rebound from some underwhelming numbers in 2014.
Special Teams
Florida State has statistically one of the best kickers in NCAA history in Roberto Aguayo, and Carson Beatty is a solid option at punter. While he didn't take one to the house last season, Kermit Whitfield is a blur at kick returner.
Grade: B-
With their recruiting hauls and track record of producing NFL talent, the Seminoles should be well-prepared for big losses in talent from year to year. But the question marks are especially plentiful for this new-look Florida State team.
7. Auburn Tigers
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Offense
Auburn only returns four starters on its offense this season, but the potential of new starters such as star quarterback Jeremy Johnson has people buzzing about a possible SEC title run. Johnson will step into the starting role and can rely on star wideout Duke Williams to make big catches again this season.
The Tigers will have two new starters on an otherwise-strong offensive line, but they must replace another SEC-leading rusher with either JUCO superstar Jovon Robinson or shifty sophomore Roc Thomas. Auburn also needs players to step up at wide receiver alongside Williams with the departure of vertical threat Sammie Coates.
Defense
New coordinator Will Muschamp has eight starters returning on a unit that has been underwhelming at best in each of Gus Malzahn's two seasons on the Plains. Carl Lawson returns from injury to provide a strong pass rush, and the defense will be anchored by the veteran linebacker duo of Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost.
Auburn's biggest issue will be the depth in the secondary, which has three returning starters. The team had a mass exodus this offseason at defensive back and will need freshmen to fill in behind seniors Jonathan Jones and Josh Holsey at cornerback.
Special Teams
Daniel Carlson was an accurate option at kicker, but his leg wore down toward the end of the season as he was forced to take on punting duties. In addition to breaking in a new punter, Auburn needs leaders to emerge in the return game.
Grade: B
It's hard to worry too much about a Malzahn offense, even with a higher number of new starters heading into the season. But the Tigers will need more players to produce on an underwhelming defensive line and in a thinner secondary in order to compete for titles.
6. Michigan State Spartans
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Offense
Michigan State can lean on senior quarterback Connor Cook and one of the nation's best offensive lines this fall. Cook is entering his third season as a full-time starter for the Spartans, while the front five returns four players with tremendous talent and experience.
The skill positions, though, are a different story. Michigan State's top three running backs from 2014 have all departed, along with the program's top two receivers. Sparty has potential at these positions, but it's hard to tell what exactly the offense will look like with new playmakers.
Defense
The Spartans will deliver a strong brand of trench warfare with three senior starters on the defensive line. Sophomore Malik McDowell should slide into a starting job after some solid work as a true freshman last season.
They will need players to step up at defensive back in order to continue the Michigan State tradition of excellent defense. According to Mike Griffith of MLive.com, the competition for the starting cornerback jobs is "wide open" as question marks fill this positional unit.
Special Teams
Kicker Michael Geiger will look to rebound from a slumping season in 2014 as Jake Hartbarger is set to consistent punter Mike Sadler. Macgarrett Kings and R.J. Shelton led the team in return yardage last season and will be back this fall.
Grade: B+
Both backfields are cause for concern in East Lansing, but Michigan State will be able to excel again in the trenches. With 14 starters back, the depth chart shows a strong team capable of challenging for a playoff berth.
5. Oregon Ducks
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Offense
No matter who wins the quarterback battle in Eugene, Oregon's explosive offense should be in excellent shape with the number of rushers and receivers coming back. The Ducks' top three backs and top five receivers all return to the program for 2015 after making it to the national title game last year.
Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams will have a late jump on the quarterback battle, but he looks to be the best out of an extremely deep unit. Oregon returns 79 offensive line starts, per Phil Steele, and the new full-time starters across the front five all have experience.
Defense
The Ducks return three linebackers who started at least 10 games last season and were boosted by the return of senior defensive end DeForest Buckner. Freshman Canton Kaumatule and senior Christian French are expected to fill in the gaps across a strong front seven with ease.
Once again, Oregon returns just one starter in the secondary. While it has depth at both cornerback and safety, it's largely unproven, and the pass defense will continue to be a weak link for an otherwise-excellent, title-contending program.
Special Teams
Oregon has a pair of experienced kickers in Aidan Schneider and Matt Wogan, and punter Ian Wheeler got his college career off to a solid start last season. Charles Nelson will lead the way in the return game after his two touchdowns off punts last season.
Grade: A-
The strength of the Oregon program—the speedy playmakers on offense—should be at elite levels again this fall. Even with the changeover from Marcus Mariota and the questions surrounding the pass defense, the Ducks still have a great depth chart.
4. Baylor Bears
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Offense
Baylor returns nine starters on both offense and defense, and the nation's most dangerous attack should continue to wreak havoc this season with all that returning talent. Shock Linwood leads a group of Baylor's top three rushers from a season ago, while Corey Coleman and KD Cannon lock down the top spots on a deep receiving corps.
The Bears can also rely on an offensive line that returns all five of its starters, including All-American tackle Spencer Drango. Art Briles already has picked his quarterback for the future in Seth Russell, who replaces Bryce Petty in an offense that has led the nation in points and yards each of the last two seasons.
Defense
Baylor should improve on defense even more this year with one of the nation's most talented defensive lines. The college football world already knows about 6'9" end Shawn Oakman, and freakishly strong tackle Andrew Billings will continue to make a name for himself on a ferocious and deep front four.
Four of Baylor's top six linebackers return for 2015, but the team will have to replace top tackler Bryce Hager. All four starters in the secondary are back, too—they just simply have to get better after finishing No. 110 in pass defense last year.
Special Teams
The Bears are looking for better play out of their special teams this season. Kicker Chris Callahan had an up-and-down 2014—you probably remember this infamous moment in the Cotton Bowl—while the team looks for a new punter and return specialist.
Grade: A
Outside of the junior Russell and a couple of new linebackers, Baylor has most of its talent intact from another Big 12 title team. All that experience has created plenty of deserved playoff buzz for the Bears heading into 2015.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
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Offense
Alabama returns just a small handful of players with starting experience on offense this season, but they represent some top talent. Junior running back Derrick Henry joins the speedy senior Kenyan Drake for a strong one-two punch out of the backfield, while Cam Robinson and Ryan Kelly are coming off strong seasons on the offensive line.
The Crimson Tide don't lack depth at quarterback as five different signal-callers battled for the starting job this offseason. They replace three starters on the offensive line and at receiver—most notably Amari Cooper, who dominated the passing offense last season under first-year coordinator Lane Kiffin.
Defense
Surprise, surprise. The Alabama defense should be strong this fall, and it has seven starters coming back from yet another elite unit under head coach Nick Saban and coordinator Kirby Smart. The defensive line is incredible with returning starters Jonathan Allen, A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed, plus some depth in the form of blue-chip recruits.
Seniors Reggie Ragland and Denzel Devall lead the linebacking corps, while Eddie Jackson and Geno Smith hold down the safety spots for Alabama. Keep an eye on the new fixtures at cornerback, as the Tide look to get back to their usual ways after a less-than-stellar 2014.
Special Teams
Kicker Adam Griffith didn't inspire too much confidence after missing seven of his final 12 attempts of the season. But J.K. Scott has already emerged as possibly the best punter in college football—he led the nation with 48 yards per attempt. Alabama must replace return specialist Christion Jones this fall.
Grade: B+
Even with a lower number of returning starters than usual, Alabama has the best setup for depth thanks to years and years of No. 1 recruiting classes. Where the Crimson Tide don't have experience, they have incredible talent, and now that talent must live up to the massive expectations in Tuscaloosa.
2. TCU Horned Frogs
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Offense
TCU returns a remarkable 10 starters from an offense that flipped the script last season. Under new coordinators, quarterback Trevone Boykin starred along with the deep receiving quartet of Josh Doctson, Kolby Listenbee, Deante' Gray and Ty Slanina—all of whom are back for 2015.
The Horned Frogs also return top running back Aaron Green, who averaged a dazzling 7.1 yards per carry last season next to Boykin. Four starters return on the Horned Frogs offensive line, so this should be an even bigger year of offensive fireworks in Fort Worth.
Defense
Head coach Gary Patterson, long known for his great defenses, will have a decent-sized rebuilding job in order to get TCU into the playoff hunt. The front four should be strong with senior starters James McFarland, Davion Pierson and Terrell Lathan, along with the vast majority of last season's two-deep.
However, the defense gets dicey in the back. According to SB Nation's Frogs O' War, three of TCU's top four linebackers in the post-spring depth chart were freshmen. In the secondary, safety Derrick Kindred and former freshman All-American Ranthony Texada are back, but three of last year's top defensive backs are not.
Special Teams
Senior Jaden Oberkrom has a great leg in place-kicking and kickoff duties, and fellow senior Ethan Perry made history last season when opponents returned only eight of his punts for a combined negative-nine yards. Cameron Echols-Luper is a dangerous return man for the Frogs as he returned one punt back for a touchdown in 2014.
Grade: A-
TCU's uptempo offense is beyond stacked with a Heisman favorite leading the way, but the inexperience on defense is somewhat troubling—even with Patterson's track record. The Frogs remain one of the most intriguing title contenders heading into 2015.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
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Offense
Let's go ahead and get it out of the way. Ohio State has the deepest group of quarterbacks in the country, and that fact has been constantly repeated this offseason. Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett excelled so much last season for the champs that they forced a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year in Braxton Miller to move to wide receiver, which is already returning every major name except for big-play star Devin Smith.
Ezekiel Elliott is probably the best Heisman candidate on the team, and the star of Ohio State's championship run leads a running back corps with loads of potential. And don't forget a Buckeye offensive line that returns four of its five starters and adds an experienced senior to the mix.
Defense
While he'll miss the first game of the season because of a suspension—in addition to several offensive playmakers—All-American defensive end Joey Bosa leads a strong defensive line that features senior tackles Adolphus Washington, Tommy Schutt and Joel Hale.
At linebacker, Ohio State returns leading tackler Joshua Perry and tackles-for-loss leader Darron Lee, along with freshman All-American Raekwon McMillan. The secondary returns three starters, including junior safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell, to go along with a number of experienced rotation pieces.
Special Teams
Sean Nuernberger heads into his second season as the starting kicker for Ohio State. He returns with junior punter Cameron Johnston, who averaged a strong 45.1 yards per punt last season. Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson and Curtis Samuel each recorded returns last season for this dangerous special teams unit.
Grade: A+
Some teams may return more starters than Ohio State this season, but there's a clear reason why the defending champions are No. 1 for 2015—these Buckeyes have an air-tight depth chart.
Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Justin Ferguson is a college football writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
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