Bleacher Report's Expert Predictions for the 2016 College Football Season
The first week of the 2016 college football season is upon us, which means it's time to go on the record with some predictions for the year.
Who will win the Heisman Trophy?
Which teams will make the third edition of the College Football Playoff?
Which teams are the most overrated and underrated in the country?
Bleacher Report's panel of experts—Adam Kramer, Barrett Sallee, Chris Walsh, Ben Axelrod, Greg Couch and Michael Felder—get you ready with their picks for the 2016 college football season.
Who Will Win the Heisman?
1 of 8
Adam Kramer
Deshaun Watson. All of the necessary ingredients are in place. He plays quarterback. He plays quarterback for a team that that should win most (if not all) of its games. He is surrounded by talented pieces, including wideout Mike Williams, who missed essentially all of last year. Oh, and Watson is fantastic, too. There is also that.
Barrett Sallee
For the second year in a row, I'm going with Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett. Only this time, I'll be right. He was a Heisman contender in a pinch two years ago with a supporting cast that, in large part, was unproven when he took over for the injured Braxton Miller. He's in essentially the same scenario this year, only the players are more talented and have played significant roles in games behind former starters. Ohio State will run the table, Barrett will eclipse the 3,000-yard passing/1,000-yard rushing mark, lead his team to the playoff and win the Heisman.
Chris Walsh
Between Watson, Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey (and I'll even throw in Baker Mayfield and Dalvin Cook), it will probably come down to which team wins the most games. But to me, Fournette is the biggest freak, and I mean that as the highest of compliments.
Ben Axelrod
While Watson, McCaffrey and Fournette might make up the most loaded preseason Heisman contender class since 2005, I anticipate Barrett joining the conversation sooner rather than later. With no quarterback controversy in Columbus and little experience around him, Barrett should have both the numbers and name recognition necessary to land him in New York for a date with the Stiff Arm trophy.
Greg Couch
I understand how much media members want to side with Jim Harbaugh, honor him, celebrate him and be different like him. So, sure, Watson, Fournette, McCaffrey and Cook are the establishment picks. However, this one is going to Michigan's Jabrill Peppers, as Heisman voters finally notice that there is a defensive side of the ball. It's especially true if the Wolverines can beat Ohio State.
Michael Felder
Some quarterback. Unless Fournette, Royce Freeman, McCaffrey or any of the other dope running backs finds a way to power his team to the playoff by himself, it is going to be a quarterback. That's just how it works out. Watson will win the Heisman, unless Clemson trips up, and then Barrett or whoever runs Notre Dame's ship will be the guy.
Which Coach's Seat Is the Hottest?
2 of 8
Kramer
It's hard not to say Kevin Sumlin, given the way Texas A&M has fallen short of expectations, his robust salary and the strange, unfortunate public relations that the Aggies have dialed up this offseason. They need to win bigger than they have, and they actually have the talent to do so. Still, anything south of nine wins could be problematic.
Sallee
There's no question that it's LSU's Les Miles. He was nearly fired last November and has enormous expectations this year despite showing no signs that he's willing to be more creative with the offense. If the offense doesn't become more flexible and prove it can win games when it gets out of LSU's ultra-conservative comfort zone, Miles will be out, and LSU will dive into the Tom Herman sweepstakes.
Walsh
Charlie Strong of the Longhorns has to be feeling it like when he gets into his car after it's been parked in the Texas heat all day. He can do a lot to change that with a season-opening win against Notre Dame, but the Longhorns aren't exactly known for their patience. Then again, who is these days?
Axelrod
Strong's seat in Austin can't get any hotter. Not necessarily because his 11-14 tenure in Texas has been so underwhelming (although that doesn't help), but mostly because Tom Herman is only 200 miles away. With Sumlin's future in Aggieland also uncertain, I'm anticipating a Lone Star State battle to break out at season's end for the right to hire Houston's head coach.
Couch
They're all pretty hot. Last year, Illinois head coach Tim Beckman was fired before the season, and this year, an assistant has already stepped down: North Carolina's, um, Tim Beckman. Coaches get fired way too soon, and Penn State's James Franklin must be in trouble. Still, hottest? Auburn's Gus Malzahn.
Felder
You'd think it is Miles, since LSU almost fired him a year ago, but it is not. It has to be Malzahn. Those folks in Auburn want to win, especially so they can stop looking across the state at Nick Saban doing otherworldly things on the field.
Who Will Steal the Show in Week 1?
3 of 8
Kramer
Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk. With so many things going on, we haven't spent much time talking about Texas A&M and UCLA. Look for head coach Kevin Sumlin to get his wide receiver the ball early, often and in space. He was a video game wideout come to life last year, and we will see it again.
Sallee
Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason. First-year head coach Kirby Smart has been keeping his plans at quarterback under wraps, but it appears that, even if senior Greyson Lambert starts, the true freshman Eason will play a significant role versus North Carolina in Week 1. I expect him to have a tremendous debut, lead the Bulldogs to a victory over the Tar Heels (with the help of running back Nick Chubb) and solidify himself as the unquestioned starting quarterback in Athens.
Walsh
LSU running back Leonard Fournette. Last year, Derrick Henry opened the season with 13 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns against Wisconsin. You can be certain the LSU coaching staff will do what it can to help Fournette beat those numbers before he sits and enjoys a brat at Lambeau Field.
Axelrod
Aside from the outcome of the playoff, my biggest takeaway from last year's postseason was that Tom Herman's #HTownTakeover in Houston was legit. This year, the Cougars will get an early opportunity to build on the momentum of last season's Peach Bowl win over Florida State with a de facto home game against Oklahoma at NRG Stadium. Look for dual-threat quarterback Greg Ward Jr. to get the best of the Sooners, as it shouldn't take long for the questions about a non-Power Five team potentially crashing the playoff to get started.
Couch
All eyes are on USC vs. Alabama. Alabama's quarterback situation isn't resolved yet, but USC is my pick to be the most overrated team in the country. So the Tide will roll. Stealing the show will be...offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.
Felder
Houston true freshman defensive tackle Ed Oliver. He was my No. 1 player in the class of 2016, and I expect him to prove he belongs early in the Cougars' date with Oklahoma. He is the next Aaron Donald and will not waste any time proving that to start the season.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
What Will Be the Best Regular-Season Game?
4 of 8
Kramer
Give me Clemson at Florida State, although this category has some magnificent competition. Not only will one playoff team come from that game, but you will also watch the nation's best offensive player (Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson) go up against the nation's best defensive player (Derwin James).
Sallee
Alabama vs. Tennessee. No, not the one played on Rocky Top on the third Saturday in October. The rematch between one-loss teams that will take place in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 3, 2016, a month-and-a-half after Tennessee breaks a nine-game losing streak to the Tide. This time, both rivals will be vying not only for the SEC title but a spot in the College Football Playoff in what will serve as a de facto national quarterfinal.
Walsh
Alabama at LSU. Ever since Nick Saban came back to Alabama, that game has been outstanding to watch every single year. The teams beat the living crud out of each other, and you have to be there to fully appreciate it. And yes, Death Valley is the toughest venue to visit in college football.
Axelrod
Michigan at Ohio State. Last year's 42-13 beatdown of the Wolverines didn't live up to expectations, but with Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh standing on the sidelines, we're due for a classic. Between Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett and Michigan hybrid linebacker Jabrill Peppers, the star power will be there on the field and off it, and a trip to the Big Ten title game could well be on the line.
Couch
I'd take Alabama at LSU because that game has the highest ceiling of any game this regular season. But there's just too much of a chance that Saban has LSU's number. So I'll go with Michigan at Ohio State. Meyer crushed Harbaugh in their first game last year. It should be closer this year. Too bad it's not in Ann Arbor; then the game would be a pick 'em.
Felder
Clemson at Florida State. Two of the top 10-ish rosters in the nation. Two conference foes who are quite familiar with each other. Two teams that should be undefeated. Two coaches who have been to the CFP but came up just short. Game of the year, for sure.
Who's the Most Overrated Team?
5 of 8
Kramer
This will most certainly be wrong, so let's get that out of the way right now. But I'll take Stanford. New quarterback, new offensive weapons and new faces on the defense spell trouble to me.
Sallee
Without a doubt, it's LSU. People get blinded by shiny things in the offseason like a veteran defense and a Heisman-caliber running back without realizing that it's the same old rigid offensive philosophy led by the same stubborn head coach who hasn't changed said philosophy in a decade. LSU has to show me it can consistently win games outside of its comfort zone—like Alabama did in last year's national title game—before I'll consider it a contender in the SEC West.
Walsh
For now, in my mind, there are two—Michigan and Tennessee—just because so many people are expecting them to get over the hump this season and neither coach has a signature win at this level yet. Both teams are really good on paper, and it's probably just a matter of time for the Wolverines, but is it for the Vols?
Axelrod
LSU. I know the Tigers return practically their entire depth chart and should be a mainstay of next spring's NFL draft, but are we forgetting how close Les Miles was to getting fired last season? Are we forgetting they lost three games in a row last November? Are we forgetting they still don't have a reliable passing game to help out Leonard Fournette? Sorry, Baton Rouge, I'm not buying it.
Couch
It's tempting to go with the loser of the USC at Washington game on Nov. 12. It's the overrated bowl. In the interest of picking one, I'm not feeling the love at all for Washington. The Associated Press had the Huskies at No. 14. I had them No. 19 in the B/R poll and felt I was overrating them at the time.
Felder
I'd like to say LSU, but the Tigers have one of the top five rosters in college football. So it makes sense people are hyped on them—I just don't agree with it. I'll go with Tennessee. The Vols have some great pieces in key spots, but they are still in the roster-building phase, so we'll see if they can turn the corner for coach Butch Jones.
Which Unranked Team Has the Most CFP Potential?
6 of 8
Kramer
Let's say for a moment that the season turns real weird. I'm talking really, really weird, with lots of losses and madness. If that happens, look out for San Diego State. Who? Yes, that team. The schedule is conducive for one of these wild runs, and running back Donnel Pumphrey is one of the nation's least discussed stars. A lot has to happen to get them in the discussion, but they'll be talented.
Sallee
Kramer stole my thunder with the San Diego State love, because that team will play in the Mountain West Conference Game versus Boise State with an unblemished record. But even if the Aztecs run the table, this season isn't going to get that weird. I'm going to go with Texas A&M, because of the presence of the power-spread system under offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, a talented defensive front and secondary, and one of the best wide receiving groups in the country. I'm honestly surprised the Aggies didn't sneak into the back end of the preseason rankings.
Walsh
None of them. But if forced to pick, I'll go with Texas A&M. Between the defensive line that no quarterback will want to face and the wide receivers, the Aggies are in position to win some games. Playing in that division, though...
Axelrod
With the Pac-12 being so wide-open, Washington State could make a run at this thing. I wouldn't bet on it, but I could see a scenario where the Cougars, coming off a sneakily impressive 9-4 season, hit their stride as the rest of their conference beats up on itself.
Couch
I'm not positive Mark Richt will take The U all the way back to the top, but I am confident he'll get that Miami program back in shape, and in discipline, fast. The Hurricanes have a refreshed Richt in his first year there, a good staff and a solid quarterback in Brad Kaaya. They might not be able to stop the running game, but they could reach the second 10 in the rankings.
Felder
Nebraska. The schedule sets up well for a team that should improve this season and has a lot in the way of growth potential. The Huskers will lose to Ohio State, but Wisconsin and Iowa are teams they can play with and beat, which means if they're a one-loss team going into Indianapolis, they can toss up a Hail Mary for a shot to play with the big boys.
Who Will Be in the Playoff?
7 of 8
Kramer
Clemson, Alabama, Michigan and Oklahoma will make the College Football Playoff this year, ranked in that order. That means that Nick Saban and Jim Harbaugh will go toe-to-toe in a semifinal game, and the fine people who worry only about viewership and ratings will lose their minds.
Sallee
Florida State, Ohio State, Alabama and Notre Dame, in that order. Of those four, Alabama will be the only one with a loss (to Tennessee in mid-October), with the other three being unblemished heading into the meaningful postseason. Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban will get a chance at revenge in one semifinal against Ohio State's Urban Meyer, while the other semifinal will feature a rematch from the late October 2014 classic between the Seminoles and Fighting Irish.
Walsh
Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State and Stanford, which will make people realize we'll be seeing a lot of the same teams in the playoffs when only four teams are involved. This will not be a good year to be on the committee, as LSU, Michigan and Clemson will have good arguments as well.
Axelrod
Alabama, Ohio State, Stanford and Florida State. After two years of playoff precedent to work with, it's clear the committee values conference championships over everything, so the Big 12 has an inherent disadvantage with no league title game. With that in mind, I like Alabama, Ohio State, Stanford and Florida State to win their respective leagues, each with one or fewer losses, making up this year's Final Four.
Couch
It would be nice to have some offbeat against-the-odds pick here. But Alabama and Clemson are coming back. The Big Ten champ is coming, and that's probably Ohio State. The Pac-12 will be left out, and the committee will have to pick the final team from Oklahoma, Florida State and maybe Michigan. No Cinderella here. But the pick is a second ACC team, Florida State, going ahead of the Big 12 champ.
Felder
Ole Miss, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame. Alabama as an alternate if it beats the Rebels in September. But more important than one of the two best teams in the SEC getting in is the fact that both the Pac-12 and the Big 12 are going to miss out on the playoff. That will mark the second time in three years for both of those leagues.
Who Will Win the National Title?
8 of 8
Kramer
Clemson. Too much offense. Too much Deshaun Watson. Too much Mike Williams. Too much Dabo dancing. And just enough defense. This isn't a perfectly balanced team as it stands now, but the offense is so overpowering that it may not matter.
Sallee
Florida State will win it all, becoming the first national champion in history to finish with a 15-0 record. Redshirt freshman Deondre Francois has the college football equivalent of the keys to a Ferrari, with Dalvin Cook behind him, experience up front and weapons everywhere. What's more, this is the most athletic defense that head coach Jimbo Fisher has had in Tallahassee—which is saying a lot. The Seminoles will top Alabama in Tampa and bring home the national title.
Walsh
It seems to me a lot of people are picking Alabama almost by default—that and the Crimson Tide's ridiculous amount of talent and pedigree. There are really about 10 teams that have a legitimate shot this year, but I kind of like another team and coach from the Nick Saban coaching tree, Florida State and Jimbo Fisher.
Axelrod
Florida State. While Saban, Urban Meyer and even Jim Harbaugh typically snag the headlines each signing day, Fisher has quietly been stockpiling talent in Tallahassee. Last year, the Seminoles were just one close game against Clemson away from controlling their playoff destiny. This year, I expect Florida State to not only get the best of the Tigers but also to reassert itself as college football's top program at year's end.
Couch
Pick against Alabama at your own risk. I made that mistake last year, and maybe I'm making it again now. But Clemson has experience in the big moment now, the best quarterback and a great running back in Wayne Gallman. Even if the Tigers lose to Florida State in the regular season, go with them for the national title.
Felder
After coming up short in 2015, the Clemson Tigers get it done. A team that was a couple of special teams miscues and two coverage busts away from hoisting the trophy a year ago can finally put a nice bow on the Deshaun Watson era with a national title held up by the Heisman Trophy winner.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
