College Football Preseason Rankings: Top 25 Pre-Spring Games
Spring practice has already begun for several college football programs, so the preseason rush of excitement is closing in quickly.
Heading into the spring, fans and analysts alike have created and debated expectations for the 2017 season. This ranking reflects an individual projection of how the regular season will shake out, not a prediction of preseason polls.
Now, offseason developments will alter the rankings before the campaign finally arrives. Injuries, departures, suspensions and numerous other negatives will occur.
In the meantime, you can find us flying to the football in our less complicated and more aggressive system, trusting what we know while getting in the best shape of our lives.
25. Boise State
1 of 25
2016 Record: 10-3
For much of the 2016 season, Boise State was a leading contender for the Group of Five spot in a New Year's Six bowl. However, an upset loss at Wyoming spoiled the Broncos' pursuit.
They lose versatile running back Jeremy McNichols and leading receiver Thomas Sperbeck, but Brett Rypien returns to guide the Mountain West Conference favorites. He threw for 3,646 yards and 28 touchdowns to just eight interceptions last year.
An early victory against Washington State would be critical for Boise State's desire to reach an NY6 game.
24. Texas
2 of 25
2016 Record: 5-7
New head coach Tom Herman's specialty is offense, and Texas has a promising batch of youngsters surrounding incumbent quarterback Shane Buechele—and perhaps incoming freshman Sam Ehlinger.
But the biggest key for the Longhorns is improving on defense. They bring back 10 starters, which is useful while acknowledging the unit struggled last season. Nevertheless, that experience is invaluable heading into the 2017 campaign.
Texas heads to USC on the third weekend in September. An upset win there, and the Longhorns' hype train will start screaming down college football's tracks.
23. Oregon
3 of 25
2016 Record: 4-8
Oregon will likely double its win total from 2016, so be prepared to hear about the Ducks early and often.
A 5-0 surge is fully possible in Willie Taggart's debut season as head coach. Oregon opens against Southern Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming, Arizona State and Cal. While the soft initial slate should help quarterback Justin Herbert's development, it also offers the defense an important adjustment period under new coordinator Jim Leavitt.
The five-game stretch that follows—Washington State, Stanford, UCLA, Utah and Washington—will shape the Ducks' overall success. Yet even with a 2-3 record, they should be headed to nine wins.
22. Colorado
4 of 25
2016 Record: 10-4
Although expectations are rising after a breakout year, major turnover on defense will probably keep Colorado on the outside of the national conversation.
But that doesn't mean a drastic downturn is coming, either. As long as the Buffs settle the quarterback situation quickly—and Steven Montez is the obvious favorite, so that's realistic—there's enough returning talent on offense that they'll be a factor in the Pac-12.
With the likely rise of USC and a bounce-back for UCLA, though, eight wins would be commendable for Colorado in 2017.
21. Florida
5 of 25
2016 Record: 9-4
The program's long-term arrow is pointing up. However, Florida's short-term outlook has some question marks.
Until the Gators settle their offensive issues, they'll rely on the defense to shoulder a heavy burden. But the unit lost a cornerstone in Caleb Brantley, while Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone averaged the most tackles per game. Plus, few secondaries boasted a more talented trio than Teez Tabor, Quincy Wilson and Marcus Maye.
Florida must take advantage of playing a home-heavy opening schedule early in the season. Otherwise, it may be an average year for the two-time defending SEC East champions.
20. West Virginia
6 of 25
2016 Record: 10-3
Although the return of both Brendan Ferns and Dravon Askew-Henry may boost the Mountaineers, they need the defense to quickly rebound from considerable losses. Skyler Howard is gone, too, but West Virginia has a prime replacement.
Will Grier completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions during his freshman season at Florida. That efficiency should be on display under head coach Dana Holgorsen and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital.
The defensive transition will stop the Mountaineers from vying for the Big 12 crown, but they're bound to spring an upset and push for another 10-win campaign.
19. Miami
7 of 25
2016 Record: 9-4
A new quarterback, mediocre offensive line and rebuilding secondary are notable issues, but Miami should have every opportunity to appear in its first ACC Championship Game.
Manny Diaz turned the defense from a passive, read-and-react unit into an aggressive bunch. The entire front seven returns and should carry the team through a weakened division. Virginia Tech and UNC both lost a majority of their offensive weapons.
Florida State and even Notre Dame won't damage the Hurricanes' pursuit of the Coastal. What's most important for Miami is sweeping Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Pitt.
18. TCU
8 of 25
2016 Record: 6-7
TCU surrendered exactly 28 points per game last season, but that number should drop if the defensive line is replenished.
However, the glaring unknown is if quarterback Kenny Hill can consistently lift the Horned Frogs above the mark. He gives them 50- and 60-point outbursts but also has the potential to drop a couple of absolute stinkers—evidenced by three games of 10 or less.
Consider this cautious optimism about his third season as a starter.
17. South Florida
9 of 25
2016 Record: 11-2
Let's get out in front of this: Even if South Florida manages to survive the season undefeated, it won't be considered for a College Football Playoff berth. The nonconference slate includes San Jose State, Stony Brook, Illinois and UMass.
But man, the Bulls should be fun again. Quarterback Quinton Flowers is electric and experienced, so offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert can unleash a more creative offense than he showed at Texas last year.
While defensive improvement is USF's key to the New Year's Six, the talented Bulls should take advantage of a soft schedule.
16. Stanford
10 of 25
2016 Record: 10-3
Stop me if you've heard this before: Stanford's success is largely dependent on the performance of the offensive and defensive lines.
The O-line was generally unimpressive yet still helped the Cardinal finish 10-3, but Solomon Thomas and the defensive front picked up the slack. Thomas is gone, and he leaves a sizable void that no one player will replace in 2017.
Expecting running back Bryce Love to replicate Christian McCaffrey's all-around skill is unwise, but the rising junior averaged 124 yards in two previous starts. Stanford ought to contend for the Pac-12 title despite a tremendously challenging schedule.
15. Wisconsin
11 of 25
2016 Record: 11-3
Ryan Ramczyk, T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel were team leaders, but Wisconsin always seems to replace those quickly.
A consistently strong defense and running game have made the Badgers a regular Big Ten contender, and that combination looks to be in place for 2017. Other than Watt and Biegel, the remainder of the front seven returns. Running back Bradrick Shaw completes that blueprint.
Wisconsin will approach another 10-win season, which you can file in the "what's new" folder of the sarcasm department.
14. Georgia
12 of 25
2016 Record: 8-5
After a year in which the team finished 4-4 in SEC play, Georgia looks poised to soar up the East Division standings. National contention may be a year away, but there's promise in Athens.
Thanks to the surprising returns of both Nick Chubb and Sony Michel alongside Brian Herrien, the Bulldogs have an outstanding backfield. Quarterback Jacob Eason showed off his 5-star abilities as a freshman, so his potential turning into major production is the key.
It'll take quick development from an unproven group of receivers, but Georgia has the quarterback, running game and defense necessary to steal the East crown from Florida.
13. Louisville
13 of 25
2016 Record: 9-4
Louisville stumbled through October but still managed to reach 9-1. With two more victories, the Cardinals had a very serious chance to snatch the final College Football Playoff spot.
Well, that didn't happen.
Although both units require some rebuilding, no quarterback in the country is more individually dangerous than Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. Clemson and Florida State stand in his way, but weak crossover and nonconference (no more Houston!) slates should keep Louisville near the Top 10.
12. Penn State
14 of 25
2016 Record: 11-3
Penn State will be ranked considerably higher in most projections and the preseason polls. But every hero needs a doubter.
While the offense has immense potential, the defense struggled away from Beaver Stadium in 2016. The unit ceded 32.7 points per game, which ranked 76th in the nation. During the first six games of Big Ten play in 2017, the Nittany Lions must travel to Iowa, Northwestern, Ohio State and Michigan State.
Throw in a home matchup with Michigan, and Penn State has a challenging path to the CFP. Survive it, and head coach James Franklin's team will have earned every bit of the national attention.
11. Michigan
15 of 25
2016 Record: 10-3
How can Michigan possibly overcome the extensive turnover at wide receiver (plus tight end Jake Butt) and on defense? The simplest answer is a whole lot of coaching.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has been a masterful developer of quarterbacks, and Wilton Speight played much better than anticipated in 2016. The quarterback will be back to lead the offense. The Wolverines still have the personnel to fit Don Brown's blitz-heavy scheme, though the constant pressure will strain the revamped secondary as much as he sees fit.
After a neutral-site clash with Florida to kick off the campaign, Michigan takes on Cincinnati, Air Force and Purdue. September will serve as a critical time for improvement for the young roster before a tough Big Ten schedule.
10. Auburn
16 of 25
2016 Record: 8-5
Experience will not be an issue for Auburn in 2017, but the offseason hype is based on the importance of a quarterback. In all likelihood, Jarrett Stidham will replace Sean White.
Stidham was superb in his limited reps at Baylor, so the attention is appropriate. However, there's a major difference between solution and savior. There's no guarantee Stidham is the perfect answer to a frustrating problem—let alone road trips to Clemson and LSU, as well as a home date with Georgia.
Nevertheless, if Auburn avoids a bad loss and manages just one victory in those four games, it'll be a Top 10 team.
9. Washington
17 of 25
2016 Record: 12-2
Despite the departure of wide receiver John Ross combined with substantial losses on defense, the Huskies should be favored in at least the first seven games of the season.
Then, Washington encounters a brutal—albeit home-heavy—stretch to the finish. It hosts UCLA and Oregon, travels to Stanford and returns to Seattle for games against Utah and Washington State.
Perfectly maneuvering through that schedule seems improbable, but an experienced offensive line and formidable front seven could guide the Dawgs to another Pac-12 North Division crown.
8. Oklahoma
18 of 25
2016 Record: 11-2
Although the aftermath of Baker Mayfield's arrest is uncertain, Oklahoma enters the offseason as a favorite in the Big 12.
While the Sooners will head to Ohio State for an early September showdown, it's a matter of winning conference games they're supposed to win with a talent like Mayfield behind center. November then brings Oklahoma's toughest test.
Even with an earlier slip-up—Texas or Kansas State, for example—the Sooners will still need to handle a stretch that includes Oklahoma State, TCU and West Virginia to wrap up a place in the Big 12 Championship Game.
7. LSU
19 of 25
2016 Record: 8-4
Barring a complete letdown, LSU will end September at 5-0. The hot start will probably buy the Tigers a secure place in the Top 15 for the season as long as they avoid a bad loss.
Immediately after the favorable start, though, head coach Ed Orgeron's team faces Florida and Auburn in consecutive games. LSU, depending on those two results, can set itself on yet another collision course with Alabama or potentially spend the next six weeks hoping for some indirect help to overthrow the Tide.
The talent is there for a championship run. But starting with the quarterback, will the execution be, too?
6. Clemson
20 of 25
2016 Record: 14-1
Clemson only has one game to prepare for a couple of season-shaping matchups with Auburn and Louisville.
The schedule relaxes a bit after that, but it's about as difficult as the ACC can be in 2017. For better or worse, Dabo Swinney's ability to recruit and develop will be on full display next season.
Led by Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence up front, the defense should keep Clemson among the nation's best teams. Deshaun Watson's replacement at quarterback—whether it's Kelly Bryant, Hunter Johnson or a combination of both behind an experienced offensive line—will determine if the Tigers are near the top of the group.
5. Oklahoma State
21 of 25
2016 Record: 10-3
Oklahoma State's offense was 12th in yards per play and 17th in points per game last season. With quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington returning, those rankings may only increase.
But the Cowboys face the typical modern college football question: Can the defense stop anyone? The unit allowed 30-plus points seven times in 2016 and lost its anchor, Vincent Taylor, as well as leading tacklers Jordan Sterns and Devante Averette.
Fortunately for Oklahoma State, having a generous defense is basically a requirement to play in today's Big 12. By no means are the Pokes heavily disadvantaged in conference play. The explosive offense, on the other hand, gives them an undeniable edge.
4. USC
22 of 25
2016 Record: 10-3
Long winning streak to end the previous campaign? Check. Young quarterback? Check. Great recruiting class? Check.
USC has everything an offseason darling needs. But even as a projected top finisher, the Trojans shouldn't be expected to navigate the year unblemished. In addition to nonconference games against Texas and Notre Dame, they have a crossover tilt with Washington State to supplement annual matchup with Stanford and UCLA.
The most important accomplishment is a Pac-12 championship. Win that, and a presumed challenging schedule will provide the boost USC needs to reach the playoff.
3. Florida State
23 of 25
2016 Record: 10-3
Not only does Florida State have the toughest season opener of 2017, it also jumps right into ACC action.
That's both a good thing and a bad thing. FSU will be well-prepared for any opponent because Alabama is the ultimate test. On the other hand, if the 'Noles fall to the Tide and suffer an upset loss against any of Miami, North Carolina State and Wake Forest, September could ruin the year.
But the most likely result is Jimbo Fisher's team rolls through conference play as a Top Five team nationally. While Louisville and Clemson will be the final major obstacles in the Seminoles' way of the CFP, they'll likely be favored in both showdowns.
2. Ohio State
24 of 25
2016 Record: 11-2
Urban Meyer's tenure has included one successful season after another. Why will 2017 be any different?
The best argument is the schedule, which includes Oklahoma, Penn State and ever-pesky Michigan State with road trips to Iowa and Michigan. Plus, the dreadful decline of its passing game late in 2016 won't be easily fixed.
But Ohio State has never dropped more than one game during the regular season under Meyer. Between the Buckeyes' returning talent and major departures elsewhere in the Big Ten, another 11- or 12-win year is likely.
1. Alabama
25 of 25
2016 Record: 14-1
Love 'em or hate 'em, Nick Saban's Alabama is the gold standard of modern college football. There's no way around that.
Florida State poses a major challenge on opening weekend, but the schedule lightens up quickly. It would be stunning if the Crimson Tide don't enter November at 7-1 or 8-0. With an 8-0 record, Alabama conceivably could split with LSU and Auburn yet still win the vaunted West Division.
A 12-0 finish is obviously preferred, but there's simply no way an 11-1 SEC team wouldn't enter the conference championship with a bid to the College Football Playoff at stake.
Fair or not, especially if it's Alabama.
All recruiting information via Scout. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "49ers Eagles Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Buzz: Packers Wanted Chiefs' QB Pick")
