An Early College Football Preseason Top 25 Poll for 2010

It's never too early to talk about next year, so here are my power rankings for the 2010-2011 season.

Remember that this is not where I think these teams will be ranked. This is my rankings of how good each team is going into next season.

Honorable Mentions

Missouri Tigers

Missouri returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense. QB Blaine Gabbert has a full season under his belt and should be much improved. The losses of WR Danario Alexander and OLB Sean Weatherspoon will really hurt them, though.

Pittsburgh Panthers

If sophomore RB Dion Lewis played on a team like Alabama or Texas, he would easily be the preseason favorite for winning the Heisman. He was only recruited by three teams in all of Division I. All he did was use that as motivation for becoming one of the best freshman players in the land.

Pitt loses their QB, Bill Stull, and maybe its best defensive player, Greg Romeus, if he declares early for the NFL, but I still think this team can compete. It has quality players filling in, and Lewis will carry them into the last spot of the top 25.

Stanford Cardinals

Stanford's QB, Andrew Luck, will be much better as a sophomore in his second year starting, but the loss of Toby Gerhart and five starters on defense will really hurt this team.

Texas A&M Aggies

Jerrod Johnson could be the next big-time QB in the Big 12 next season. He may even make some Heisman ballots. I just don't think they have the defensive talent in order to crack the top 25.

Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati loses nine starters next season, including its do-everything WR Mardy Gilyard. Yes, the Bearcats will still have a great QB in Zach Collaros, but they just lose too much to break my top 25.

No. 25: Washington Huskies

The Washington Huskies return all 11 starters on offense. Star QB Jake Locker passed up an opportunity to be a top-10 pick if he came out this season, so he looks primed to return to the Huskies for his senior campaign.

Will it pay off, or will he end up like Sam Bradford and hurt his draft stock? Either way, Washington will be much more experienced and confident going into next season.

I still don't think this team is complete enough to compete at a high level on a week to week basis, but if they show up to play, they could be a very tough game for any team in the country.

Are They Better or Worse?

They are definitely better after losing only two starters on their whole team.

Star Player

Jake Locker, QB, Senior

No. 24: USC Trojans

The USC Trojans may be the most difficult team to predict.

This team took a big hit when three of their best players, WR Damian Williams, RB Joe McKnight, and DE Everson Griffen, all declared early for the NFL draft. All three were primed to have huge seasons in 2010.

But even that is not nearly as big of a hit as Pete Carroll leaving for the Seattle Seahawks. The Trojans did get a big-name replacement in Lane Kiffin, but is bringing in a guy that has that many recruiting violations and that strong of a personality really the right move?

The bright side? Sophomore QB Matt Barkley now has a full season of starting under his belt and will be much improved. USC QBs were all great in the last decade: Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, John David Booty, and Mark Sanchez. Barkley is on his way to starting a new list for this decade.

Are They Better or Worse?

They are worse than 2009, and that's saying a lot after a very disappointing 2009 season.

Star Player

Matt Barkley, QB, Sophomore

No. 23: Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia has been very disappointing the past two seasons. Two seasons ago, most people thought the Bulldogs were the No. 1 team in the country, and they failed to make a BCS game.

They finished at 8-5 in 2009, which is not bad for an SEC team, but it's not what they expected. They did, however, win their last two games against Georgia Tech and their bowl game against Texas A&M, giving them momentum going into next season.

They also return 10 starters on offense, including star WR A.J. Green and their entire offensive line.

Georgia has the potential to be a top-10 team, but they seem to disappoint me every year, so I'll leave them at No. 23 for now.

Are They Better or Worse?

Better on offense, slightly worse on defense, but overall slightly better.

Star Player

A.J. Green, WR, Junior

No. 22: Houston Cougars

Houston jumped on the map this season after beating Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, and the Cougars should be even better next season.

With nine starters returning, including senior Heisman candidate QB Case Keenum, Houston will have one of the best offenses in the NCAA. Their defense will need to step up in order to really contend, but this offense could be one of the most explosive we've ever seen in college football.

Are They Better or Worse?

Better.

Star Player

Case Keenum, QB, Senior

No. 21: North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina will be one of the most experienced teams next season, with 13 to 14 seniors starting on its roster, along with six juniors.

One player that will really affect the Tar Heels' success is DT Marvin Austin. Austin will likely be a first-round pick if he enters the NFL draft, but I'm thinking he's going to stay for his senior year. He's the leader of that North Carolina defense and a key component to them having the top defense in the ACC this past season.

On offense, they return 10 starters, including a great QB-WR combo in T.J. Yates and Greg Little.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

Greg Little, WR, Senior

No. 20: Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State got a pleasant surprise when RB Evan Royster said he was staying for his senior season. The Lions' offense will desperately need him after the graduation of QB Daryll Clark.

Penn State will rely heavily on a sophomore to lead their team at QB; most likely Kevin Newsome. Junior WR Derek Moye will need to help him out a lot next season.

Their defense will lose two star players, Jared Odrick and Sean Lee, but they also have the depth to replace them. They have a lot of talent at LB, but the D-line losing three out of the four starters will be tough to replace.

Are They Better or Worse?

Slightly worse.

Star Player

Evan Royster, RB, Senior

No. 19: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska loses three great defensive players, including the best defensive player in the country, Ndamukong Suh. But the 'Huskers still return their entire secondary, led by Prince Amukamara.

They also return 10 starters on offense, which finally looked like it had hope in the bowl game.

Their defense should be great once again and will keep them in just about any game they play in.

Are They Better or Worse?

About the same.

Star Player

Prince Amukamara, CB, Senior

No. 18: Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin showed me a lot of heart in that big bowl win over Miami. The Badgers re a very fundamentally sound team that always seems to maximize the talent of every player.

They return 10 starters on offense, with their only loss being TE Garrett Graham. Graham was QB Scott Tolzien's go-to target, so he'll need to be replaced. But Wisconsin is a smash mouth team that's going to pound the ball and work the clock.

John Clay is a perfect RB for that system. Clay is an early Heisman candidate that can carry that team to an impressive season.

Are They Better or Worse?

Slightly better.

Star Player

John Clay, RB, Junior

No. 17: Utah Utes

Utah was a very inexperienced team this season, which means the Utes will be very tough in 2010.

Sophomore QB Jordan Wynn looked very impressive as a freshman this season, but the real breakout player was RB Eddie Wide. Wide had at least 100 yards rushing in seven of his last 10 games. They also return their do-everything WR, Shaky Smithson.

This Utah squad will be very explosive on offense next season. They'll need players to step up on defense, with only five returning starters, but they have the talent to develop and play well.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

Eddie Wide, RB, Senior

No. 16: West Virginia Mountaineers

West Virginia is a big question mark for me. The Mountaineers lose starting QB Jarrett Brown and likely their star RB Noel Devine.

But they do have one of their most complete teams since they were regulars in the BCS. They don't have many, if any, star players on this team, but they're very solid from top to bottom.

Their offensive and defensive lines will be very good next year. They'll be a very run-heavy team on offense and a pretty solid team on defense. If they play with chemistry, they should have a successful season.

Are They Better or Worse?

Slightly better.

Star Player

Chris Neild, NT, Senior

No. 15: Texas Longhorns

You might ask how the No. 2 team in 2009 is ranked 15th in 2010. Remember, this is power rankings of the best teams, and this Texas team loses a lot on both sides of the ball.

We all know about the graduation of one of the most prolific QBs (Colt McCoy) in college football history. However, Texas also loses go-to receiver Jordan Shipley and its two best defensive players, Sergio Kindle and Earl Thomas.

The Longhorns still have more talent on that roster than the majority of teams, but it's inexperienced talent. Garrett Gilbert getting some snaps at QB in the national championship will only help them next year, despite his five turnovers in the game.

I don't know of any team that can recover from losing its four best players; Texas is no exception.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much worse.

Star Player

Tre' Newton, RB, Sophomore

No. 14: Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma fans are biting their nails about whether RB DeMarco Murray will return for his senior season or leave early for the NFL. He's one of the most talented RBs in the NCAA.

If he returns, it would be monumental for Oklahoma. If he leaves, though, Oklahoma will still have a very talented offense.

Landry Jones showed a lot of promise last year as a freshman, and he could be in line to have a breakout season in 2010. He'll have a lot of help on the outside with junior WR Ryan Broyles.

Oklahoma will also be very talented on defense. Its defense will really be helped out if OLB Travis Lewis returns, but even if he doesn't, it'll still be an extremely tough and competitive side.

Are They Better or Worse?

They will be much improved from a disappointing 2009 season.

Star Player

Ryan Broyles, WR, Junior

No. 13: Arkansas Razorbacks

Ryan Mallett could be the best QB in the NCAA. His productivity is comparable to the likes of Peyton Manning and Tim Couch as one of the all-time best in the SEC. If that's not amazing enough, he was only a sophomore last season. Michigan must be killing themselves for letting him transfer to Arkansas, because Mallett is a stud.

Along with Mallett, the Arkansas offense returns all but one starter. Arkansas' main problem last year was inexperience and defense, but both of those are much improved this year. The Razorbacks could be the most improved team in the NCAA this year.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

Ryan Mallett, QB, Junior

No. 12: Iowa Hawkeyes

This Iowa team will be a lot like it was this year; a very solid squad, but nothing flashy. Its defense should be rock solid once again.

Most of their play will depend on senior QB Ricky Stanzi. When he got injured last year, the Hawkeyes really fell apart, but they were undefeated with him as the starter. The big loss will be OT, Bryan Bulaga recently declaring or the NFL Draft. He was a key focal point in that run game and ball possession that Iowa feeded off of in 2009.

Their defense returns nine starters, including the entirety of an extremely solid defensive line. Iowa could really contend in the Big Ten once again next season.

Are They Better or Worse?

About the same

Star Player

Ricky Stanzi, QB, Senior

No. 11: Florida Gators

Florida might get killed by the NFL Draft. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap, safety Major Wright, center Maurkice Pouncey, cornerback Joe Haden, and tight end Aaron Hernandez are all leaving school early for the NFL draft.

Now add that to Tim Tebow graduating and you have a team in trouble.

Florida does have endless talent on its roster and a more than capable quarterback, John Brantley, replacing Tebow. Brantley had a 75 percent completion percentage, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions on 48 pass attempts this season as Tebow's backup.

Brantley will need to have a great season this year in order for Florida to stay near the top, and he is capable of doing that.

Are They Better or Worse?

Worse.

Star Player

John Brantley, QB, Junior

No. 10: Oregon State Beavers

With Mike Riley signing a new extension (keeping him out of the running for the USC job), Oregon State is looking very impressive on paper.

Both the Rodgers brothers, James and Jacquizz, are back, and both are extremely explosive players on offense. Oregon State returns 19 of its 24 starters next season, including nine defenders.

The big question mark will be at QB, but this team has more than enough talent to overcome whoever starts there.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Junior

No. 9: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech will be very experienced next season. The Jackets did take a bit of a hit, though, losing the star of their offense, RB Jonathan Dwyer, and the star of their defense, DE Derrick Morgan.

Even with the losses, they'll still be a very talented team. They didn't graduate many players, and they return their QB, and the head of the triple option, Josh Nesbitt. Their defense will be very good once again, returning nine starters.

Are They Better or Worse?

About the same.

Star Player

Josh Nesbitt, QB, Junior

No. 8: Miami Hurricanes

Miami is on its way back to becoming the "U" once again. No, they are not as dominating or as feared as they once were, but this team will be very talented.

The 'Canes return every skill position player on offense, including an early Heisman candidate, QB Jacory Harris. He's a very experienced quarterback going into his junior season. They also have a fantastic RB in senior Graig Cooper, who is probably coming back to school for another year.

As good as those players are, the defense is what will carry this team. Allen Bailey could be the most talented defensive tackle in college football next season, assuming he stays in school. Sean Spence, an outstanding linebacker, will accompany Bailey on the already strong defense.

This will be one of the most feared defenses in college football once again.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

Jacory Harris, QB, Junior

No. 7: LSU Tigers

LSU is an interesting team to predict. It has the ability to beat any team in the country, but, then again, it also seems like the Tigers have the ability to lay an egg against any team in the country.

They have one of the most talented teams in the NCAA; there's no doubt about that. But it will be how they use their star power that will be the key. Last year, they underutilized their playmakers in a big way.

Frank Wilson and Billy Gonzalez will be joining the offensive staff, so it should run much smoother in 2010. There is no doubt that this team has the talent to not only compete in the SEC, but to win it.

Are They Better or Worse?

Better.

Star Player

There are a number of players who can step up and be the star. It's impossible to pick just one, so I'll mention a few:

Terrance Toliver, WR, Senior

Jordan Jefferson, QB, Junior

Russell Shepard, Athlete, Sophomore

No. 5 (Tie): Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech may have the best skill position players in the NCAA next season. Sophomore RB Ryan Williams broke multiple ACC and NCAA freshman rushing records this year. As a sophomore, he should only improve and be right at the top of the list for the Heisman voting.

That offense also has the multi-talented QB Tyrod Taylor coming back for his senior season. Taylor has always been known as an athletic, running quarterback, but he has become a great passer as well.

Virginia Tech loses a lot of players on defense, but none of them are irreplaceable. They'll be one of the toughest teams in college football next season.

Are They Better or Worse?

Better.

Star Player

Ryan Williams, RB, Sophomore

No. 5 (Tie): Ohio State Buckeyes

It seems like every year we're saying, "Is this the year that Terrelle Pryor breaks out into a Heisman quality player?" Well, this year, I believe it is.

Pryor had an outstanding game against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, a huge confidence boost for him. He is still not the passer that coaches want him to be, but he is such an outstanding football player that his talent makes up for it.

Along with Pryor, they return 10 offensive starters, including his entire offensive line.

On defense, they should be rock solid once again, returning eight starters. This team will ride the momentum off their Rose Bowl win into 2010.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Junior

No. 4: TCU Horned Frogs

TCU will be one of the most experienced teams in 2010, returning 10 starters on offense and eight starters on defense. Andy Dalton will be the starting QB for the third consecutive season, but it's the running game that is TCU's bread and butter.

Sophomores Ed Wesley and Matthew Tucker will return after very impressive freshman seasons. The Frogs will also get Dwight Smith and Waymon James, two very talented and very fast running backs.

Smith ran for 2,820 yards and 43 TDs with 11.8 YPC his senior year in high school and has looked very impressive in all the camps. He may take over the starting job as a freshman.

The offense will look mostly the same, with five receivers returning and four offensive linemen returning as well.

On defense, they will have to replace Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington, two players that will be high picks in the NFL draft. Hughes will likely be replaced by junior Braylon Broughton, who many people are comparing to Tommy Blake in terms of skill set. The rest of the defensive line will be back.

Tank Carder returns at LB and will be on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award for the best LB in college football. The defense will be led by safety Tejay Johnson, who is the defensive captain. The secondary will be very strong once again.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

Andy Dalton, QB, Senior

No. 3: Oregon Ducks

Oregon returns just about everyone in 2010. The Ducks have 10 starters back and nine starters on defense back as well.

Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli had a breakout season last year, and he should be outstanding in his senior year. RB LaMichael James had an outstanding freshman year after LeGarrette Blount was suspended, and he'll be one of the preseason favorites for the Heisman.

This offense will likely be one of the top offenses in the NCAA next season.

On defense, they will need to improve. They were young this season, but they weren't that good on defense. If they improve as a unit, this team is as good as any team in the country.

Are They Better or Worse?

Much better.

Star Player

LaMichael James, RB, Sophomore

No. 2: Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama's offense will be great again next season behind Heisman-winning RB Mark Ingram. It will also return senior QB Greg McElroy, who hasn't lost a football game as a starter since eighth grade.

He'll be throwing primarily to receiver Julio Jones, who has the talent to be one of the best wideouts in the country. The offense will be great, we know that.

The big question is on defense. The Tide lose seven starters, including their defensive leader, Rolando McClain, and their big run-stuffing NT, Terrence Cody. Replacing all of those players on defense might be tough. They have two players who can play, but they won't have the same defense they had this season.

Are They Better or Worse?

Slightly worse.

Star Player

Mark Ingram, RB, Junior

No. 1: Boise State Broncos

Boise State loses the fewest number of players of any team in the NCAA. The Broncos lose one on offense and one on defense. The one they lose on offense wasn't even a starter.

Not only do they return the guy who came in fifth place in Heisman voting last year, QB Kellen Moore, but they also return his two biggest weapons, Titus Young and Austin Pettis. Pettis missed the end of the year with a knee injury, so his return will only make them better.

On defense, they are still very talented, despite losing one of the best cornerbacks in the country, Kyle Wilson. Everyone else returns, including star safety Jeron Johnson. This defense is very talented and has a lot of depth.

Are They Better or Worse?

They are one of the most improved teams in the NCAA.

Star Player

Kellen Moore, QB, Junior