The 2010 College Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings

1. Alabama

Everyone wants to say that the Tide will take a step back in 2010 due to their significant defensive losses.

Well, until that happens, they still are the REIGNING champs of NCAA football and should be respected as such.

Furthermore, Nick Saban is nobody’s fool, and he no doubt knows where the holes exist. He has guys who can step in and become key contributors in 2010, and lest we forget, they still have Greg McElroy standing under center and Mark Ingram carrying the ball.

Don’t count them out.

2009 record: 14-0, National Champions

Returning starters: 10 (eight offense, two defense)

Key losses: Terrence Cody (DT), Rolando McClain (LB), and Javier Arenas (DB)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Penn State (Sept. 11) and at LSU (Nov. 6)

2. Boise State

The Broncos will return 23 starters this coming season and are riding a wave of public support so large that they could find themselves in the BCS National Championship Game if they go undefeated again—WAC schedule be damned.

Chris Petersen has this program on a roll, and there is little argument that this is a team that has the talent and the potential to break through to BCS legitimacy. All they have to do is continue collecting W’s.

2009 record: 14-0, Fiesta Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 21 (11 offense, 10 defense)

Key losses: Kyle Wilson (DB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Virginia Tech (Sept. 6) and at Oregon State (Sept. 25)

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes could easily be sitting at No. 2 on this list, but the questions that surround Terrelle Pryor’s knee cannot be overlooked.

Will he be fine or won’t he? Until he’s on the field, it’s a question that will plague the Buckeyes.

Ohio State ended on a high note and brought about a ton of expectations for the 2010 season. Many feel that Pryor has turned the corner as a quarterback, and the defense cannot be overlooked, as it was devastating last season.

They lost Thaddeus Gibson, but the decision by Cameron Heyward to stay could be the one that makes the most difference for the Buckeyes on defense. If they can stay the course and Pryor can remain in the zone, they could easily find themselves playing for another national title.

2009 record: 11-2, Rose Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 15 (nine offense, six defense)

Key losses: Thaddeus Gibson (DE/DT)

Key matchups in 2010: at Wisconsin (Oct. 16) and at Iowa (Nov. 20)

4. Texas

The Longhorns suffered through a devastating loss to the Crimson Tide in the BCS National Championship Game, but they showed a lot of fight near the end, as they managed to make a game of it in the second half.

What that proved is that Garrett Gilbert is not as green as many thought he might be, and being battle-tested early in his career will serve him and his team well in 2010.

Mack Brown always seems to find a way to bring the best out of his teams, and I don’t expect this season to be any different, as he returns enough talent to keep their stranglehold on the Big 12.

2009 record: 13-1, lost BCS title game

Returning starters: 13 (six offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Colt McCoy (QB), Jordan Shipley (WR), and Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 2) and at Nebraska (Oct. 16)

5. Oregon

Despite the loss of Jeremiah Masoli, it’s tough to bet against Oregon in the Pac-10 next season.

They still have a ton of talent returning on both sides of the ball, and Chip Kelly has the pieces in place to make a solid run despite the setbacks.

For those who question the merit of the quarterback spot, you need only understand that, in this offense, it is just as important to play smart as it is to play productively.

Both Nate Costa and Darron Thomas could supply the answer for this offense at the top spot—keep an eye on both this spring.

2009 record: 10-3, lost to Ohio State in Rose Bowl

Returning starters: 16 (nine offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Jeremiah Masoli (QB) and Will Tukuafu (DE)

Key matchups in 2010: at USC (Oct. 30) and vs. Washington (Nov. 6)

6. Iowa

The Hawkeyes will need to replace their offensive line, but this is a Kirk Ferentz team we’re talking about, and he will no doubt have the players necessary to come in and play well right off the bat.

After all, his prowess as a developer of O-line talent is well-known in both the college and pro ranks.

Iowa surprised people last season with its run into the top five, but that is nothing new for a Big Ten team that is disrespected and dismissed year in and out by not only its conference, but the FBS in general.

If they can find a running back to be “the man”—they have quite a few options—and Ricky Stanzi can play smarter, there is no reason they won’t be able to make some noise again in 2010.

2009 record: 11-2, Orange Bowl Champs

Returning starters: 14 (six offense, eight defense)

Key losses: Bryan Bulaga (LT), Amari Spievey (DB), and A.J. Edds (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Arizona (Sept. 18), vs. Penn State (Oct. 2), vs. Ohio State (Nov. 20)

7. Virginia Tech

The Hokies will be without a few key pieces this season, but they recruited with purpose and should be able to find the right players to plug in at the necessary spots.

If they can get more consistency—on a game by game basis—from Tyrod Taylor, they should be able to fight through the ACC with relative ease.

Their biggest test comes early in the season as they match up against, arguably, one of the most successful teams in Division I football over the last four years. If they can find their way to an early victory, the sky is the limit.

2009 record: 10-3, Chick-fil-A Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 13 (eight offense, five defense)

Key losses: Jason Worilds (DE), Ed Wang (LT), and Cody Grimm (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Boise State (Sept. 6) and at Miami (Nov. 20)

8. TCU

The Horned Frogs were under-appreciated for their offense last season, thanks in large part to the dominance of their defense.

However, it would be a mistake to dismiss them based solely on their performance in the Fiesta Bowl last year—they are still a legitimate force to be reckoned with in 2010.

Their schedule is just a few games shy of being a breeze, and if they can field a solid defense, again, to go with their talented offense, they could very well be making a return trip to the BCS.

2009 record: 12-1, lost in Fiesta Bowl

Returning starters: 16 (nine offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Jerry Hughes (DE) and Daryl Washington (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Oregon State (Sept. 4)

9. Florida

Does it seem unfair to the non-Florida fan to even consider putting the Gators in the top 10?

After all, they did lose Tim Tebow, Aaron Hernandez, and Riley Cooper. Even more, they no longer have Carlos Dunlap, Joe Haden, or Brandon Spikes.

By all accounts, they are in rebuild mode, right?

Well, I can’t say for certain that they are in the process of reconstructing a champion, but I can say that this is the Florida Gators, and until some other SEC East team can knock them down, they still have a clear path to the championship game come December—doubters be damned.

2009 record: 13-1, Sugar Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 13 (six offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Tim Tebow (QB), Aaron Hernandez (TE), and Joe Haden (DB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Alabama (Oct. 2) and at Florida State (Nov. 27)

10. Nebraska

Ndamukong Suh is gone—no offense, but so what? He was a dominating force on the defensive line, no doubt about it, but he was not the sole reason that the Cornhuskers were able to shimmy their way into the BCS limelight.

That was a team effort, and the team—for the most part—is still intact for 2010.

The spring won’t answer many questions about Nebraska because Zac Lee is recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

However, one thing is certainly clear about him for the coming year: He has got to get better. His accuracy left something to be desired, and there were times when you wanted to look away when he cocked his arm back to throw.

That said, if coach Bo Pelini says that this team will be better than last season’s, I’m inclined to believe him.

2009 record: 10-4, Holiday Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 16 (eight offense, eight defense)

Key losses: Ndamukong Suh (DT), Phillip Dillard (LB), and Larry Asante (DB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Washington (Sept. 18) and vs. Texas (Oct. 16)

11. Oklahoma

The Sooners were the scourge last season, as they had to battle through significant injuries early and often—starting with the loss of quarterback Sam Bradford in game one.

Enter 2010, and Landry Jones is no longer the guy who’s replacing Sam Bradford but rather the guy who replaced Sam Bradford and survived to live another day.

Let's face it: Bradford and Jermaine Gresham were not going to be in the lineup this season anyhow, so it was better to know what you had early than late—at least that’s the silver lining.

This year, too many people are sleeping on the Sooners, and that may end up working to their advantage as they try to reclaim their place at the top of the Big 12.

2009 record: 8-5, Sun Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 13 (nine offense, four defense)

Key losses: Trent Williams (OT) and Gerald McCoy (DT)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Texas (Oct. 2) and at Missouri (Oct. 23)

12. Miami

The "U" could be one of two things this season: a colossal failure or a phenomenal success—there is no in-between.

2009 gave us a glimpse at the talent the Canes have on their roster, none more impressive than quarterback Jacory Harris.

However, talent can only take you so far, and mental lapses by the team late in the season proved that they still may have a ways to go before they are truly back to form.

Even still, the ACC is a conference that has some significant questions at every turn—for every team—and if Miami can fight its way through the fire, who knows?

2009 record: 9-4, lost in Champs Sports Bowl

Returning starters: 14 (six offense, eight defense)

Key losses: Darryl Sharpton (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Ohio State (Sept. 11), at Pittsburgh (Sept. 23) and at Georgia Tech (Nov. 13)

13. Wisconsin

The Badgers had a bit of a hiccup late in the season against Northwestern and suffered some rather unsatisfying losses against both Iowa and Ohio State early on, but that in no way means that they are without talent or incapable of success.

It’s time that coach Bret Bielema shows the Big Ten that he’s got the goods to bring another title to Madison.

Otherwise he’s going to start being seen as the coach who just can’t get the job done—despite the talent coming through the pipeline.

2009 record: 10-3, Champs Sports Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 16 (10 offense, six defense)

Key losses: O’Brien Schofield (DE), Garret Graham (TE), and Jaevery McFadden (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Ohio State (Oct. 16) and at Iowa (Oct. 23)

14. Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets have one of the more potent offensive attacks in college football, but their Achilles' heel has been their defense.

Paul Johnson hopes that he has cured what ails them in that department by hiring Al Groh to install his 3-4 defense in Atlanta.

If the experiment works and the Jackets can add some ice to their fire, they will be tough for just about any team to beat.

2009 record: 11-3, lost in the Orange Bowl

Returning starters: 16 (seven offense, nine defense)

Key losses: Jonathan Dwyer (RB), Morgan Burnett (DB), Demaryius Thomas (WR), and Derrick Morgan (DE)

Key matchups in 2010: at North Carolina (Sept. 18), at Virginia Tech (Nov. 4), and at Georgia (Nov. 20)

15. North Carolina

Too many people are dismissing the Tar Heels due to their anemia on offense, but the old adage will tell you that “defense wins championships,” and Carolina has a lot of defense on its roster.

Their schedule is brutal, and they won’t have much room for error, but if they can find a way to become a more balanced team than they have been over the past couple seasons, they could be a serious BCS dark horse—trust me.

2009 record: 8-5, lost Meineke Car Care Bowl

Returning starters: 17 (eight offense, nine defense)

Key losses: E.J. Wilson (DE), Cam Thomas (DT), and Kyle Jolly (OT)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. LSU (Sept. 4), vs. Georgia Tech (Sept. 18), and at Miami (Oct. 23)

16. USC

Despite the changes on multiple levels, this is still USC, and there is still no doubt that the Trojans have talent—starting with quarterback Matt Barkley.

So, to completely write them off just because Lane Kiffin has brought his somewhat questionable practices to the helm would be silly.

The Trojans brought in a nice class of recruits and surely will find a way to get back into the groove in the post-Pete Carroll era. This will be their year to show that they are not trying to rebuild anything—the winning formula is still strong in L.A.

2009 record: 9-4, Emerald Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 12 (five offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Taylor Mays (DB), Damian Williams (WR), and Joe McKnight (RB)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Washington (Oct. 2) and vs. Oregon (Oct. 30)

17. Arkansas

The Razorbacks have been touted all offseason as the favored team on the rise, mostly due to the decision of quarterback Ryan Mallett to return for another season.

Well, depending on who you ask, all the hype could spell boom or bust for the Hogs, as they will still have to prove they can field a defense to complement their offense.

They will get tested early and often in the SEC, but if they can find a formula that works for them and Mallett can show no lingering effects post-surgery, you have to like the Razorbacks' chances to make a go of it in the West.

2009 record: 8-5, Liberty Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 16 (nine offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Mitch Petrus (OL), Malcolm Sheppard (DT)

Key matchups in 2010: at Georgia (Sept. 18), vs. Alabama (Sept. 25), and at Auburn (Oct. 16)

18. Houston

Two words: Case Keenum. He’s the catalyst for an offense that regularly dropped 50 points on the opposition last season, and you can expect little less than that this year as well.

The Cougars are the prohibitive favorite to end up at the top of the heap in their conference—anything less would be a disappointment.

It’s yet to be seen if they are ready to truly take that leap into BCS legitimacy. Their conference all but assures they will need to do a bit more before that conversation makes sense.

However, they still can take some major strides this season by shoring up their defense and proving they are more than just a one-trick pony.

2009 record: 10-4, lost in Armed Forces Bowl

Returning starters: 15 (nine offense, six defense)

Key losses: C.J. Cavness (LB), Brandon Brinkley (DB), and Tyrell Graham (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: at UCLA (Sept. 18) and at Texas Tech (Nov. 27)

19. South Carolina

Steve Spurrier finally has the two things that he needs to make it work in Columbia—a quarterback and an opportunity.

Florida may be the team to beat in the East until otherwise proven, but every other team is questionable.

Georgia is trying to break in a new quarterback and a new defense. Kentucky is scrappy, but they aren’t ready to really make things interesting yet. Tennessee is in rebuilding mode with a new coaching staff, and Vanderbilt, well, they are still Vanderbilt.

That said, the Gamecocks have a chance to make it happen and be on the bus to Atlanta come December. The one thing that is not for certain is if they will.

2009 record: 7-6, lost in Papajohns.com Bowl

Returning starters: 15 (eight offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Eric Norwood (LB), Clifton Geathers (DE)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Georgia (Sept. 11), vs. Alabama (Oct. 9), and at Florida (Nov. 13)

20. Connecticut

If the Huskies can get beyond an early test in Ann Arbor, they could be 7-0 by the time they face the Mountaineers.

Last season’s team was always a tough matchup for any team, and their losses were mostly heartbreakers that could have easily gone the other way.

They have the discipline and the potential, under Randy Edsall, to make a legitimate run at the Big East title this season if they can turn some of the close losses of 2009 into wins for 2010.

2009 record: 8-5, Papajohns.com Bowl Champions

Returning starters: 15 (eight offense, seven defense)

Key losses: Andre Dixon (RB), Marcus Easley (WR), and Lindsey Witten (DE)

Key matchups in 2010: at Michigan (Sept. 4), vs. Pitt (Nov. 11), and at USF (Dec. 4)

21. Penn State

The Lions will be breaking in a new quarterback, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be good. They always seem to find a way to bring in the right guy to make the big play for them—no matter what side of the ball.

The Big Ten spotlight will likely fall on Ohio State, Iowa, and Wisconsin—in that order—leaving Penn State in the perfect position to deliver a crushing blow to somebody’s championship dreams.

Kevin Newsome may be the man in the best position to take over for the departed Daryll Clark at quarterback but if he falters, the Lions could look to Paul Jones for a spark as well—keep an eye on both this spring.

2009 record: 11-2, Capital One Bowl Champs

Returning starters: 12 (seven offense, five defense)

Key losses: Jared Odrick (DT), Daryll Clark (QB), and Navorro Bowman (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Alabama (Sept. 11), at Iowa (Oct. 2), and at Ohio State (Nov. 13)

22. West Virginia

A lot of people are selling the Pitt Punch in 2010, but I’m not exactly ready to drink what they’re pouring. I am much more sold on the wine coming out of Mountaineer country.

Why? Well, Noel Devine for one. He’s still the man out there, and he can do more with less than just about any tailback in the country.

Second, Pitt lost some big-time players on both sides of the ball and are in the market for a new signal caller this spring.

No disrespect to what Dave Wannstedt did last season, but 2010 is hardly an easy road to a Big East title for the Panthers—just look at their schedule.

As for West Virginia, not only is Devine back, but they also have fairly manageable matchups the first half of the season. If they can avoid a potential hiccup against LSU and find a steady-handed replacement for Jarrett Brown, they could potentially be 7-0 by the time they play Connecticut.

2009 record: 9-4, lost in the Gator Bowl

Returning starters: 16 (seven offense, nine defense)

Key losses: Jarrett Brown (QB), Selvish Capers (OL), and Alric Arnett (WR)

Key matchups in 2010: at LSU (Sept. 25), at Connecticut (Oct. 29), and at Pittsburgh (Nov. 26)

23. Florida State

The Seminoles ended their season on a high note by winning their bowl game and sending legendary coach Bobby Bowden out with some dignity.

Now the time for Jimbo Fisher has finally arrived, and he has wasted little time in putting his stamp on the team—he didn’t choose to keep much of what Bowden left behind.

Last season, the issue for the Noles was the defense. They essentially gave up as many points as they scored, and that won’t do if they expect to get back to the ACC title game.

They escape Georgia Tech this season and always give Miami all they can handle. So, if they can just manage to keep their heads above water, they could easily find themselves back on top sooner than expected.

2009 record: 7-6, Gator Bowl Champs

Returning starters: 12 (eight offense, four defense)

Key losses: Patrick Robinson (DB), Myron Rolle (DB), and Dekoda Watson (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Oklahoma (Sept. 11) and at Miami (Oct. 9)

24. Navy

The Midshipmen started off in a big way last season by going into Columbus and nearly beating Ohio State.

2010 won’t have the big game appeal to start off, but, that could work to the Midshipmen’s favor, as 11 wins would not be outside the realm of possibility if the schedule plays out as hoped.

Their offense is already well-known and respected by most teams in the FBS because it’s tough to defend no matter when you play. However, Navy also showed quite a bit of talent on the defensive side of the ball too, and that helped them garner the close wins that carried them to a 10-win season.

2009 record: 10-4, Texas Bowl Champs

Returning starters: 13 (eight offense, five defense)

Key losses: Ram Vela (LB), Ross Pospisil (LB), and Craig Schaefer (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: vs. Maryland (Sept. 6), vs. Notre Dame (Oct. 23), and vs. Army (Dec. 11)

25. Oregon State

Despite the loss of Sean Canfield, the Beavers are in as good of shape as any of the other squads in the Pac-10 right now.

The Rodgers brothers will be featured heavily again at the running back and wide receiver spots respectively, while the defense will be respectable enough to keep most teams honest.

The questions surrounding a couple of key losses will be addressed with fervor come spring, particularly the quarterback spot, but when the dust settles, the fact remains that this is a team with few holes to be scrutinized.

2009 record: 8-5, lost in Las Vegas Bowl

Returning starters: 16 (eight offense, eight defense)

Key losses: Sean Canfield (QB), Keaton Kristick (LB), David Pa’aluhi III (LB)

Key matchups in 2010: at Boise State (Sept. 25) and at Washington (Oct. 16)