2012 Preseason College Football Ranking: Projecting Next Year's Top 5 Teams

The 2011 college football season is finished, which means it's time to look ahead to the 2012 season. 

It was a great year for college football, filled with my amazing games, astonishing comebacks, big chokes and crazy finishes. 

Next fall should be even better, even though they sport is losing some excellent players. Incoming freshmen will steal some of the spotlight, as well as guys that just haven't been given a chance yet. Plus, several big stars are returning, looking to make 2012 their year. 

With that said, here's my super early predictions on the 2012 preseason top five. 

5. Alabama Crimson Tide 

It won't be easy for Alabama to defend its national championship, as it's losing tons of talent on both sides of the ball. 

However, Nick Saban is one of the best recruiters in the country, and the Crimson Tide are stacked with 4- and 5-star-caliber players. Inexperience could be their downfall, but there's no denying the skill these players will have. 

The performances of quarterback A.J. McCarron, running back Eddie Lacy and wide receiver Kevin Norwood in the BCS National Championship Game will give Alabama fans hope for next year, as well as the reason Alabama squeaks into the preseason top five. 

4. Georgia Bulldogs 

With quarterback Aaron Murray leading the way, Georgia will be in good hands for 2012. The reason the Bulldogs make the top five is because of their superb defense. 

Georgia made huge strides on defense in the second year under Todd Grantham, and it'll continue to get better. The loss of Brandon Boykin is big, but the Bulldogs are loaded with talent and will keep playing at a high level. 

The addition of Keith Marshall (Scout.com's No. 1 running back) will do wonders for the Georgia backfield, which was a sore spot for the team this past year. A more balanced run attack will help Murray in the passing game, and when you add in the stout defense, Georgia is a team to fear in 2012. 

3. Oregon Ducks 

The loss of LaMichael James will of course hurt, but Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas will make sure the Ducks offense remains explosive. 

Both of those guys are capable of breaking open the big play, which is something Oregon thrives on. Quarterback Darron Thomas also comes back, but his key will be avoiding trouble in the offseason. 

Oregon shouldn't have any trouble winning the Pac-12 North, so in order to reach the title game the Ducks' biggest concern is taking down the USC Trojans, who will be even better in 2012. 

2. USC Trojans 

The return of Matt Barkley is the sole reason the Trojans will have a ton of hype for 2012. Likely to be a Heisman finalist, Barkley should be putting up incredible stats with an improved offense over the offseason. 

Had Barkley left for the NFL, the Trojans' season would be up in the air next year. Now, they're favorites to win their division and reach the title game. 

Wide receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee may be young, but they are extremely talented. It sure doesn't hurt they have an NFL-type quarterback throwing their way. In 2011, Woods and Lee combined for 184 receptions, 2,435 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.

Those two will be big stars in 2012, helping bring USC back to the top of college football. Staying healthy will be the key for USC next season, because without these top playmakers the Trojans' big dreams will fail. 

1. LSU Tigers 

If you thought LSU was good in 2011, just wait for 2012. Virtually all the top talent is returning, which makes the Tigers very scary next fall. What's more, this team will be out for revenge after being embarrassed in the national spotlight. 

Tyrann Mathieu is expected to get even better after his 2011 Heisman campaign, which doesn't bode well for the rest of the SEC. If teams are smart, they won't punt the ball to him, but more than likely they'll have to figure that out the hard way. 

The defense will be the strong suit for LSU in 2012, as well as the run game. A new quarterback will take over, and it remains to be seen who it will be. Zach Mettenberger should get the nod, but he'll have some tough competition from incoming freshman Gunner Kiel, who has enrolled early. 

Les Miles will make sure his team continues to be highly productive, as he wants to win the title in 2012 to wipe away the bad memories of how the 2011 season ended.