Preseason College Football Rankings: Teams That Will Exceed Expectations in 2012

It's not too early to identify which college football teams will make a steady climb up the rankings. The 2012 recruiting classes are locked up and spring football just concluded. 

In other words, it is the perfect time to begin discussing preseason rankings. Below is my 2012 preseason top 25. However, before we get to that, check out the three teams bubbling with potential that will exceed their preseason expectations. 

Texas 

The Longhorns are loaded with talent. They have plenty returning from last year's team, and they will be welcoming in new talent with one of the nation's best recruiting classes. 

This team finished 33rd in the nation in points allowed last season, and that defense will be even better next season. 

Offensively, this is a team that is driven by its ground game, and the Longhorns' top rusher from last season will be back and will be ready to have a big sophomore season. Malcolm Brown gained 742 yards at 4.3 yards per carry last season. He will be ready to improve on those numbers this season. 

This young team will grow together as the season goes, and it will be pushing for a BCS bowl game. 

West Virginia

The Mountaineers will be held back in the preseason rankings because they are making the switch to the Big 12. However, they will enter this season with a ton of momentum and a high-powered offense. They took down Clemson 70-33 in the Orange Bowl. 

They also have the nucleus of that offense coming back with players like Geno Smith, Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin all set to return. 

This offense will pickup right where it left off, and it's not like the Big 12 is known for its defense. This team will have no problem adjusting to its new conference, and it will shoot up the rankings as a result. 

Boise State

The Broncos lost a ton of talent from last year's team—none more important than QB Kellen Moore. This will leave them as an afterthought going into the season. 

They will not be an afterthought after they travel to Michigan State and take down the Spartans in their opener. 

The Broncos have the depth and the system to withstand their losses from last year. That is the kind of program they have developed into. No evidence beyond Chris Petersen's 73-6 record at Boise State is needed to point that out. 

The Broncos will get the big win in their opener and flirt with another perfect season as they progress through their easy schedule. 

Langford's Preseason Top 25
1. Alabama
2. USC
3. LSU
4. Oregon
5. Oklahoma
6. Florida State
7. Georgia
8. South Carolina
9. Michigan
10. Michigan State
11. West Virginia
12. Kansas State
13. Arkansas
14. Wisconsin
15. Stanford
16. Texas
17. Ohio State
18. Clemson
19. TCU
20. Oklahoma State
21. Virginia Tech
22. Boise State
23. Nebraska
24. Florida
25. Notre Dame