Power Ranking All 128 Teams After the 2015 National Championship
The 2015 college football season is officially over, though there's probably still some confetti left on the field at University of Phoenix Stadium after Alabama's win over Clemson in the national championship game. The Crimson Tide's 45-40 victory marked the end of a five-month saga that was jam-packed with excitement and thrills, the kind that now must serve as fuel to get through the long offseason.
The final Bleacher Report power rankings can also help.
The Bleacher Report power rankings are comprised of an average of five sources: B/R's weekly Top 25, the Associated Press Top 25, the Amway Coaches Poll, ratings guru Jeff Sagarin's computer rankings and the author's personal rankings for every FBS school. The top 50 teams are broken down individually, while the rest of the 128 FBS teams are summarized in a few easy-to-digest chunks.
Check out where everyone ranks after completion of the 2015 season. Then, give us your thoughts in the comments section.
Nos. 128-91
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The bottom tier of FBS includes nine schools that will be under the guidance of new coaches in 2016, including one that is still looking to make a hire.
UTSA is searching for a replacement for Larry Coker, who helped create the program and then coached the Roadrunners for their first five seasons.
- 128. Charlotte 49ers (2-10, 0-8 Conference USA)
- 127. Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-11, 0-8 Mid-American)
- 126. North Texas Mean Green (1-11, 1-7 Conference USA)
- 125. UCF Knights (0-12, 0-8 American)
- 124. Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (2-11, 1-7 Sun Belt)
- 123. Hawaii Warriors (3-10, 0-8 Mountain West)
- 122. New Mexico State Aggies (3-9, 3-5 Sun Belt)
- 121. Kansas Jayhawks (0-12, 0-9 Big 12)
- 120. Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (3-9, 2-6 Mid-American)
- 117. (tie) Wyoming Cowboys (2-10, 2-6 Mountain West)
- 117. (tie) Texas State Bobcats (3-9, 2-6 Sun Belt)
- 117. (tie) Kent State Golden Flashes (3-9, 2-6 Mid-American)
- 115. (tie) UTSA Roadrunners (3-9, 3-5 Conference USA)
- 115. (tie) UTEP Miners (5-7, 3-5 Conference USA)
- 114. Tulane Green Wave (3-9, 1-7 American)
- 113. Army Black Knights (2-9)
- 112. Old Dominion Monarchs (5-7, 3-5 Conference USA)
- 111. Idaho Vandals (4-8, 3-5 Sun Belt)
- 110. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (4-8, 3-5 Sun Belt)
- 109. UNLV Runnin' Rebels (3-9, 2-6 Mountain West)
- 108. Massachusetts Minutemen (3-9, 2-6 Mid-American)
- 107. Ball State Cardinals (3-9, 2-6 Mid-American)
- 106. SMU Mustangs (2-10, 1-7 American)
- 104. (tie) Fresno State Bulldogs (3-9, 2-6 Mountain West)
- 104. (tie) Florida Atlantic Owls (3-9, 3-5 Conference USA)
- 103. Rice Owls (5-7, 3-5 Conference USA)
- 102. South Alabama Jaguars (5-7, 3-5 Sun Belt)
- 101. Oregon State Beavers (2-10, 0-9 Pac-12)
- 100. Florida International Golden Panthers (5-7, 3-5 Conference USA)
- 99. Troy Trojans (4-8, 3-5 Sun Belt)
- 98. Purdue Boilermakers (2-10, 1-7 Big Ten)
- 97. Buffalo Bulls (5-7, 3-5 Mid-American)
- 96. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-8, 1-7 Big Ten)
- 95. Georgia State Panthers (6-7, 5-3 Sun Belt)
- 94. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-9, 1-7 ACC)
- 93. Colorado Buffaloes (4-9, 1-8 Pac-12)
- 92. Boston College Eagles (3-9, 0-8 ACC)
- 91. New Mexico Lobos (7-6, 5-3 Mountain West)
Nos. 90-61
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Akron not only made its first bowl appearance since 2005, but the Zips' 23-21 victory over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl gave them their most wins (eight) since moving to the FBS level in 1987.
- 90. Vanderbilt Commodores (4-8, 2-6 SEC)
- 88. (tie) Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-7, 3-5 American)
- 88. (tie) Maryland Terrapins (3-9, 1-7 Big Ten)
- 87. San Jose State Spartans (6-7, 4-4 Mountain West)
- 86. Connecticut Huskies (6-7, 4-4 American)
- 84. (tie) Syracuse Orange (4-8, 2-6 ACC)
- 84. (tie) East Carolina Pirates (5-7, 3-5 American)
- 81. (tie) Virginia Cavaliers (4-8, 3-5 ACC)
- 81. (tie) Ohio Bobcats (8-5, 5-3 Mid-American)
- 81. (tie) Nevada Wolf Pack (7-6, 4-4 Mountain West)
- 80. Kentucky Wildcats (5-7, 2-6 SEC)
- 79. Colorado State Rams (7-6, 5-3 Mountain West)
- 78. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-9, 1-7 SEC)
- 77. Iowa State Cyclones (3-9, 2-7 Big 12)
- 76. Akron Zips (8-5, 5-3 Mountain West)
- 74. (tie) Northern Illinois Huskies (8-6, 6-2 Mid-American)
- 74. (tie) Central Michigan Chippewas (7-6, 6-2 Mid-American)
- 73. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-7, 2-6 Big Ten)
- 72. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (7-6, 6-2 Conference USA)
- 71. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-9, 1-7 ACC)
- 70. Utah State Aggies (6-7, 5-3 Mountain West)
- 69. Missouri Tigers (5-7, 1-7 SEC)
- 68. Indiana Hoosiers (6-7, 2-6 Big Ten)
- 66. (tie) Texas Longhorns (5-7, 4-5 Big 12)
- 66. (tie) Cincinnati Bearcats (7-6, 4-4 American)
- 65. Air Force Falcons (8-6, 6-2 Mountain West)
- 64. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-7, 2-6 Big Ten)
- 63. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (9-5, 7-1 Conference USA)
- 62. Kansas State Wildcats (6-7, 3-6 Big 12)
- 61. Western Michigan Broncos (8-5, 6-2 Mid-American)
Nos. 60-51
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Nebraska still finished with its most losses since 2007, but a 37-29 win over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl helped put a positive spin on the end of Mike Riley's first season as coach. The Cornhuskers were one of three 5-7 teams that earned bowl bids because of the lack of six-victory teams, and all three ended up winning their games.
- 60. Arkansas State Red Wolves (9-4, 8-0 Sun Belt)
- 59. North Carolina State (7-6, 3-5 ACC)
- 58. Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-7, 3-5 Big Ten)
- 57. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (9-4, 6-2 Conference USA)
- 54. (tie) Virginia Tech Hokies (7-6, 4-4 ACC)
- 54. (tie) Marshall Thundering Herd (10-3, 6-2 Conference USA)
- 54. (tie) Arizona Wildcats (7-6, 3-6 Pac-12)
- 53. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-6, 4-4 Big Ten)
- 52. Miami, Florida Hurricanes (8-5, 5-3 ACC)
- 51. Georgia Southern Eagles (9-4, 6-2 Sun Belt)
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50. Texas Tech Red Raiders
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Average rating: 48.0
Bowl result: Lost 56-27 vs. LSU in Texas Bowl
Texas Tech (7-6, 4-5 Big 12) had one of the nation's top offenses but couldn't overcome a defense that was among the worst around.
The Red Raiders ranked second in FBS in scoring, at 45.1 points per game, thanks to sophomore quarterback Pat Mahomes II. He averaged 393 yards of total offense, tops in the country, and accounted for 46 touchdowns.
However, the Texas Tech defense allowed 43.6 points per game, yielding 63 or more points on three occasions.
49. Arizona State Sun Devils
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Average rating: 47.0
Bowl result: Lost 43-42 vs. West Virginia in Cactus Bowl
Arizona State (6-7, 4-5 Pac-12) posted its first losing record under Todd Graham, dropping its final two games by a combined three points.
The Sun Devils have some major holes to fill on offense, as quarterback Mike Bercovici and versatile running back/receiver D.J. Foster have graduated. Foster finished his career with 2,355 rushing yards and 2,458 receiving yards.
48. Duke Blue Devils
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Average rating: 46.75
Bowl result: Won 44-41 (in OT) vs. Indiana in Pinstripe Bowl
Duke (8-5, 4-4 ACC) won its first bowl game since 1961 in dramatic fashion to cap off a third straight winning season—something that hadn't happened in more than 50 years.
The Blue Devils have won more games in the past four seasons (33) than they did between 1998 and 2011.
47. Pittsburgh Panthers
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Average rating: 45.0
Bowl result: Lost 44-28 vs. Navy in Military Bowl
Pittsburgh (8-5, 6-2 ACC) tied for its most wins since 2010, with the hope being that first-year coach Pat Narduzzi's performance will provide stability for a program that's gone through nearly constant change at the head coaching position over the past five years.
The Panthers began the year 6-1 despite losing defending ACC rushing champion James Conner to a knee injury in the season opener. Junior receiver Tyler Boyd was their top weapon. His 91 catches were more than triple what any other player had, but his departure to the NFL will force Pitt to search for a new playmaker in 2016.
46. South Florida Bulls
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Average rating: 44.5
Bowl result: Lost 45-35 vs. Western Kentucky in Miami Beach Bowl
South Florida (8-5, 6-2 American) surged down the stretch under third-year coach Willie Taggart, posting its most wins since 2010.
The Bulls figure to be a major player in their conference in 2016 with the return of sophomore quarterback Quinton Flowers and sophomore running back Marlon Mack. Mack ran for 1,381 yards and eight touchdowns, while Flowers had 12 rushing scores and threw 22 TD passes.
45. Texas A&M Aggies
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Average rating: 44.0
Bowl result: Lost 27-21 vs. Louisville in Music City Bowl
Texas A&M (8-5, 4-4 SEC) suffered another second-half slide, starting 5-0 before its normally explosive offense fizzled out. It then went into the bowl season minus its two starting quarterbacks, sophomore Kyle Allen and freshman Kyler Murray, both of whom opted to transfer from the program.
It will be an offseason of change for the Aggies, who welcome in Oklahoma graduate transfer Trevor Knight at quarterback and also have a new offensive coordinator in UCLA's Noel Mazzone.
44. Bowling Green Falcons
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Average rating: 43.0
Bowl result: Lost 58-27 vs. Georgia Southern in GoDaddy Bowl
Bowling Green (10-4, 7-1 Mid-American) won its second conference title in the past three seasons, and as it did in 2013, that success caused the Falcons to lose their head coach.
Dino Babers is now at Syracuse, and former Texas Tech assistant Mike Jinks replaced him. He'll be tasked with trying to rebuild an offense that ranked fourth nationally in yards per game but is losing its quarterback, leading rusher and top receiver.
43. Memphis Tigers
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Average rating: 42.0
Bowl result: Lost 31-10 vs. Auburn in Birmingham Bowl
Memphis (9-4, 5-3 American) stormed out of the gates with an 8-0 start that included a landmark victory over Ole Miss, but the Tigers weren't able to maintain that pace and finished with four losses in their last five games. The final setback came after coach Justin Fuente left the program to take over Virginia Tech.
New coach Mike Norvell will be starting from scratch at quarterback, as junior Paxton Lynch declared for the NFL after throwing for 3,778 yards and 28 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
42. BYU Cougars
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Average rating: 40.33
Bowl result: Lost 35-28 vs. Utah in Las Vegas Bowl
BYU (9-4) navigated a difficult schedule to reach nine wins for the first time since 2011, but the season ended with some humbling moments both on and off the field.
The Cougars lost longtime coach Bronco Mendenhall to Virginia. Then, they allowed 35 first-quarter points in a bowl loss to their archrival. New coach Kalani Sitake, previously the defensive coordinator at Oregon State, is left to deal with a 2016 slate that includes six power-conference opponents in the first seven weeks.
41. Appalachian State Mountaineers
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Average rating: 38.6
Bowl result: Won 29-28 vs. Ohio in Camellia Bowl
Appalachian State (11-2, 7-1 Sun Belt) had a tremendous second season at the FBS level, capping it off with its first-ever bowl victory.
The Mountaineers finished with the No. 7 rushing offense in the country, averaging 271.5 yards per game. That should continue in 2016, as their top three running backs (led by Marcus Cox, who ran for 1,423 yards and nine touchdowns) and mobile quarterback Taylor Lamb are all set to return.
40. Temple Owls
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Average rating: 38.4
Bowl result: Lost 32-17 vs. Toledo in Boca Raton Bowl
Temple (10-4, 7-1 American) posted its first 10-win season since 1979, winning a division title and knocking off in-state rival Penn State along the way.
The Owls finished in the top 20 nationally in both scoring and total defense—a feat made possible by the efforts of senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich. The Bednarik and Nagurski award winner recorded 100-plus tackles for the fourth straight season. He is just one of six players in FBS history to do so.
39. West Virginia Mountaineers
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Average rating: 36.63
Bowl result: Won 43-42 vs. Arizona State in Cactus Bowl
West Virginia (8-5, 4-5 Big 12) went through an up-and-down season that saw it open 3-0 before losing four straight and then winning the next four. A wild bowl win in a game that ended after 2 a.m. in Morgantown epitomized the craziness of the Mountaineers' year.
Quarterback Skyler Howard threw for 3,145 yards and 26 touchdowns but struggled with accuracy (54.8 percent) and interceptions (14). His development during the offseason will be key, though, as 1,500-yard rusher Wendell Smallwood has declared for the NFL draft.
38. Auburn Tigers
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Average rating: 35.67
Bowl result: Won 31-10 vs. Memphis in Birmingham Bowl
Auburn (7-6, 2-6 SEC) won its first bowl game since 2011 to salvage an otherwise disappointing season, which began with the Tigers ranked sixth in the Associated Press preseason poll.
The Tigers will likely make many changes to their schemes for next season, with a wide-open competition at quarterback and new leadership on defense. Coordinator Will Muschamp left to take over the South Carolina program, and LSU's Kevin Steele replaced him.
37. Boise State Broncos
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Average rating: 36.63
Bowl result: Won 55-7 vs. Northern Illinois in Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State (9-4, 5-3 Mountain West) won its sixth bowl game in the past seven years, putting forth one of the most dominating performances ever in that final game. The Broncos held Northern Illinois to 33 yards of total offense, including minus-five rushing yards.
The Broncos figure to be in great shape on offense in 2016, as they return quarterback Brett Rypien, running back Jeremy McNichols and receiver Thomas Sperbeck.
36. Louisville Cardinals
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Average rating: 35.0
Bowl result: Won 27-21 vs. Texas A&M in Music City Bowl
Louisville (8-5, 5-3 ACC) got off to a horrendous start in 2015, losing its first three games, and sat at 2-4 midway through the season. Then its defense began to mesh, while freshman Lamar Jackson took control of the quarterback position, leading to a stellar second half.
Jackson ended up rushing for a team-high 960 yards with 11 touchdowns, with 412 yards and four TDs over the Cardinals' past two games. The Louisville defense followed suit behind the play of junior Devonte Fields, the former TCU star who had 11 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.
Fields' return for 2016 will be huge for the Cardinals, as some already consider them a dark-horse contender.
35. UCLA Bruins
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Average rating: 34.83
Bowl result: Lost 37-29 vs. Nebraska in Foster Farms Bowl
UCLA (8-5, 5-4 Pac-12) was a win away from reaching the conference title game—the same scenario it was in the season before—but a loss to rival USC ended that drive. The Bruins then fell to a team with a 5-7 record in its bowl game.
Despite the disappointing finish, hopes are high for 2016 and beyond because of quarterback Josh Rosen. The true freshman threw for 3,669 yards and 23 touchdowns, topping 300 yards on seven occasions.
Rosen may have to carry UCLA next season, though, for it loses running back Paul Perkins and several key defensive players.
34. Washington Huskies
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Average rating: 34.0
Bowl result: Won 44-31 vs. Southern Mississippi in Heart of Dallas Bowl
Washington (8-6, 4-5 Pac-12) won three straight down the stretch to build momentum for what should be a breakthrough season in 2016 behind a pair of young offensive stars.
Quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin, both freshmen, helped the Huskies average 47 points during their winning streak. Browning threw for 2,955 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Gaskin ran for 1,302 yards and had six of his 14 TDs in the final two games.
"From precocious to productive, Browning and Gaskin have established themselves as the centerpieces of an offensive evolution—UW's Backs to the Future—creating healthy optimism in and around the program for 2016, and beyond," Adam Jude of the Seattle Times wrote.
33. USC Trojans
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Average rating: 32.5
Bowl result: Lost 23-21 vs. Wisconsin in Holiday Bowl
USC (8-6, 6-3 Pac-12) once again resembled a soap opera with the backdrop of a football program, firing its coach midway through the season and then rallying under the interim leader. Clay Helton fared well enough in place of Steve Sarkisian that he was named the permanent coach in December, and then he lost his last two games to go into the offseason on a down note.
The Trojans won't be lacking in star power and talent in 2016, with the likes of running back Ronald Jones II, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and multiway threat Adoree' Jackson coming back. They will be looking for a new quarterback, though, as three-year starter Cody Kessler leaves as the school's career leader in completion percentage.
31. (tie) Washington State Cougars
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Average rating: 31.6
Bowl result: Won 20-14 vs. Miami (Florida) in Sun Bowl
Washington State (9-4, 6-3 Pac-12) notched its most victories since 2003, a year after going 3-9, finishing it off with a snow-filled victory in El Paso, Texas.
The Cougars ranked first nationally in passing offense for the second consecutive season, at 389.2 yards per game. Much of that came from sophomore quarterback Luke Falk, who threw for 4,561 yards and a school-record 38 touchdowns.
31. (tie) Toledo Rockets
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Average rating: 31.6
Bowl result: Won 32-17 vs. Temple in Boca Raton Bowl
Toledo (10-2, 6-2 Mid-American) posted its most wins since 2001 by knocking off a pair of power-conference teams early in the season. Those victories over Arkansas and Iowa State helped coach Matt Campbell earn a promotion, as he left to take over Iowa State in December.
The Rockets move forward under Jason Candle, who served as offensive coordinator for the team.
30. California Golden Bears
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Average rating: 31.5
Bowl result: Won 55-36 vs. Air Force in Armed Forces Bowl
California (8-5, 4-5 Pac-12) completed its most successful season since 2009 behind the arm of quarterback Jared Goff, who in three seasons set nearly every school passing record. Goff also set the Pac-12 single-season record for passing yards (4,714) and touchdowns (43), the latter of which was previously held by Oregon's Marcus Mariota.
Goff is now headed to the NFL, having passed up his senior year for what surely will be a high draft selection. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller has him tabbed as the No. 7 pick this spring.
29. San Diego State Aztecs
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Average rating: 30.8
Bowl result: Won 42-7 vs. Cincinnati in Hawaii Bowl
San Diego State (11-3, 8-0 Mountain West) posted its most wins since going 11-0 in 1969, finishing the season on a 10-game winning streak in which every victory was by at least 14 points.
The Aztecs finished the year fifth in FBS in total defense, allowing 287.3 yards per game, and tied for sixth in scoring defense at 16.4 points allowed per game.
The announced return of running back Donnel Pumphrey for his senior year should make SDSU the team to beat in the Mountain West. Pumphrey, who ran for 1,653 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015, needs 318 yards to surpass Marshall Faulk as the school's career rushing leader.
28. Florida Gators
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Average rating: 28.4
Bowl result: Lost 41-7 vs. Michigan in Citrus Bowl
Florida (10-4, 7-1 SEC) won its first seven games behind the guidance of quarterback Will Grier, but once the redshirt freshman was suspended for a failed drug test, the Gators' season began to spiral. They still managed to win their first East Division title since 2009 before suffering three straight losses to end the season.
The Gators only scored 24 points in those final three games, including a 29-15 loss to Alabama in the SEC title game, though for all intents and purposes, Jim McElwain's first season in Gainesville was considered a rousing success.
The key for McElwain will be to build off the progress that was made in 2015, but that will require doing so without Grier and five players who declared for the NFL draft. That includes leading receiver Demarcus Robinson and top cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III.
27. Arkansas Razorbacks
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Average rating: 26.5
Bowl result: Won 45-23 vs. Kansas State in Liberty Bowl
Arkansas (8-5, 5-3 SEC) shook off an embarrassing 1-3 start that included two home losses by becoming one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC. The emergence of senior quarterback Brandon Allen as a downfield passer helped minimize the loss of 1,000-yard rusher Jonathan Williams during the preseason, as Allen threw for 3,440 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Now comes the task of coach Bret Bielema replacing nearly all of his top offensive players. Allen graduates, while running back Alex Collins (who had three 1,000-yard seasons) and tight end Hunter Henry have turned pro.
The Razorbacks bring back most of their defense, but that unit finished last in the conference in yards allowed per play at 6.07.
26. Mississippi State Bulldogs
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Average rating: 26.1
Bowl result: Won 51-28 vs. North Carolina State in Belk Bowl
Mississippi State (9-4, 4-4 SEC) finished off a sixth consecutive winning season—its longest stretch above .500 in program history—though the future is uncertain because of the departure of quarterback Dak Prescott.
The greatest offensive player in Bulldogs history, Prescott amassed 11,897 yards of total offense (good for third in SEC history) and accounted for 114 touchdowns. In 2015, his 337 yards per game represented 73.2 percent of MSU's production.
Prescott isn't the only loss the Bulldogs have to deal with. Leading receiver De'Runnya Wilson and defensive stars Ben Brown and Chris Jones have turned pro, while defensive coordinator Manny Diaz left for Miami (Florida).
25. Northwestern Wildcats
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Average rating: 25.8
Bowl result: Lost 45-6 vs. Tennessee in Outback Bowl
Northwestern (10-3, 6-2 Big Ten) looked either really good or really bad during the 2015 season, allowing only 18.6 points per game with key wins over Duke, Stanford and Wisconsin but also a trio of blowout losses.
The Wildcats were outscored 123-16 in losing to Iowa, Michigan and Tennessee.
Quarterback Clayton Thorson and running back Justin Jackson are players to build around, though both have to become more explosive. Thorson paced a passing attack that ranked 120th in FBS, while Jackson's 4.54 yards-per-carry average was lowest among rushers with 1,200-plus yards.
24. Georgia Bulldogs
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Average rating: 25.6
Bowl result: Won 24-17 vs. Penn State in TaxSlayer Bowl
Georgia (10-3, 5-3 SEC) entered 2015 with its usual high expectations, but like it's been in many recent years, it failed to meet those goals because of a handful of disappointing losses. That proved to be too much for longtime coach Mark Richt to overcome, as the team let him go after 15 seasons and 145 wins.
The Bulldogs were unable to establish a balanced offense, and the midseason loss of sophomore running back Nick Chubb to a knee injury took away their best weapon. Despite the hiccups, they still reached 10 wins for the fourth time in the last five years but ended up being the first power-conference team since 1996 to win 10 games and finish outside the final Associated Press rankings (per Ralph Russo of the AP).
The Georgia defense was a strength throughout this past season and now will take on an even greater role with the hiring of Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart as head coach. Smart, fresh off helping the Crimson Tide win another national title, held the Bulldogs to only 299 yards in a 38-10 Alabama win in October.
23. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
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Average rating: 25.0
Bowl result: Won 45-35 vs. Memphis in Miami Beach Bowl
Western Kentucky (12-2, 8-0 Conference USA) had its best season since moving into the FBS ranks in 2007, opening the year with a win at Vanderbilt and going on to dominate its conference. The Hilltoppers won their nine games against C-USA teams, including the league title game, by an average of 27.1 points.
Quarterback Brandon Doughty led FBS in touchdown passes for the second year in a row, with 48, while also throwing for a national-best 5,055 yards. He finished his career 16th all-time with 12,855 passing yards, which is production that the Hilltoppers will be hard-pressed to replace.
Most of their other skill stars are back, though, as running backs D'Andre Ferby and Anthony Wales and receiver Taywan Taylor all return from an offense that was third in the country in yards per play at 7.23.
22. Wisconsin Badgers
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Average rating: 21.6
Bowl result: Won 23-21 vs. USC in Holiday Bowl
Wisconsin (10-3, 6-2 Big Ten) was led by its third different head coach in the past four seasons but still managed to reach double digits in victories for the seventh time since 2005. The nation's No. 1 scoring defense helped with that result.
The Badgers allowed only 13.7 points per game, holding five opponents to fewer than 10 points, and their 268.5 yards yielded per contest were second-best in the country. Seven starters are expected to return from that unit, but they do have to replace sack and tackle-for-loss leader Joe Schobert at linebacker.
Wisconsin must also replace quarterback Joel Stave, who finished second in school history with 7,635 passing yards. It returns its top four rushers, but that group failed to produce a 1,000-yard rusher for the first time since 2004.
21. Oklahoma State Cowboys
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Average rating: 20.8
Bowl result: Lost 48-20 vs. Ole Miss in Sugar Bowl
Oklahoma State (10-3, 7-2 Big 12) won its first 10 games and looked to be the team to beat in the conference thanks to it playing host to Baylor, Oklahoma and TCU during the final month of the season. The Cowboys ended up losing two of those games, though, finishing on a three-game skid.
A two-quarterback system produced strong results for most of the year, with sophomore Mason Rudolph and senior J.W. Walsh combining for 4,881 yards of total offense and 48 total touchdowns. OK State wasn't able to establish a run game beyond Walsh, though, which is something coach Mike Gundy has identified as a critical area to address for 2016.
"We have a plan in place...and that plan already has started," Gundy said, per Bill Haisten of the Tulsa World.
OK State must also address a defense that allowed 1,322 rushing yards over its final five games and lost standout junior lineman Emmanuel Ogbah to the NFL draft.
20. Utah Utes
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Average rating: 20.4
Bowl result: Won 35-28 vs. BYU in Las Vegas Bowl
Utah (10-3, 6-3 Pac-12) put together its best season since moving from the Mountain West Conference, but three losses down the stretch prevented it from winning the South Division.
An injury to workhorse running back Devontae Booker completely altered the Utes offense, though the team was able to still lean on a defense that ranked second in the Pac-12 in yards allowed. The Utes return six starters from that unit, including defensive backs Dominique Hatfield and Marcus Williams and defensive end Hunter Dimick.
Defense fueled Utah's bowl win over archival BYU, forcing five turnovers (and returning two interceptions for touchdowns) to finish tied for second in the country with 34 takeaways.
19. Navy Midshipmen
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Average rating: 20.0
Bowl result: Won 44-28 vs. Pittsburgh in Military Bowl
Navy (11-2, 7-1 American) moved out of the land of independent football to rousing success, contending for a division title and recording its most wins in program history. The Midshipmen finished tied for second in the country in rushing, thanks to a triple-option run game that quarterback Keenan Reynolds navigated into the record books.
The senior finished his career with 88 rushing touchdowns, most in FBS history, and his 4,559 career rushing yards were most ever by a quarterback.
Replacing Reynolds will be a major offseason issue for the Midshipmen, though they won't be doing so with a new coach. Ken Niumatalolo is coming back for a 10th season as head coach—his 19th overall on the staff.
18. Tennessee Volunteers
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Average rating: 19.2
Bowl result: Won 45-6 vs. Northwestern in Outback Bowl
Tennessee (9-4, 5-3 SEC) will take a six-game winning streak into the 2016 season, and in doing so, it will likely be the engine at the front of another offseason hype train.
"All eyes will be on the guys in orange this offseason, as Tennessee returns the most well-rounded team in the SEC Eastern Division," ESPN.com wrote in its way-too-early SEC power rankings.
Many projected the Volunteers to contend for the SEC East title, but they struggled early, blowing several large leads late in games. Once they figured out how to hold an edge, though, they became one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
A defense that ranked 36th in the country returns most of its starters—including linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who opted to return for his senior year—also gets an upgrade at coordinator with the hiring of Bob Shoop from Penn State.
And nearly all the pieces are back on offense, including quarterback Josh Dobbs and running backs Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara.
17. Oregon Ducks
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Average rating: 18.8
Bowl result: Lost 47-41 (in 3 OT) vs. TCU in Alamo Bowl
Oregon (9-4, 7-2 Pac-12) looked like one of the most dangerous teams in the country when the regular season ended—the result of getting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. back from a finger injury. That continued through the first half of its bowl game, but once Adams went out with a head injury, the Ducks reverted to the team that began the year 3-3.
In blowing a 31-point lead, tied for the largest in bowl history, Oregon finished with its most losses since 2007 and ended a run of seven consecutive 10-win seasons.
Juniors Bralon Addison and Byron Marshall have turned pro, meaning Oregon's next quarterback—possibly a second straight graduate transfer, as Montana State's Dakota Prukop signed this winter—will have to search for some new receiving targets. He won't lack for rushing options, though, as the Ducks ranked fifth in FBS on the ground and have sophomore Royce Freeman coming off an 1,800-yard season.
16. LSU Tigers
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Average rating: 17.4
Bowl result: Won 56-27 vs. Texas Tech in Texas Bowl
LSU (9-3, 5-3 SEC) won its first seven games, finding itself ranked second in the initial playoff standings before its one-dimensional offense was exposed during a late-season slide. Longtime coach Les Miles nearly lost his job as the Tigers couldn't rely on running back Leonard Fournette to do all the work, but both will be back for 2016.
Fournette led the FBS in rushing yards per game at 162.75, scoring 22 touchdowns, but the key for LSU will be developing a consistent pass game.
Brandon Harris averaged fewer than 180 yards per game and recently underwent sports hernia surgery, adding further intrigue to an expected quarterback competition this spring with Harris, Anthony Jennings and Purdue transfer Danny Etling.
LSU's defense will again be in flux, losing at least four starters, though new coordinator Dave Aranda comes in fresh off piloting Wisconsin to the No. 1 ranking in scoring defense.
15. North Carolina Tar Heels
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Average rating: 15.4
Bowl result: Lost 49-38 vs. Baylor in Russell Athletic Bowl
North Carolina (11-3, 8-0 ACC) won 10 straight games after dropping its season opener, winning the Atlantic Division and making its first-ever trip to the conference title game. The Tar Heels weren't able to make that run continue in the postseason, though, allowing a combined 94 points to Clemson and Baylor in December.
Those performances overshadowed what had been a major improvement by UNC's defense, which held seven of its first eight opponents below 20 points.
Quarterback Marquise Williams finished his college career with more than 10,000 yards of total offense, but big things are expected from likely successor Mitch Trubisky.
14. Florida State Seminoles
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Average rating: 12.8
Bowl result: Lost 38-24 vs. Houston in Peach Bowl
Florida State (10-3, 6-2 ACC) reached the 10-win mark for the fourth straight season and fifth time in six years, but after winning a national title and reaching the semifinals in the previous two years, its 2015 performance could be looked at as a disappointment.
In reality, it was far from it.
The Seminoles had 11 players taken in the 2015 NFL draft, resulting in a young offense that struggled to produce for much of the year.
Other than sophomore running back Dalvin Cook, who set a school record with 1,691 rushing yards along with 19 touchdowns, FSU didn't have any breakthrough performers on the offensive side.
Its defense was where the notables shined this past season, and even with cornerback Jalen Ramsey turning pro, the 'Noles should be in good shape. Rising stars such as defensive lineman Josh Sweat and safety Derwin James will be the leaders in 2016.
13. Iowa Hawkeyes
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Average rating: 12.6
Bowl result: Lost 45-16 vs. Stanford in Rose Bowl
Iowa (12-2, 8-0 Big Ten) was among the biggest surprises of the 2015 season, winning its first 12 games to earn a spot in the conference title game. The Hawkeyes fell by three points to Michigan State but were still rewarded with their first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1991.
The Hawkeyes fell into a 38-0 hole in that game and couldn't come back, but the season as a whole is still one of the best in program history. It was their eighth 10-win season and fifth under Kirk Ferentz, who is the tied with Oklahoma's Bob Stoops as longest-tenured coach in FBS as he heads toward his 18th year.
Iowa figures to face a much tougher schedule in 2016, which includes crossover games against Michigan and Penn State.
12. Houston Cougars
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Average rating: 12.0
Bowl result: Won 38-24 vs. Florida State in Peach Bowl
Houston (13-1, 7-1 American) reigned supreme among all other non-power conference teams, claiming the "Group of Five" spot in a New Year's Six bowl game and parlaying that into a third signature win in 2015.
The Cougars beat two teams from the ACC (including Louisville) as well as the SEC's Vanderbilt in coach Tom Herman's first season.
Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. is set to return after producing more than 3,900 yards of total offense that included 1,108 rushing yards and 21 rushing scores. Ward had four games with 100-plus rushing yards and seven with at least two rushing TDs, topping 200 passing yards nine times.
The Cougars also had the nation's eighth-best run defense, holding Florida State's Dalvin Cook to a season-low 33 yards.
Houston figures to be the front-runner to win the Group of Five bowl bid again, but its schedule makes it possible to be in the national title picture. The Cougars open against Oklahoma and also host Louisville.
11. Baylor Bears
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Average rating: 11.8
Bowl result: Won 49-38 vs. North Carolina in Russell Athletic Bowl
Baylor (10-3, 6-3 Big 12) held its offense together with duct tape and twine by the end of the season, losing two quarterbacks and its top running back and wide receiver along the way.
Even with those injuries, the Bears still managed to lead the nation in scoring (48.1 points per game) and total offense (616.2 yards per game), and they won 10 games for the third straight year and fourth time in five seasons.
The Bears had to completely revamp their attack after quarterbacks Seth Russell and Jarrett Stidham got hurt, turning into a run-first team down the stretch. That produced a bowl-record 645 rushing yards against North Carolina a year after they set the bowl mark for passing yards against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl.
Assuming both quarterbacks can return healthy, Baylor's main concern on offense figures to be replacing top wideout Corey Coleman. The junior, who declared for the NFL draft, caught 20 touchdown passes in 2015.
10. Michigan Wolverines
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Average rating: 11.6
Bowl result: Won 41-7 vs. Florida in Citrus Bowl
Michigan (9-3, 6-2 Big Ten) was a team built on hope for the future at the beginning of the 2015 season, but in that first year under Jim Harbaugh, it quickly returned to the top tier of college football.
And that was just the beginning.
"A successful season on the field should only boost Harbaugh's efforts off it, as opposed to a year ago when he was selling hope and not much else," Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod wrote.
The Wolverines have questions to answer, but not many. They'll need to find a replacement at quarterback for Jake Rudock, the Iowa transfer who shined down the stretch, though tight end Jake Butt's return for his senior year bodes well.
And their defense, which ranked fourth in the nation but lost several starters and coordinator D.J. Durkin (now the head coach at Maryland), should be in good hands with Harbaugh bringing in Boston College's Don Brown.
Brown had BC ranked first nationally in total defense despite the Eagles finishing 3-9.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Average rating: 10.4
Bowl result: Lost 44-28 vs. Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame (10-3) stayed in the playoff hunt until the final game of the regular season, and had it not lost by two at Stanford, it might have stolen a bid from a conference champion. Instead, the Fighting Irish had to settle for their fourth 10-win season since 2002.
But now comes the uncertainty of the offseason, one which will find coach Brian Kelly trying to identify replacements for five juniors who have declared for the NFL draft while also crafting a plan to sort out a potential distraction at quarterback.
Freshman DeShone Kizer was brilliant in place of the injured Malik Zaire, but if Zaire can return from an ankle injury, then the Irish will have two strong candidates for the position.
Notre Dame saw how such a situation impacted Ohio State in 2015, and it will want to get this figured out as soon as possible.
"We want a situation where each and every day you have to acquit yourself to be the leader of this football team and this offense," offensive coordinator Mike Sanford said, per Bleacher Report's Mike Monaco. "That's what we look for out of that position on a daily basis, whether there’s a 'quarterback' competition or not."
8. Michigan State Spartans
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Average rating: 8.4
Playoff results: Lost 38-0 vs. Alabama in Cotton Bowl
Michigan State (12-2, 7-1 Big Ten) won the conference for the second time in three years but wasn't able to take it any further, getting humbled by Alabama in the national semifinals in the final game for several impact players.
Quarterback Connor Cook, center Jack Allen and defensive end Shilique Calhoun were seniors who opted to return for 2015 instead of beginning their pro careers, and that class was responsible for 36 wins over the past three seasons.
Unfortunately, they ended by being part of the Spartans' first shutout loss in 15 years.
Mark Dantonio has elevated MSU to elite status in college football, but he's had rebuilding years in the past. His 2012 team, which went 7-6, included many of the standouts who are leaving the program.
Next year's team could be built around a young but promising running back corps, with the trio of sophomore Gerald Holmes and freshmen Madre London and LJ Scott combining for 1,739 yards and 22 touchdowns this past season.
7. Ole Miss Rebels
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Average rating: 8.2
Bowl result: Won 48-20 vs. Oklahoma State in Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss (10-3, 6-2 SEC) had its best season since 2003, a year that included being the only team in the country to knock off eventual national champion Alabama.
The Rebels' win total has gone up in each of Hugh Freeze's four seasons, though the departure of several top juniors will make this offseason the most important of his tenure.
Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and Robert Nkemdiche could all be first-round NFL draft picks based on the latest draft big board from Bleacher Report's Matt Miller. Their replacements could come from the existing roster or a 2016 recruiting class that's currently ranked sixth by 247Sports.
The Rebels do bring back a key cog in quarterback Chad Kelly, who in his first season with the program set numerous school records, including for passing yards (4,042), passing touchdowns (31) and total TDs (41).
6. TCU Horned Frogs
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Average rating: 7.2
Bowl result: Won 47-41 (in 3OT) vs. Oregon in Alamo Bowl
TCU (11-2, 7-2 Big 12) was bit by the injury bug about as badly as any top program in the country, yet it managed to still win its first eight games. But once the Horned Frogs' offensive stars started getting hurt, they couldn't keep it together.
Losses to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma kept TCU from realizing its dream of another piece of the Big 12 title or a playoff bid, but some extra periods helped it finish on a high note.
It avenged the 2014 loss to Baylor with a double-overtime victory to end the regular season, then rallied in three OTs in Alamo Bowl.
The Frogs tied for the largest comeback in bowl history, trailing 31-0 without quarterback Trevone Boykin or receiver Josh Doctson. That senior duo was essential to TCU's rise in the past two seasons, but now it will be up to young stars such as freshmen Shaun Nixon and KaVontae Turpin.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
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Average rating: 4.8
Playoff results: Lost 37-17 vs. Clemson in Orange Bowl
Oklahoma (11-2, 8-1 Big 12) showed that a team could make it into the playoffs without winning a conference title game, blowing through its league's best teams in November to earn the No. 4 overall seed.
The Sooners couldn't match the success of the fourth seed from the year before (Ohio State), though, instead having its season end against Clemson for the second year in a row.
Despite the final loss, the Sooners re-established themselves as players and figure to be in the running again in 2016. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, a transfer from Texas Tech who sat out the 2014 season, helped spark a switch to a pass-first offense that ended up ranking seventh in the country.
Mayfield finished the year with 3,700 passing yards and 43 total touchdowns, and combined with running backs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine, the Sooners shouldn't have any trouble moving the ball in 2016.
3. (tie) Stanford Cardinal
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Average rating: 3.6
Bowl result: Won 45-16 vs. Iowa in Rose Bowl
Stanford (12-2, 8-1 Pac-12) was the odd man out when it came to power-conference champions and the playoffs, a fate that was likely sealed when it lost at home to Oregon in November.
Had the Cardinal managed to make the semifinals, though, it's unlikely any of their opponents would have had an answer to the nation's most productive individual player.
Sophomore Christian McCaffrey obliterated the FBS all-purpose yardage record previously held by Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders, tallying 3,864 yards as a running back, receiver and return man. He accounted for at least 300 yards in six different games, including 461 against USC to win the Pac-12 title.
McCaffrey's return will allow Stanford to take its time finding a replacement for three-year starting quarterback Kevin Hogan, the winningest passer in school history.
3. (tie) Ohio State Buckeyes
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Average rating: 3.6
Bowl result: Won 44-28 vs. Notre Dame in Fiesta Bowl
Ohio State (12-1, 7-1 Big Ten) may well have been the most talented team in college football in 2015, judging by the number of underclassmen who have declared for the NFL draft among other reasons.
But because of this, the Buckeyes were held to a higher standard than other teams, which is why a three-point home loss to Michigan State in November was all it took to keep the defending national champions from being able to repeat.
Inconsistencies on offense finally caught up to them in that game, which saw star running back Ezekiel Elliott hardly touch the ball. After rushing just 12 times against MSU, the junior had a combined 57 carries for 363 yards and six touchdowns in Ohio State's next two games, outscoring Michigan and Ohio State by 45 points.
The what-ifs with the Buckeyes will linger in the offseason, especially after Michigan State was beaten handily by Alabama in the semifinals.
But now the focus turns toward the next crop of Buckeyes standouts, those who have to replace the nine juniors or redshirt sophomores who have turned pro.
2. Clemson Tigers
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Average rating: 2.0
Playoff results: Won 37-17 vs. Oklahoma in Orange Bowl; lost 45-40 vs. Alabama in national championship game
Clemson (14-1, 8-0 ACC) may have come up short in its quest to win a title for the first time since 1981, but it's likely to head into next season as the team to beat based on early projections.
"The Tigers look built to last, having won more than 10 games in each of the past five seasons," ESPN's Mark Schlabach wrote, putting them atop his "Way-Too-Early Top 25."
"With quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back, they'll have a chance to reach the playoffs for the second straight season."
Watson isn't the only key player coming back for Clemson, but he's by far the most important. After amassing 478 yards of total offense in the national championship game, he became the first player in FBS history to have 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season.
The Tigers also return rising sophomore running back Wayne Gallman and several strong receiving targets. Their defense won't be as lucky, as defensive end Shaq Lawson has already declared for the NFL draft and many others are expected to follow.
Then again, Clemson had to rebuild its defense after 2014 and made the title game.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
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Average rating: 1.0
Playoff results: Won 38-0 vs. Michigan State in Cotton Bowl; won 45-40 vs. Clemson in national championship game
Alabama (14-1, 7-1 SEC) is college football's national champion for the third time in five years and the fourth time in the last seven. The Crimson Tide are the unquestioned No. 1 team in the country and thus were the overwhelming choice for the top spot in the final Bleacher Report rankings.
An early home loss to Ole Miss lit a fire under Alabama, which won its next 12 games by an average of roughly 22 points. The national title game was one of only two in that span decided by one score.
Derrick Henry set the SEC single-season rushing record and became Alabama's career rushing leader en route to the Heisman Trophy. Quarterback Jake Coker, in his first season as a starter, turned into a star by the end of the season.
And the Tide's defense spent most of the year at the top of the rankings in yards allowed, finishing third overall.
The Tide have won 86 games since 2008, never fewer than 10, despite an annual exodus of talent that just keeps getting replenished with top-tier recruiting classes.
That's why the expected departure of several juniors, including Henry and explosive defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson, don't figure to harm Alabama's dynasty. Not when there are top prospects waiting in the wings, ready to get their shot.
Statistics provided by cfbstats.com.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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