Summer Goals for Every Top 25 College Football Team
College football teams enter the summer with checklists of goals to accomplish, but they can complete only a select group of major items.
Barring injuries, quarterback competitions will not be decided until fall camp. While those battles control the nation's attention during spring practice, padless workouts won't decide the winner.
Now, that doesn't eliminate the position from potential points of emphasis. Programs will continue addressing weaknesses on the roster, develop young players and hit the recruiting trail.
We used Bleacher Report's post-spring practice rankings to determine the order of this list.
25. Miami: Work Every Day
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Mark Richt and Manny Diaz have a culture to change. Diaz said there's a "virus" affecting the Miami program, according to Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post.
"We can still choose when to be our best and when not to be our best," Diaz said. "And that's not all of them, but certainly some of them have that, and that's what we're trying to eradicate as much as possible."
Talent wasn't always the primary issue during the Al Golden era, but it appears coaching took an uneven share of the blame. The Hurricanes players must be ready to work, because Richt and Diaz won't accept going through the motions.
24. Wisconsin: Rebuild the Secondary
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The Wisconsin front seven should be respectable, especially if T.J. Watt steps into Joe Schobert's role and produces. The secondary, however, is a different story.
Michael Caputo, Tanner McEvoy and Darius Hillary used up their eligibility. They combined for 151 tackles, 20 pass breakups and eight interceptions.
Though Sojourn Shelton is the only returning starter, the Badgers have some experience in the defensive backfield. Derrick Tindal and Natrell Jamerson will contribute at corner, while D'Cota Dixon and Leo Musson should start at the safety spots.
As long as the secondary gets settled, Wisconsin is headed for another highly ranked defensive finish.
23. Washington State: Stay Healthy
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Washington State has a roster capable of contending for the Pac-12 North crown. Luke Falk and Gabe Marks highlight an explosive offense, while Peyton Pelluer leads the defense.
But injuries to key players might ruin the Cougars' season, because the program is in a precarious spot.
If a couple of breaks fall Washington State's way, getting 10-plus wins is realistic. If the ball bounces badly a few times, the Cougs could safely manage bowl eligibility yet be nowhere close to the division race.
Stay healthy, and the former is a likelier outcome.
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22. Oregon: Get Recruiting
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Oregon's recruiting ranking is rarely a major topic of conversation. The school will eventually reel in a handful of 4-star prospects and finish around 20th.
The Ducks currently hold exactly two verbal commitments in the 2017 class. For reference, 15 schools have at least 10.
So, is there worry? Not even close. Concern? Sure.
It's not like the Oregon coaches are just starting the process. Some prospects are nearing a decision, while others will soon be on summer break, begin taking visits and pick schools relatively quickly.
But the Ducks missed out on the early run of commitments. They need a strong summer on the trail.
21. TCU: Assemble a Respectable Receiving Corps
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Injuries decimated the TCU defense in 2015, but Gary Patterson should have a strong unit this season. The concern instead lies on the offensive side of the ball, especially at receiver.
Kavontae Turpin is a dynamic talent, but the 5'9" wideout isn't going to dominate anyone on the outside like Josh Doctson did. Jarrison Stewart and Emanuel Porter could be the answers there, but the receiving corps as a whole needs to improve.
Following the spring game, Patterson said the receivers "dropped too many balls, from what I could see," per Carlos A. Mendez of the Star-Telegram.
The quarterback battle between Kenny Hill and Foster Sawyer is far from over, but the eventual winner needs reliable targets.
20. Iowa: Don't Rush C.J. Beathard
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In January, Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard underwent groin surgery. Then, he missed the spring game because of a shoulder bruise. Head coach Kirk Ferentz wasn't worried about the quarterback.
"[Beathard] is going to be fine. The good news is his groin is feeling much better," Ferentz said, according to Steve Elonich of the Omaha World-Herald. "When we get going June 6, he'll be going full speed."
For the Hawkeyes' sake, let's hope so. Tyler Wiegers and Drew Cook aren't at Beathard's level, so no offseason absence will create a faux quarterback controversy.
Iowa can return to the Big Ten Championship Game but only if Beathard is healthy.
19. North Carolina: Continue Learning the Defense
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The first season of Gene Chizik's tenure at North Carolina was a success. Yes, Tar Heels fans, you are allowed to conveniently forget the ACC Championship Game and Russell Athletic Bowl.
As with any defense, there was a learning curve. Per Aaron Beard of the Associated Press, starting cornerback Des Lawrence said the defense only had two calls in the 2015 spring game but had a variety of options in 2016.
"This year we were able to put in a lot of things, and I feel like everybody knows where the next man is going to be, so it allows them to play faster," Lawrence said.
After finishing 120th nationally in 2014, UNC had a top-60 defense during the regular season. Another year in Chizik's system should allow the Tar Heels to rise a little more.
18. Washington: No Setbacks for John Ross III
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Washington has a terrific quarterback-running back tandem in Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin, but the Huskies are hoping John Ross III can replace Jaydon Mickens.
Ross missed the 2015 season after aggravating a knee injury. In 2014, the speedster tallied a 21.8-yard average on 17 catches with four touchdowns. He added a pair of kick-return scores.
"I think he took a step forward (this spring) from where he's been," head coach Chris Petersen said, per Rich Myhre of the Daily Herald. "I just think John Ross has so much more to him. ... I think the sky's the limit for that guy, and so we're headed in the right direction."
So far, so good. Hopefully that continues.
17. USC: Replace Kenny Bigelow Jr.
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Max Browne didn't claim the starting quarterback role as anticipated, but the argument is Sam Darnold performed better than expected. Depending on your viewpoint, that could be a weakness.
However, there's no debating the USC defensive line is a concern that only worsened when Kenny Bigelow Jr. suffered a torn right ACL. He'll probably miss the 2016 season.
"We're going to have to play above our head" up front, head coach Clay Helton said, per Kurt Kragthorpe of the Salt Lake City Tribune.
The team will expect Rasheem Green and Noah Jefferson to rise from reserves to leaders. Malik Dorton was a top spring performer, but that's only the spring. Linebackers such as Porter Gustin will contribute in the pass rush, but the defensive line is full of inexperience.
16. Michigan State: Corley and Chambers Push for Starting Roles
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Michigan State lost Aaron Burbridge and Macgarrett Kings Jr., who together accounted for more than 50 percent of the pass-catching production last season.
R.J. Shelton is the only returning player with significant experience, so the Spartans will rely on youth—namely 4-stars Donnie Corley and Cam Chambers—to join the rotation.
Either freshman would add a much-needed vertical element to the MSU offense, since Shelton isn't much of a big-play threat.
It's foolish to expect Corley or Chambers to star in 2016, but putting them in a place to handle a few touches every game would provide some relief to a thin receiving corps.
15. Georgia: Eason and Nauta Push Ahead
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Jacob Eason and Isaac Nauta are the future of the offense. There's no question Georgia would prefer they be the present, too.
Although the Bulldogs have returning starters at both spots in Greyson Lambert and Jeb Blazevich, neither offers the upside of the 5-stars.
Eason completed 19 of 29 passes for 244 yards and one touchdown during the spring game, where Nauta had six receptions for 58 yards and a score. It's hard not to get excited about the duo.
Wouldn't it be better if their future started now?
14. Stanford: Find Other Playmakers
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Christian McCaffrey can do it all. But on game day, the 2015 Heisman Trophy runner-up can't be the only option.
Now, Stanford isn't scrambling for possibilities.
Michael Rector led the team with seven receiving scores last year. Bryce Love was promising in limited action. Francis Owusu made an incredible catch against UCLA, though he only had 15 receptions.
Which of Dalton Schultz, Trenton Irwin, Cameron Scarlett, Greg Taboada, JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Jay Tyler will join the mix? Spring hype doesn't always translate to the fall, so the Cardinal will wait for a couple of guys to emerge from the group.
13. Louisville: Take Advantage of the Attention
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Louisville probably won't complete the shocker of the year by upending both Florida State and Clemson.
But man, the Lamar Jackson-led Cardinals are going to be fun. Well, that's the current mood, and they must attempt to take advantage of that in recruiting.
Only four prospects have verbally pledged to Louisville, which should have three more years of Jackson behind center. He threw for 519 yards and eight touchdowns during the spring game.
If the Cardinals should get a streak of commitments this summer, that will only increase the excitement surrounding the program heading into the regular season.
12. Houston: Ed Oliver Backs Up His Billing
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Before Ed Oliver and Houston, 2008 was the last time a 247Sports composite rankings 5-star signed with a non-power conference program (DeAndre Brown and Southern Miss)—depending on your interpretation of the Big East.
Not only is the D-tackle an enormous pull for Tom Herman, but the second-year coach needs to replenish the defense. But winning the trenches can atone for losses at linebacker and in the secondary.
Last season, the Cougars finished No. 8 nationally against the run. Considering the returning pieces—Cameron Malveaux, Nick Thurman and B.J. Singleton—they should rank high again. Theoretically, Oliver completes a dangerous defensive line.
And if Houston is again respectable on that side of the ball, Herman and quarterback Greg Ward Jr. can handle the rest.
11. Notre Dame: Get a Decision from Corey Robinson
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Corey Robinson will either be running away from defenders or walking away from the game to pursue other opportunities.
Highlighted by first-round pick Will Fuller, the Irish lost four of their top five pass-catchers. Robinson and Torii Hunter Jr. are Notre Dame's only returning wideouts with more than one career reception.
However, Robinson missed the majority of spring practice because of a concussion. Head coach Brian Kelly said the senior will soon make a decision about his football future, per Nick Ironside of 247Sports.
Robinson will either be a starting receiver or focus his efforts elsewhere. No one is saying either is a bad choice. We simply want to know the answer.
10. Ohio State: Keep Developing Receivers
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Michael Thomas, Braxton Miller and Jalin Marshall departed for the NFL. Noah Brown, Curtis Samuel, Corey Smith and Dontre Wilson each missed all or portions of the spring.
Those voids opened the door for a slew of young receivers such as Torrance Gibson, K.J. Hill, Parris Campbell, Johnnie Dixon and Austin Mack.
Ohio State has some talent, huh?
Not every receiver will break into the rotation. There's simply too many for that to happen. But if one or two—such as Gibson and Hill, for example—join the other four, the Buckeyes have few concerns about the unit catching passes from J.T. Barrett.
9. Ole Miss: Solidify the Offensive Line
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Ole Miss has a unique outlook on the offensive line. The Rebels lost all five starters, but they're actually not in a terrible spot.
Because of previous injuries or suspensions, there's a fair bit of experience up front.
Sean Rawlings started seven games at right tackle in 2015. Robert Conyers was a top backup for two seasons when healthy. Rod Taylor—pending possible discipline—is back. Jordan Sims and Javon Patterson contributed as freshmen.
Where will each play? Is Conyers a tackle or center? Will Taylor be suspended? Does that mean Greg Little or Alex Givens will start? Where does Daronte Bouldin factor in?
The pieces are laid out, but Ole Miss needs to build the puzzle.
8. Baylor: Major O-Line Progression
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The Baylor offense is meant to distribute the ball quickly and efficiently. Last season, the offensive line—arguably the best in program history—allowed just 15 sacks.
However, eligibility expired for each of Spencer Drango, Blake Muir, Jarell Broxton, Pat Colbert and Desmine Hilliard. The only returner is center Kyle Fuller.
And in the spring game, it showed. The new linemen surrendered 12 sacks, according to the school.
Brandon Autry, Blake Blackmar, Dom Desouza, Rami Hammad, Mo Porter, Patrick Lawrence and Tanner Thrift are among the names battling to complement Fuller.
7. Tennessee: Acclimate to Bob Shoop's System
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Tennessee is still in the learning phase under defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, who started to implement his system this spring.
"Conceptually, I'd say we got 100 percent," Shoop said, per Dustin Dopirak of the Knoxville News Sentinel. "The entire package itself isn't in, but I'd say a concept from each segment of the package is in that we can build on as we move forward."
Shoop's philosophy is more aggressive than John Jancek's, so the Vols should spend more time in opposing backfields.
But that's contingent on Shoop trusting the defense to execute the basics first. If he's comfortable, Shoop will unleash Derek Barnett, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and the rest of the Tennessee front seven.
6. Oklahoma: Develop Depth at Receiver
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Replacing Sterling Shepard will be a team effort. Dede Westbrook and Geno Lewis figure to shoulder that responsibility.
However, the subsequent result is Oklahoma must develop a deeper pass-catching group behind running back Joe Mixon and tight end Mark Andrews.
"We've got a lot of capable guys, and we have a lot of guys that are really improving quickly out there," offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley said, per Dillon Hollingsworth of the Tulsa World. "(We have) a lot of guys that are, I think, quite a bit better than maybe what people saw last fall already."
Jarvis Baxter managed 20 receptions last season. Michiah Quick and Jeffery Mead grabbed nine and six passes, respectively. A pair of 2015 signees, Dahu Green and A.D. Miller, have entered the picture.
The Sooners need at least two of those five options to become regular contributors.
5. LSU: Focus on Brandon Harris
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The topic is probably going to get annoying. For Tigers fans, it might already be. But the success of LSU's season is completely dependent on Brandon Harris.
Dave Aranda's defense will be stingy throughout the year, and Leonard Fournette will likely shred 11 defenses. Still, the Tigers must be balanced enough offensively to defeat Alabama.
Harris trudged to a 6-of-19 mark last season. His interception on the opening drive of the second half led to a pivotal score. LSU punted on its next four possessions while the Tide built a 30-10 edge, holding Fournette to 31 rushing yards.
The Tigers don't need Harris to be Deshaun Watson, but they can't expect to contend for the national title without improvement under center.
4. Michigan: Put Mike McCray in Bubble Wrap
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The Michigan defense is loaded in both the trenches and the secondary. Other than Jabrill Peppers and Ben Gedeon, though, the linebackers present a bit of a question.
Should Mike McCray stay healthy, he could be an answer. The now-junior redshirted in 2013, had just two tackles in 2014 and missed all of 2015 with an injury.
Position coach Chris Partridge called McCray a "pleasant surprise" early in spring practice, per Nick Baumgardner of MLive. Then in the spring game, McCray notched a team-best seven tackles, including two for loss and one sack.
Is McCray an every-down-caliber linebacker this season? Maybe, maybe not. But we won't know either way if another injury delays McCray.
3. Florida State: Work in Sean Maguire
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Head coach Jimbo Fisher called Sean Maguire the No. 1 quarterback entering fall camp, per Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel.
Fisher added Maguire, who didn't take a snap during the workouts because of recovery from ankle surgery, is expected to be ready in June, according to Sonnone.
The general reaction from Seminoles fans is that "SMAG" shouldn't be the starter. Perhaps they'll get their wish, and redshirt freshman Deondre Francois will dethrone the senior.
But that's not going to happen this summer. Once healthy, Maguire will attempt to get comfortable on his ankle. Then in the fall, FSU's real quarterback competition begins.
2. Clemson: Strengthen the D-Line
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Clemson must reload its defense. But again, building a strong unit starts with winning the line of scrimmage.
The group certainly doesn't lack talent—just experience.
Carlos Watkins is the veteran of a youth-filled depth chart, including Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Albert Huggins and summer arrival Xavier Kelly—all 4- or 5-star recruits in their respective class.
Like at Houston, if the Tigers have a competent defense, the offense will take care of the scoreboard.
1. Alabama: Settle the Offensive Line
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After reaching consecutive national championships with Blake Sims and Jake Coker under center, does it matter who plays quarterback for Alabama? If the offensive line—and defense, of course—is dominant again, probably not.
Cam Robinson, Ross Pierschbacher and Alphonse Taylor each return. Korren Kirven, Jonah Williams, Lester Cotton and Brandon Kennedy are competing for the final spots up front.
Since a few of them grabbed first-string roles during the spring game, are there favorites for the spots?
"Don't draw conclusions, because if you do, you're going to be wrong. You can draw them if you want, but you'll be wrong," head coach Nick Saban said, per John Talty of AL.com.
We'll leave that to Saban this summer.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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