10 College Football Teams with Most Upside on Their Rosters
The offseason is all about potential. After the dust from national signing day clears and teams start to show off what kind of new-look talent they'll use during spring practices, it's time for fans to get excited about their respective programs for the upcoming season and beyond.
Fans want to see "upside," or potential for the future, on their rosters. Even in the years in which a team is loaded with returning talent, there's a desire to get the younger classes of playmakers into the fold so that they'll be fully ready when it's time to lead the way.
Let's take a look at 10 teams that have the most upside on their rosters for the 2016 college football season. In order to determine upside, I picked out programs that are doing the best on the recruiting trail—the best indicator of future championship contention, as Bud Elliott of SB Nation explains—and getting the best early returns out of their young talent. The three main factors are:
- Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: Based on the offensive and defensive depth charts from Our Lads, this is the number of freshmen and sophomores expected to either start or back up in 2016. While the depth charts aren't official or perfect, they're good guidelines for how much teams will be relying on young talent this fall.
- 247Sports composite three-year average: This is an average of a team's 2014, 2015 and 2016 composite team rankings from 247Sports. The lower the number, the better the young talent on the roster right now.
- Contributing freshmen in 2015: This is a count of how many freshmen, either true or redshirt, contributed to a team last season, according to info from CFBStats and Our Lads.
This process produced quite a few blue bloods in the final rankings, but not every team expected to compete for a championship made the cut. Remember, this is a countdown of the teams that are doing the best at bringing in talented players and getting them established early in their careers.
Honorable Mentions
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The following teams just missed the cut for the top 10, but their work on the recruiting trail and reliance on playing young players early deserve honorable mention.
Michigan State: As a freshman, running back LJ Scott proved to be an instant-impact player out of Michigan State's improving recruiting over the last few seasons. The wide receiver tandem of Donnie Corley and Cam Chambers could be next for Michigan State on what should be a younger 2016 team, along with defensive end Josh King.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish were forced to play several underclassmen early last season because of a rash of injuries, and they'll be better for it in the future. The next wave of defensive talent in South Bend will take on key spots on the depth chart for 2016, including the linebacker duo of Daelin Hayes and Tevon Coney.
Ole Miss: While the Rebels didn't rely on many freshmen to contribute last season, they will have plenty of underclassmen contributing in 2016 on both sides of the trenches. Ole Miss' No. 6 recruiting class in 2016 is headlined by quarterback Shea Patterson and offensive tackle Greg Little, meaning the Rebels should keep firing on all cylinders offensively for years to come.
Oregon: Oregon doesn't recruit at as high a level as the blue bloods on here, but young talent abounds in Eugene, especially on a defense in need of an overhaul. Canton Kaumatule and Malik Lovette will hope to usher in a new era of defense in Oregon this fall as Taj Griffin, Tony Brooks-James and Kirk Merritt fight for more playing time on offense.
Texas A&M: The Aggies have done an exceptional job recruiting in the last few seasons under Kevin Sumlin, and although their best hauls in that time are getting older, they still have plenty of exciting young stars. Sophomore wide receiver Christian Kirk and sophomore defensive tackle Daylon Mack will be ones to watch.
10. Tennessee
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 15
247Sports composite three-year average: 9.33
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 14
Tennessee's hype train for 2016 is built on loads of returning starters, with a good portion of them now upperclassmen. But some of the latest stars of Butch Jones' recruiting revival in Knoxville will play a part in what the Volunteers hope will be a return to title contention.
Offensively, sophomore wide receiver Preston Williams was a breakout star this spring, and he has all the tools to be one of the SEC's best targets later this fall. Star quarterback Josh Dobbs' blind spot will most likely be protected this season by freshman Drew Richmond, a former 4-star recruit who is coming off an important redshirt season with the program. Both Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano are exciting quarterbacks for the future.
Last fall, Tennessee got a lot out of then-freshman linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr., who new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop called "the undisputed leader of the defense" during the spring, per WVLT-TV. Massive defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie (6'3", 344 lbs) should play a huge role in the trenches this fall, and Tennessee's defensive two-deep is littered with key reserves from the sophomore class.
While the Volunteers will rely heavily on the experience of their juniors and seniors this fall, the next wave of growing talent will play right now. Tennessee keeps moving forward as a program, and it will continue to have impressive potential for the future.
9. Auburn
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 17
247Sports composite three-year average: 7.67
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 15
Recruiting hasn't been a problem for Auburn in recent seasons, as the Tigers have gone toe-to-toe with their SEC rivals for plenty of blue-chip stars. With consistent finishes in the top 10 of recruiting and some key holes to fill in the depth chart, it's easy to see why Auburn has plenty of upside right now.
Auburn's wide receiver stock got replenished in a huge way this offseason with the signing of three 4-star wide receivers—Nate Craig-Myers, Kyle Davis and Eli Stove. It wouldn't be surprising at all to see that trio of wideouts be among the best playmakers on the team in 2016, as Auburn needed a new jolt of energy on offense after a lackluster 2015. The loaded receiver class will join an offense that already has exciting young talent in backs Kerryon Johnson, Kamryn Pettway and Chandler Cox.
On defense, Auburn found a breakout star last season in cornerback Carlton Davis, a freshman who turned out to be the best defensive back on the roster. He'll pair outside with redshirt freshman Jamel Dean, a former Ohio State signee who was never cleared to play for the Buckeyes. The Auburn defensive line has a great mix of old and new talent, including true freshman Marlon Davidson—a projected starter—and incoming top-10 overall recruit Derrick Brown.
Auburn hasn't been able to maintain the momentum gained from a surprise run to the national championship game in 2013, but the Tigers have continued to recruit at high levels under Gus Malzahn. That young talent could be the key to getting back to championship contention on the Plains.
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8. Florida
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 22
247Sports composite three-year average: 14.33
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 15
Florida's three-year recruiting average is skewed by a 21st-ranked 2015 class that had to be pieced together after the firing of Will Muschamp and the hiring of current head coach Jim McElwain. But make no mistake—the Gators have plenty of young talent on their roster thanks to their location in one of the best football states in the country.
Leading receiver Antonio Callaway was an instant hit in his freshman season last year, and his clutch touchdown against Tennessee went a long way in getting the Gators to the SEC Championship Game. As Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee noted, an impressive recruiting class will bolster the depth behind Callaway in 2016. Florida's young offensive line will continue to strengthen with the likes of former No. 2 overall recruit Martez Ivey leading the way. Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite will be key to UF's ground game this fall.
The projected starters on the Florida defense are mostly made up of upperclassmen, but there is room for some young stars to break through in a big way. Former top-10 recruit CeCe Jefferson should be a dominant force at defensive end, and defensive back Chauncey Gardner received rave reviews this spring after enrolling early. And Florida's most exciting young star might be on special teams, as sophomore Eddy Pineiro stole the show in the spring game with several long-range field goals—a sight for sore eyes in the Swamp.
Florida will always have waves of young talent coming into Gainesville, and McElwain's coaching staff has already proved it's not afraid to throw freshmen in the fire early. Even after a surprising run to the SEC East title last season, the Gators have plenty of room to grow into the powerhouse force they were a decade ago.
7. Texas
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 24
247Sports composite three-year average: 12.33
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 23
Charlie Strong's rebuilding process is taking some time at Texas, but a roster he has completely overhauled during his time in Austin has plenty of upside for 2016 and beyond. With his recruiting chops and willingness to play young stars, the Longhorns should be in great shape for the future if they can take a step forward this fall.
The leader of Texas' 2016 campaign might be a true freshman quarterback. Shane Buechele had a sensational spring game for the Longhorns, and the program might be best served by letting him take the reins of a new run-/pass-option offense. If he wins the starting job, he'll share a backfield with Chris Warren III, who rushed for 382 yards and four touchdowns in the final two games of his freshman season last year. John Burt, another freshman in 2015, led the team in receiving yards.
Strong's trademark tough defense was filled with freshman starters and contributors in 2015. Heavily hyped linebacker Malik Jefferson was second on the team in tackles. Cornerbacks Davante Davis and Holton Hill were the team's best in pass breakups. The defense will continue to grow in young talent with the arrival of the rest of a true freshman class that had eight consensus 4-stars on that side of the ball, including top-ranked safety Brandon Jones.
Rebuilding a program is tough, even at a blue blood such as Texas, and Strong has taken his lumps along the way. But if and when the breakthrough comes, Texas should be set with the ace recruits the staff has stockpiled over the last several seasons.
6. Clemson
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 24
247Sports composite three-year average: 12
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 21
Clemson has steadily progressed into a legitimate powerhouse both on the field and on the recruiting trail under Dabo Swinney, and the number of young stars who contributed in last year's run toward the national championship game signaled to the rest of the college football world that the Tigers are here to stay.
Freshman wideout Deon Cain was third on the team in receiving yards and first in yards per catch last season. Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud and Trevion Thompson all contributed in what will be a loaded wide receiving group again in 2016. Mitch Hyatt locked down the all-important left tackle position as a player fresh out of high school, protecting Deshaun Watson's blind side in what was a Heisman-contending campaign. Clemson's list of offensive backups is loaded with former blue-chippers.
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables' second straight rebuilding project following a top 10-unit will rely heavily on some stellar underclassmen. In the trenches, sophomores Austin Bryant, Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell are all in line to start, and 5-star tackle Dexter Lawrence should play immediately. Sophomore Kendall Joseph and early enrollee Tre Lamar will be the ones to watch at middle linebacker. Van Smith is projected to start at safety after a solid freshman campaign in what was a stingy secondary.
A large part of Clemson's two-deep depth chart this season is stacked with talented underclassmen. So whenever the likes of Watson, Wayne Gallman, Mike Williams and Ben Boulware head to the next level, Clemson will still be able to rely on established talent.
5. USC
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 19
247Sports composite three-year average: 6.67
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 20
With 15 returning starters for 2016, USC will have one of the most experienced starting lineups on this countdown. But there's still a lot of room to grow for these units, as the Trojans got a lot out of their freshmen last season, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
According to Our Lads, seven of USC's 11 projected defensive starters for 2016 are sophomores. Linebacker Cameron Smith was second on the team in tackles last season as a freshman, and he missed the final four games of the year. Porter Gustin tied for the team lead in sacks with NFL second-round pick Su'a Cravens. Smith and cornerback Iman Marshall, both freshmen in 2015, led USC in interceptions. A rebuilt defensive front will rely heavily on underclassmen in 2016, including 5-star Oluwole Betiku.
Betiku won't be the only true freshman with eyes on a role in 2016 for USC. Five-star cornerback Jack Jones has college-ready talent. The Trojans also signed four 4-star wide receivers in this last class in an effort to find more firepower to surround superstar target JuJu Smith-Schuster. They'll hope the signings can break out like running back Ronald Jones II, who led the team in rushing yards last season as a freshman.
With a veteran-laden first-team offense and an exciting defense under the returning Clancy Pendergast that leans on the younger side, USC has the ideal mix of experience and promise for 2016 and the years to come. Maybe Clay Helton will be the head coach who can make it all come together in Los Angeles.
4. Georgia
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 20
247Sports composite three-year average: 6.67
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 20
Recruiting was never a problem for Georgia under head coach Mark Richt. However, the Bulldogs couldn't get over the hump and back into title contention, so they decided to make a move and hire former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. The Georgia alum knows a thing or two about turning young talent into championship quality, and he has a roster loaded with potential in his first season.
Georgia's top returning receiver for 2016, Terry Godwin, is coming off an impressive freshman campaign. He could be catching a lot of balls this season from true freshman quarterback Jacob Eason, a 5-star signee who looked like the real deal in Georgia's massive spring game. If the Bulldogs go with Eason over former starter Greyson Lambert, their new attack will have tremendous upside as more playmakers such as Isaac Nauta come into the fold.
Georgia's defensive front is crawling with talented underclassmen. Defensive tackle Trent Thompson—a former No. 1 overall recruit—and linebackers Natrez Patrick and Roquan Smith each recorded at least 20 tackles as freshmen in 2015. Five-star athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. will start his Georgia career on defense, but he has the skill set to be a three-way superstar in Athens.
Smart's arrival has brought a lot of excitement back to Georgia, and he has the talent in place to compete for the future titles that eluded Richt. The future is quite bright in Athens.
3. Ohio State
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 19
247Sports composite three-year average: 5
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 8
After losing a gigantic chunk of its talent to the NFL draft this past offseason, there seems to be nothing but upside in Ohio State. The Buckeyes return a national-low six starters, meaning 2016's depth chart will be filled with a lot of young and inexperienced stars from Urban Meyer's outstanding recruiting.
"I call it the year of development here," Meyer said earlier this year, per Patrick Murphy of the The O-Zone."I wish more of the kids would have played this year, hindsight. But we were a pretty good team."
Redshirt freshman Mike Weber has the look of the next great Ohio State running back, and sophomore Noah Brown is in line to be the Buckeyes' No. 1 receiver after missing the entire 2015 season. Austin Mack, Torrance Gibson and backup quarterback Joe Burrow each had their high moments in spring practices and scrimmages. While there are some older players expected to step into starting jobs this fall, these underclassmen could snag major playing time.
The defense will be rebuilt on the backs of star underclassmen as well. Defensive end Sam Hubbard has the tools to be the next pass-rushing star in Columbus, and another star recruit with the last name of Bosa is set to join him soon. Redshirt freshman Malik Hooker seemed to have nailed down a starting job at safety after wowing the sellout crowd in the annual spring game with his playmaking ability.
2. Alabama
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 20
247Sports composite three-year average: 1
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 14
The thought of the defending national champion—and one that has taken home three titles in the last five seasons—being one of the best in terms of upside may be laughable for some. But Alabama recruits at the highest level of anyone in the country, and it continuously relies on underclassmen to take on key roles on the team. There's always a massive amount of potential in Tuscaloosa.
"When Alabama won the national title last season, the leading receiver was a true freshman, as were the two players inserted as extra defensive backs in the nickel and dime packages, which as far as the Crimson Tide are concerned, essentially made them starters," Bleacher Report's Christopher Walsh wrote earlier this month.
In addition to instant star receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison—all of whom will have bigger roles in 2016—the Crimson Tide also have the sophomore one-two punch of former 5-stars Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris in the backfield. Several projected starters on the Alabama offensive line are underclassmen, including returning starter Ross Pierschbacher.
Alabama's elite defense has even more young stars in the pipeline with the likes of former 5-stars defensive tackle Daron Payne and cornerback Kendall Sheffield. True freshmen Ben Davis and Mack Wilson could be the next great linebacker pairing in the Crimson Tide's long history at the position. Alabama's recruiting dominance cannot be overstated, as upside is all over its projected 2016 depth chart.
1. Florida State
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Underclassmen in projected 2016 two-deep: 23
247Sports composite three-year average: 3
Contributing freshmen in 2015: 17
Last season, Florida State was expected to have a down year by its lofty standards. The Seminoles lost so much talent from their 2013 national championship team and their 2014 College Football Playoff semifinalist that the drop-off was expected. So FSU went young, took its licks and still finished the season with 10 wins.
Think about that. A "rebuilding" season in Tallahassee still featured a trip to a "New Year's Six" bowl. Now Florida State is a preseason national title contender with plenty of underclassmen set to play key roles in its quest to return to the final four. Three of its returning starters on the offensive line are sophomores. The Seminoles could start a talented underclassman at quarterback in either Deondre Francois or Malik Henry.
Florida State's best defensive player, safety Derwin James, was a true freshman last season who didn't even have a regular starting job until a few games into the campaign. Josh Sweat has the physical gifts to become an unstoppable pass-rushing menace, and the secondary surrounding James will also contain former top-15 recruits Tarvarus McFadden and Levonta Taylor.
Only Alabama has recruited better over the last several seasons than Florida State, and the Seminoles have relied more on talented underclassmen recently. FSU returns a lot of starters, but a good chunk of them are young. If these new stars live up to their potential, the Seminoles could find themselves back on the game's biggest stage this winter.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports. All stats courtesy of CFBStats. Depth charts taken from Our Lads.
Justin Ferguson is a National College Football Analyst at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
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