Amway Top 25 College Football Poll 2016: Season Predictions, Championship Odds
The first major preseason college football poll—the Amway Coaches Poll—dropped Thursday, giving fans everywhere a peek at how the top teams will be sorted out heading into the 2016 campaign.
The USA Today-conducted poll doesn't factor into the national championship race, but it does show where the experts are leaning as the offseason hits the final stretch.
Also, keep in mind that the top team in the coaches poll at the end of the season still gets the famous crystal football that Alabama head coach Nick Saban is holding in the above photo.
Sixty-four head coaches representing conferences both big and small vote in the annual poll, and the vast majority of them picked Saban's Alabama to start 2016 as the top team yet again. (Clemson picked up seven first-place votes, while Florida State and Tennessee each had one.)
Here's a look at all 25 teams in this year's preseason Amway Coaches Poll, from No. 25 to No. 1, along with regular-season record predictions from yours truly and their current national championship odds, via Odds Shark.
25. Florida
1 of 25
Predicted record: 8-4
Championship odds: 50-1
Florida won the SEC East last season on the back of a red-hot start that eventually fizzled after starting quarterback Will Grier's suspension. If the Gators can find the right quarterback to lead their offensive turnaround in 2016, they could be playing for the conference championship yet again.
Quarterback duties will most likely fall on Luke Del Rio, the well-traveled passer who has spent a year in head coach Jim McElwain's system after transferring from Alabama and Oregon State. The running game will need to replace 1,100-yard rusher Kelvin Taylor, and the status of star wide receiver Antonio Callaway is unclear. Offensive line play should be stronger, though, and the defense has elite talent all across the board with tackle Caleb Brantley, linebacker Jarrad Davis and cornerback Jalen Tabor.
Florida could easily be 3-0 when it heads to SEC East favorite Tennessee, which it has beaten 11 straight years. It will host national title contender LSU but has to visit rival Florida State to end the regular season. A more consistent offense in the second year under McElwain makes Florida an SEC contender again. Only time will tell if that will happen in the Swamp.
24. UCLA
2 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 50-1
UCLA dipped below expectations in 2015 with an 8-5 record that featured several multiscore losses in Pac-12 play. However, the Bruins are strong contenders to win the Pac-12 South thanks to the experienced talent they have at quarterback and the defensive front. More often than not, those two areas win teams plenty of ball games.
Sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen is one of the most talented in the country, and he's fully adjusted to the college game after a strong freshman campaign. He'll be surrounded by talented but young playmakers such as Soso Jamabo, and athletic defensive back Ishmael Adams has made the move to wide receiver. On defense, Tom Bradley will command a unit that gets back Eddie Vanderdoes, Jayon Brown, Takkarist McKinley and a secondary loaded with experience.
UCLA opens with a road game against Texas A&M and will also visit BYU in nonconference play. But in the Pac-12, the Bruins get the favorable draw of playing Stanford, Utah and USC all at home. The road tests are more than manageable. If Rosen can get his new-look offense clicking early, Jim Mora's team has what it takes to get its hands on a Pac-12 championship.
23. Louisville
3 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 66-1
If Louisville weren't in the same division as Clemson and Florida State, many would be talking about this team as a potential playoff contender. The Cardinals are tied with Kent State, LSU and Wyoming for the most returning starters in the FBS, according to Phil Steel, and they have one of the most exciting players in the country in sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson is widely expected to make a huge leap forward after being thrown into the fire early as a true freshman. He finished the season well for the Cardinals, and he's the unquestioned leader of an offense that returns its top three running backs, all of its receivers and most of its starting offensive line. The defense will be led by pass-rushing specialist Devonte Fields and one of the strongest linebacker units in the entire country. The talent and the experience are immense in Louisville this fall.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals have to play both Florida State and Clemson this season in the span of three weeks. If they can knock off one of those, they could push for the ACC title. A late-season road trip to Houston, which beat Louisville last year, will also be difficult. The Cards might only improve their win total by one or two this season, but they'll be a much better team.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
22. Oregon
4 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 40-1
After flying high with several consecutive years of 10 or more wins, the Oregon Ducks dove closer to the ground last season. Vernon Adams' injury woes limited an elite offense in certain games, and the defense was repeatedly torched down the stretch. Changes have been made in Eugene, but will they be enough to get the Ducks back into the title hunt?
Handing the ball to star running back Royce Freeman plenty of times is a great way to start, and Oregon will surround him with the usual number of lightning-fast skill players. FCS transfer quarterback Dakota Prukop will look to tap into what made Adams so deadly in this offense when healthy. Former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke takes over as the defensive coordinator, and he'll have quite a rebuilding job ahead of him on the front seven.
Oregon gets both Washington and Stanford at home this season but will have to travel to USC and an always-dangerous Utah out of the South. If the Ducks take care of business at Autzen Stadium—something they didn't do in the first half of 2015—they'll be a tough out for anyone on the West Coast.
21. Baylor
5 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 33-1
Following a massive sexual assault scandal that led to the dismissal of head coach Art Briles and the departure of plenty of recent signees and commitments, Baylor is going to field a football team this year—and it still should be a good one. Jim Grobe inherits a talented roster that has the pieces to once again contend for a Big 12 title.
Ultra-efficient quarterback Seth Russell is back from a midseason neck injury, and three of his top four running backs from last season will be with him again in the backfield. KD Cannon and other receivers will look to replace Corey Coleman as the Bears strive to rebuild both their offensive and defensive fronts. The linebacking corps and secondary return a solid amount of experience, which will be beneficial against the pass-heavier Big 12.
The front half of Baylor's schedule shouldn't give the Bears much of a problem, outside of a home game against Oklahoma State. They'll face Texas, TCU and Oklahoma in three straight weeks, and that stretch will determine how far they'll climb this season. There's a lot of expected uncertainty surrounding what Baylor will look like on the field in 2016. This season could go in several directions for the Bears.
20. North Carolina
6 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 75-1
North Carolina almost crashed the College Football Playoff last season by taking Clemson down to the wire in the ACC Championship Game. This season, many will pick it to get back to Charlotte with the firepower coming back on offense and the continued development of the defense.
Mitch Trubisky steps into one of the best possible situations for a new starting quarterback with star running back Elijah Hood, five of UNC's top six receivers and four starters from an elite line all coming back. The defensive line and secondary should be improved with their returning talent, including cornerbacks MJ Stewart and Des Lawrence. There are holes at linebacker, which is mighty troublesome for a defense that surrendered 645 rushing yards to Baylor in last year's Russell Athletic Bowl.
The schedule opens with Georgia and features trips to Florida State and Miami, but North Carolina has a solid path to another double-digit-win season ahead of it. The Heels play two FCS teams and get most of their top competition in the Coastal Division at home. With all that offensive talent coming back and projected improvement on defense, don't be surprised to see UNC threaten to disrupt the title picture again in 2016.
19. Oklahoma State
7 of 25
Predicted record: 8-4
Championship odds: 50-1
Oklahoma State raced out to a 10-0 start last season before falling to Baylor, Oklahoma and Ole Miss to end the campaign. The Cowboys' fast start was a product of excellent play in close games and a favorable schedule. This year, the latter will turn on them.
Mason Rudolph and his efficient arm is back to lead an offense that could return as many as 10 starters, including big-play wide receiver James Washington. Barry Sanders Jr. transferred to his famous father's alma mater to help resurrect a lackluster running game. Defensively, losing Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean will be tough on their pass rush, but the Cowboys return several starters at linebacker and in the secondary.
Last year, Oklahoma State got to host Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma but only managed to go 1-2 against them. This year, every one of those games is on the road, as well as a trip to a Kansas State team that only lost by two to the Cowboys in 2015. If the running game and pass rush improve, Oklahoma State should compete for a Big 12 title. The road schedule makes it tough to expect that.
18. Washington
8 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 50-1
The college football team receiving the most hype compared to its final record last season is none other than Washington, which went 7-6 with a young squad in 2015. The Huskies, though, are being talked about as serious Pac-12 contenders heading into their third season under former Boise State head coach Chris Petersen.
Washington returns the majority of its starters on both sides of the ball, including the sophomore tandem of quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin. Both young stars played well down the stretch last season, when Washington scored more than 40 points in three straight routs to end the season. The speedy John Ross III is back at receiver after missing 2015 with an injury, and most of the Pac-12's top defense from last season has returned—including All-American candidates Sidney Jones and Budda Baker in the secondary.
Washington's schedule is also as favorable as it can get in the Pac-12. The nonconference slate should be a breeze, and it gets to host both Stanford and USC while traveling to rival Oregon on October 8. The tests are spaced out, and there's a lot of momentum behind the Huskies. They could snatch the North from the Cardinal and the Ducks this fall.
17. USC
9 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 33-1
USC is in an interesting spot heading into the 2016 season. The Trojans are coming off back-to-back seasons below 10 wins amid some coaching turmoil. Former interim Clay Helton is locked in as the head coach, and USC is eyeing a return to the Pac-12 Championship Game. But the toughest schedule in college football may keep the Trojans from a big breakthrough.
There's no denying the talent in Los Angeles. USC always recruits at an elite level, and it could return every starter on offense this season except for quarterback. Ronald Jones II was a breakout star last season, JuJu Smith-Schuster is the best wide receiver in the country, and the offensive line is stacked. The defense returns the likes of Cameron Smith, Iman Marshall and Adoree' Jackson in the back eight. Returning coordinator Clancy Pendergast has a rebuilding job to do on the line.
The Trojans open and close the regular season with Alabama and Notre Dame, and they also draw Stanford, UCLA and Oregon out of the Pac-12 North. USC also visits rival UCLA late in the season, making an always-difficult South slate even tougher. Helton should have the talent to compete with all of these tough opponents, but it's going to take a mammoth effort to compete for a national title.
16. Georgia
10 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 28-1
It's a new era in Georgia after the firing of longtime head coach Mark Richt and the hiring of former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who played his college ball for the Bulldogs. Georgia has its fair share of strengths and question marks heading into 2016, which could be a big one for the first-year head man.
When healthy, running back Nick Chubb is one of the most productive players in college football. His status for the start of UGA's season is up in the air, along with his efficient backup, Sony Michel. They'll be paired with the winner of a high-profile starting quarterback battle—possibly true freshman Jacob Eason. On defense, Georgia has to reload up front but returns every starter from a secondary that ranked No. 10 nationally in passing yards allowed per attempt.
UGA opens with a high-profile clash with North Carolina and its big-play offense. It then faces higher-ranked Ole Miss and Tennessee in back-to-back weeks after an FCS foe comes to Athens. Getting the Volunteers at home will be huge for their chances at winning the SEC East, and they get their final three matchups in Athens. If they can push through a tough September, Smart might get the Bulldogs ahead of schedule.
15. Iowa
11 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 66-1
Iowa hit a perfect stride of better play and good fortune last season, and the Hawkeyes rode it all the way to the Big Ten title game. After a close loss to Michigan State, they were routed by Stanford in the Rose Bowl. But don't expect an automatic regression to the .500 neighborhood that Iowa was in the several years before last season's breakout campaign.
The Hawkeyes have the tools to make a similar run in 2016. C.J. Beathard is one of the Big Ten's best quarterbacks, and there are plenty of options with experience at running back and receiver. Defensively, Iowa returns eight starters, including tackle machine Josey Jewell and defending Thorpe Award winner Desmond King.
The schedule sets up well for another solid run, too. Iowa's toughest road game will come against Penn State, which is right before a home matchup with Michigan. Their best opponents will all come to Iowa City this season. While it's hard to expect another 12-0 regular season, a healthy Iowa team should be a contender in the Big Ten once again.
14. TCU
12 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 33-1
TCU is one of the great preseason mysteries in college football this season. The Horned Frogs have been excellent since Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meacham took over as co-offensive coordinators, but they'll only return three starters from that attack this season. Defense, which is head coach Gary Patterson's speciality, should lead the way.
Kenny Hill of brief Texas A&M fame is in a battle with Foster Sawyer to replace the electrifying Trevone Boykin. The winner will want to get the ball to KaVontae Turpin and Deante' Gray as much as possible as the offensive line shuffles around with just one returning starter. On defense, TCU has plenty of weapons, especially across the front. If they can stay healthy, the Frogs should be fierce on that side of the ball all year long.
TCU has to visit Baylor this season, but the rest of its major opponents—Arkansas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State—will go to Fort Worth. A late-season trip to Texas could be tricky. It's hard to say with much certainty what the Horned Frogs offense will look like this season, but don't be surprised if the team competes for the conference crown again after an injury-filled 2015.
13. Houston
13 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 66-1
Houston grabbed the nation's attention last season with first-year head coach Tom Herman, who led the Cougars to a surprise 13-1 campaign complete with a Peach Bowl victory over Florida State. The Cougars won't sneak up on anyone this season, and they have a tougher schedule between them and another run at the "New Year's Six"—or even the College Football Playoff.
Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. and his many dual-threat touchdowns are back to lead Herman's fast-paced offense, but several of the key skill players around him will be newer faces. The defense has to replace star players Elandon Roberts and William Jackson but returns a do-it-all leader at linebacker in Steven Taylor. Top-10 recruit Ed Oliver is a potentially program-changing force at defensive tackle.
The Cougars open the season in Houston's NRG Stadium against defending Big 12 champion Oklahoma, and they also have to host rising Louisville in nonconference play. They'll have a huge target on their backs in the AAC against the likes of Cincinnati, Navy and Memphis. Can they prove last year wasn't a fluke?
12. Ole Miss
14 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 25-1
With back-to-back seasons that included wins over Alabama and New Year's Six bowl berths, Ole Miss is becoming an ever-present danger in the SEC West. The Rebels have to rebuild on both sides of the ball for 2016, but they return the SEC's best quarterback in Chad Kelly and several playmakers on defense.
Kelly will lead an offense that must replace its top two receivers—including the automatic Laquon Treadwell—as well as most of its offensive line. The Rebels waved goodbye to several stars from their loaded 2013 recruiting class this offseason, but they have recruited well enough to keep competing for a title in the cutthroat SEC West. Marquis Haynes and Tony Conner lead what will once again be a fierce "Landshark" defense that has stood toe-to-toe with some of the nation's best attacks in recent years.
The schedule for the Rebels this year is brutal, and it opens with a virtual road game in Orlando against Florida State. They host Alabama and Georgia in back-to-back weeks and must visit Death Valley in late October to face LSU. The last portion of the schedule is easier, but Ole Miss will look to avoid the late-season disappointments that have cost it shots at Atlanta. Another trip to the New Year's Six might be in store for Hugh Freeze and his team.
11. Michigan State
15 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 33-1
Michigan State won the Big Ten last season, but the Spartans are sitting behind rivals Michigan and Ohio State in the preseason projections as we head into 2016. Mark Dantonio's squad has a good amount of reloading to do on offense, but it brings back several stars on defense and an experienced secondary.
Tyler O'Connor steps into the starting quarterback job at MSU after leading the Spartans to a win over Ohio State last season. He'll be joined by LJ Scott in the backfield and a new-look group of receivers. Defensively, Malik McDowell is an All-American candidate at tackle, and the linebackers are loaded with talent in Riley Bullough and Jon Reschke. If the secondary can improve from last year's issues with all of its returning talent, this defense will be stifling.
The Spartans get an early test at Notre Dame, but they have the advantage of playing both Michigan and Ohio State in East Lansing this year. If the Spartans can overcome the turnover on offense, they should contend for championships again. This would be one of Dantonio's most impressive 10-win seasons if he can get to that magic number for a fourth straight year.
10. Tennessee
16 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 12-1
One of the most hyped teams of the preseason, Tennessee is looking to break through and make it to the SEC Championship Game for the first time since 2007. With a high number of returning starters on both sides of the ball, head coach Butch Jones has a potential title contender on his hands in Knoxville.
It all starts with senior quarterback Joshua Dobbs and the backfield tandem of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. They'll lead an offense looking for more production out of its wide receivers, who underwhelmed in 2016. On defense, former Penn State assistant Bob Shoop takes over with a unit that is loaded with star power in defensive end Derek Barnett, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerback Cameron Sutton. The Vols have recruited extremely well under Jones, and this could be the year where it all pays off on Rocky Top.
The schedule is front-loaded, with early games against Virginia Tech, Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama coming in the span of six weeks. But if the Volunteers get through that stretch with their championship hopes alive, the slate is wide-open for a huge winning run to Atlanta and beyond.
9. Notre Dame
17 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 20-1
Last year, Notre Dame navigated its way through a large number of injuries and a couple of tough losses in the regular season. This year, the Fighting Irish have experienced depth, a pair of strong options at quarterback and a schedule that could lead to a solid playoff push.
Notre Dame can start either DeShone Kizer, who started most of the season last year, or the quarterback he replaced because of injury, Malik Zaire. Both are valuable dual-threat weapons behind one of the strongest offensive lines in the country. Offensive playmakers, though, will be virtually brand-new as starters, as well as several key spots on Brian VanGorder's defense. If they stay healthy, the sky is the limit for this team.
The Fighting Irish only have four true road games this year—Texas, Syracuse, NC State and USC—and get to play Michigan State, Stanford and Miami in South Bend. It's not an easy schedule by any means, but it's more than manageable for a playoff run if the Irish can get off to a strong start with their new first-teamers.
8. Michigan
18 of 25
Predicted record: 11-1
Championship odds: 9-1
No one arguably has had a bigger and louder hype train this offseason than Michigan, which is coming off a 10-win season in Jim Harbaugh's first campaign. Now, armed with more than a dozen returning starters in a division that doesn't have a ton of returning talent, all eyes are on Michigan to compete for a national championship in 2016.
Harbaugh still needs to decide on his starting quarterback, but he'll will have a ton of talent to spread the ball to with Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh and Jake Butt. The offensive line brings almost everyone back. The Michigan defense, under former Boston College assistant Don Brown, could be legendary with a stacked defensive line and an elite secondary led by Jourdan Lewis. Then there's Jabrill Peppers, an ultra-athletic sophomore who can play anywhere Michigan needs him—he'll start at linebacker.
Michigan has the perfect schedule to get off to a hot start in 2016, but it has to visit Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State in the span of six weeks. If the Wolverines can take full advantage of their returning experience, they'll be favorites to win the Big Ten and storm their way into the College Football Playoff.
7. Stanford
19 of 25
Predicted record: 9-3
Championship odds: 25-1
Stanford is the preseason favorite to win a Pac-12 that looks like it will be another top-to-bottom slugfest. The Cardinal return do-it-all star Christian McCaffrey and have some experienced pieces coming back on an always-stout defense. But there are still plenty of question marks ahead of a downright brutal schedule.
McCaffrey will be the favored target for whoever wins the starting quarterback job between Keller Chryst and Ryan Burns—a battle that could stretch into the regular season, according to Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle. The Cardinal have to replace three members of their offensive line as well as defensive stars Blake Martinez and Aziz Shittu.
There's no doubt Stanford has talent to challenge for titles again in 2016, but the schedule might be the biggest obstacle for the Cardinal. After hosting USC, Stanford visits UCLA and Washington in back-to-back weeks, followed by a home game against Washington State and a trip to Notre Dame. While the back half is easier overall, Stanford still has to visit Oregon. That's a monstrous schedule for anyone, even a team with the defending Heisman runner-up.
6. LSU
20 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 10-1
LSU has generated some of the most polarizing opinions of the college football offseason. On paper, the Tigers are national championship contenders with a whopping 17 starters returning on a roster filled with blue-chippers. However, the same old doubts about LSU under Les Miles remain.
Being able to hand the ball off to Leonard Fournette, arguably the best player in the country, will be huge for the Tigers offense in 2016. But if teams load the box against him, can quarterback Brandon Harris finally take the next step and make defenses pay? If not, it could be another frustrating season in Baton Rouge. The Tigers should have one of the best defenses around with new coordinator Dave Aranda inheriting a loaded secondary and plenty of experience on the line and at linebacker.
LSU has the advantage of playing both Ole Miss and Alabama—its two biggest challengers to a SEC West title run—in Death Valley. Games away from home against Wisconsin, Florida, Arkansas and Texas A&M will be tricky. But the Tigers have all the experienced talent necessary to get through those tests and win a title. Can they just get over the offensive setbacks that have plagued the Miles era?
5. Ohio State
21 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 17-2
According to Phil Steele, no team in college football returns fewer starters than Ohio State, which lost a ton of its star power from last year's loaded roster to the NFL draft. But Ohio State has won at least 12 games in each season under head coach Urban Meyer, and there's a lot of talent in Columbus.
These young Buckeyes have a high ceiling, especially with the likes of star quarterback J.T. Barrett, center Pat Elflein, defensive end Tyquan Lewis and middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan leading the way. A number of young standouts, such as wide receiver Austin Mack and safety Malik Hooker, stood out in spring ball and will be players to watch in 2016. A step backward is expected by some, but it's hard to doubt a Meyer team built on elite recruiting classes.
The regular-season schedule is one of the most difficult Ohio State has had to face in a while. The Buckeyes face national title contender Oklahoma away from home in Week 3 and have a road Big Ten slate that includes Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan State. Throw in a potentially winner-take-all showdown with Michigan in the Horseshoe, and you have a difficult road for a team with plenty of new starters.
4. Florida State
22 of 25
Predicted record: 11-1
Championship odds: 10-1
Welcome back to the national championship picture, Florida State. After a youth-filled Seminoles squad went 10-3 in 2015, Jimbo Fisher has a strong title contender on his hands for 2016. Florida State could return every single starter on its offense and has a defense that features star names such as Derwin James, DeMarcus Walker and Josh Sweat.
The 'Noles must first figure out if Sean Maguire, who finished 2015 as the starting quarterback, will get the nod over talented redshirt freshman Deondre Francois for 2016. Whoever wins the job will spend a lot of time handing the ball off to superstar Dalvin Cook, whose big-play stats were otherworldly last season. The entire offensive line is intact, and the receiving corps has plenty of established names and potential breakout stars.
All that talent on both sides of the ball will run headfirst into a schedule that opens with a neutral-site game against Ole Miss, features a home meeting with UNC and includes tricky road matchups against Louisville and Miami. That all leads to a home game against Clemson that could easily be a national quarterfinal. The road to the playoff won't be easy by any stretch, but the Seminoles have all the pieces to get there.
3. Oklahoma
23 of 25
Predicted record: 10-2
Championship odds: 14-1
Oklahoma conquered the Big 12 last season and made its way into the College Football Playoff. This year, many of the same cast of characters are back for the Sooners—Heisman-contending quarterback Baker Mayfield, record-holding running back Samaje Perine, and the secondary duo of Jordan Thomas and Steven Parker.
The Sooners, though, have to replace the highly productive Sterling Shepard at wide receiver, along with No. 3 target Durron Neal. The offensive front is experienced, but the defensive front must find replacements who can generate the pass rush that Eric Striker and Charles Tapper had last season. Linebacker will be a question mark in 2016 as the secondary seeks to be one of the nation's best yet again.
If Bob Stoops and Co. are to get back into the playoff for 2016, Oklahoma must grind through a treacherous schedule. The Sooners open with upset-minded Houston away from home and host Ohio State two weeks later. They'll travel to TCU and then face Texas, who beat them last year, in back-to-back weeks. The home stretch is easier to manage but still features Baylor and Oklahoma State.
2. Clemson
24 of 25
Predicted record: 11-1
Championship odds: 17-2
After several years of strong, double-digit win seasons, Clemson made its big breakthrough in 2015 by winning its first 14 games and taking Alabama down to the wire for the national title. The Tigers will be reloaded for another run at the championship in 2016 thanks mostly to the incredible star power on the offense.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson is a Heisman front-runner after college football's first 4,000-passing yard, 1,000-rushing yard season. Wayne Gallman, fresh off a 1,500-yard campaign at running back, returns. Watson will have seven of his top eight receivers back for 2016 and gets back his most talented wideout in Mike Williams, who missed almost all of 2015. Defense will be the main question for Clemson, as it must replace a large number of starters for a second straight year.
The Tigers' schedule has some early trap games in the form of Auburn and Louisville before the massive showdown with Florida State in Tallahassee on October 29. This is one of the easiest overall schedules for a playoff contender, but that FSU game will most likely make or break Clemson's title hopes. It's so hard to go undefeated two years in a row. However, Clemson might shake that notion simply by outscoring everyone else.
1. Alabama
25 of 25
Predicted record: 11-1
Championship odds: 6-1
Defending national champion Alabama is the odds-on favorite to win it all again in 2016, and the Tide will most likely be the top team in both major polls to start the season. It's just not wise to bet against Nick Saban and the football machine he's built in Tuscaloosa.
Sure, the Crimson Tide have their question marks. Alabama must replace its entire starting backfield, and several starters will have to be plugged into both the offensive and defensive front. But this is Alabama, where the No. 1 recruiting classes and the depth built with them are staggering. The Tide will have a lethal pass rush, an experienced secondary and an explosive receiving corps led by Calvin Ridley.
The schedule will be tough, as the Tide start with USC and must face their three toughest SEC opponents—Ole Miss, Tennessee and LSU—all away from home. Alabama has made it to the College Football Playoff with a new starting quarterback each of the last two seasons after suffering a regular-season loss. Don't be surprised if the kings of college football follow a similar script this fall.
Stats are courtesy of CFBStats.com. Recruiting rankings are courtesy of 247Sports.
Justin Ferguson is a National College Football Analyst at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
