2011 BCS Rankings: 5 Top 25 Teams in the Best Shape for Next Season

The regular season has concluded, and bowl season is set to begin for the 2011 college football season.

With that being said, it is never too early to look ahead to next season.

Throughout the year several teams have emerged as major threats. Some of these teams were not expected to compete this season due to injuries, youth or inexperience.

That's good news for those lucky teams, but sends a shudder through any veteran-heavy contenders this season.

Here are five Top 25 teams in great shape heading into next season:

Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks will look very similar next season minus a few weapons on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, the Ducks lose two starters on their offensive line. Mark Asper and Darrion Weams are an important part of the Duck offense but the Ducks have quality replacements waiting in the wings.

Their skill players should not take much of a hit. LaMichael James may opt for the NFL instead of returning for his senior season, tight end David Paulsen graduates as does wide receiver Lavasier Tunei. Other than that, the Duck offense remains mostly intact.

The Duck defense will lose Terrell Turner and Josh Kaddu in their front seven. Eddie Pleasant and Anthony Gildon will also be lost in the secondary. That still leaves seven returning starters, and several other players with prior playing time.

Given the return of quarterback Darron Thomas along with weapons Kenjon Barner and D'Anthony Thomas; the offense should be as electric as ever in Eugene.

Expect Boseko Lokombo to fill Kaddu's role on defense and become a leader for the 2012 Ducks squad.

Also, expect another top 10 finish for the flashy Ducks.

Clemson Tigers

The Clemson Tigers will return most of the skill from their dynamic offense, next season.

Three starters will need replaced on their offensive line, and All-American tight end Dwayne Allen is probably going to forgo his senior season. Besides that, the Tigers return quarterback Tajh Boyd, running back Andre Ellington and super athlete Sammy Watkins.

Look for Watkins to receive preseason Heisman Trophy hype.

Defensively, the Tigers will lose Andre Branch and Brandon Thompson up front. However, Tony Steward will be back at linebacker and Stephone Anthony should be ready to contribute as well.

Xavier Brewer will be one of the best corners in the ACC.

Clemson should look similar next season. Their offense will be dynamic, especially if Mike Bellamy is reinstated to the Tiger team.

Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs finished the season on a tear before running into the barely-fair LSU Tigers.

Next season could be even better for Mark Richt's Bulldog squad.

Aaron Murray will return to lead the offense. He will have the same players at his disposal outside of Aron White and possibly Orson Charles. His offensive line will look different without Ben Jones at center and Cordy Glenn protecting his perimeter.

However, the Bulldogs have a very solid recruiting class coming in. The class includes potential for the offensive line immediately.

Defensively, the Bulldogs will lose DeAngelo Tyson and playmaking corner Brandon Boykin. Besides that the Bulldog defense will enter the 2012 season basically intact from the season before.

Jarvis Jones, Alec Ogletree and Ray Drew could have huge seasons at linebacker. Bacarri Rambo should become a leader on the backside as well.

Georgia will contend for the top spot in the SEC East, an SEC title and possibly a BCS championship next season.

USC Trojans

The USC Trojans could return 19 experienced players on next season's team. That's if Matt Kalil and Matt Barkley choose the Trojans over the NFL.

If Barkley returns, he will have a ton of skill at his disposal. If he doesn't, the skill should take some of the burden off of Cody Kessler or Max Wittek.

Robert Woods and Marqise Lee return at receiver, as does tight end Xavier Grimble. All three are dynamic pass catchers.

Marc Tyler will not be at running back next year, but Curtis McNeal and D.J. Morgan are ready to shoulder the load. George Farmer could prove to be an X-factor after moving from receiver to running back during his freshman season.

Defensively, the Trojans lose Chris Galippo and Shane Horton but not much else. Most of the Trojan speed on defense will remain intact and cause fits for opposing teams.

This team had BCS talent this season despite their ineligibility. Next season, they will be bowl eligible and ready to compete for a national title.

LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers have been extremely dominant this season en route to a 13-0 record and BCS National Championship berth.

This year they are scary. Scarier still is knowing what they return next season.

Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee will be gone at quarterback. However, LSU followers may argue that Zach Mettenberger is an upgrade despite his inexperience.

Spencer Ware, Michael Ford, Kenny Hilliard and A.J. Blue will all return to the Tiger backfield and will be even better. Aiding this four-headed monster will be Rueben Randle at receiver along with Odell Beckham.

Both Beckham and Randle should be better with a pocket-passing quarterback running the show.

Defensively, the Tigers lose Brian Taylor, Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois to graduation. Morris Claiborne will, most likely, leave campus a year early for the NFL.

Given the Tigers freakish defensive depth this season; their limited losses should scare everyone. Tyrann Mathieu will fill Claiborne's role with ease and the rest will follow suit.

LSU may not go undefeated again, but expect them to contend for another national title in the Les Miles era.