Matt Barkley Stays at USC: Ranking the Top 5 BCS Championship Contenders

With the news that top quarterback Matt Barkley will return to USC for his senior season, USC will come out of its postseason ban just as strong as it was back in 2008, if not stronger.

But who else will challenge the Trojans for the national title next year?

Here are the five most likely candidates.

LSU

The Tigers will lose some talent in this year’s draft, but their real playmakers have all been underclassmen. Tyrann Mathieu, Michael Ford, Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo are all underclassmen, and Georgia transfer Zach Mettenberger already has fans excited at quarterback.

If USC isn’t the No. 1 team in the country, LSU will definitely be it.

Oregon

Every year Chip Kelly has been quarterback, the Ducks have made it into the BCS. Next year looks like more of the same.

LaMichael James may head out, but there are plenty of replacements for him on their roster. They lose six starters on defense, but Oregon has always won with its offense, and next year could be its best year yet.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies have won games for one reason and one reason alone: defense. The defense will return at least nine starters from a unit that ranked eighth in the country in scoring. It has also had to deal with three season ending injuries to starters in the front seven.

With all of those guys back, as well as quarterback Logan Thomas, who had a sensational year, Virginia Tech could be the surprise team of 2012. If running back David Wilson doesn’t return, though, the odds of the team winning a championship are very small.

Florida State

The Seminoles were projected to be an elite team this year, but problems on the offensive line prevented that from happening. With only five seniors currently starting and only one on the line, things should get a lot better for them really quickly.

They’ll certainly have to prove their worth after a disappointing season, but don’t be surprised when they are right back in the mix for a national title in 2012.

USC

The Trojans lose Matt Kalil at left tackle, but the most important piece of the puzzle comes back with Matt Barkley. With him, Robert Woods, Curtis McNeal and Marqise Lee all returning, this offense could be one of the best in the country.

With only three starters graduating on defense and the entire secondary returning, the defense should be much improved as well. Next season could be a special one for USC.