Where do all 130 college football teams rank going into the spring of 2021? Here’s one thing to know about every team along with the pre-preseason ranking.
College Football News Rankings: 2021 Spring
2020 might have been awful, but after all the issues and all of the problems, there’s one massive positive for your 2021 college football enjoyment …
Extra eligibility.
It’s a one-time thing with 2020 seniors being allowed the opportunity to come back and play one more season, and that means more talent, more experience, and higher expectations than ever before across the board.
Before spring football kicks in full force, how do all of these teams with all of this experience look? Here’s our ranking from 1 to 130, and as always, don’t get too ticked or too excited – we’ll probably change this up for our Preview 2021 rankings this summer after all the transfer and spring football dust has settled.
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College Football News Rankings 2021 spring
130-101 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
AAC | ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | C-USA
Ind | MAC | MW | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt
2020 CFN Final Rankings
130 UMass
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 127
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 126
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 130
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 104
One Thing To Know: Transfer portal, transfer portal, transfer portal – in both ways. The Minutemen are bringing in the parts, but they’re also losing a massive amount of players. Head coach Walt Bell has to keep battling to find something that works.
2021 Ind Spring Rankings
129 New Mexico State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: NR
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 128
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 127
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 124
One Thing To Know: Blow off the blowout loss to Tarleton State -yeeeeeeeeesh – and focus more on the program getting a few live spring scrimmages to see what it has. It’s a young team that needs the work – obviously.
2021 Ind Spring Rankings
128 UConn
2020 CFN Final Ranking: NR
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 130
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 126
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 129
One Thing To Know: After missing 2020, the program is completely rebuilding with a whole lot of new parts. The defense has to be able to do something right after a disastrous few seasons.
2021 Ind Spring Rankings
127 Bowling Green
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 126
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 125
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 124
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 118
One Thing To Know: The defense will be among the MAC’s most experienced, but the passing game has to start working.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
126 Old Dominion
2020 CFN Final Ranking: NR
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 121
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 125
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 105
One Thing To Know: Back after a year off – and a disappointing 2019 – the Monarchs get to finally start the Ricky Rahne era. They’re loaded with veterans from a few years ago to go along with UCF transfer QB Darriel Mack.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
125 Akron
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 123
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 129
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 129
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 102
One Thing To Know: It’s a far more experienced team – everyone is back on offense – in the third year under Tom Arth with the potential to be more than just a speed bump.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
124 ULM
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 124
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 124
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 100
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 89
One Thing To Know: New head coach Terry Bowden won’t bring an instant turnaround, but he’s a great get along with offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez. The offense is going to be far, far better.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
123 Texas State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 111
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 121
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 114
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 123
One Thing To Know: The offense is going to be a blast and the defense should be strong helped by the transfer portal. It’s going to be a more dangerous team.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
122 UTEP
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 121
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 127
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 128
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 130
One Thing To Know: More competitive in 2020, the Miners need to find a stronger passing game to do more. Enough of the starting 22 is back to matter.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
121 Northern Illinois
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 122
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 117
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 92
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 38
One Thing To Know: The Huskies are still rebuilding in a loaded MAC West. Michigan State QB Rocky Lombardi helps, but they lose key transfers.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
120 South Alabama
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 108
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 123
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 119
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 109
One Thing To Know: Former Indiana defensive coordinator Kane Wommack – and offensive coordinator Major Applewhite – might just turn this thing around in a hurry starting with Utah/South Carolina transfer QB Jake Bentley and with almost everyone back on both sides of the ball.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
119 Middle Tennessee
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 119
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 102
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 107
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 59
One Thing To Know: NC State QB Bailey Hockman makes up for the transfer of Asher O’Hara, but it’s the defensive side that needs the most work after a disastrous few seasons.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
118 Eastern Michigan
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 107
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 113
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 80
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 71
One Thing To Know: It’s the X factor team in the MAC with 23 starters expected back and with Cincinnati QB transfer Ben Bryant upgrading the position.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
117 Troy
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 84
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 105
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 90
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 33
One Thing To Know: A bit of a Sun Belt wild card, the Trojans have the experience with all 22 starters potentially back. Getting Missouri QB Taylor Powell might be an upgrade.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
116 North Texas
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 118
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 108
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 111
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 51
One Thing To Know: Will there ever be a defense? Just about everyone is back to go along with a few key transfers, and the Mean Green offense will continue to be fun.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
115 UNLV
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 120
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 109
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 106
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 107
One Thing To Know: Head coach Marcus Arroyo went through a true rebuilding season, but he gets back RB Charles Williams and enough veterans on both sides to take another step forward.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
114 Miami University
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 93
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 111
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 47
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 70
One Thing To Know: The RedHawk defensive front should be among the MAC’s best, and the passing game will be a plus.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
113 Ohio
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 109
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 96
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 51
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 30
One Thing To Know: The Bobcats will have the offense to fight for the East title but the D line has to be more disruptive.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
112 Charlotte
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 116
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 115
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 72
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 93
One Thing To Know: The transfers will help in a big way with Texas A&M QB James Foster and Iowa RB Shadrick Byrd to start. Now the defense has to find the stars up front.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
111 Southern Miss
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 117
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 98
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 68
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 75
One Thing To Know: New head coach Will Hall has players in place, but now they have to prove they can produce. The defense should be far, far better with a slew of Power Five transfers coming in.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
110 FIU
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 125
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 110
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 85
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 43
One Thing To Know: Chalk out the disaster of 2020 to a young team in strange year. The defense has the stars returning to be better, but the offense has to find something that works.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
109 Western Michigan
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 97
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 103
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 42
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 76
One Thing To Know: There are just enough key personnel losses to matter, but the offensive line should be among the MAC’s best.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
108 Central Michigan
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 105
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 107
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 71
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 128
One Thing To Know: Washington QB transfer Jacob Sirmon should instantly help the O, but it’ll be the defensive back seven that shines.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
107 New Mexico
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 95
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 118
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 120
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 110
One Thing To Know: There were signs late last year that the team was going to grow into something interesting under Danny Gonzales, and now he has a senior-loaded team that should be even stronger.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
106 UTSA
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 102
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 119
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 118
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 112
One Thing To Know: Head coach Jeff Traylor did wonders in his first season, and now he has a good team to work around starting with RB Sincere McCormick. There’s too much experience to not make a push for a bowl game.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
105 Rice
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 106
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 116
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 115
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 127
One Thing To Know: It’s been a slow turn back to respectability, but the team started to look the part late. There’s a good base for a sneaky-good defense to go along with the running game.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
104 Georgia Southern
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 78
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 84
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 55
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 28
One Thing To Know: The team is going to be much better than this ranking if the offensive line comes together fast. The O loses QB Shai Werts to Louisville, but adds former Georgia Tech starter James Graham.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
103 Arkansas State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 112
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 93
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 67
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 72
One Thing To Know: Butch Jones should be a terrific fit for the job. The defense needs to be a whole lot better, but the offense should be a blast starting with Florida State transfer QB James Blackman potentially leading a veteran group.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
102 WKU
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 115
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 97
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 40
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 111
One Thing To Know: WKU would like to have an offense now. Former Houston Baptist bomber Bailey Zappe will upgrade the passing game, and his receivers are coming along for the ride. If the O can match the D … look out.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
101 Buffalo
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 63
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 83
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 39
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 34
One Thing To Know: It won’t be the team last year’s was, but the offense is still going to be a killer if the line comes together fast.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
College Football News Rankings 2021 spring
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 76-100
CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 76-100
100 Kent State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 89
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 106
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 66
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 114
One Thing To Know: The FlashFast style of offense should be among the best in the MAC working around QB Dustin Crum and a veteran O line.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
99 UAB
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 62
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 82
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 58
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 11
One Thing To Know: Another year, another disrespected ranking. The whole will be better than the sum of the parts, but in the mediocre C-USA West it’s still going to be a dominant factor.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
98 Utah State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 27
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 80
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 46
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 19
One Thing To Know: Start with the coaching situation settled with Blake Anderson coming in from Arkansas State. He’s bringing in former ASU QB Logan Bonner to work behind a veteran O line to make this all work.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
97 Florida Atlantic
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 101
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 87
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 13
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 91
One Thing To Know: Willie Taggart is getting the offensive stars from the transfer portal to get the O going, and the D should be among the best in Conference USA.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
96 Temple
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 110
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 71
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 54
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 58
One Thing To Know: If you like the transfer portal, Temple is for you with a whole lot of new parts coming in – and out – led by QB D’Wan Mathis from Georgia. No team in the AAC needs a full off-season of practices more.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
95 Wyoming
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 85
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 76
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 48
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 90
One Thing To Know: The Cowboys are loaded with veterans, starting with an offensive backfield that should be night-and-day better than the 2020 version – at least that’s the hope.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
94 USF
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 113
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 101
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 104
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 78
One Thing To Know: Can Miami transfer Jarren Williams be the answer at quarterback in the second year under head coach Jeff Scott? The transfer portal is beefing up the talent to go with a team that showed promise late last year.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
93 Colorado State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 100
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 86
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 109
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 120
One Thing To Know: The Rams will be interesting in Year Two under Steve Addazio. The defense will generate as much pressure as anyone in the Mountain West.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
92 Air Force
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 80
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 74
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 24
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 96
One Thing To Know: The Falcons will get there with a little time, but in a year when just about everyone else returns a record number of veterans, replacing the entire O line and almost everyone on the defensive front hurts.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
91 Ball State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 46
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 92
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 83
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 106
One Thing To Know: The MAC champion returns the depth chart from the bowl win over San Jose State almost intact. The offensive line has to be better, though.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
90 East Carolina
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 99
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 91
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 108
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 117
One Thing To Know: Ten starters are expected back for an offense that’s going to be a whole lot of fun. However, it would be nice if East Carolina games weren’t major shootouts – the D has to stop someone.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
89 Navy
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 88
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 75
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 17
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 101
One Thing To Know: Experience matters for the service academies – that’s not always the norm. After a dud of a 2020, expect more of the 2019 version with nine starers back on defense and a good-looking backfield to get the running game rolling again.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
88 Hawaii
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 74
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 78
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 32
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 73
One Thing To Know: Consistency will be the key on offense, but the line has to do some rebuilding and the passing attack has to hit more downfield shots.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
87 Georgia State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 77
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 114
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 75
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 122
One Thing To Know: There’s a chance the Panthers get back all 11 offensive starters to go along with a defense that might just be good enough to push past Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State in a terrific Sun Belt East.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
86 Fresno State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 96
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 77
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 91
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 6
One Thing To Know: The offense started to roll late last year under Kalen DeBoer. QB Jake Haener is back, but the real key is a defense that should be night-and-day stronger on the front.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
85 Toledo
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 98
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 104
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 73
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 61
One Thing To Know: It’s a LOADED team with 21 of the 22 starters projected to be back, but the defense can’t be the worst in the MAC again.
2021 MAC Spring Rankings
84 Kansas
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 104
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 72
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 117
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 108
One Thing To Know: There’s more development happening – and not looking for a quick fix – as the program is trying to build things up with the young players who logged in time late last year. It’s still going to take time, though.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
83 Tulsa
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 39
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 94
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 86
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 115
One Thing To Know: After a stunning season, this will be an interesting team with a mix of parts to prove that 2020 wasn’t a fluke. However, as experienced as this year’s team will be, that advantage is gone in 2021 compared to the rest of the AAC.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
82 Tulane
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 65
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 79
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 62
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 67
One Thing To Know: If you liked last year’s Tulane, you’ll like this version, too. It’ll be more of the same with a great running game and just enough on the lines to be competitive against everyone in the AAC.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
81 Army
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 66
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 99
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 89
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 20
One Thing To Know: There are always some major changes at the service academies, but reworking the offensive line will be a bit of an issue early on. The defense will be a little worse, but the offensive backfield is in place to keep the ground game rolling.
2021 Ind Spring Rankings
80 Duke
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 92
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 51
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 88
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 24
One Thing To Know: In a year full of terrific-looking ACC teams full of experience, Duke is in overhaul mode outside of a veteran O line to work around.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
79 Vanderbilt
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 91
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 63
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 116
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 74
One Thing To Know: New head coach Clark Lea has a lot of work to do with a total overhaul of the program coming. This is a young team that has to figure out how to score.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
78 Illinois
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 71
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 70
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 69
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 103
One Thing To Know: Bret Bielema takes over a team with experience, but not a whole lot of stars. Start with a veteran offensive line and QB Brandon Peters – among other options – and this is more of a tweak than a teardown.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
77 Syracuse
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 94
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 52
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 79
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 17
One Thing To Know: Okay, Syracuse – do something with all of the veterans. The secondary needs working, but everywhere else is full of experience to go along with Mississippi State QB transfer Garrett Shrader.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
76 Louisiana Tech
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 103
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 89
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 43
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 77
One Thing To Know: Just about everyone everywhere returns experience, but Louisiana Tech is at another level for a senior-loaded season. The O needs to be better, and the veterans are in place to do that.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
College Football News Rankings 2021 spring
130-101 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 51-75
CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 51-75
75 Arizona
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 35
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 64
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 105
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 92
One Thing To Know: There’s going to be an actual defense at Arizona under new head coach Jedd Fisch. The turnaround might not happen right away, but it’ll come.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
74 Georgia Tech
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 82
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 65
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 122
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 64
One Thing To Know: The transformation process continues, but the team should be the best of the three under Geoff Collins if the defensive front can use the offseason to develop a good rotation.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
73 Louisville
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 69
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 32
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 37
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 121
One Thing To Know: In a year with a whole lot of teams getting a whole lot of parts back, Louisville loses enough to be annoying. However, landing Nebraska QB Luke McCaffrey is interesting.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
72 Washington State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 76
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 46
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 76
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 16
One Thing To Know: Year Two under Nick Rolovich starts with landing Tennessee transfer QB Jarrett Guarantano to run the attack. The offensive tackles are as good as any in the conference, and the O has to start using RB Max Borghi even more.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
71 Marshall
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 67
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 90
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 35
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 46
One Thing To Know: New head coach Charles Huff inherits a talented team that should be the best in Conference USA if the offense can pull up out of the late season nosedive.
2021 C-USA Spring Rankings
70 Maryland
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 52
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 73
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 113
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 82
One Thing To Know: Here’s the issue. Mike Locksley is bringing in talent, but he’s also in constant rebuilding mode with a ton of players transferring or done. In a year full of veteran Big Ten teams, the Terps need a great offseason.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
69 Baylor
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 87
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 42
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 21
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 80
One Thing To Know: Once again, the defense under Dave Aranda will be a problem for the rest of the Big 12, but once again, the offense will have problems. There’s experience, but the O needs more pop.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
68 Houston
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 86
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 69
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 101
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 56
One Thing To Know: It’s time to start working. Can the Cougars get the job done with a defense that’s full of experience, but needs star power? The transfer portal is helping out both sides of the ball.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
67 Rutgers
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 60
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 85
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 123
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 125
One Thing To Know: There’s experience to go along with more talent in key spots than the program has had in a long time. The linebacking corps and receivers should be dangerous.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
66 Wake Forest
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 40
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 39
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 53
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 49
One Thing To Know: The Demon Deacons will once again have one of the ACC’s most interesting and fun offenses with a loaded group returning for the passing game.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
65 Oregon State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 51
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 54
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 77
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 116
One Thing To Know: A few key stars are done, but the offense should be okay and the passing attack stronger as long as the quarterback play is more consistent.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
64 Virginia
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 45
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 31
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 31
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 39
One Thing To Know: The offense should have just about everyone back and the defense has a few ACC talents, but the production has to match the experience.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
63 West Virginia
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 43
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 55
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 94
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 37
One Thing To Know: It’ll be the sneaky X factor in the Big 12 with head coach Neal Brown welcoming back enough defensive stars to be better. It’s about the playmakers on offense, not the experience.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
62 San Diego State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 73
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 61
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 30
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 62
One Thing To Know: Don’t be shocked if the Aztecs return to their Mountain West star form. Brady Hoke is bringing in Mississippi State transfers QB Jalen Mayden and WR Tyrell Shavers to boost up the passing game.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
61 Florida State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 83
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 33
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 78
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 83
One Thing To Know: There’s a ton of experience returning, but can anyone play? There’s a good chance that all 11 offensive starters will be back.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
60 Texas Tech
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 79
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 56
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 102
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 68
One Thing To Know: All five offensive linemen are back and the linebackers will be big-time statistical machines, but the secondary that needs to be better has to do some retooling.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
59 South Carolina
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 81
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 29
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 70
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 69
One Thing To Know: Starting with RB Kevin Harris, this should be a better, more competitive, and more dangerous team than it’ll get early credit for, but new head man Shane Beamer will need time.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
58 Michigan State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 59
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 40
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 57
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 57
One Thing To Know: Mel Tucker is hitting the transfer portal for some instant help, and the lines should be stronger around C Matt Allen, but the Big Ten’s worst scoring offense needs more pop.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
57 San Jose State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 47
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 100
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 95
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 126
One Thing To Know: Why stop there? QB Nick Starkel is in college football for what seems like his 14th season, but the receiving corps has to come up with a few new playmakers.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
56 SMU
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 64
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 88
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 28
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 85
One Thing To Know: Oklahoma transfer Tanner Mordecai should keep the passing game going for an offense that returns all five starters up front and a slew of great skill parts. The O will be able to hang with anyone in the AAC.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
55 Louisiana
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 15
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 81
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 14
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 79
One Thing To Know: How is Billy Napier still the Louisiana head coach and not at a major program? He’s still around along with QB Levi Lewis and almost all the starters on the lines.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
54 Appalachian State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 68
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 62
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 6
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 21
One Thing To Know: A few key transfers help reload the offensive side – if Duke/Clemson QB Chase Brice can cut down on the interceptions – and the defensive line is going to be a brick wall.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
53 Nevada
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 57
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 95
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 74
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 48
One Thing To Know: QB Carson Strong is one of the best bombers you probably haven’t seen. His receivers are returning – and better with Elijah Cooks healthy – the defense is almost all back full, and if there’s a ground game, look out.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
52 BYU
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 13
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 66
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 34
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 53
One Thing To Know: There are way too many massive losses – starting with QB Zach Wilson – for a team that will still be tough and strong, but won’t be as nasty as 2020. Don’t underestimate the Cougars, but don’t expect a repeat, either.
2021 Ind Spring Rankings
51 Coastal Carolina
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 12
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 120
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 96
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 98
One Thing To Know: The Chanticleers are going to still be amazing with just about everyone back – including, shockingly, head coach Jamey Chadwell – but two stars DT Tarron Jackson and RB CJ Marable are gone.
2021 Sun Belt Spring Rankings
College Football News Rankings 2021 spring
130-101 | 76-100 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 26-50
CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 26-50
50 Mississippi State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 38
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 24
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 56
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 35
One Thing To Know: The offense has to be better with almost all the top receivers back. The team never had time and a real offseason to get the timing down, but now there’s no excuse – this ranking could change very, very quickly over the next few months.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
49 Nebraska
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 55
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 47
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 93
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 88
One Thing To Know: The defense should be the best in the Scott Frost era, but where are the sure-thing offensive stars around QB Adrian Martinez? There’s enough in place to be better, but the rest of the Big Ten West is solid, too.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
48 Colorado
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 30
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 59
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 81
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 99
One Thing To Know: The surprise team of 2020 will still be good, but the rest of the Pac-12 will be stronger. RB Jarek Broussard working behind an experienced and tough O line will be worth the watch.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
47 Virginia Tech
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 42
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 16
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 44
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 65
One Thing To Know: The lines should be fine, but there are too many key losses and there’s a major question mark about how consistent the team can be.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
46 Liberty
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 11
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 112
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 65
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 95
One Thing To Know: Just about everyone is back. All of the stars, all of the top linemen, and head coach Hugh Freeze return.
2021 Ind Spring Rankings
45 Arkansas
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 34
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 68
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 121
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 119
One Thing To Know: This is going to be the best Hog team in several years, but don’t get too excited quite yet – it’s still a rebuilding job under Sam Pittman. Being competitive in the SEC West is more than enough.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
44 Tennessee
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 75
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 28
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 36
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 86
One Thing To Know: This isn’t going to be a quick fix under Josh Heupel. The Vols lose a ton to the transfer portal, but getting Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker should help behind what should be a good line.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
43 Cal
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 72
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 38
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 61
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 81
One Thing To Know: QB Chase Garbers returns to a good-looking team that will be a thorn in everyone’s side despite the lack of star power and experience compared to others in the Pac-12.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
42 Boston College
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 48
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 67
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 84
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 50
One Thing To Know: Year Two under Jeff Hafley should be even stronger with QB Phil Jurkovec leading an improve O with all five linemen expected to be back.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
41 Kansas State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 58
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 41
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 41
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 94
One Thing To Know: Some of the stars on the defensive side are gone, but the offense is beyond loaded with veterans starting with a strong O line, QB Skyler Thompson, and with ten of the 11 starters likely to be back.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
40 UCF
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 70
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 30
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 19
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 9
One Thing To Know: Is it possible that UCF just upgraded at head coach? Gus Malzahn inheriting a fantastic offensive line and QB Dillon Gabriel to direct the attack. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Cincinnati is great – don’t be shocked if UCF wins the AAC.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
39 Boise State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 49
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 43
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 10
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 8
One Thing To Know: Andy Avalos inherits a good team with the stars on offense to roll through the Mountain West. The defense will do more than just hold serve.
2021 MW Spring Rankings
38 Purdue
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 61
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 58
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 103
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 55
One Thing To Know: Experience – there’s a ton. A veteran O line should give all the excellent skill parts time to work, and the defensive side will be stronger with new coordinator Brad Lambert getting a ton of pass rushing talent to work with.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
37 Stanford
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 31
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 35
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 98
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 32
One Thing To Know: The defensive back seven will be outstanding for a sneaky-good team that could challenge for the North if the offense can show a little pop.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
36 Pitt
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 41
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 18
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 49
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 47
One Thing To Know: QB Kenny Pickett is back along with most of the rest of the skill parts, but the D line has to reload and find more NFL-caliber parts.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
35 Memphis
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 50
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 60
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 9
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 66
One Thing To Know: The Tigers might not get enough attention compared to Cincinnati, but after rebuilding a bit last year, now they’ll be a major player again in the AAC. Arizona transfer QB Grant Gunnell helps ease the loss of Brady White.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
34 Kentucky
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 36
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 25
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 45
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 12
One Thing To Know: QB Terry Wilson transferred out, but the offense will still do what the UK offense does. Replenishing the lines is the biggest spring key.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
33 UCLA
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 32
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 57
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 97
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 100
One Thing To Know: The experience is there, the talent level is good enough, and the QB is in place in Dorian Thompson-Robinson to start winning on a consistent basis.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
32 Oklahoma State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 19
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 22
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 50
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 45
One Thing To Know: The Cowboys take a hit on defense, but the offense should be explosive even after losing the star receivers. The lines will be solid enough to overcome other issues.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
31 Missouri
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 33
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 45
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 87
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 41
One Thing To Know: Just about everyone returns on offense and other than LB Nick Bolton, almost everyone who matters is back on the defensive side. Watch out for Rice transfer Blaze Allredge to be a tackling star.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
30 Arizona State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 90
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 37
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 33
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 63
One Thing To Know: Herm Edwards has had a few okay ASU teams, but this one should be great with QB Jayden Daniels a burgeoning star on one side, and a fantastic line and secondary to anchor the other.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
29 NC State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 37
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 44
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 112
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 36
One Thing To Know: The defense is about to be a thing. Star DT Asim McNeill is gone, but the line is going to be great and the secondary will be terrific.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
28 TCU
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 44
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 34
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 82
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 52
One Thing To Know: The Horned Frogs finished strong, and now they have a ton to work with around QB Max Duggan. A few excellent transfers are for more than just depth. Expect this to be the underappreciated Big 12 contender.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
27 Auburn
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 21
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 12
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 16
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 40
One Thing To Know: Bryan Harsin isn’t winning national titles right away, and the receiving corps needs new stars, but the O line will be great and the D will be fine in the transitional season.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
26 Indiana
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 23
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 49
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 64
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 84
One Thing To Know: The defense is almost all back and the offense will be terrific if QB Michael Penix is healthy. With WR Ty Fryfogle back leading the way, the passing game will be outstanding.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
College Football News Rankings 2021 spring
130-101 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 11-25
CFN Spring College Football Rankings: 11-25
25 Northwestern
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 10
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 53
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 110
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 27
One Thing To Know: There’s too much of a redo on the defensive front even – along with the loss of defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz – to repeat, but South Carolina transfer QB Ryan Hilinski leads what should be a stronger offense.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
24 Ole Miss
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 22
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 48
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 99
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 97
One Thing To Know: The defense has to prove it can stop someone other than Indiana, but the offense is going to be an absolute killer despite the loss to WR Elijah Moore.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
23 Miami
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 20
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 19
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 60
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 60
One Thing To Know: It’s all about how fast D’Eriq King can return from the knee injury suffered in the bowl game. There’s talent on both sides of the ball, the O line gets everyone back, and there’s no real excuse to not be solid … unless King isn’t healthy.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
22 USC
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 24
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 13
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 38
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 87
One Thing To Know: The addition of Colorado WR KD Nixon and Texas RB Keontay Ingram adds even more pop to an already good offense, but there are a whole lot of missing pieces from last year’s team that couldn’t get it done in the Pac-12 Championship.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
21 Utah
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 114
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 26
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 18
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 29
One Thing To Know: It’s going to be a disrespected team throughout the preseason process, but it’s all there to win the Pac-12 title. The lines are outstanding, getting LB Devin Lloyd back is gigantic, and Baylor QB Charlie Brewer is a strong veteran.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
20 Iowa
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 17
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 27
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 23
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 25
One Thing To Know: There’s just enough missing on both sides of the ball to be a problem, but the Hawkeyes could work their way into a Big Ten title contender if the defensive line can retool in a hurry.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
19 Minnesota
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 53
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 20
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 25
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 44
One Thing To Know: Don’t sleep on a Gopher team that struggled last year. It gets back QB Tanner Morgan, RB Mohamed Ibrahim, and a defense that welcomes in a few high-end transfers.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
18 Cincinnati
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 9
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 50
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 22
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 23
One Thing To Know: The love for this team will be off the charts, and rightly so. A few good players from the offensive side are gone, and the defense isn’t the same – including a change of coordinators – but Luke Fickell has built up a powerhouse.
2021 AAC Spring Rankings
17 Washington
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 26
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 21
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 27
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 14
One Thing To Know: There’s a whole lot to like with a veteran offense to go along with a killer D that gets almost everyone back. Head coach Jimmy Lake is putting together a killer.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
16 Penn State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 56
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 8
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 5
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 26
One Thing To Know: Blow off the historically bad start to 2020 – the finishing kick is more like what Penn State will be. However, there are just enough lost starters on both sides to matter.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
15 Iowa State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 16
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 36
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 63
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 42
One Thing To Know: This will be everyone’s favorite team this offseason, and for good reason. Almost everyone is back on offense, the stars are there on defense, and the expectations are going to be through the roof. However, the schedule is a possible killer.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
14 Texas
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 18
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 14
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 29
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 13
One Thing To Know: There’s a ton there for Steve Sarkisian to work with. The offense has explosion, a great RB in Bijan Robinson to carry things, and defense has more than enough talent and experience to hold up.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
13 Michigan
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 54
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 10
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 26
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 15
One Thing To Know: The defense loses DE Kwity Paye but gets just about everyone else back, the offense needs Cade McNamara or JJ McCarthy to shine at QB, and the players on both sides are there to be far, far better. (But you’ve heard that before.)
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
12 Notre Dame
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 5
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 15
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 12
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 7
One Thing To Know: The Irish don’t get the fun of playing for the ACC title this year, but they’re still going to be strong defensively and have a ton of young talent. There are too many key losses to be CFP-good, but don’t underestimate just how strong they might be as the season goes on.
2021 Ind Spring Rankings
11 Wisconsin
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 25
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 11
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 11
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 54
One Thing To Know: Wisconsin should be back to being Wisconsin – there’s no way it will have the health issues of 2020 again. If all of the skill parts are in one piece – starting with the receiving corps – to go along with another great D, watch out.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
College Football News Rankings 2021 spring
130-101 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Spring College Football Rankings: Top 10
CFN Spring College Football Rankings: Top 10
10 LSU
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 29
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 5
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 1
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 10
One Thing To Know: Don’t overreact to last year. The ultimate rebuilding job now means the Tigers are full of veterans who should be a whole lot better. It certainly won’t be close to 2019 again, but there’s too much talent to be 2020.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
9 Oregon
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 28
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 9
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 7
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 31
One Thing To Know: Oregon was a disappointment and still won the Pac-12 Championship. The talent on this year’s defense is special, but the offense needs QB Anthony Brown to grow into a star with Tyler Shough transferring.
2021 Pac-12 Spring Rankings
8 Florida
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 7
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 7
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 20
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 18
One Thing To Know: Don’t underestimate how quickly the Gators are about to reload. There are a ton of lost parts, but they’re being replaced by a slew of talented future stars.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
7 North Carolina
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 14
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 17
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 59
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 113
One Thing To Know: Years of great recruiting are about to pay off massive with just about everyone back on the O line, a good D, and Sam Howell returning as one of the nation’s best quarterbacks.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
6 Texas A&M
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 4
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 23
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 52
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 22
One Thing To Know: If the quarterback play can be strong and the offensive line can put the pieces together, look out. The overall talent level upgrade under Jimbo Fisher will kick in.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
5 Georgia
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 8
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 4
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 4
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 4
One Thing To Know: Once again, all the talent is there to be the best team in college football, and once again, the expectations will rightly be at a national title level. QB JT Daniels should help with the offensive consistency.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
4 Ohio State
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 2
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 1
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 2
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 3
One Thing To Know: Getting back WR Chris Olave and DE Tyreke Smith helps in what for anyone else would be a rebuilding season. It’s Next Man Up at Ohio State, and the offensive line will be among the best in the country, but it’ll still take a full offseason to get back up to national championship speed.
2021 Big Ten Spring Rankings
3 Oklahoma
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 6
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 6
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 8
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 5
One Thing To Know: This might just be Lincoln Riley’s best team yet. The passing game should be unstoppable with QB Spencer Rattler getting to work with a receiving corps that could be the best in college football. Oh, by the way, the defense is going to be special again, too.
2021 Big 12 Spring Rankings
2 Alabama
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 1
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 3
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 15
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 2
One Thing To Know: It’s Alabama so losing a boatload of NFL stars doesn’t matter … but it does. It’s not going to be an 2019-to-2020 LSU problem because the defense is going to be a killer, but you don’t get better after losing DeVonta Smith, Najee Harris and Mac Jones.
2021 SEC Spring Rankings
1 Clemson
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 3
2020 CFN Preseason Ranking: 2
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 3
2018 CFN Final Ranking: 1
One Thing To Know: The defense is LOADED with – possibly – all 11 starters back. The offense returns a slew of star receivers, and yeah, QB DJ Uiagalelei is just that good.
2021 ACC Spring Rankings
College Football News Rankings 2021 spring
130-101 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25
AAC | ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | C-USA
Ind | MAC | MW | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt
2020 CFN Final Rankings
