The CFN Preview 2019 college football rankings, with the summer look at all 130 teams.
How good are all the teams going into the 2019 college football season?
Schedules, injuries, position battles, and a whole slew of other things will obviously be a part of the mix before the season gets underway. During the year, the rankings will be based on what’s happening and not on expectations.
For now, the rankings aren’t about where the teams will end up – those are coming later. They’re about how strong they all look at the moment – at least before fall camp.
Also added is each team’s 2018 Final Season Ranking. Those are based on what each team actually did based on big wins, performance, etc. and not on opinion or talent.
So with all of that, here we go with the 2019 CFN Preview Rankings …
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2019 Schedules
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
AAC | C-USA | Ind | MAC | MW | Sun Belt
2019 CFN Preview Rankings
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
130. UTEP Miners
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: The Miners need the offensive backfield to stay in one piece, and the lines have to be a whole lot stronger. There’s still a major talent deficiency without enough big-time playmakers. Just a little bit of positive momentum, though, would do wonders.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 124
– UTEP 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction, Prediction
129. New Mexico State Aggies
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: The Aggies are still missing the lines. The overall talent and experience are better than last season, but the firepower isn’t there like it was in 2017. There’s too much missing to overcome the weaknesses.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 98
– New Mexico State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction, Prediction
128. UMass Minutemen
Relative Strengths: Special Teams, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: It’s do-over time for new head coach Walt Bell. The Minutemen lose all the key pieces from the explosive offense, and the defense that didn’t stop anyone still has a whole lot of work to do.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 104
– UMass 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
127. Coastal Carolina
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: New head coach Jamey Chadwell has a good base to work with, but the missing pieces are glaring. The ground game should be good, but the defense is going to be an early concern. There’s experience, but there has to be a whole lot more production.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 98
– Coastal Carolina 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
126. UConn Huskies
Relative Strengths: Running Back, New Coordinators
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Defensive Backs
Here’s The Deal: The coaching staff has undergone some changes, and there’s enough experience to be better, but the offensive playmakers are missing. The defense that was historically miserable has to go way, way too far to be merely mediocre.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 129
– UConn 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
125. Akron Zips
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: It’s going to be a rough early run under new head man Tom Arth. The starting 22 isn’t all that bad, but the depth isn’t there and there’s not going to be much of a running game to count on. The defensive front seven isn’t gong to be anything to get fired up about.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 102
– Akron 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
124. Bowling Green Falcons
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Receiver
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Linebackers
Here’s The Deal: The passing game should be a whole lot of fun, and there’s hope for a nice season overall offensively behind a veteran line. The biggest key will be a defense that has to go from awful to merely mediocre.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 118
– Bowling Green 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
123. Kent State Golden Flashes
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: The FlashFast offense in Year Two under Sean Lewis should be stronger with the experience returning, but the line has to be a whole lot better for it all to work. The attack might put up more points, but the defense will give them up just as quickly.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 114
– Kent State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
122. Rice Owls
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: This is going to be rough. The Owls weren’t exactly loaded with depth and talent, and losing a slew of transfers is a big problem. However, the receiving corps will be fantastic if someone can serve up the ball. The lines are going to be the issue – forget it if injuries strike early on.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 127
– Rice 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
121. Central Michigan Chippewas
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: New head coach Jim McElwain should be able to turn around the 1-11 team in a hurry … offensively. The quarterback situation was strengthened by transfer Quinten Dormady, but the defense loses almost all of the top players. Give McElwain a year.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 128
– Central Michigan 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
120. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Special Teams
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: Can all of the experience on the defensive side start to turn this thing around? There’s no depth, but the starters on both sides of the ball are good enough to win with. The schedule, though, will keep the Golden Hurricane from doing anything special.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 115
– Tulsa 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
119. Texas State Bobcats
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Don’t snicker, but the former regime did a halfway decent job of coming up with enough Sun Belt talent to finally be more competitive. Now it’s up to new head coach Jake Spavital to crank up the offense for a team loaded with experience.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 123
– Texas State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
118. Georgia State Panthers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Special Teams
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: It’s all up to a defense that has to be a whole lot stronger and more consistent. The Panthers should once again be able to keep games close, but the veteran offense has to be explosive enough to start overcoming the defensive issues.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 122
– Georgia State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
117. San Jose State Spartans
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: At some point, San Jose State has to be able to run the ball again. The lines continue to be the problem, but at least the offensive front has enough experience to be more cohesive. This might just be the best Spartan D in a while if a pass rush can finally emerge.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 126
– San Jose State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
116. Liberty Flames
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: The final record should be better than the team really is. Hugh Freeze takes over a team loaded with veterans, but the depth isn’t there and the defense will take a while to come together. If nothing else, the team is going to be a whole lot of fun.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 95
– Liberty 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
115. Old Dominion Monarchs
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Running Back
Here’s The Deal: Can the defense finally come up with a meaningful stop? The linebacking corps is a plus in the new 4-2-5 alignment, but the other nine pieces of the puzzle might be a bit of an issue. Losing a ton of offensive talent is a problem, but there’s a good stable of quarterbacks to work around.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 105
– Old Dominion 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
114. East Carolina Pirates
Relative Strengths: Special Teams, Quarterback
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: New head coach Mike Houston has just enough talent coming in to hope for a decent uptick, but that only happens if the defense shows up. The offensive backfield should be good enough to start winning a few more shootouts.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 117
– East Carolina 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
113. UTSA Roadrunners
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Linebacker, Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Experience isn’t an issue from the offense, but scoring points will still be like pulling teeth. The youth movement has to yield results right away, and the linebackers have to emerge, or it’s going to be another long, disappointing season.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 112
– UTSA 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
112. South Alabama Jaguars
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Start with the expected improvements on the lines under second-year head coach Steve Campbell, and work from there. Overall the team needs to do some major tightening up after making way too many mistakes. There’s a shot the team will be a whole lot better than this if the offense is more efficient.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 109
– South Alabama 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
111. ULM Warhawks
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Can the offense put up enough points to overcome the problems on the other side of the ball? The offensive line gets everyone back, but the skill talent has to emerge around QB Caleb Evans to overcome a mediocre secondary.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 89
– ULM 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
110. Eastern Michigan Eagles
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: It’s time to start giving Eastern Michigan the benefit of the doubt more than this, but the defensive line loses most of the key stars and the running game has to be stronger. There are just enough missing pieces to make this a reloading season, but the program has been able to surprise and succeed with less than this.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 71
– Eastern Michigan 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
109. Ball State Cardinals
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: It’s one of the MAC’s most experienced teams, but will that translate into wins? The offensive backfield lost its stars to other teams – QB Riley Neal is now at Vanderbilt and RB James Gilbert is at Kansas State – but there’s enough returning talent to finally start making a move under head coach Mike Neu.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 106
– Ball State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
108. Georgia Southern Eagles
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Defensive Back
Here’s The Deal: Okay, okay, the Eagles are going to end up being a whole lot better than this thanks to its devastating option offense. However, the O line will be an early issue and the defense will struggle just enough to make this a bit of a step-back season.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 28
– Georgia Southern 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
107. Miami University RedHawks
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Special Teams
Here’s The Deal: It’ll be a strange year for MU with the MAC getting a little better and with the RedHawk offense needing some work. Once the offensive backfield figures it out and is able to reload, this should be a better team as the season goes on. The defense might have to carry things for a bit.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 70
– Miami University 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
106. Air Force Falcons
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: The Falcons have the offensive backfield to start doing more, but can the defense hold up its end of the bargain? Once again, they’ll be able to beat the weak and the sad, but they’ll have problems keeping up in shootouts. The season rides on the defensive front having a decent year.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 96
– Air Force 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
105. Navy Midshipmen
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: This will all start to work again, right? The Midshipmen are going nuclear with the option starting Malcolm Perry at quarterback and sticking with him this time. The defense, though has to find a pass rush and there are a LOT of missing parts overall.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 101
– Navy 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
104. New Mexico Lobos
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: Can the offense start to work? It will if everyone stays healthy. The JUCO transfers on both sides of the ball have to make an immediate impact, and there’s a chance at a good record considering a relatively light schedule.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 110
– New Mexico 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
103. Charlotte 49ers
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Kicking Game
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: It’s going to be a sneaky-good team in the bowl mix. The passing game will improve if a few steady receivers can rise up and rock under new head man Will Healy. The defense should be just steady enough to be reliably okay.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 93
– Charlotte 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
102. WKU Hilltoppers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Get ready for a huge bounce back from a strangely bad season. The Hilltoppers have a nice quarterback option with Arkansas transfer Ty Storey coming in for new head man Tyson Helton, and the defense is loaded with decent returning veterans.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 111
– WKU 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
101. Buffalo Bulls
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: The Bulls lose a ton of big-time talent, but the lines are more than good enough to keep the infrastructure strong. The passing game could take a little while to come back, and there are some key parts missing from the linebacking corps, but expect nothing shorter than bowl eligibility.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 34
– Buffalo 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
2019 CFN Preview Rankings
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: 76-100, 50-75, Top 25
100. UAB Blazers
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Receiver
Here’s The Deal: This is where the rebuild begins. It’ll be a decent team under Bill Clark, but the defending Conference USA champion loses 17 starters. There’s enough in place to not fall totally off the map, but 2020 will be when the Blazers are back to form.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 11
– UAB 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
99. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Receiver
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: The Blue Raiders have to deal with a massive overhaul of talent. The O line needs to start over, the defense loses enough across the board to be a problem, and the skill guys are just okay. In all, 14 starters are gone.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 59
– Middle Tennessee 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
98. UNLV Rebels
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Will this finally be the year UNLV starts to produce? The offense has the firepower to hang around with anyone in the Mountain West – at least as long as QB Armani Rogers is rolling – but the porous defense still has a prove-it factor. The JUCO transfers have to play a big role.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 107
– UNLV 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
97. Colorado State Rams
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: This isn’t going to be the year when the Rams rise up and take over the Mountain West, but they should be stronger. The defense has to avoid the injury problems of last year, and the offense has to be more consistent and explosive. The latter will happen.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 120
– Colorado State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
96. Western Michigan Broncos
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: The veterans are there to be a whole lot stronger and more consistent. If the defense can play up to its experience, and the offense can get the passing game going, welcome to one of your bigger players in the MAC race.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 76
– Western Michigan 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
95. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: Billy Napier is going to soon be the next-big-thing head coach, and he’s got the team to be a factor in the Sun Belt chase again. The running game will be good thanks to one of the league’s best offensive lines, but the defense has to be able to hold serve.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 79
– Louisiana 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
94. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: Yeah, fine … the Bulldogs will end up being a whole lot better than this, but there’s just enough missing to keep this season from being fantastic. The offense has the experience to be stronger, but the defensive front seven is about to take a step back – the pass rush won’t be quite as amazing. They’ll make some noise in Conference USA.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 77
– Louisiana Tech 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
93. Toledo Rockets
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Overall, the record will be a whole lot stronger than the team’s talent. The lines aren’t going to quite be strong enough. The offense has the backfield to be a big factor in the MAC West chase, but the receiving corps is all but starting over.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 61
– Toledo 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
92. Arkansas State Red Wolves
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: Can the offensive backfield reload in a hurry? The pass rush will be there, the secondary is a plus, and the systems are in place to keep being a big deal in the Sun Belt, but the loss of QB Justice Hansen and a few other key parts will be just enough to be annoying.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 72
– Arkansas State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
91. Wyoming Cowboys
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: At some point, Wyoming is going to figure out how to score points again. The offense can’t and won’t be so miserable, but the defense will take a step back after losing a few stars. Even so, the D will be great, and now the O has to do its part.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 90
– Wyoming 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
90. Troy Trojans
Relative Strengths: Special Teams, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: New head coach Chip Lindsey has to replace several stars on a great defense, but the offense has the potential to keep rolling and do even more if QB Kaleb Barker can stay healthy and if the receiving corps gets instant help out of the transfers.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 33
– Troy 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
89. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: It’s an interesting team that just doesn’t have the lines. The offense will be a blast with the high-powered passing game doing even more, but the D will get steamrolled over and the O line is a question mark.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 73
– Hawaii 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
88. Northern Illinois Huskies
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: New head coach Thomas Hammock will be a fun personality in the MAC. He’ll keep the running game going, but the defense won’t have the killers to get into the backfield that led the way to the MAC championship. The Huskies will be a factor in the conference title chase again.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 38
– Northern Illinois 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
87. Nevada Wolf Pack
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Running Back
Here’s The Deal: The offense won’t quite blow up as needed, but the defense should be among the best in the Mountain West. The Pack will once again be bum-slayers and won’t have enough against the big boys, but they’ll be solid.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 91
– Florida Atlantic 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
86. Ohio Bobcats
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Special Teams
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: There are way too many new parts on offense to improve after a strong season, and the O line has to undergo a bit of an overhaul. Even so, the defense will be good enough and QB Nathan Rourke will make up for the offensive concerns.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 30
– Ohio 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
85. Florida Atlantic Owls
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: It won’t quite be a return to 2017, but the Owls will be a whole lot stronger than the 2018 version. The quarterback situation is suddenly amazing if former FSU star Deondre Francois is a factor, and the defense has the athletes to be the best yet under Lane Kiffin.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 91
– Florida Atlantic 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
84. SMU Mustangs
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: The offense didn’t blow up like it should’ve under Sonny Dykes, but that should change with Texas transfer Shane Buechele throwing to one of the Group of Five’s best receiving corps. If the defense can just be something other than awful – and it will be – this could be a breakthrough season.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 85
– SMU 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
83. Marshall Thundering Herd
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: How fast can Marshall reload defensively? The offense has to be better, the passing game sharper, and the big scoring plays have to arrive, but it’ll be another terrific team under Doc Holliday. If the defensive back seven comes together in a hurry, look out.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 46
– Marshall 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
82. North Texas Mean Green
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: After a few strong years under Seth Littrell, this is when the Mean Green need to take things to another level. QB Mason Fine is back for what seems like his 14th season, and all the other offensive parts are back, too. Get ready for shootout after shootout thanks to a porous secondary.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 51
– North Texas 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
81. Tulane Green Wave
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Quarterback, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: The Green Wave final ranking will be a whole lot better than this. The defense will be among the best in the American Athletic, and the offensive line will be fantastic. There might not be a whole lot of big plays, but the O should be a bit more balanced.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 67
– Tulane 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
80. Temple Owls
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Quarterback
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: New head coach Rod Carey has the parts in place offensively to be balanced and good enough to let the defense do the rest. It’s going to be one of the American Athletic Conference’s best all-around teams, but it’ll be missing just enough to push past UCF, Memphis, Houston and Cincinnati to be a star.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 58
– Temple 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
79. FIU Golden Panthers
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: This should be the best FIU team yet under Butch Davis. His lines are just okay, but the offensive skill parts are solid and the talent is in place to not choke away a chance to play for the Conference USA title this time around.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 43
– FIU 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
78. USF Bulls
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: The Bulls have to be more explosive and do a whole lot more on a consistent basis under offensive coordinator Kerwin Bell, and they will. The defense has to be a killer at some point under Charlie Strong, but the front seven isn’t going to be anything amazing.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 78
– USF 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
77. Army Black Knights
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: The record should once again be amazing with the offensive scheme still good enough to overcome the other concerns and parts. The key losses on the defensive front seven will matter, but you know what’s coming. The offense will be among the nation’s leader in rushing, and on some days, the good teams on the slate won’t be able to hit the curveball.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 20
– Army 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
76. Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: The amazing defense of last year might not be quite the same killer, but it’ll still be among the best in Conference USA. As long as the offense can finally start doing something down the field, it’ll be a great team that struggles a bit thanks to a brutal schedule.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 75
– Southern Miss 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
2019 CFN Preview Rankings
101-130 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: 50-75, Top 25
75. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: No, really, the offense will be better – mainly because it can’t be that bad again. New offensive coordinator John McNulty will make a difference, and the defense will be just good enough finally start winning a few games again. With one of the Big Ten’s best kicking games, there’s reason to hope, at least a little bit.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 125
– Rutgers 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
74. Appalachian State Mountaineers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Can new head man Eliah Drinkwitz keep it all going? Absolutely, considering the offense gets back just about everyone who matters, the defense will be terrific if a few defensive tackles can rise up, and the kicking game should be the Sun Belt’s best. Demand another conference championship.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 21
– Appalachian State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
73. BYU Cougars
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: It’s one of the season’s most interesting X factor teams. The defense should once again be terrific despite missing a few key pieces, and the passing game should be a whole lot better as long as QB Zack Wilson can be consistently great. Like they did last year, the Cougars are going to screw up some of the big names on the slate.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 53
– BYU 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
72. Utah State Aggies
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Running Back
Here’s The Deal: Can new/old head coach Gary Andersen really keep the machine going from an 11-win 2018 team? QB Jordan Love is back, but the rest of the offense won’t be nearly as nasty, but the defense should be among the best in the Mountain West. The secondary and line are going to be terrific.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 19
– Utah State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
71. Kansas Jayhawks
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Les Miles is a really, really good head coach, but he’ll have to work a little bit of magic. It’s all about the transfers coming in – the Jayhawks have to overcome several big personnel losses with new guys – but it’ll be a more entertaining and competitive Jayhawk team.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 108
– Kansas 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
70. San Diego State Aztecs
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Can the offense do anything with the passing game? The running backs are among the best in the Group of Five, and the defense will be a dominant force, but QB Ryan Agnew has to connect on a few more downfield passes to make Ds worry.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 62
– San Diego State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
69. Fresno State Bulldogs
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: There’s a whole lot of rebuilding to do, but it’s nothing compared to what Jeff Tedford has had to do when he first took over. The receiving corps needs a do over, and the pressure is on QB Jorge Reyna to be great, but the defense will once again carry the water if and when the O struggles.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 6
– Fresno State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
68. Oregon State Beavers
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Defensive Back, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: The Beavers are going to be a whole lot better, but the schedule and the improved overall Pac-12 will be a problem. Second year head coach Jonathan Smith forced a youth movement last season, and the payoff probably won’t come until next year, but the offense should be a lot more fun.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 116
– Oregon State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
67. North Carolina Tar Heels
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Linebacker, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Just how much of a difference can Mack Brown and the new coaching staff make right away? The veterans are there, and there’s hope with a few interesting new parts to the puzzle from the recruiting class, but the D has to be way better.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 113
– North Carolina 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
66. Memphis Tigers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Defensive Back, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: There’s a whole lot to like … except for the conference schedule with a whole lot of nasty road games. The passing game will blow up, the running attack will keep rolling, and the defense should be just good enough to hang on in shootouts. It’ll be one of the nation’s most fun teams.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 66
– Memphis 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
65. Illinois Fighting Illini
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: The Fighting Illini have been undergoing a youth movement for what seems like the entire Lovie Smith era, and it’s about to get even younger with star quarterback recruit Isaiah Williams needing to rise up and rock. The defense, though, needs to make the biggest jump.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 103
– Illinois 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
64. Cincinnati Bearcats
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Can both lines rebuild in a hurry? Luke Fickell has created a burgeoning power with talented skill players and a great defensive back seven, but the team has to hold on up front against a much tougher schedule.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 23
– Cincinnati 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
63. Ole Miss Rebels
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: Now it’s back on for the program considering bowl eligibility is part of the mix again. Even after losing the superstar receivers, the offense will be fine under coordinator Rich Rodriguez, and the defense has enough experience to be stronger.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 97
– Ole Miss 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
62. Vanderbilt Commodores
Relative Strengths: Receiver, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Defensive Back, Special Teams
Here’s The Deal: Derek Mason has been able to put together something positive with a good offense that’s going to be explosive, but can the defense hold up its end of the bargain? The Commodores will beat the mediocre teams, but they’ll get hit hard against the more efficient offensive attacks.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 74
– Vanderbilt 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
61. Arkansas Razorbacks
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Quarterback
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Is this when the offense starts to work under Chad Morris? Now that he has the quarterbacks in place with SMU’s Ben Hicks and Texas A&M’s Nick Starkel transferring in, but the rest of the offensive parts have to get and stay healthy. There will be shootouts, but the Hogs will be on the right side of more of them.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 119
– Arkansas 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
60. Boise State Broncos
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Special Teams, Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: It’s not a perfect team, and it’s not even the best among the Group of Five, but it could be just strong enough to get into the New Year’s Six. The schedule is fantastic, and the basics are there to overcome the early concerns at quarterback and in the kicking game. The offensive line and receivers will make the O go, and the secondary will be a plus.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 8
– Boise State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
59. Indiana Hoosiers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Defensive Back, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: The Hoosiers did a little housecleaning with the coordinators, and the team is in place to come up with the best season yet under Tom Allen. The offensive skill players are solid, but the defensive front is just okay and it’ll take a few upsets to go bowling.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 84
– Indiana 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
58. Louisville Cardinals
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Call 2018 a blip. New head coach Scott Satterfield comes in from Appalachian State and immediately changes up the culture. The defense has to be a whole lot better, but there’s experience and athleticism to work with. The offense should require some tweaking more than a total overhaul. Don’t blow off the Cardinals based on one awful year.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 121
– Louisville 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
57. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: Dave Clawson has done a wonderful job of working with the parts to make it all work, even though the talent level is just okay. The quarterback situation is great, and it’ll need to be for an offense that will have to make up or a leaky defense.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 49
– Wake Forest 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
56. Pitt Panthers
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: The top parts of the great running game are gone and the passing attack has to be stronger. It’ll be an inconsistent team, but there are good parts here and there – like at receiver and on the defensive front and secondary – to be interesting again.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 47
– Pitt 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
55. Houston Cougars
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Dana Holgorsen comes in with the task of taking Houston back to the Tom Herman era level, and further. The offensive skill parts are fantastic – the Cougars will hang up 40 points on a regular basis. Can the defense with a retooled line and shaky secondary slow anyone down?
2018 Final Season Ranking: 56
– Houston 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
54. Boston College Eagles
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: You know what’s coming. AJ Dillon and the running game will work, the offense will be effective enough to get by, and the defense will be solid – it’ll just take a little time. The pass rushers have to emerge and the secondary has to tight up a bit after losing a few important parts.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 50
– Boston College 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
53. Maryland Terrapins
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Mike Locksley has the offensive backfield to make the Term more dangerous. The running backs are good, and getting Virginia Tech transfer quarterback Josh Jackson is great. The pass rush will be terrific, but the offensive line is a question mark and the young parts in the defensive back seven have to come together.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 82
– Maryland 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
52. Duke Blue Devils
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Receiver, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: The overall depth isn’t there, the receiving corps is starting over, and QB Daniel Jones is busy off being yelled at by New York Giant fans. However, Quentin Harris is a nice replacement, and there’s a shot this is the best defense in the David Cutcliffe era.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 24
– Duke 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
51. Purdue Boilermakers
Relative Strengths: Receiver, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: It’s going to be a blast of a season with one of the nation’s most exciting young receiving corps, an aggressive defense, and just enough problems in the secondary to make every game a wild high-scoring firefight. Head coach Jeff Brohm will have his best team yet.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 55
– Purdue 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
2019 CFN Preview Rankings
101-130 | 76-100 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: 26-50, Top 25
50. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: New head man Geoff Collins is fitting in some square pegs into a few round holes, but these are football players – they’ll adjust. Can there be a passing game? Can the lines hold up? Will the running backs take over early on until everything else comes together? Give it a fall camp before fully figuring out what the Yellow Jackets will be.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 64
– Georgia Tech 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
49. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Matt Wells takes over the head coaching gig and should keep the passing game rolling. There might be a bit more of a ground attack, but it’s Texas Tech – the air show will be the way things roll. The D will make up for its issues with a whole lot of takeaways.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 68
– Texas Tech 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
48. Baylor Bears
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: Is this the season when the Bears take things to a whole other level under Matt Rhule? He’s got the skill parts to work with, but the offensive line has to be stronger. The defense won’t be a brick wall, but the other side of the ball will keep up the pace.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 80
– Baylor 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
47. Northwestern Wildcats
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Special Teams
Here’s The Deal: This should be an even better team in some ways than last year’s Big Ten West champ, but the team walks a tightrope with its style. The passing game should be more efficient, the defensive front seven will be good, and there’s a confidence in place after what the team came up with in 2018.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 27
– Northwestern 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
46. West Virginia Mountaineers
Relative Strengths: Cornerback, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: Can Austin Kendall be the new star passer? Can Neal Brown take what Dana Holgorsen created and make it even better? The offense should still be great, but the parts of the passing game could use a little time. There’s just enough of a rebuilding job to be done to keep this from being a special year.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 37
– West Virginia 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
45. Cal Golden Bears
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: It’s all about whether or not the offense can do something positive on a regular basis. There are options in place to improve, but the team will be better thanks to the defense that should be a killer again. Anything from the O changes the landscape of the Pac-12 chase.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 81
– Cal 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
44. Colorado Buffaloes
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Running Back
Here’s The Deal: New head coach Melvin Tucker inherits a quietly strong team. The passing game will be special if QB Steven Montez and WR Laviska Shenault can stay healthy. The new coaching staff will make the defense a whole lot better.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 99
– Colorado 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
43. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: If the Gophers can get stronger and more consistent quarterback play, the offense will have the potential to be fantastic. The rest of the skill parts are great, and the defense has the back seven to hold up. It’s not a perfect team, but if you’re looking for this year’s possible Northwestern in the Big Ten West, here you go.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 44
– Minnesota 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
42. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Back
Relative Concerns: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: There’s a lot of excitement in Year Two of the Scott Frost era, and for good reason. The offense should take things to a whole other level with Adrian Martinez under center, but the rest of the skill parts have to come together quickly. Give the defense a little time and the production will be there.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 88
– Nebraska 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
41. Arizona Wildcats
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Concerns: Defensive Back, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Just how much have the Wildcats been able to improve under Kevin Sumlin? The offensive backfield is special, the linebacking corps is full of big-time players, and the pieces are in place to be a few wins better and go bowling.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 92
– Arizona 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
40. NC State Wolfpack
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Secondary, Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: There are way, way too many pieces that have to come together for the Wolfpack to be any better, but the lines will be good in time, head coach Dave Doeren has his footing in the program, and the fill-ins for the lost starters are going to be good. The consistency might not be there early on.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 36
– NC State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
39. UCF Knights
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Special Teams
Here’s The Deal: You know how this works, UCF fans. The Knights are going to be missing a little bit in key areas – the defensive line might need a little bit – but the talent and formula will work well enough to make another push for something amazing. The schedule is harder, the defense will falter again from time to time, but the offense is still going to be devastating.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 9
– UCF 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
38. Kentucky Wildcats
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: There’s a ton missing from last season’s breakthrough team in the SEC, but there are enough good players back to make a whole lot of noise. QB Terry Wilson will have to do even more now, and the defense has to key by without Josh Allen wreaking havoc.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 12
– Kentucky 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
37. Virginia Tech Hokies
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: 2018 was supposed to be a rebuilding season, but it wasn’t supposed to be that mediocre. The loss of players to transfer this offseason didn’t help. Fortunately, the defense will be stronger with just about everyone back, and the starting 11 on offense will be okay – an early rash of injuries would be devastating.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 652
– Virginia Tech 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
36. Florida State Seminoles
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Running Back
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Special Teams
Here’s The Deal: Willie Taggart got his mulligan, but he had better slam his second try. The Seminoles went with a youth movement last season, but the payoff has to come fast with more offensive pop and a nastier defense. FSU will be far better, but this is a national title-level program that will be far from being that good.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 83
– Florida State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
35. Stanford Cardinal
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Coaching
Relative Concerns: Defensive Back, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: It’s a good team with a lot of great parts, but the schedule is brutal, the receiving corps has to replace a few top guys, and the defense was close to gutted. It’s Stanford, though. It’ll be tough on the lines and will always by a player under David Shaw.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 32
– Stanford 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
34. UCLA Bruins
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Secondary
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: UCLA has to be better. It’s Chip Kelly, after all, and he’s way too good and there’s way too much athleticism across the board to come up with another miserable season. After going ridiculously young last season, the team should be far tighter, far more explosive, and far more effective on both sides of the ball.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 100
– UCLA 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
33. Tennessee Volunteers
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Offensive Line, Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: Are the lines back to being great again? Are the playmakers there on offense, and is the NFL talent returning on defense? Jeremy Pruitt still has plenty of work to do, but here’s the good next step forward – expect a few fun upsets on the way to a bowl game.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 86
– Tennessee 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
32. Washington State Cougars
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: The Cougars will be sort of ignored because Gardner Minshew is done and there aren’t any brand name stars … watch out. They’re going to be be every bit as strong offensively as long as Gage Gubrud or Anthony Gordon can be another Minshew, and the defensive front is going to be a terror.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 16
– Washington State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
31. Kansas State Wildcats
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Special Teams
Relative Concerns: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: New head man Chris Klieman should be able to take what Bill Snyder had in place and make it stronger. The Wildcats have the defensive front to make a jump up against the run, and now the offense should start to look more K-State like when it comes to time of possession and controlling games.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 94
– Kansas State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
30. Arizona State Sun Devils
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: The passing game might be missing some of the key guys from last year, but Eno Benjamin is among the nation’s best running backs working behind a strong line. The defensive front might need a little work, but Herm Edwards’ back seven will be fantastic.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 63
– Arizona State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
29. Iowa State Cyclones
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Linebacker
Here’s The Deal: You don’t get better by losing a running back as good as David Montgomery or a receiver as strong as Hakeem Butler, but the skill guys are still good, and Cyclones will still be as well coached as any team in the Big 12. QB Brock Purdy should be in for a good year behind another great O line.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 42
– Iowa State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
28. Missouri Tigers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Concerns: Defensive Line, Secondary
Here’s The Deal: New QB Kelly Bryant should be outstanding for an offense that will be every bit as good as the last few versions, and the defense will be a rock as long as the line comes together right away. There might not be a bowl game to play for, but look out for the NCAA sanctions to be a rallying point.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 41
– Missouri 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
27. Virginia Cavaliers
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Running Back, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: This year’s Virginia team should be good enough to finish what last year’s group couldn’t – maybe. The Cavaliers might not win the Coastal, but QB Bryce Perkins and the offense will be more efficient, and the defense will be the best yet under Bronco Mendenhall.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 39
– Virginia 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
26. USC Trojans
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
Relative Concerns: Coaching, Offensive Line
Here’s The Deal: Let’s just assume that USC is going to be closer to USC again after a year of rebuilding. There’s a ton of young talent in place, and the Texas Tech-like passing game should make things more fun, but the pressure is on. There are way too many good parts on both sides of the ball to be mediocre again.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 87
– USC 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
2019 CFN Preview Rankings
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: Top 25
25. Syracuse Orange
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: Dino Babers should be able to build on his breakthrough season with the Orange, but it’s all about whether or not QB Tommy DeVito is ready for primetime. The defense will keep getting behind the line, and the offense should have some explosive moments, but the expectations are jacked up now.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 17
– Syracuse 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
24. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Front Seven
Here’s The Deal: There’s work to do on the defensive front seven, and the quarterback situation has to be settled, but the running backs and receivers are special. The Cowboys will put up big numbers to keep the pace in shootouts, but can the D do its part? If there’s a steady pass rush, watch out for OSU to be a bit of a Big 12 Championship sleeper.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 45
– Oklahoma State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
23. Washington Huskies
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Returning Defensive Starters
Here’s The Deal: Is the program that good under Chris Petersen that it can lose almost all the stars on defense and four-year starting quarterback Jake Browning and still be a factor in the Pac-12 title chase? Of course. The hope is for Jacob Eason to be an upgrade at quarterback, and plenty of good players are ready to step up defensively.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 14
– Washington 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
22. Miami Hurricanes
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Offensive Backfield
Here’s The Deal: Miami hasn’t been quite as good as it’s been hyped up to be over the last few seasons, but it’s close. The linebacking corps is among the best in America, but the offense needs to be far, far better overall. The receiving corps is great, but can anyone consistently get them the ball? The offensive line is experienced, but it has to be a whole lot better.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 60
– Miami 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
21. TCU Horned Frogs
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: Get ready for the Horned Frogs to turn into a major Big 12 player again. The offense that sputtered throughout last season should be far better as long as the quarterback situation improves. The rest of the skill players are good, and the defense will be great around one of the Big 12’s best secondaries.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 52
– TCU 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
20. Utah Utes
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Kickers
Here’s The Deal: Can the Utes stay healthy and put it all together on both sides of the ball? The defense that was so amazing last season gets back a loaded secondary, and the offense should be fantastic with the main men in the backfield returning. If the lost superstar kickers can be adequately replaced right away, look out.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 29
– Utah 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
19. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: Joe Moorhead isn’t going to get the big year out of his defense that last year’s team cranked up, but the offense should start to become a bit more like its head coach likes. The quarterback situation just got interesting with Penn State transfer Tommy Stevens coming in, and the running backs are good. The D will be great, even if it’s not the 2018 killer.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 35
– Mississippi State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
18. Wisconsin Badgers
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: Last year’s painfully underachieving team should bounce back and be better, even with the loss of almost everyone on the offensive front. Jonathan Taylor returns to what will be another great ground attack, the defense has emerging stars, and the receiving corps is the best the Badgers have had in years. It’ll all be up to the shaky quarterback situation.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 54
– Wisconsin 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
17. Penn State Nittany Lions
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: The quarterback situation became murky once Tommy Stevens took off for Mississippi State, but if Sean Clifford is okay, the Nittany Lions will be sneaky-good. The pass rush will be strong again, the running game will be solid, and the talent level has risen up under James Franklin to quickly reload.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 26
– Penn State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
16. South Carolina Gamecocks
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Running Back
Here’s The Deal: The team will be better than the final record, all thanks to a brutal schedule. Jake Bentley is an underappreciated passer working with a strong receiving corps behind a good-looking line. The D would get more love if it played in any conference other than the SEC, and the kicking game will be among the league’s best.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 69
– South Carolina 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
15. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
Here’s The Deal: Almost all of the stars are gone. There isn’t a complete rebuild needing to be done, though, after last year’s run to the College Football Playoff thanks to the return of QB Ian Book and a great offensive line. With a solid defense and another effective offense, it’ll be another good year. It just won’t be 2018 again.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 7
– Notre Dame 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
14. Michigan State Spartans
Relative Strength: Defensive Front Seven
Relative Concern: Running Back
Here’s The Deal: All the Spartans need is for the offense to do anything. The defense gets just about everyone back after putting together a College Football Playoff-level season, and now the O should be a whole lot better. As long as the quarterback play is stronger, MSU will be deep in the hunt for the Big Ten East.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 57
– Michigan State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
13. Iowa Hawkeyes
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Running Back
Here’s The Deal: This won’t be a 2015 season when the Hawkeyes got to the Big Ten title game 12-0 – before losing to Michigan State and then to Stanford in the Rose Bowl – but the team has the makeup to be almost as good. Nate Stanley has the upside to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks, the secondary is going to be outstanding, and after a little seasoning, the defensive front seven will be a brick wall.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 25
– Iowa 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
12. Auburn Tigers
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: The Tigers are going to be in for a much, much better season, starting with the lines. The defensive front will win a few games by itself, and the offensive side will help make the struggling attack of last year a whole lot better. The quarterback situation has to be settled in a hurry in fall camp. The D will carry the team, but the O has to hold up its end of the bargain this time around.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 40
– Auburn 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
11. Texas A&M Aggies
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
Here’s The Deal: All that’s missing is the depth to overcome any injury issues in the offensive backfield or in the linebacking corps. The pass protection has to be stronger to give Kellen Mond time to work. If that happens, the offense will be explosive. The defense is loaded on the front and in the secondary, and the kicking game is amazing. The biggest problem, though, is one of the nation’s must horrific schedules.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 22
– Texas A&M 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
2019 CFN Preview Rankings
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | Top 10
NEXT: Top Ten
10. Oregon Ducks
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Kick Coverage
Here’s The Deal: When it comes to experience and high-end potential, Oregon has everything in place. It has the NFL quarterback in Justin Herbert – he’d be the New York Giant draft pick instead of Daniel Jones had he declared himself eligible – and the athletes on both sides of the ball to be special. Throw in the amazing recruiting class to beef up the talent level, and welcome to the reemergence of Oregon as a national powerhouse.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 31
– Oregon 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
9. Texas Longhorns
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Penalties
Here’s The Deal: No, Texas isn’t “back” to the level that many might claim it is, but the expectations are realistically through the roof after the way Tom Herman’s program finished up last season. QB Sam Ehlinger might be one of the nation’s best all-around ballers, but there’s just enough missing from the defensive front seven to keep the team from playing up to the preseason hype.
However, if the young, talented parts Herman has brought in over the last few seasons are ready for primetime, this really might be the year the Longhorns return to national championship level prominence.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 13
– Texas 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
8. Michigan Wolverines
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
Here’s The Deal: It’s been lost in the narrative after the disastrous way last season finished up, but Michigan was one game away from almost certainly being in the College Football Playoff. Granted, that one game was a blowout loss to Ohio State – the Wolverines would’ve beaten Northwestern in the Big Ten title game – but this year’s version is every bit as strong, if not better.
The defense might have lost some key parts to the NFL, but the system is there to come up with another killer season. The fun will be around an offense that will wing it around a bit more with QB Shea Patterson and a loaded receiving corps.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 15
– Michigan 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
7. LSU Tigers
Relative Strength: Secondary
Relative Concern: Pass Protection
Here’s The Deal: What a difference a year makes. Last season at this time, Ed Orgeron was on everyone’s hot seat list and it was nothing but projected doom and gloom for the Tigers. This year, the team has everything in place to make a real, live run for the College Football Playoff.
The defensive back seven is jaw-dropping good, the lines are outstanding, and second-year QB Joe Burrow has an NFL receiving corps to work with. The schedule is a bear at times, but that’s nothing new for the program.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 10
– LSU 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
6. Ohio State Buckeyes
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: Can Justin Fields actually play? No pressure or anything, but Ohio State is good enough to win the Big Ten title again and go off to play for the College Football Playoff. That only works if the Georgia transfer plays like he was No. 1A – along with with Trevor Lawrence – in the 2018 recruiting rankings.
New head coach Ryan Day will be fine, especially with the talent Urban Meyer left behind. The receiving corps is going to be devastating, the defense has the experience and skill to be a whole lot better, and JK Dobbins is a special running back. Mr. Fields, your table is ready.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 3
– Ohio State 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
5. Oklahoma Sooners
Relative Strength: Offensive Skill Players
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
Here’s The Deal: As long as Jalen Hurts is Jalen Hurts, the Oklahoma offense will keep on rolling. It’s not going to be the same high-flying fun show it was with Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield running it, but with a deep group of running backs, a loaded receiving corps, and a defense that should finally start to tackle someone under new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, nothing less than another Big 12 title and trip to the College Football Playoff will do.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 5
– Oklahoma 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
4. Florida Gators
Relative Strength: Secondary
Relative Concern: Quarterback Consistency
Here’s The Deal: Is this an overreach after one very good year under Dan Mullen? Not really. The Gators are going to finish worse than this thanks to a nasty schedule, but go ahead and set the expectation dial to 11 considering how many fantastic pieces are in place.
The defense is the star, with one of the nation’s best secondaries behind what should be – with a little time – a rock-solid front seven. The O line might need a little retooling, but the kicking game is great, the offensive skill players strong, and if QB Feleipe Franks can up his game just a little bit more – he’s got the talent, experience and coaching to do just that – watch out.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 18
– Florida 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
3. Georgia Bulldogs
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Backup Quarterback
Here’s The Deal: It’s Jake Fromm or else. With Justin Fields off to Ohio State, and Jacob Eason long gone and likely starting at Washington, the Georgia backup quarterback situation might be one of the biggest keys to the season. If Fromm can stay in one piece, he’s a top ten overall draft pick who can lead the Bulldogs back to the SEC title game.
Kirby Smart has taken the talent level up a few notches, with an offensive line that might just be the best in college football, a secondary that’s special despite the loss of Deandre Baker, and with NFL talent all across the board. Everything is in place to get to the College Football Playoff … at long as No. 11 is fine and healthy.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 4
– Georgia 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
2. Clemson Tigers
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Front Seven Experience
Here’s The Deal: First, the down side for the defending national champs. Even Clemson will have a hard time immediately replacing and reloading one of the greatest defensive front fours in the history of college football. Everything will turn out to be fine overall, but the front seven can’t help but take a step back. It’s not going to matter too much thanks to an offense that should put up 50 points a game.
Trevor Lawrence is just that special a starting quarterback, he’s got an NFL receiving corps to throw to, an NFL running back in Travis Etienne to hand off to, and one of the best lines in the country to work behind. There’s a problem is Lawrence gets hurt, and there’s just enough missing from the kicking game and that defensive front to be worried, but the talent Dabo Swinney has amassed is special.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 1
– Clemson 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Kicking Game
Here’s The Deal: Bama had one really, really, really bad game against a Clemson team led by a franchise NFL starting quarterback and an all-timer defensive front on a laser-focused mission. This is still every bit the team that ripped through everything in its path – except for Georgia – on the way to Santa Clara.
The kicking game is suspect. There’s the Achilles’ heel, because every other aspect of this team is untouchable.
Tua Tagovailoa is the best quarterback in the country – or at least in the top three. The running back situation is the best in the country, the receiving corps is the best in the country. The defense – at least talent-wise – is the best in the country, and the offensive line is among the best in the country.
If last year’s team was Nick Saban’s best – at least before the debacle at the end – this one might just be even better, because now it’s grouchy.
2018 Final Season Ranking: 2
– Alabama 2019 Team Preview, Season Prediction
2019 Schedules
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
AAC | C-USA | Ind | MAC | MW | Sun Belt
2019 CFN Preview Rankings
101-130 | 76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25
