The CFN Preview 2020 college football rankings, with the preseason look at all 130 teams.
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a world with a college football season that’s about to kick into high gear with practices, media days, and …
Okay, so nothing is going on like normal.
No matter what happens over the next several weeks and months, we can still take an educated guess as to how good all 130 FBS college football teams are as they go into whatever a 2020 college football season will/can/might be.
Spring football was almost non-existent at most places – making doing all the previews and rankings far more interesting than normal – and injures, the transfer portal, and this sinister virus are all going to play roles over the next several weeks. We’ll do this all again just before whatever this season is – hopefully, and most importantly, safely – kicks off.
For now, the rankings aren’t about where the teams are projected to end up – those are coming later once the new-look schedules are locked down. The 2020 CFN Preview rankings are based on how good we think all the teams are right now.
Contact @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak
CFN Preview 2020 Rankings
All 130 Team Previews | 101-130
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
130. UConn Huskies
Relative Strength: Special Teams
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 126
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 126
UConn Quick Take: Life as an independent will be interesting for a UConn program that has to rely on a slew of transfers and young parts to turn around an ugly run. The Huskies are still in a rebuilding mode.
– UConn 2020 CFN Team Preview
129. Akron Zips
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 129
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 125
Akron Quick Take: There’s no way, no how the Zips can be as bad as they were last season as the only FBS program to go winless. The offense will do something as long as the line can figure something out fast. Losing a few transfers and not having a real offseason to get things in place hurts.
– Akron 2020 CFN Team Preview
128. New Mexico State Aggies
Relative Strength: Secondary
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 129
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 127
New Mexico State Quick Take: There’s a veteran crew returning on a defense that was totally miserable, especially against the run. The production has to be there with all of the experience, and the offense has to find something that consistently works.
– New Mexico State 2020 CFN Team Preview
127. UTEP Miners
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 128
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 130
UTEP Quick Take: The defense has been an ongoing problem for the Miners, but the woes on an offense that just can’t get working have been the bigger issue. There’s hope for a little more punch, but the defensive front has to stop someone.
– UTEP 2020 CFN Team Preview
126. UMass Minutemen
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 130
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 128
UMass Quick Take: There’s still a whole lot of work to still do for a defense that was magnificently miserable against the run. There’s a little hope for an offense that should be better up front and has a few promising playmakers, but this is another season about building things up.
– UMass 2020 CFN Team Preview
125. Bowling Green Falcons
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 124
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 124
Bowling Green Quick Take: There’s a shot this turns out to be a way-too-low ranking if the offense finally learns how to score a little bit. The defense isn’t going to be a brick wall, but the offense should improve with steadier quarterback play.
– Bowling Green 2020 CFN Team Preview
124. Texas State Bobcats
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 114
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 119
Texas State Quick Take: Eventually the up-tempo offense will start to work and the Bobcats will tag someone decent. The defense can’t let the team get out of games so quickly, but the offense has to go on a few early scoring drives to help the cause.
– Texas State 2020 CFN Team Preview
123. South Alabama Jaguars
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 119
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 112
South Alabama Quick Take: Where’s the positive offensive identity? The Jaguars need to get more out of the backfield. On the other side, the back eight is promising, but the defensive line is all but starting from scratch.
– South Alabama 2020 CFN Team Preview
122. ULM Warhawks
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 100
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 111
ULM Quick Take: This might be an embarrassingly low preseason ranking if the quarterback play is sharp from the start. The receivers are going to be excellent, but the O line is going through an overhaul. The defense has to do more to hold serve after finishing as the third-worst in the nation.
– ULM 2020 CFN Team Preview
121. Old Dominion Monarchs
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 125
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 115
Old Dominion Quick Take: There are a few great players who’ll be among the best in Conference USA – there just aren’t enough of them. The lines have to be a whole lot more consistent, and the secondary needs to be better early on. New head coach – and former Penn State offensive coordinator – Ricky Rahne should provide some pop.
– Old Dominion 2020 CFN Team Preview
120. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 96
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 127
Coastal Carolina Quick Take: Very, very quietly, this could be a sneaky-good Sun Belt squad with a strong-looking O line paving the way for RB CJ Marable. The D needs more of a pass rush.
– Coastal Carolina 2020 CFN Team Preview
119. UTSA Roadrunners
Relative Strength: Secondary
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 118
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 113
UTSA Quick Take: After years of trying to win football games without scoring points, UTSA appears ready to try cranking up an offense under new head coach Jeff Traylor. The parts aren’t great, though. The D has enough playmakers to keep games close.
– UTSA 2020 CFN Team Preview
118. New Mexico Lobos
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 120
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 104
New Mexico Quick Take: There’s a shot to turn things around quickly under new head coach Danny Gonzales if the program can finally know what it’s like to have a healthy quarterback. The receivers aren’t awful, but they’ll have to be ready for shootouts to make up for a rough defense.
– New Mexico 2020 CFN Team Preview
117. Northern Illinois Huskies
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 92
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 88
Northern Illinois Quick Take: This could go one of two ways. Either this is really, really low, and NIU kicks it all in under Thomas Hammock with an offense that will be far better, or this is just about right considering the MAC is going to be stronger. The defense could’ve really used a normal offseason.
– Northern Illinois 2020 CFN Team Preview
116. Rice Owls
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 115
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 122
Rice Quick Take: It took a few years to get things going under head man Mike Bloomgren, and now is when the payoff is supposed to start. The Owls have one of the sneakiest-good receiving corps in Conference USA, and nine starters should be back on D.
– Rice 2020 CFN Team Preview
115. Charlotte 49ers
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 72
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 103
Charlotte Quick Take: The overall talent is still lacking for the young program, but there’s a lot of experience on a team that’s a whole lot of fun. RB Benny LeMay and a potentially loaded receiving corps should make up for issues on the defensive side.
– Charlotte 2020 CFN Team Preview
114. Georgia State Panthers
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 75
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 118
Georgia State Quick Take: Replacing QB Dan Ellington is tough, and the offense likely won’t be as time or as explosive, but it’s a solid team across the board that needs to get stronger in the secondary.
– Georgia State 2020 CFN Team Preview
113. Eastern Michigan Eagles
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 80
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 110
Eastern Michigan Quick Take: This isn’t the Eastern Michigan of several years ago – it’s expected to be decent now – but it’s still going to be a fight to rebuild. The offensive backfield needs too much work and the defense will be more plucky than nasty after allowing over 430 yards per game.
– Eastern Michigan 2020 CFN Team Preview
112. Liberty Flames
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 65
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 116
Liberty Quick Take: Hugh Freeze is always going to pump out a great offense, but the Flames lose some terrific parts, starting with WR Antonio Gandy-Golden. Watch out for Maine transfer Joshua Mack at running back to carry the load with little drop-off on O, but the defense will struggle too much early on.
– Liberty 2020 CFN Team Preview
111. Miami University RedHawks
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 47
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 107
Miami University Quick Take: Even with the MAC championship, the offense was never anything special. It could be a whole lot better if the talented, veteran line is stronger. After a year of living in opposing backfields, the defense has some overhauling to do.
– Miami University 2020 CFN Team Preview
110. FIU Golden Panthers
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 85
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 79
FIU Quick Take: Butch Davis hasn’t had a problem at reloading parts, but he has to do a whole lot with a defense that misses most of its stronger tacklers – getting into the backfield is going to be a problem. The offensive line will be great, but the rest of the attack has to take advantage of it.
– FIU 2020 CFN Team Preview
109. UNLV Rebels
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 106
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 98
UNLV Quick Take: New head coach Marcus Arroyo has a nice offensive backfield to work with, and the offense should be more explosive, but the change only works if the defense starts to be more consistent.
– UNLV 2020 CFN Team Preview
108. North Texas Mean Green
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 111
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 82
North Texas Quick Take: Can the offense get its groove back after a stunningly mediocre year? The offensive backfield needs some work, but the receivers are there to be good again. The secondary that got rocked needs a big improvement.
– North Texas 2020 CFN Team Preview
107. Central Michigan Chippewas
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 71
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 121
Central Michigan Quick Take: The program that was so close to winning the MAC title in the first year under Jim McElwain – a massive turnaround – has a huge overhaul to deal with. The receiving corps will be good and the defense should be fine, but there are way too many key losses.
– Central Michigan 2020 CFN Team Preview
106. Kent State Golden Flashes
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 66
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 123
Kent State Quick Take: After a brilliant finish to last season with a fun-FlashFast offense that went on a magical run, the team should come into the season all puffy-chested and confident. QB Dustin Crum is a veteran now who can crank up the attack, but the defense front has to be stronger to start winning more.
– Kent State 2020 CFN Team Preview
105. Troy Trojans
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 90
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 90
Troy Quick Take: If the Trojans don’t have the best receiving corps in the Sun Belt, they’re not all that far off. The defensive front and secondary are too much of a problem to win the Sun Belt, but the offense will hang with everyone.
– Troy 2020 CFN Team Preview
104. Toledo Rockets
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 73
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 93
Toledo Quick Take: Even when Toledo isn’t great – like last year – it’s still pretty good. This year it should be better, starting with one of the MAC’s best offensive lines and running games. The defense has to prove it can be a whole lot better.
– Toledo 2020 CFN Team Preview
103. Western Michigan Broncos
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 42
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 96
Western Michigan Quick Take: Yeah, this might be laughably low if the offense is steady and the defensive front seven really does take over like it probably should. There are a few better teams in the MAC, but winning the conference title is on the table.
– Western Michigan 2020 CFN Team Preview
102. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 107
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 99
Middle Tennessee Quick Take: After a down year with a different style of overall play, the Blue Raiders should be more dangerous with Asher O’Hara a good all-around quarterback who should shine behind a veteran line. The defensive front, though has to be a whole lot better.
– Middle Tennessee 2020 CFN Team Preview
101. USF Bulls
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 104
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 78
USF Quick Take: There’s WAY too much talent in place to be quite this bad in the first season under Jeff Scott, but the offense has a long way to go to be merely mediocre. The defense will keep the Bulls in most games.
– USF 2020 CFN Team Preview
CFN Preview 2020 Rankings
All 130 Team Previews | 101-130
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Preseason 2020 Rankings, Top 100
100. San Jose State Spartans
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 95
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 117
San Jose State Quick Take: The offense worked, and it should be terrific again with another fun passing game. Yes, the secondary looked great because everyone was busy running the ball on the Spartan defense, but it really is going to be a plus.
– San Jose State 2020 CFN Team Preview
99. Army Black Knights
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 89
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 77
Army Quick Take: Army is going to go Army again – it’s going to run, run some more, and keep on running – but the line is just decent and the defense has to be a wee bit better after an okay year. It’s all up to an offense that has to get back to a 2018 level and be dominant again.
– Army 2020 CFN Team Preview
98. Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 82
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 68
Southern Miss Quick Take: The offense has way too much returning talent to be mediocre again. The defense gets back enough good tacklers and enough pass rushers to be great again at getting behind the line, but the pass defense has to be far better.
– Southern Miss 2020 CFN Team Preview
97. WKU Hilltoppers
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 40
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 102
WKU Quick Take: After a really fun, really wild turnaround season with a fantastic bowl win to end it all, the defense will be among the best in Conference USA. If the offense can go from improved to great, it might win the league title.
– WKU 2020 CFN Team Preview
96. Ohio Bobcats
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 51
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 86
Ohio Quick Take: Frank Solich’s team might have just filled the big hole with QB Armani Rogers coming in from UNLV. The offensive backfield is going to be good again, but there’s a massive talent loss up front. The defense will be okay, but nothing amazing.
– Ohio 2020 CFN Team Preview
95. Nevada Wolf Pack
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 74
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 87
Nevada Quick Take: This is hardly a great ranking, but it’s still a wee bit of a gift considering the offense has a whole lot of work to do to turn the experience into more production. Once again, the defense will be fine against the mediocre teams, and will struggle against everyone else.
– Nevada 2020 CFN Team Preview
94. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 86
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 120
Tulsa Quick Take: Putting it out there – we’re fully prepared to accept that this ranking could be really, really wrong on the low side if the defense can do anything. The offense is loaded at the skill spots to survive in shootout after shootout.
– Tulsa 2020 CFN Team Preview
93. Arkansas State Red Wolves
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 67
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 92
Arkansas State Quick Take: Can the defense be any better? It gave up over 400 points for the first time since 2013, but the great offense often made up for it. Expect more of the same, but the defensive line should quietly be better. The secondary loses a ton of key parts from the nation’s 124th-ranked defense.
– Arkansas State 2020 CFN Team Preview
92. Ball State Cardinals
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 83
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 109
Ball State Quick Take: Don’t sleep on a Cardinal team that might become one of the nation’s biggest surprises. The secondary is terrific, the offense should be the MAC’s best, and the experience and talent are there to have a fantastic year.
– Ball State 2020 CFN Team Preview
91. East Carolina Pirates
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 108
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 114
East Carolina Quick Take: The Pirates have the offensive pop with the great passing game sure to scare the rest of Conference USA, and the secondary is good, but the defense as a whole has to rise up and be a whole lot better.
– East Carolina 2020 CFN Team Preview
90. Marshall Thundering Herd
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 35
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 83
Marshall Quick Take: The quarterback situation just became interesting with Isaiah Green in the transfer portal, but the offensive line and the secondary are in place to build around.
– Marshall 2020 CFN Team Preview
89. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 43
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 94
Louisiana Tech Quick Take: Coming off a special season, Louisiana Tech has a whole lot of reworking to do to be amazing again. The receiving corps, though, will be excellent, and there’s just enough back on defense to be in the Conference USA title mix.
– Louisiana Tech 2020 CFN Team Preview
88. SMU Mustangs
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 28
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 84
SMU Quick Take: The offense will be great again, the defense will struggle again, and the Mustangs will continue to be a whole lot of fun with a big-time passing game. That defense, though …
– SMU 2020 CFN Team Preview
87. Florida Atlantic Owls
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 13
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 85
Florida Atlantic Quick Take: Willie Taggart inherits a relatively full cupboard. No, the overall talent isn’t there to be in the mix for the New Year’s Six spot, but the offensive backfield is good enough to push for the Conference USA title again.
– Florida Atlantic 2020 CFN Team Preview
86. Colorado State Rams
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 109
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 97
Colorado State Quick Take: New head coach Steve Addazio should be just the nudge the program needs to go from struggling to decent right away. The passing attack will be among the best in the Mountain West in what should be a good turnaround year.
– Colorado State 2020 CFN Team Preview
85. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 123
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 75
Rutgers Quick Take: New head coach Greg Schiano isn’t going to be enough to make Rutgers the new Ohio State in the Big Ten East. but he has a potentially good running game to work with if the line can be anything other than miserable.
– Rutgers 2020 CFN Team Preview
84. Georgia Southern Eagles
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 55
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 108
Georgia Southern Quick Take: You know what you’re getting with Georgia Southern, and it’s once again going to do what it does, only better. The offensive backfield is loaded for the option attack, the linebacking corps is special, and the overall formula should work.
– Georgia Southern 2020 CFN Team Preview
83. Buffalo Bulls
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 39
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 101
Buffalo Quick Take: Be really, really disappointed if this isn’t the best team in the MAC. The Bulls will have one of the nation’s most productive rushing tandems, the defensive front is fantastic, and the overall talent is in place to roll to a massive year.
– Buffalo 2020 CFN Team Preview
82. UAB Blazers
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 58
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 100
UAB Quick Take: If there wasn’t so much success after returning from a few years off, this would be the year when things would kick in. As good as UAB has been, this version could be the best yet with almost everyone back. The Conference USA title is there for the taking.
– UAB 2020 CFN Team Preview
81. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 14
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 95
Louisiana Quick Take: The offense should be unstoppable. After two years of getting everything rolling under head man Billy Napier, now the spread attack will go to a whole other level. The defense will be just good enough to hold serve.
– Louisiana 2020 CFN Team Preview
80. Utah State Aggies
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 46
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 72
Utah State Quick Take: This got interesting in a hurry. Jordan Love might be gone to the Green Bay Packers, but bringing in Utah transfer Jason Shelley has changed around the quarterback situation. The O line is among the best in the Mountain West, and the D should be a lot stronger in the back.
– Utah State 2020 CFN Team Preview
79. Tulane Green Wave
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 62
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 81
Tulane Quick Take: Combine the great coaching with outstanding special teams, and Tulane should be able to do all of the little things right. There isn’t enough overall talent to make a huge push in the American Athletic Conference race, but it’ll once again be a rock of a team under Willie Fritz.
– Tulane 2020 CFN Team Preview
78. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 32
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 89
Hawaii Quick Take: New head coach Todd Graham will keep the passing game going, but with a few twists. The offensive line is good enough to expand the attack, but the defensive front will need a while to get rolling.
– Hawaii 2020 CFN Team Preview
77. Fresno State Bulldogs
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 91
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 69
Fresno State Quick Take: Welcome to the Group of Five’s biggest wild-card team. After a clunker of a 2019, Fresno State might be able to bounce back fast under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Running game, good defense, repeat.
– Fresno State 2020 CFN Team Preview
76. Wyoming Cowboys
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 48
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 91
Wyoming Quick Take: Too many great defensive parts are gone, but it’ll still be a good overall group. The running game should be great, but there won’t be a whole lot of flash from the passing attack.
– Wyoming 2020 CFN Team Preview
CFN Preview 2020 Rankings
All 130 Team Previews | 101-130
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Preseason 2020 Rankings, Top 75
75. Navy Midshipmen
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking:
2019 CFN Preview Ranking:
Navy Quick Take: There are just enough concerns on the defensive front and secondary to think there should be a step back after a great 2019, but the running game will once again rock and roll as long as it can somehow replace the dynamic play of Malcolm Perry.
– Navy 2020 CFN Team Preview
74. Air Force Falcons
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 24
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 106
Air Force Quick Take: As always, the offense will be fine with another big year from the rushing attack – the downfield passing game will be solid, too – but the momentum from a big year should continue with a terrific defensive front seven.
– Air Force 2020 CFN Team Preview
73. Maryland Terrapins
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 113
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 53
Maryland Quick Take: Call this a bit of a gift and a bias towards programs with Power Five talent – the Terps have a ton to prove on the lines. The passing game should be okay, and the linebacking corps is good, but there has to be a night-and-day difference from the end of last year.
– Maryland 2020 CFN Team Preview
72. Kansas Jayhawks
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 117
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 71
Kansas Quick Take: It’s the same thing for Kansas – there are guys, but is there enough talent? There’s a decent mix of promising transfers and holdovers to hope to start doing more in the Big 12 under Les Miles, and it might start with an improved defensive front seven.
– Kansas 2020 CFN Team Preview
71. Temple Owls
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 54
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 80
Temple Quick Take: Temple isn’t as flashy as UCF or Memphis, but it’s going to be right there in the American Athletic Conference race thanks to the lines. The offense will be one of the most effective – for what it does – in the conference.
– Temple 2020 CFN Team Preview
70. Illinois Fighting Illini
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 69
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 65
Illinois Quick Take: Illinois seems like it’s rebuilding for a 14th year in a row, but there’s a good offensive line and a nice defensive back seven to hope that 2019 wasn’t a fluke. The offensive playmakers have to emerge in a hurry, though.
– Illinois 2020 CFN Team Preview
69. Houston Cougars
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 101
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 55
Houston Quick Take: Okay, Houston. This had better work. The program took most of last year off after it didn’t start out the way it might have liked, but the payoff might come after several young parts got their feet wet. The talent is there, but the pressure is really on Dana Holgorsen to make the program a major player again.
– Houston 2020 CFN Team Preview
68. Arkansas Razorbacks
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 121
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 61
Arkansas Quick Take: Arkansas might be a whole lot better than you think. No, really. It’s not like Sam Pittman is an A-list head coach in a division with Saban, Oregeron, Jimbo, Leach, Gus and Kiffin, but there’s more than enough talent held over from the previous regime – after building things up – to at least not be miserable.
– Arkansas 2020 CFN Team Preview
67. Boston College Eagles
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 84
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 54
Boston College Quick Take: Boston College is a tough team to call under new head coach Jeff Hafley – it should be solid, but it might take some tweaking. The running game will be outstanding behind a great line, but the passing game has to sharpen up and the defensive front has to be a whole lot stronger.
– Boston College 2020 CFN Team Preview
66. BYU Cougars
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 34
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 73
BYU Quick Take: Can the defensive front and secondary be better? Once again, BYU should be good enough to hang around and shock the better teams – depending on who’s left on the schedule – but every game is going to be a battle.
– BYU 2020 CFN Team Preview
65. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 122
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 50
Georgia Tech Quick Take: Okay, okay, this is a bit of a call. Geoff Collins is too good a coach to have another awful year. Georgia Tech had to undergo a total overhaul, and it wasn’t easy. This year the experience is place to start doing a whole lot more, especially in the defensive back seven.
– Georgia Tech 2020 CFN Team Preview
64. Arizona Wildcats
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 105
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 41
Arizona Quick Take: This ranking is us being extremely polite – Arizona has a shot at turning into a bit of a mess if the offense isn’t more consistently explosive. Losing top LB Tony Fields to the transfer portal hurts for a defense that has to step up in a big way to get the Kevin Sumlin era going.
– Arizona 2020 CFN Team Preview
63. Vanderbilt Commodores
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 116
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 62
Vanderbilt Quick Take: No, really – Vanderbilt is good, at least defensively. There’s a massive prove-it factor for the offensive side – this ranking is at least 20 spots too high if the O can’t get going at least a bit – but the D is going to be a pain in the SEC East’s butt.
– Vanderbilt 2020 CFN Team Preview
62. Appalachian State Mountaineers
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 6
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 74
Appalachian State Quick Take: The program gets its third head coach in three years, but Shawn Clark has a loaded team to keep all the success going. The Mountaineers are legitimately strong enough to hang with just about anyone – it’s a shame they don’t get to face Wisconsin – with a fantastic passing game and the defensive talent to go on another big run.
– Appalachian State 2020 CFN Team Preview
61. San Diego State Aztecs
Relative Strength: Secondary
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 30
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 70
San Diego State Quick Take: No pressure or anything for head coach Brady Hoke, but he takes over a killer team with a defense that will be a total disappointment if it doesn’t finish in the top ten nationally. A bit more of a passing game puts the Aztecs right there in the mix for a New Year’s Six game.
– San Diego State 2020 CFN Team Preview
60. Memphis Tigers
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 9
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 66
Memphis Quick Take: The machine doesn’t stop. Ryan Silverfield isn’t a normal new head coach – he’s an extension of Mike Norvell – and he’s got the offensive playmakers for another possible run at the AAC title. The special teams are going to be a huge key – they’ll be among the best in the conference.
– Memphis 2020 CFN Team Preview
59. Colorado Buffaloes
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 81
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 44
Colorado Quick Take: Can Karl Dorrell be the one to make Colorado football consistently great? The pass defense has to be better, and the offense needs to replace some star receivers, but there’s enough in place to be more of a factor in another mediocre year for the Pac-12 South.
– Colorado 2020 CFN Team Preview
58. Purdue Boilermakers
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 103
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 51
Purdue Quick Take: It’s time for the Boilermakers to take the passing attack up to a whole other level. The receiving corps is as good as any in college football, and there’s a real, live D line in place to be a positive. Another losing season won’t be okay.
– Purdue 2020 CFN Team Preview
57. UCLA Bruins
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 97
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 34
UCLA Quick Take: The whole Chip Kelly thing should be a whole lot better by now after getting two years to put his guys in place. Where’s the schematic advantage? Where’s the high-powered offense? To be fair, it took this long to improve the lines, but now the wins have to come.
– UCLA 2020 CFN Team Preview
56. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 102
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 49
Texas Tech Quick Take: The first year under Matt Wells wasn’t good enough because 1) quarterback Alan Bowman was hurt, 2) the defense struggled, and 3) the Big 12 wasn’t bad. There’s experience on D to be better, the special teams are great, and passing game will be the passing game. There’s no excuse for another losing season.
– Texas Tech 2020 CFN Team Preview
55. West Virginia Mountaineers
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 94
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 45
West Virginia Quick Take: Neal Brown is way too good a head coach to have another clunker of a season. His team kept playing hard and was good by the end of the year. Now WVU has one of the Big 12’s better defensive fronts, and the passing attack should be better.
– West Virginia 2020 CFN Team Preview
54. Oregon State Beavers
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 77
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 68
Oregon State Quick Take: Head man Jonathan Smith is putting together a really, really nice program. The Beavers might not have the high-end depth, but the starting 22 has enough good parts to be a whole lot of fun. They’ll come up with at least one big upset in all-Pac-12 play.
– Oregon State 2020 CFN Team Preview
53. Northwestern Wildcats
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 110
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 47
Northwestern Quick Take: 2019 was a blip. We know how this works – Northwestern is just as likely to have everything go right and be a factor in the Big Ten West as it is to crash in brutal fashion like it did last year. The D will be great, but the O needs a LOT of work.
– Northwestern 2020 CFN Team Preview
52. Syracuse Orange
Relative Strength: Secondary
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 79
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 25
Syracuse Quick Take: Dino Babers needs a big year to show that Syracuse football is more like 2018 than the disappointing 2019 version. Keeping QB Tommy DeVito from letting defensive lines wear him as a hat is Job One, but the defensive front seven has to be stronger.
– Syracuse 2020 CFN Team Preview
51. Duke Blue Devils
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 88
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 52
Duke Quick Take: Don’t get caught up in the football brand name – Duke has a whole lot of upside in what should be a sneaky-good season. The defense will be annoyingly good – annoying to the rest of the ACC – but the offense has to be more effective.
– Duke 2020 CFN Team Preview
CFN Preview 2020 Rankings
All 130 Team Previews | 101-130
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Preseason 2020 Rankings, Top 50
50. Cincinnati Bearcats
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 22
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 64
Cincinnati Quick Take: Don’t expect a ton of flash like Memphis and others in the AAC will bring, but Luke Fickell – it’s a big deal that he’s not the Michigan State head coach right now – has a team good enough to be a big, big problem to everyone on the slate. If the offensive line is great, look out.
– Cincinnati 2020 CFN Team Preview
49. Indiana Hoosiers
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 64
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 59
Indiana Quick Take: If QB Michael Penix is ready to be fantastic, the offense should be among the Big Ten’s best, especially with the passing game. The lines are as good as theyve been in the Tom Allen era, but the defensive back seven has to be better at college football.
– Indiana 2020 CFN Team Preview
48. Ole Miss Rebels
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 99
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 63
Ole Miss Quick Take: It’s not like Ole Miss was that awful last season, but it couldn’t come up with even a little bit of good luck. Consider 2019 a step back to take a huge leap forward – the bad season led to the arrival of Lane Kiffin. The lines are a problem, but the rest of the talent is there to have some fun.
– Ole Miss 2020 CFN Team Preview
47. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 93
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 42
Nebraska Quick Take: Enough already – be good under Scott Frost, Nebraska. There’s still a question mark about the lines, and the defense as a whole it just going to be okay, but it’s time for QB Adrian Martinez to be great for an offense that’s supposed to be amazing.
– Nebraska 2020 CFN Team Preview
46. Washington State Cougars
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 76
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 32
Washington State Quick Take: Who better to keep the Wazzu passing game going than the Hawaii head man who cranked up the run-and-shoot? Nick Rolovich has the offensive parts to play with for a big year, helped by the special teams that might be the best in the Pac-12. The D, though, isn’t anything special.
– Washington State 2020 CFN Team Preview
45. Missouri Tigers
Relative Strength: Secondary
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 87
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 28
Missouri Quick Take: The Tigers got a possible gem of a head coach in Eliah Drinkwitz from Appalachian State. The secondary is strong and the lines are good enough, but the consistency has to rise up fast among the skill parts.
– Missouri 2020 CFN Team Preview
44. NC State Wolfpack
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 112
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 40
NC State Quick Take: Ha, ha, ha, NC State. That four-win clunker of a 2019 season was cute and all, but now it’s time to get back to being good. The quarterback play has to be better – a LOT better – but the defensive front seven is solid, the special teams are great, and the Pack should be close to back.
– NC State 2020 CFN Team Preview
43. Boise State Broncos
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 10
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 60
Boise State Quick Take: Can the lines be good enough? It’s Boise State, so they won’t be bad, but the offensive and defensive fronts are the key. If they’re great, the Broncos will be right there to get into the New Year’s Six starting with a loaded defensive back seven on one side and QB Hank Bachmeier on the other.
– Boise State 2020 CFN Team Preview
42. Baylor Bears
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 21
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 48
Baylor Quick Take: There’s going to be a step back, but there won’t be a massive drop-off. New head coach Dave Aranda should do a good job with the defense, but the back seven loses a ton of talent. QB Charlie Brewer and the passing game will be good, and the O line will be one of the team’s bigger strengths.
– Baylor 2020 CFN Team Preview
41. Kansas State Wildcats
Relative Strength: Defensive Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 41
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 31
Kansas State Quick Take: The coaching is great, and even if the star power isn’t there across the board, it’s Kansas State – the defense will be good, the special teams will be amazing, and the offense will be effective. The formula will work, but an upgrade in the passing game would help.
– Kansas State 2020 CFN Team Preview
40. Michigan State Spartans
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 57
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 14
Michigan State Quick Take: Mel Tucker appears to be the right guy to take what Mark Dantonio created and keep it all going. He’ll have a defense that’s as good as any in the back seven, but can the Spartan offense finally wake up after taking a few years off?
– Michigan State 2020 CFN Team Preview
39. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 53
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 57
Wake Forest Quick Take: There might not be the high-end talent several other ACC teams might enjoy, but there’s a whole lot of experience, and there are a whole lot of good players who fit the systems on both sides. Don’t blow off Wake Forest just because it’s Wake Forest – it’s really that good.
– Wake Forest 2020 CFN Team Preview
38. Cal Golden Bears
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 61
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 45
Cal Quick Take: Keep Chase Garbers healthy, keep Chase Garbers healthy, keep Chase Garbers healthy. The starting quarterback was lost midway through last year or a stretch, and it changed the season. If he stays in one piece, the offense will do its part to go along with another amazing defense.
– Cal 2020 CFN Team Preview
37. Arizona State Sun Devils
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 33
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 30
Arizona State Quick Take: ASU has been okay under Herm Edwards, and it’s been able to come up with a few splashy wins, but it hasn’t been all that special overall. The defensive front seven is by far the best it’s been in the last few years, and the O has its star in QB Jayden Daniels to lead the way.
– Arizona State 2020 CFN Team Preview
36. Iowa State Cyclones
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 63
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 29
Iowa State Quick Take: Iowa State is good enough to play for the Big 12 title. The overall talent isn’t there compared to Oklahoma or Texas, but QB Brock Purdy leads a loaded attack that should get more help from a defensive side that brings a good linebacking corps.
– Iowa State 2020 CFN Team Preview
35. Stanford Cardinal
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking:
2019 CFN Preview Ranking:
Stanford Quick Take: Blow off the miserable 2019 – that’s not how a David Shaw team rolls. The team was never healthy after the opener, but now the offensive line is phenomenal, the defense will be better, and Davis Mills should settle the quarterback situation.
– Stanford 2020 CFN Team Preview
34. TCU Horned Frogs
Relative Strength: Defensive Back
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 82
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 21
TCU Quick Take: A disappointment over the last few seasons, TCU has enough new parts to the mix to start being a factor in the Big 12 again. The defensive backfield should be among the best in the conference, but the offense has to start working a whole lot better.
– TCU 2020 CFN Team Preview
33. Florida State Seminoles
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 78
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 36
Florida State Quick Take: It’s been a few years of rebuilding under Willie Taggart, and now it’s up to former Memphis head man Mike Norvell to benefit. There’s a whole lot of NFL talent in the secondary and on the defensive line, but the eternal quest to get decent play out of the offensive front will continue.
– Florida State 2020 CFN Team Preview
32. Louisville Cardinals
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 37
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 58
Louisville Quick Take: Scott Satterfield changed around the program in a hiccup, and now he’s got one of the ACC’s most exciting offenses with a high-powered passing game. The lines are questionable, but the skill parts and the defensive back seven are outstanding.
– Louisville 2020 CFN Team Preview
31. Virginia Cavaliers
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 31
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 27
Virginia Quick Take: QB Bryce Perkins might be gone, and some other key figures from the ACC Coastal champ are done, but the coaching is still elite and there’s enough in place to be great again. The defensive back seven and the special teams will make a huge difference.
– Virginia 2020 CFN Team Preview
30. UCF Knights
Relative Strength: Defensive Back
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 19
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 39
UCF Quick Take: Once again, UCF has the skill, speed, and talent to be every bit as good as most of the Power Five programs. The big difference this year is an improved defense around a whale of a secondary. As always, the offense will be great.
– UCF 2020 CFN Team Preview
29. South Carolina Gamecocks
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 70
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 16
South Carolina Quick Take: There’s too much SEC talent across the board to continue to be so mediocre. The Gamecocks have the defensive line and secondary to stay in most games, but the offense has to be more dangerous.
– South Carolina 2020 CFN Team Preview
28. Tennessee Volunteers
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 36
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 33
Tennessee Quick Take: Can the end of last season lead into a big 2020? Start with the good lines, and everything else should fill in from there. More offensive playmakers – at least, more consistent offensive playmakers – is a must for Tennessee to be back to being Tennessee.
– Tennessee 2020 CFN Team Preview
27. Iowa Hawkeyes
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 23
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 13
Iowa Quick Take: You know how Iowa is going to work. The defense will once again be terrific, the offense will be good enough, and the team will hang around in the Big Ten West race throughout. If the quarterback play is solid, the Hawkeyes have the upside to slide on into the Big Ten championship.
– Iowa 2020 CFN Team Preview
26. Utah Utes
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 18
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 20
Utah Quick Take: Once again, Utah will have the lines that can compete with anyone in the Pac-12. The offensive front is as good as any in America, and the defense will still be great even if it takes a step back. The skill parts will rise up as the season goes on once the quarterback situation is solidified.
– Utah 2020 CFN Team Preview
CFN Preview 2020 Rankings
All 130 Team Previews | 101-130
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Preseason 2020 Rankings, Top 25
25. Kentucky Wildcats
Relative Strength: Defensive Back
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 45
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 38
Kentucky Quick Take: What kind of magic will Kentucky conjure up this year? Ideally there will actually be a passing attack this time around, but the coaching staff has proven over the last few years that it can generate production and wins no matter what.
– Kentucky 2020 CFN Team Preview
24. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 56
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 19
Mississippi State Quick Take: Call this a bit of a wait-and-see ranking. It would’ve been great if the Bulldogs had a normal offseason to get the new offense in place, and Stanford transfer KJ Costello still has to get into the mix, but it’s not an exaggeration to suggest that this could be the best defensive front seven Mike Leach has ever coached.
– Mississippi State 2020 CFN Team Preview
23. Texas A&M Aggies
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 52
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 11
Texas A&M Quick Take: Is this finally when Texas A&M turns a corner under Jimbo Fisher? It has the luxury of having a multi-year starting quarterback in Kellen Mond, and the defensive back seven is going to be great. The receiving corps could be special.
– Texas A&M 2020 CFN Team Preview
22. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Defensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 50
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 24
Oklahoma State Quick Take: The defense won’t be anything great – especially on the line – but it might not matter with an explosive offense with some of the nation’s top skill stars. The Cowboys can bomb away with anyone – it’s Big 12 Championship game or bust.
– Oklahoma State 2020 CFN Team Preview
21. Washington Huskies
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 27
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 23
Washington Quick Take: There’s a little bit of reworking on the defensive side, and the offense loses some key skill parts, but there’s no grace period for new head coach Jimmy Lake. The team will be good enough to win the Pac-12 North.
– Washington 2020 CFN Team Preview
20. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Linebacker
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 25
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 43
Minnesota Quick Take: The 2020 Gophers will show that 2019 wasn’t a fluke. The schedule won’t be as easy early on – no mediocre non-conference games to fatten up on – but the passing game will be among the nation’s most efficient and the defense will be fine once the pass rushers emerge.
– Minnesota 2020 CFN Team Preview
19. Miami Hurricanes
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 60
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 22
Miami Quick Take: This is making a few big, BIG assumptions. Assume Houston transfer QB D’Eriq King will take the offense from awful to good, and assume everyone around the program will be able to get things going considering how hard the region has been hammered by the coronavirus. The defense has the talent to be great, and the offense won’t be anywhere near as bad.
– Miami 2020 CFN Team Preview
18. Pitt Panthers
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 49
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 56
Pitt Quick Take: The Panthers are going to be the absolute real deal. The defensive line will be among the statistical best in the nation, and the offensive front will be a massive plus. Start with the infrastructure, and everything else is good, too.
– Pitt 2020 CFN Team Preview
17. North Carolina Tar Heels
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Defensive Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 59
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 67
North Carolina Quick Take: This might be buying in way too early on the hot stock – Mack Brown is CRUSHING it on the recruiting trail – but the Tar Heels have a potentially special passing game with a loaded receiving corps for QB Sam Howell to work with. Don’t ignore a great linebacking corps – the D can play, too.
– North Carolina 2020 CFN Team Preview
16. Virginia Tech Hokies
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking:
2019 CFN Preview Ranking:
Virginia Tech Quick Take: A few key losses to the transfer portal hurts the receiving corps, but the transfers coming in for the offensive backfield make up for it. Having a loaded defense to go along with QB Hendon Hooker should be enough to push the Hokies to the lead in the Coastal title chase.
– Virginia Tech 2020 CFN Team Preview
15. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 12
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 15
Notre Dame Quick Take: This admittedly could be way, way too low if the skill parts rise up right away round QB Ian Book. There aren’t any glaring weak spots – the receiving corps will eventually be fine. Depending on how the schedule works out, potentially being the second-best team among everyone in the ACC – along with getting Clemson in South Bend – could make this a special year.
– Notre Dame 2020 CFN Team Preview
14. Texas Longhorns
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Defensive Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 29
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 9
Texas Quick Take: No, Texas isn’t “back” to where it was when it was consistently in the national title chase, but the offensive backfield is good enough to hang around in any Big 12 shootout. Now the defense has to use all the talent built up to be a whole lot stronger. More consistent tackling would be nice.
– Texas 2020 CFN Team Preview
13. USC Trojans
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 38
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 26
USC Quick Take: Experience, experience, experience. The defense is LOADED with veterans after going to a youth movement last season, but the star power is on the offensive side. The high-octane passing game from offensive coordinator Graham Harrell should be devastating.
– USC 2020 CFN Team Preview
12. Auburn Tigers
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 16
2019 CFN Preview Ranking:12
Auburn Quick Take: “Relative Concern” is, well, relative. Bo Nix is a good quarterback to work around, but he needs to open it up and be able to do more. The linebacking corps leads another outstanding defense, and the O line is strong enough to pave the way for an improved ground attack.
– Auburn 2020 CFN Team Preview
11. Wisconsin Badgers
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 11
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 18
Wisconsin Quick Take: The quarterback play has to be steadier, and new key receivers need to step up, but you know what’s coming. Even without Jonathan Taylor, the running game will be a steamroller, and the defense will once again be among the nation’s best. The D line and secondary are going to be brilliant.
– Wisconsin 2020 CFN Team Preview
CFN Preview 2020 Rankings
All 130 Team Previews | 101-130
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
NEXT: CFN Preseason 2020 Rankings, Top 10
10. Michigan Wolverines
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 26
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 8
Michigan Quick Take: If the Wolverines can get sharper quarterback play, and if the offensive line can fill in the lost parts without a problem, the Wolverines will once again be great. The defense and running game will carry the team right to the lip of the Big Ten East cup.
– Michigan 2020 CFN Team Preview
CFN in 60: AP Preseason Rankings Prediction
9. Oregon Ducks
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 7
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 10
Oregon Quick Take: Replacing Justin Herbert won’t be so easy, but the quarterback situation will be more than fine. The defense is going to be devastating with a line and secondary as good as any in America, and the running game and overall talent level is at a College Football Playoff level.
– Oregon 2020 CFN Team Preview
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Wide Receiver
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 5
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 17
Penn State Quick Take: There might not be a whole lot of national star power – Micah Parsons should be a bigger overall deal – but there are no real issues with a rock-solid team. The quarterback play and passing game will be fine, but the defensive front seven and running game are outstanding. All the parts are good enough take down the Big Ten East – Ohio State has to come to Happy Valley, by the way.
– Penn State 2020 CFN Team Preview
7. Florida Gators
Relative Strength: Defensive Line
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 20
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 4
Florida Quick Take: The overall talent level might not be there compared to Alabama and Georgia, but it’s good enough to potentially take the East. Dan Mullen and the coaching staff have been great since taking over two seasons ago, and there hasn’t been the pressure in a win-SEC-title-or-bust way that Georgia has had to deal with lately, but with this D along with QB Kyle Trask, win the SEC East, Florida.
– Florida 2020 CFN Team Preview
6. Oklahoma Sooners
Relative Strength: Offensive Line
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 8
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 5
Oklahoma Quick Take: Just because we’re not quite sure if Spencer Rattler is the next Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray or Baker Mayfield, don’t dismiss Oklahoma and don’t think anything is going to slow down. The offensive line is going to be crushing, the receiving corps is outstanding, and as last year showed – forget the loss to LSU – it is possible to play defense at OU under Lincoln Riley. This year’s D will be as good as any in the Big 12., and that Rattler guy will be pretty good, too.
– Oklahoma 2020 CFN Team Preview
5. LSU Tigers
Relative Strength: Wide Receiver
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 1
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 7
LSU Quick Take: No, LSU won’t be able to do that again, and no, you don’t lose that much talent and keep it all going. However, LSU might be about to enter the Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson territory of programs that lose NFL talents and replace them with other NFL talents without losing a blip of production. The secondary might be the best in the nation, and the receiving corps is still amazing.
– LSU 2020 CFN Team Preview
4. Georgia Bulldogs
Relative Strength: Linebacker
Relative Concern: Offensive Line
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 4
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 3
Georgia Quick Take: It’s almost as if Georgia is taken for granted. It doesn’t have the College Football Playoff national title credibility like Clemson, Alabama or Ohio State earned, and it doesn’t have the multiple trips to the tournament like Oklahoma has been able to pull off, but it might have been one of the four best teams in college football after each of the last three regular seasons, and this one should be there, too.
It all starts with a defense that’s not going to give up a thing, and it continues with an improved offense that will open it up more no matter who’s at quarterback. The receiving corps is in place to be used a lot more.
– Georgia 2020 CFN Team Preview
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
Relative Strength: Running Back
Relative Concern: Quarterback
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 15
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 1
Alabama Quick Take: Don’t make the mistake of thinking things are slipping after the way the 2018 season ended and with the two losses last year. Across the board, the next-level talent is still breathtaking, and the depth continues to be almost unfairly deep.
The running backs and receivers are almost all NFL-good, the quarterback play will be fine once it’s figured out, and it’s Alabama – the defense won’t be just okay again. However, the secondary has to be better, and of course there’s a quarterback drop-off from Tua Tagovailoa, but whatever – everything is there to win a national title.
– Alabama 2020 CFN Team Preview
2. Clemson Tigers
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Secondary
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 3
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 2
Clemson Quick Take: Another year, and another Clemson team good enough to win the ACC Championship, get into the College Football Playoff, win a game, and play for the national title.
Even with the absence of star WR Justyn Ross, the receiving corps is still special, the backfield tandem of QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne should be starting in the NFL, and as always, the defensive front seven is phenomenal.
Flip a coin for who the No. 1 team is between Clemson and …
– Clemson 2020 CFN Team Preview
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Relative Strength: Quarterback
Relative Concern: Running Back
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 2
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 6
Ohio State Quick Take: There’s a wee bit of a concern over the health and proven depth at running back if the main guys aren’t fantastic, and it doesn’t help to lose Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, but the Buckeye machine isn’t going to slow down with Justin Fields now with a year of starting experience under his belt. Programs this good always seem to have an edge after coming so close the year before and falling just short.
There’s no reason to think anything is about to slip. Head coach Ryan Day did a brilliant job of instilling the team’s laser-focus throughout the season, and the few new starters on both sides might actually be a plus in some ways – there’s something to prove for these players, especially when it comes to having a shot at the national title.
– Ohio State 2020 CFN Team Preview
CFN Preview 2020 Rankings
All 130 Team Previews | 101-130
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10
