Sadly, we are not even close to being close to the return of college football. But everybody loves rankings, so we figured why not make one ourselves for your pleasure.
Way-too-early 2019 college football preseason top-25
25-20
No. 25: Missouri
Record prediction: 7-5
No. 24: Minnesota
Record prediction: 7-5
No. 23: Virginia Tech
Record prediction: 7-5
No. 22: Syracuse
Record prediction: 8-4
No. 21: Auburn
Record prediction: 7-5
No. 20: Army
Record prediction: 10-2
Next: 19-15
19-15
No. 19: Northwestern
Northwestern always seems to overachieve. They will have to replace their starting quarterback, but there appears to be talent still at the position. Their top four tacklers return as well.
Record prediction: 8-4
No. 18: Wisconsin
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor will begin next season just 2,235 yards shy of breaking the FBS career rushing record. The passing game is lacking and the Badgers will need to get more out of quarterback Alex Hornibrook. It does not help that they are losing a lot of talent on that stellar offensive line.
Record prediction: 8-4
No. 17: Utah
The Utes return plenty of starters from last year’s 9-5 team. Tyler Huntley is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Pac-12.
Recored prediction: 8-4
No. 16: UCF
If McKenzie Milton is able to return, the Knights could have another undefeated season. They play home vs Stanford and at Pitt.
Record prediction: 11-1
No. 15: Washington State
The Cougars bring back a lot of playmakers on offense and four starting offensive linemen.
Record prediction: 9-3
Next: 14-11
14-11
No. 14: Washington
Last season, the Huskies’ defense was one of the nation’s best. Next season, I would not expect the same story, as they lose pretty much their entire defense to the pros or graduation. Jake Browning is gone, meaning the Jacob Eason era has begun.
Record prediction: 9-3
No. 13: Penn State
The Lions have some rebuilding to do with Trace McSorley leaving, but I think Tommy Stevens will step in and do a good job at quarterback.
Record prediction: 8-4
No. 12: Michigan
Michigan has several key players to replace on defense, but with Shea Patterson returning, the Wolverines could have another nice season in 2019.
Record prediction: 9-3
No. 11: Oregon
The Ducks put together by far the best recruiting class in the Pac-12 and the return of quarterback Justin Herbert makes them the top contender in the conference.
Record prediction: 10-2
Next: 10-6
10-6
No. 10: LSU
LSU made a splash in Ed Orgeron’s second season in Baton Rouge, finishing 10-3, blowing out Georgia and beating UCF in the Fiesta Bowl. Look for the Tigers to continue to compete at a high level this coming season, as they return a handful of talent. Losing superstar cornerback Greedy Williams, stud linebacker Devin White and defensive tackle Ed Alexander hurt, so LSU will need to rely on depth and incoming recruits to fill the void. On offense, they return eight starters, including quarterback Joe Burrows, who played inconsistently in 2018. The offensive line will need to be figured out as well, as they could not really find a rhythm last season. Running back Nick Brossette is gone, but incoming five-star back John Emery is expected to be a star.
Record prediction: 9-3
No. 9: Florida
Florida is, in my opinion, one of the most overrated teams heading into 2019. The offense improved greatly under one year with Dan Mullen, but Feleipe Franks still does not look like a quarterback capable of winning a conference championship. Florida does return running backs Lamical Perine (826 yards) and Dameon Pierce (424), who should be in store for a nice 2019. On the offensive line, the Gators lose four starters, which won’t do much to help Franks’ progression. On defense, Florida had a solid 2018 and should remain as one of the nation’s top defenses even with the loss of safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and defensive lineman Jachai Polite. Florida opens with Miami in Orlando and gets Kentucky, LSU, South Carolina and Missouri on the road. Florida State, Auburn and Tennessee visit the Swamp next year. And of course, the annual game against the Dawgs.
Record prediction: 9-3
No. 8: Texas A&M
I’m pretty high on the Aggies in year two under Jimbo Fisher, after winning nine games for the first time since 2013, beating NC State 52-13 in the Gator Bowl and bringing in the No. 3 recruiting class this year. I expect quarterback Kellen Mond to continue to progress and have a solid 2019. The wide receivers are stacked, with a lot of returning talent there. The Aggies return enough talent on the offensive line to be okay, however, they do lose starting running back Trayveon Williams and tight end Jace Sternberger. On defense, A&M must get better against the pass and will need to replace standout linebackers Otaro Alaka and Tyrel Dodson, safety Donovan Wilson and linemen Kingsley Keke, Landis Durham and Daylon Mack. The schedule is a gauntlet, with games at Clemson, Georgia and LSU, plus home games vs Alabama and Auburn.
Record prediction: 9-3
No. 7: Notre Dame
Until the Irish join a conference I do not think they should ever be eligible to make the College Football Playoff, but I will say they should be a good team in 2019. Quarterback Ian Book is returning, and so are four starting offensive linemen plus two of their top three receivers. They do lose star running back Dexter Williams, so they will need to find a replacement for him. Notre Dame will lose a few playmakers on defense, including Thorpe Award finalist cornerback Julian Love. Stud linebackers Te’von Coney and Drue Tranquill are leaving, along with defensive tackle Jerry Tillery. Road games against Georgia, Michigan and Stanford, plus home matchups vs Southern Cal, Virginia Tech and Boston College could prove challenging.
Record prediction: 11-1
No. 6: Texas
Texas had a nice 2018 season that included beating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. This offense remains mostly in-tact, however, on defense Texas loses a ton of talent, returning just three starters. Sam Ehlinger is the Big 12’s top returning quarterback next season, but losing wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey to the NFL hurts. Collin Johnson’s return at receiver helps, though, as he was nearly a 1,000 yard pass catcher last season.
Record prediction: 10-2
Next: 5-4
5-4
No. 5: Oklahoma
Oklahoma lost Heisman winner Kyler Murray, but they were able to snatch up former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, who could very well win the Sooners’ third consecutive Heisman Trophy. Oklahoma’s offensive line will require a makeover after losing a lot of talent, so it will be interesting to see what happens there. Standout receiver CeeDee Lamb returns and Oklahoma also added the nation’s top wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, who was once a Georgia commit. Running backs Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks form a strong duo at ball carrier. On defense, Oklahoma has to get better if it wants to be able to make a run in the College Football Playoff, but it can certainly rely on the offense to get them there.
Record prediction: 11-1
No. 4: Ohio State
Ohio State has a lot of question marks on offense heading into the 2019 season, but the talent is there to overcome them. Will Justin Fields be the superstar quarterback everybody thought he’d be at Georgia? Can the Buckeyes retool a depleted offensive line? Will enough players step up at receiver to take over after the loss of Terry McLaurin, Johnnie Dixon and Parris Campbell? I think early on, OSU will have some hiccups on offense, but once they find their groove they’ll be just fine. Expect them to lean heavily on running back J.K. Dobbins. The defense had a subpar season last year, and Nick Bosa, tackle Dre’Mont Jones and defensive back Kendall Sheffield are off to the NFL. A favorable nonconference schedule in 2019 features home games against FAU, Cincinnati and Miami (Ohio). They do have Big Ten games against Michigan State, Wisconsin and Penn State at the Horseshoe.
Record prediction: 11-1
Next: Top-three
Top-three
No. 3: Georgia
For everyone saying Georgia will struggle next season thanks to all the departures, I disagree. On offense, the Dawgs return the nation’s best offensive line, a star quarterback in Jake Fromm and stud running backs D’Andre Swift, Zamir White, James Cook and Brian Herrien. At wide receiver/tight end, Georgia lost a plethora of stars to the NFL (Riley Ridley, Terry Godwin, Mecole Hardman and Isaac Nauta), but do return JJ Holloman, Demetris Robertson, Tyler Simmons, Kearis Jackson and Miami graduate transfer Lawrence Cager. In addition, Georgia brought in two five-star receivers in this recruiting class, Dominick Blaylocks and George Pickens, who can contribute immediately. On defense, Georgia loses cornerback Deandre Baker, linebacker D’Andre Walker and defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter. However, Georgia’s past recruiting success should soften the blow of losing these guys. Richard LeCounte and JR Reed will be the leaders of that secondary. Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell are ready for their time to shine at cornerback. At linebacker, look for Brenton Cox, Adam Anderson, Tae Crowder and Monty Rice to put together a solid group, plus the addition of five-star linebacker Nakobe Dean could prove huge this season. The loss of Ledbetter hurts on the line, however, Tyler Clark and Jordan Davis are due for a big season. Georgia also signed the nation’s No. 1 player Nolan Smith, who can come in and play immediately on the defensive line. The Dawgs return the nation’s best kicker Rodrigo Blankenship as well, whose importance to this team is huge. Georgia’s schedule may not look terrible, but it’s important to note that five teams have a bye before playing the Dawgs. Some highlights on the 2019 schedule include home games vs Notre Dame, South Carolina, Kentucky and Texas A&M. Georgia also plays at Auburn and in Jacksonville vs Florida.
Record prediction: 12-0
No. 2: Clemson
If not for Clemson’s departures on the defensive line, the Tigers would be ranked No. 1 here. However, the losses of cornerback Trayvon Mullen, tackles Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins, ends Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant and linebackers Tre Lamar and Kendall Joseph will result in a lot of rebuilding on that defense. There are still some big playmakers returning for Clemson on defense, though, including defensive end Xavier Thomas. On offense Clemson loses tackle Mitch Hyatt, who was the best overall player in the country last season in my opinion. They do return Trevor Lawrence, who will be just a sophomore and is only going to get better. Travis Ettiene will be back at ball carrier as well, and will continue to improve. Clemson will benefit from a nice schedule next season that features games at Syracuse, NC State and South Carolina, plus a home game vs Texas A&M.
Record prediction: 12-0
No. 1: Alabama
Alabama’s offense next season will remain crazy-good with the return of Tua Tagovailoa, who is likely a preseason Heisman favorite. The receiving corps should be the nation’s best, as it returns DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and Jaylen Waddle. At running back, the Tide lose Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris but return Najee Harris and Brian Robinson, plus the addition of five-star freshman Trey Sanders. On defense, Alabama loses linemen Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs, linebacker Mack Wilson and safety Deionte Thompson. Luckily for Bama, the Tide have a very favorable schedule in 2019, with non-conference games against Duke, New Mexico State and Western Carolina. Games at Texas A&M and at Auburn should prove to be Nick Saban’s biggest threat until they meet Georgia in Atlanta.
Record prediction: 12-0
