That time of the year is upon us, summer is coming to a close and another college football season is on the horizon. There are few things in life that bring me as much joy and excitement as Saturdays in the fall. This offseason has been the craziest and most important offseason in the history of the sport with a bombshell story being replaced by another bombshell story the next week.
This summer got started off with the announcement of a possible playoff expansion from four to twelve teams although nothing has been made official yet. An expanded playoff would make the sport more inclusive to non traditional powers and give us some desperately needed parity. Then we had NIL set into motion on July 1 allowing college athletes to make money off their brand. This move was long over due and several of college football’s biggest stars pounced on the opportunity.
Time will tell how this affects recruiting and the balance of college football. Just when we thought things were calming down we then had the biggest story of the offseason when Texas and Oklahoma announced plans to leave the Big 12 for the SEC. The chain reaction to this move was massive with rumors swirling that other power houses such as Clemson, Florida State, Michigan, and Ohio State were rumored to jump ship to the SEC. The SEC appears on a collision course for further domination of the sport while the Big 12 could suffer the same fate as the SWC which preceded it. The other three Power 5 conferences are taking action by forming an alliance to keep their programs from following Texas and Oklahoma.
This could very well be the last season College Football looks the way we have become accustomed to. While the sport’s long term future is unclear, we have a full season of college football for the first time in nearly two years right around the corner. The time has come for me to drop my first rankings of the
season. I will be making new top 25 rankings after every week of games through Conference Championship Saturday and then make a final ranking after the season is over. With all of that being said let’s get into the 25 best teams entering the 2021 college football season
Preseason Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide
In a season that was unlike anything we had ever seen before in 2020, the team that dominated was the same that has dominated the sport for over a decade. Alabama comes into 2021 as my top team fresh off their 6th national title in the Nick Saban era. Alabama will have to replace several key players including Heisman winner DeVonta Smith but that shouldn’t be an issue with the best recruiting class in college football history coming into Tuscaloosa. There’s a good chance the Tide takes a small step back in 2021 with a tougher schedule and losing most of their key players on offense however I’m not one to doubt Saban and his defense which should be one of the best in the nation yet again in 2021.
2. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners have dominated the Big 12 under Lincoln Riley however haven’t had the same success in the College Football Playoff going 0-3 under Riley. However this team is the one that can breakthrough and get the Sooners to the natty and potentially win it. For the first time since 2017 the Sooners will return their starting quarterback with Heisman favorite Spencer Rattler back under center. Rattler headlines an elite offensive trio alongside RB Kennedy Brooks and WR Marvin Mims giving Oklahoma one of the most dynamic offenses in the sport. The reason Oklahoma can make a serious championship run is their improved defense which has quietly become a formidable unit under Alex Grinch. Oklahoma has arguably the most complete team in college football and should take care of business in the Big 12 en route to a fourth playoff appearance in five years.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
Ever since their heartbreaking loss in the national championship back in 2017, the Dawgs have been trying to get another opportunity at ending their infamous title drought. This UGA team is the best since the 2017 squad that was a play away from immortality. Georgia has been loaded with talent for years now however the missing piece was an elite quarterback which they appear to have found in USC transfer JT Daniels. In just 4 starts last season Daniels looked like the best QB this program has seen since Aaron Murray. Daniels also has a top tier supporting cast with Georgia returning 8 offensive starters and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. On defense Georgia is far less experienced however transfers Tykee Smith and Derion Kendrick should help a young secondary. Georgia will be without star WR George Pickens for most of the season after suffering a torn ACL in the offseason. This could very well be the Bulldogs best chance to get over the hump and win their first national title since 1980.
4. Clemson Tigers
Dabo Swinney and the Tigers enter 2021 with a massive chip on their shoulder after a blowout loss to Ohio State in the Playoff last January. Clemson is once again the heavy favorite to win the ACC and have a great shot of making their 7th consecutive playoff appearance. The Tigers will have to do so without Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne who this offense ran through for the past three seasons. Sophomore D.J. Uiagalelei takes over for Lawrence under center after impressing in two starts as a freshman including a shootout with Notre Dame. The Tigers will have the best defense in the nation being led by Byran Breese and Nolan turner. Clemson also gets Justyn Ross back after Ross missed all ofI have Clemson below Georgia because of Georgia’s offensive experience advantage however 2020 Clemson can prove me wrong in week 1 when they square off with the Dawgs.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ryan Day had some big shoes to fill when Urban Meyer retired and to say he has responded to the pressure well would be an understatement. Day has gone 20-2 over the past two seasons and got the Buckeyes to the national championship last season. 2021 will be a test for Day and the Bucks as they look to make a third straight playoff trip however without Justin Fields this time around. Redshirt Freshman C.J. Stroud won the starting job in camp without a single pass attempt in his college career. Stroud should be one of the top signal callers in the Big Ten and he will have the best WR duo to work with as the Buckeyes bring back both Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Ohio State remains the class of the Big Ten however are near the bottom of the country in returning production. The talent is there for a title run however there are many unknowns with the Buckeyes entering 2021.
6.Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State has gone from a feel good story that can pull off a major upset now and then to a serious contender for the playoff. What Matt Campbell has done with this program is nothing short of remarkable. After falling just short of the Big 12 title last year the Cyclones should be right up there with the Sooners again in 2021. Iowa State is top five in the nation in returning production and has a QB in Brock Purdy that has big game experience. This offense also consists of the best RB and TE in college football with Breece Hall and Charlie Kolar respectively. The Cyclones return 20 of 22 starters including Big 12 DPOY Mike Rose at linebacker. Iowa State brings the most back of any serious playoff contender and have already shown they can upend Oklahoma don’t be shocked if the Cyclones are in the final four at season’s end.
7. Texas A&M Aggies
2020 was a breakout season for Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies going 9-1 and winning the Orange Bowl. A&M looks to take the next step in 2021 and win their first SEC West title since joining the SEC back in 2012. Fisher has elevated this program with elite recruiting and that should show in. The Aggies return star RB Isaiah Spiller who should be the best back in the conference along with TE Jalen Wydermyer. This is A&M’s best shot at Atlanta with the division being more winnable and getting to play Bama in College Station. Redshirt Freshman Haynes KIng has been named the starting QB taking over for Kellen Mond and looks to do something no A&M QB has done since Johnny Football and take down the Crimson Tide.
8. Cincinnati Bearcats
It’s rare that a Group of 5 team gets the hype that Cincinnati has gotten entering the season but that hype is well earned. The Bearcats rolled through the AAC last season and were a field goal away from an undefeated season. Luke Fickell remains as head coach and his squad is in its own class compared to the rest of the Group of 5 with QB Desmond Ridder returning along with Jerome Ford,Michael Young Jr., and Josh Whyle on offense. First Team All American CB Ahmad Gardner also returns for the Bearcats in 2021. Cincinnati could realistically make the playoff should they go undefeated with potential wins against Indiana and Notre Dame on their schedule.
9. North Carolina Tar Heels
Believe it or not UNC is a football school now thanks to the return of Mack Brown. Brown has elevated this program both on the field and in recruiting and are now the top threat to Clemson in the ACC. The Tar Heels have the best QB in the nation Sam Howell and return most of their defense from a year ago. UNC did lose both Michael Carter and Javonte Williams at RB and their top receiver Dyami Brown so it will be on Howell to carry this offense. UNC has a fairly manageable schedule with a couple of tough matchups against Miami and Notre Dame in the middle of the season. The Tar Heels are an upset over Clemson away from being in the thick of the playoff conversation.
10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish have been a model of consistency under Brian Kelly winning 10+ games four years in a row and making the playoff twice in the last three seasons. After a one year venture in the ACC the Irish are independent as always with big matchups against Wisconsin, Cincinnati, UNC and USC. Despite their recent success Notre Dame is bottom five in the nation in returning production. Notre Dame does have star power coming back with star RB Kyren Williams returning on offense and the best safety in football Kyle Hamilton returning in the secondary for the Irish. Notre Dame should have a great offensive line as always which is good news for transfer QB Jack Coan who will be taking over for Ian Book as starter. The Irish have a talented squad but it’s very inexperienced and their schedule does them no favors.
11. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks had an interesting 2020 season after winning the PAC 12 despite not winning their own division due to Washington having covid issues. After winning the conference in controversial fashion the Ducks are the favorite heading into 2021. Mario Cristobal has been able to out recruit the entire PAC 12 and has a team that is top ten in the nation in returning production. The Ducks also return the best player in college football, DE Kayvon Thibodeaux along with a great backfield consisting of CJ Verdell and Travis Dye. Oregon’s quarterback remains a question as we have no clue who will be the starter when the Ducks take on Fresno State in a week. Oregon may be the favorite but the PAC 12 is wide open in 2021.
12. Miami Hurricanes
The Canes had a nice turnaround season in year two of the Manny Diaz era going 8-3 however failed to beat a single ranked opponent. Miami should take the next step this fall with an offense that leads the nation in returning production. A key part of that offense is D’Eriq King who is coming off of a torn ACL in Miami’s bowl loss to Oklahoma State. King’s first game back couldn’t be any harder as the Canes open up their 2021 campaign against Alabama. After a tough opening game the schedule lightens up with only one matchup against a ranked opponent remaining. That matchup against UNC will likely decide the Coastal division and the Canes are looking for revenge after UNC humiliated them 62-24 last season.
13. Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers enter 2021 a slight favorite over Iowa for the Big Ten west with a ton of talent coming back on both sides of the ball. The Badgers appear to have found a quarterback in Graham Mertz who looked solid in a condensed season last fall. Mertz will also return his top target Jake Ferguson from last season who has emerged as the best tight end in the conference. Wisconsin also has a stingy defense that gave up just 17 points per game last season and returns several starters including linebacker Jack Sanborn, The Badgers offensive line should be stout as always and I trust Paul Chryst to develop the talent on this roster. The schedule is tough out of the gate with an opener against Penn State and a matchup with Notre Dame in Chicago a few weeks later.
14. LSU Tigers
To put it nicely LSU fell off a cliff after an all time great season in 2019 that was followed up with a .500 season in 2020. To be fair the Tigers literally lost their entire team to the NFL so a drop off is to be expected but now with the second most returning production in the SEC LSU is expected to be competitive again. Ed Orgeron gets a pass for last season and has taken action to make sure LSU doesn’t repeat last year’s struggles. Between a revamped coaching staff and excellent recruiting the Tigers should be back in 2021. Derek Stingley has been as good as any corner in the nation since he got to Baton Rouge and is back along with star receiver Kayshon Boutte who should be the top target for Max Johnson who is the starter since Myles Brennan went down with an arm injury.
15. Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana came out of nowhere last season after shocking Penn State and nearly pulling off an improbable comeback to beat Ohio State. Now Indiana brings most of its squad back and is a dark horse New Year’s Six team. The Hoosiers have a great coach in Tom Allen and the best quarterback in the conference Michael Penix Jr. With Justin Fields gone, Penix is the only sure thing at QB in the conference and it also helps that star receiver Ty Fryfogle also is coming back. The schedule however is brutal for the Hoosiers with matchups against Penn State, Iowa, Cincinnati, and Ohio State. Indiana has been trending upwards and I don’t expect that to change in 2021.
16. USC Trojans
The Trojans went 5-1 in a condensed season coming up just short of a PAC 12 Championship last season however struggled to beat weak competition. The Trojans return third year starter Kedon Slovis who has been as good as any QB in the conference and has the potential to be a first round pick next April. The schedule is manageable for the Trojans with a big rivalry game against Notre Dame and two crucial division matchups against Arizona State and Utah. If USC wants to secure a second straight PAC 12 title they probably have to win both of those games. USC has the talent to win the conference however are one of the less experienced teams in the PAC 12.
17. Florida Gators
The Gators are fresh off their best season since the Tebow era after winning the East and taking down hated rival Georgia in the process. However a late season collapse left many Gator fans wondering what if and now Florida has several questions entering 2021. The offense is a shell of what it was last season, losing elite talent such as Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts, Trevon Grimes, and Kadarius Toney. Emory Jones finally gets to prove himself as a starter and looked good in spot duty last season however Jones will have to work with a far weaker supporting cast than Trask did. Dan Mullen has done an excellent job making Florida a top 10 program again but this season will be a challenge for Mullen. The defense was a liability last year and the offense won’t be able to carry it this time around.
18. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes were one of the most underrated teams last season winning six in a row after a bad start. Kirk Ferentz is the longest tenured coach in the FBS and for good reason he develops talent as well as anyone in the nation and the Hawkeyes are consistently a top 25 program. In an era of downfield passing attacks Iowa is old school and wins in the trenches. The Hawkeyes should have a strong rushing attack led by RB Tyler Goodson who will be running behind one of the elite offensive lines in college football that includes First Team All American center Tyler Linderbaum. Spencer Petras returns as starting QB and is a solid game manager for this run dominant offense. Iowa will be tested out of the gates with an opening matchup against Indiana followed up by an in state showdown with Iowa State.
19. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
UL Lafayette was one of the feel good stories in college football going 10-1 including a massive upset over Iowa State. The Cajuns aren’t some fluke either; they have had back to back 10 win seasons and lead the nation in returning production. Billy Napier has passed on multiple jobs to stay in Lafayette and with the team he has coming back I understand why. Levi Lewis had a breakout season in 2020 and is one of the best dual threat QBs in the country. Louisiana had an astonishing 20 selections to the preseason all Sun Belt team according to Athlon Sports and are my pick to win the conference. UL Lafayette will get a chance to pull off an upset against Texas in week 1 and then their schedule is a cake walk until they play Liberty late in the regular season and then presumably Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt title game.
20. Arizona State Sun Devils
ASU should be one of the breakout teams in college football after a solid few years under Herm Edwards. Edwards came out of retirement to coach the Sun devils and has done great in recruiting and this is the season it can all come together. Arizona State returns a ton of talent on both sides of the ball most notably QB Jayden Daniels who is a first round talent. The Sun Devils have a fairly easy schedule with their toughest matchups being Washington, USC, and Utah. The PAC 12 is wide open in 2021 and Arizona State is my pick to win the conference.
21. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
The Chanticleers have only been an FBS team since 2017 and they have already been turning heads under Jamey Chadwell. Chadwell is a rising star in coaching and will be at a power 5 program very soon but for 2021 he returns a top contender for the Sun Belt title. Coastal had the best offense in the conference last year and this year shouldn’t be any different with star QB Grayson McCall returning along with a loaded skill group that includes Isaiah Likely who has emerged as one of the best tight ends in college football. The Chanticleers also are top five in returning defensive production for 2021. Coastal will be favored on paper against every team they play and won’t face a real challenge until they face UL Lafayette in the conference title game.
22. Penn State Nittany Lions
2020 was a season that Penn State fans would like to forget after going 4-5 and not even playing in a bowl. After a controversial loss to Indiana sent their season into a tailspin Penn State did end the year on a high note winning four straight. I’d expect Penn State to return to relevance in 2021 with a great coach in James Franklin and an experienced starting quarterback in Sean Clifford. Defensively Penn State did lose elite talent in Micah Parsons and Jayson Oweh but most of the defense outside of that is coming back. People may forget this program is only a year removed from winning a New Year’s Six Bowl. Penn State will have to navigate a schedule consisting of Ohio State, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, and an out of conference matchup against Auburn.
23. Washington Huskies
The Huskies are entering year two of the Jimmy Lake era who is trying to get this program back to where it was during the peak of the Chris Petersen era. This will be Lake’s first full season after the Huskies won the PAC 12 north in 2020 but couldn’t play for the conference title due to covid issues in the program. Washington could get a second chance at the conference title in 2021 with an offense that is top ten in the nation in returning production. Dylan Morris returns as starting QB and how far the Huskies go boils down to how well Morris develops. Washington gets an out of conference test early against Michigan and have ranked matchups against Arizona State and Oregon in conference play. If Washington wants to repeat as PAC 12 North champs they have to find a way to take down Oregon.
24. TCU Horned Frogs
There is no team in the nation that is getting less respect that they deserve than TCU that brings most of its offense back. The Horned Frogs went a respectable 6-4 in 2020 and should improve this season. TCU has an underrated offense with key players such as Max Duggan, Quentin Johnson, and former five star running back Zach Evans. The defensive line is also one of the better in college football returning Ochaun Mathis and Khari Coleman. Gary Patterson is still a great coach and has the squad this year to be in these rankings consistently throughout the season.
25. Texas Longhorns
I reluctantly include Texas in these rankings and am very skeptical of a team that has consistently failed to meet expectations. With that being said I loved the hiring of Steve Sarkisian who should make this offense more consistent. Texas has the talent to be great but they have had that talent for the past decade and have been mediocre for the most part. The biggest question for the Horns is their starting QB as Hudson Card and bow game hero Casey Thompson battle to replace Sam Ellingher. Whoever does win the job will have the help of superstar running back Bijan Robinson. Texas also has questions at receiver and a brutal schedule. I’m giving Texas the benefit of the doubt but an early season slip up will have Texas out of my top 25.