Although I really dislike the idea of a Top 25 ranking for anything other than enjoyment, that’s an argument for another day.
This list’s ranking is based on the talent level of each team, and not where they are projected to finish at the end of the season.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
-With the Heisman winner and a Heisman contending back-up, an undefeated quarterback, and a restocked defense, you can’t argue.
2. Texas Longhorns
-Even with Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley gone, the defense is still stocked and still have talented options on offense.
3. Boise State Broncos
-They only lost four seniors from last year’s team, and have a Heisman contending quarterback and an easy schedule. National Championship, dare I say?
4. Florida Gators
-With Tebow gone, they’re no locks to be a 10 win team, but with NFL level speed, depth, and overall talent, they won’t falter that much.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
-Pryor should get better, and another year with a young offense and defense could give Jim Tressel another chance at the BCS title.
6. TCU Horned Frogs
-Lost a few key pieces on defense, but this team just reloads on that side of the ball, plus they’re offense is loaded with depth and seniors.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies
-My darkhorse team for the National Championship, they have two former freshman dynamos, a very talented quarterback, and a consistent defense.
8. Washington Huskies
-This pick is less reflective of Jake Locker’s potential as it is of the sheer depth and overall young skill on this team that has a chance to thrive with Locker at the help.
9. West Virginia Mountaineers
-A lot resting on the tiny shoulders of Noel Devine, I’m excited for this Mountaineers defense that is by far the best in the conference, and has a perfect spread option offense.
10. Cincinnati Bearcats
-Will fight with West Virginia all season, a lot of losses the past two season’s on offense hurts and no Brian Kelly hurts just enough to lose that one match-up.
11. Miami (FL) Hurricanes
-Jacory Harris really looked the part of a dominate college quarterback at times, and if he can be consistent with that immense talent around him, they can really compete.
12. Arkansas Razorbacks
-I love the Ryan Mallet-Bobby Petrino connection for the Razorbacks, and if it wasn’t for playing in the SEC West with ‘Bama, LSU, and Auburn, they’d be title contenders.
13. Missouri Tigers
-Chase Daniel was ultra-productive at Missouri and a Heisman finalist. Their quarterback now, Blaine Gabbert, is just as ready, has a better arm, and could be even better.
14. Oklahoma Sooners
-It’s not too often that the Sooners are predicted in the pre-season to be 3rd in the Big 12, but with no Bradford and a young offensive line, it could be even worse.
15. USC Trojans
-I’m not sold on Lane Kiffin continuing the Trojan tradition, and Matt Barkley hasn’t shown enough to be able to lead him team to 10+ wins.
16. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
-Another year with Nesbitt, Anthony Allen, and Roddy Jones could mean continued success for the option attack and another chance as a ACC title contender.
17. LSU Tigers
-In the SEC, it’s hard to win 9 games year in and year out, but with their defensive continued success, it’s hard to count them out against any SEC foe.
18. North Carolina Tar Heels
-They’re stacked on defense, but unless they’re offense can show me they can put up 20+ consistently, I’m not sold on them as ACC title contenders.
19. Clemson Tigers
-Even with the loss of Spiller, this team has some talent on offense and loads of potential on defense, and they should be able to muster up 9 wins.
20. Michigan State Spartans
-My dark horse in the Big Ten, I like they’re quarterback, offensive line, and linebacking corps, which is usually enough to contend in the Big Ten.
21. Penn State Nittany Lions
-They have the running game and talent at linebacker to be successful, but if they can’t find a quarterback quickly, that receiving talent will be a waste.
22. BYU Cougars
-They lost Max Hall, Harvey Unga, and Dennis Pitta, but with great talent on the offensive line and few playmakers on both sides of the ball, they’ll win 9 or 10.
23. Iowa Hawkeyes
-Ricky Stanzi and Adrian Clayborn are back, and if they can retool the offensive line, they have a chance to compete yet again in the Big Ten.
24. Georgia Bulldogs
-I love Mark Richt as a coach, and a very solid offensive line and AJ Green, they’re offense will be solid and the defense has some talent as well.
25. Houston Cougars
-The surprise team with the 25th spot, Houston really has a chance to be a BCS contender this year. Kevin Sumlin is a great coach, Case Keenum is Kevin Kolb good, and they have weapons galore on offense.
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