| Preseason Top 25 |
| 1. Clemson |
Razor-close between Clemson and Bama, but more veterans on CU’s defense makes the difference |
| 2. Alabama |
Everything seems to set up for a title defense, but Tide plays better when it has something to prove |
| 3. Miami |
If defense can rebound to mid-2017 form, weak schedule could send ‘Canes to Final 4 |
| 4. Georgia |
It looks again like the SEC will have two teams in the Final 4. |
| 5. Ohio State |
Buckeyes are probably better than this, but off-field distractions could weigh heavily |
| 6. Washington |
The talent is there, but Huskies have to get past their tendency to lay one or two eggs each year |
| 7. Oklahoma |
Lots of talent lost, but OU will still have a top offense and play in the weakest P5 league |
| 8. Mississippi St. |
Bulldogs could be SEC’s surprise team if it can manage a coaching transition. Talent is there. |
| 9. Michigan |
Offense has to click, or Wolverines will fall short again – and Jim Harbaugh will feel the heat. |
| 10. Wisconsin |
Offense returns almost completely intact, but the D is a full rebuild. Schedule not kind, either. |
| 11. Auburn |
It really all comes down to the offensive line, and whether Malzahn’s trickery has run its course. |
| 12. Michigan St. |
Schedule sets up perfectly as Spartans hope offense can get in gear after 2017’s failures. |
| 13. Notre Dame |
Defense will carry the Irish as far as they’ll go, given tough schedule and QB issues |
| 14. Virginia Tech |
Fuente is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and he has a good mix of talent and leadership back. |
| 15. Boise State |
Basically a one-game season, with Oklahoma State the only contender on the schedule. |
| 16. Stanford |
Defense took an unexpected step back in 2017; fixing that would make Cardinal a PAC-12 fave. |
| 17. Penn State |
Solid leadership and a good foundation, but graduation was unkind to the roster. Rebuilding year. |
| 18. Florida State |
The raw talent is undeniably there, but 2017 was a disaster and the defense is young. |
| 19. South Carolina |
A 10-win season is in reach if Will Muschamp can continue to develop as a head coach. |
| 20. Southern Cal |
Basically all comes down to the quality of the quarterback position – or lack thereof. |
| 21. Oklahoma St. |
Never seem to get much preseason respect, but they’re always hanging around in the end. |
| 22. Oregon |
Is Mario Cristobal the answer? A veteran roster will help soothe the transition back to open O. |
| 23. Iowa |
Good offensive core, manageable schedule mean Hawkeyes should post a decent season. |
| 24. Utah |
Utes would be higher if the schedule was kinder. Offense needs to get in sync as well. |
| 25. Ole Miss |
Rebels should score points if nothing else. But the program is in a decline nonetheless. |
