Latest / Game Day Collective / Our Official 2026 College Football Preseason Top 25 | Breaking Down Every Team

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Our Official 2026 College Football Preseason Top 25 | Breaking Down Every Team · Game Day Collective

• Josh Mahler: College football season is almost here, and today we're releasing the official Game Day Collective preseason top 25. This isn't just a prediction of where teams are gonna finish with the best records or anything like that. ⁓ we just I I sat down and I evaluated each team ⁓ and and where I believe they actually should be entering into the 2026 season. And of course, I looked at several different things, and I'll pop that up on the screen here so you guys can see it as well. ⁓ but just kind of took a bunch into into into factor and and kind of went through kind of a ranking philosophy of ⁓ kind of what the quarterback play looks like, ⁓ what that returning production is gonna be, the overall roster talent and what we can expect from these teams or what we should expect from the teams ⁓ as they come in with that roster talent. Of course, the offensive-defensive line play is a must. You have to have good trenches on both sides of the ball in order to be a competitor and be in the top twenty-five. And ⁓ also the coaching stability, the transfer portal additions. ⁓ and and especially when you talk about the star players, do they have proven star players, guys that we know ⁓ are stars? And and are they you know going to be on the roster coming in? Are they gonna be key players coming into this 2026 season? Of course, depth plays a pretty big role in that. And of course, I'm gonna look at the schedule and and take the schedule difficulty and and each team's realistic ceiling and floor overall. coming into the top twenty five. Again, it's it's a pr primarily a a a power ranking more than anything. And the schedule does matter, but I'm I'm not gonna sit here and and rank a team higher just because I think that they are going to win ten games over another. I'm just gonna look at the the schedule and recognize that you I that's why so if j spoiler alert, ⁓ I don't think I have any group of five teams in the the anyone any I don't have a team that's not a power four, I believe. ⁓ and so ⁓ yeah, I I I I look at the strength of the team and the strength of their schedule to some extent, but it's not based on where I think they're gonna end the season. So there's a lot of teams in here that I don't think they're gonna end in the top 25, but they are ranked in the pre-season top twenty-five. So just understand that this is a ⁓ pre-season top twenty-five. Keep track of the teams that you believe are too high, too low, or just missing completely, and drop drop them down in the comments. ⁓ you can drop your own top 25 on social media and tag Game Day Collective. We're on social media. So follow us over there. Facebook, Instagram, X. ⁓ make sure to follow us on all that. Because we want to compare our rankings with yours. So make sure to drop it down in the comments below. ⁓ all right, ⁓ let's go ahead and count them down. We're gonna begin with number 25. The Clemson Tigers come in at number 25. Clemson, they really still have more raw talent than most teams that are competing for the the these. Final few positions here in the top 25. When you think of the other teams that could have made it to the top 25, and we'll get to those, Clemson is just better. They have more raw talent than the rest. And you think of the receiving corps comp ⁓ can, you know, ⁓ specifically with Clemson, that's really what gives this offense a legitimate upside. And I look at their wide receiver room and think that they've got a a a really good chance there. ⁓ you know, get you got Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore. ⁓ They they both could really perform ⁓ kind of come together and form one of the better receiving combos that we'll see in the entire country, honestly. So ⁓ I really like them. And of course Tabo Sweeney's program i it it still has enough highly recruited talent to compete for the ACC championship. And I think if you're able to compete at the top of the ACC, then for me, you're gonna make it to the top twenty five preseason at least. And so ⁓ I I'm I'm interested to see how Clemson bounces back from kind of a tough season, a season ago, very inconsistent. But ⁓ I I think they deserve to be in the top twenty-five. ⁓ of course the overall talent level, it it kind of it remains higher than the other bubble teams, but but ⁓ we should see here in this twenty twenty six season what that's really all about and how high that that talent ⁓ really is. ⁓ anyways. Like I said, I really do think that they have a ceiling of competing for the n for ⁓ an ACC championship. And they they ultimately they have enough defensive talent that I will always trust Clemson when they bring in the defense that we know them for. And I think that defense right now, I think the defensive talent specifically with with Clemson has enough to remain competitive while that offense develops and kind of forms. So that's why I have Clemson ranked in there. ⁓ of course, I'm not gonna put him any higher than twenty-five because I I think with Christopher Viz Vizina, I'm not sure if I'm saying his last name right, but ⁓ the the new quarterback for Clemson, he's gonna have to prove that he can replace Cade Klubnick, which I think Kate Klubnick wasn't a good quarterback for this team. I I I I don't and I don't think that's a hot take at all. ⁓ so you know the the offensive line it has to improve to help that quarterback play. but with Clemson coming off of an an in inconsistent season. Just a season ago, ⁓ I I can't rank ⁓ any higher than twenty-five, but I do feel like a top twenty-five is empty without Clemson in there. So ⁓ they do have some uncertainty ahead of them, but I think they have less uncertainty than the teams that are below them. ⁓ and so the teams that didn't make the top twenty-five. So can Clemson turn its ⁓ collection of talent around this season and and can they turn this into something where they can be a complete football team? That's what we're going to see in 2026. So let us know in the comments. Does Clemson deserve the benefit of the doubt? Or do the Tigers ⁓ deserve to be kicked out of the top 25 to start the season? Moving on to number 24, the Missouri Tigers. ⁓ I think Eli Drinkowitz has really established ⁓ a very consistent and competitive team here with the Missouri Tigers. And and they're what they're one of those teams that you don't think of being a team that is is really Highly touted when you talk about recruiting and all of the top talent goes to Missouri or anything like that. But Eli Drinkowicz does a lot with not a lot given to him for resources. And so he's he's really surprised me and and and just he continues to amaze me how well he does year in and year out with Missouri. And and you think of Missouri the these last three seasons, they've won ⁓ twenty-nine games. And you know, with with a running back like Ahmad Hardy, I think that that he gives the Tigers some Prove ⁓ he's he's really their their only proven ⁓ centerpiece that I can think of off the top of my head. ⁓ but of course I think Austin Simmons coming into this offense is a good thing. ⁓ I can also list that as an uncertainty. We don't really know. He didn't play much last year. And he is coming into a new system. They do also have a new offensive coordinator. They've got a lot of things to answer in 2026. But I like Missouri. ⁓ and and I think that they're well deserving of being in the top twenty-five going into the season. We'll see what they're able to do in the twenty twenty-six season. Of course, couldn't put them too much higher because like I said, ⁓ installing a new offensive system, that's a big question mark. Although I think it's going to be a good thing for Missouri. and I I think that this defense is gonna have to replace a lot of substantial production over on that side of the ball. So, ⁓ of course you look at that SEC schedule, it doesn't really leave a whole lot of room for any kind of ⁓ prolonged adjustment period. And so you've got to get things answered quickly before you get into SEC play. So ⁓ can Missouri kind of maintain that that recent standard while repo replacing a lot of important pieces there really on both sides of the ball. It's going to be a big question for Missouri. So let us know in the in the comments about Missouri being ranked number 24. ⁓ are are they a dependable top twenty five team now? ⁓ or are they due for more of a step back here in twenty twenty six? Moving on number 23, the Louisville Cardinals. ⁓ Jeff Braum. I I mean, I I I like him with Louisville. I think Louisville is a respectable team. He's won at least nine games in each of his first three seasons there at Louisville. ⁓ and his offensive system is really what gets them going here. I I I think you look at at Louisville and see ⁓ how Jeff Braum is able to create production there on the offensive side of the ball. ⁓ and also another thing that I really like about Louisville is ⁓ they've got the edge edge defender edge defender Clev Lubin, ⁓ who really gives this defense ⁓ a a lot of proven pass rush presence. He's a returning guy, ⁓ a guy that ⁓ I think is gonna be a big difference maker for Louisville here and a big piece that helps Louisville be a contender for the ACC. It's a very open race for the ACC. It seems like it always is, year in and year out. And Louisville is one of the teams that I believe has a chance. ⁓ another one of the ACC teams here at the bottom of the top twenty-five. But again, this is preseason rankings where I think that they should start the season, not where I think that they should end them. So ⁓ ultimately I'm I'm not gonna drop him out of the top twenty five because I I think that that Brahm ⁓ has really kind of brought a lot of confidence. And I think he's he's he's earned ⁓ you know a a a lot of ⁓ confidence in in a lot of media personnel and a lot of media ⁓ people who when whenever you talk about a quarterback developer, a guy that can can really help ⁓ a quarterback that I feel like year in and year out, ⁓ at least the last three seasons under Jeff Braum, Louisville really really hasn't had a steady quarterback or a guy that you really have a lot of faith in ⁓ going into the season, but he turns these guys around to be something that ⁓ kind of surprises us. So let's let's see ⁓ what Jeff Braum can do here. In 2026. ⁓ also, you know, I I think that the entire coaching staff with Jeff Brahm and and everyone that he's brought on, ⁓ I really do think that this is a team that ⁓ brings up ⁓ their floor to where they've got a much higher floor, not a very high ceiling because we haven't seen enough to give them that, but they do have a low ⁓ a higher floor than what they have in years past. So really like this team. Had to add them into the top 25, not quite good enough for me. ⁓ not not quite enough on paper, at least, to add them into the top 20, but right there at number 23. So ⁓ drop it down in the comments. ⁓ is Louisville a real ACC threat, or are they just kind of simply a solid eight or nine win team ⁓ year in and year out? Moving on to number 22. This was a hard one for me. Hard one to keep in the top twenty-five at all. But it just felt right putting them here at number twenty two, and that is the Iowa Hawkey. ⁓ I I think that you look at Iowa's defense. And their special teams. I think they provide one of the most dependable foundations in all of college football. And when you've got this strong of a defense that that Kirk Ferret brings year in and year out under ⁓ the that Iowa brings under Kirk Ferret, I think that this is one of those teams. I mean, it's just a a a very physical and disciplined football team. And it's hard for me to look at the top 25, try to create a top 25, and not add Iowa just because of what I think of when I think of. Top 25 teams, I think of strong defenses. Again, you think of the trenches. That was one of the key factors in this ranking philosophy. What better team than Iowa to kind of give a blueprint of an offensive and defensive line? And so really, I just, I don't know. I look at this team and I think that the defense is enough to keep them competitive. Do I think that they're going to compete for a Big Ten championship? I think they're going to be one of those teams that we talk about throughout the season, but I don't think they're going to be towards the top. So ⁓ I do like Iowa. I had to put them in the top 25. It was hard for me because I I didn't want to put them in the top 25. I kept on kind of bouncing back and forth, but I do think that they deserve to be in there. They they are gonna have to replace one of the best quarterbacks they've had in a while, and and ⁓ Mark Grunowski, ⁓ that's not saying much. But ⁓ they are gonna have to replace that. ⁓ They're gonna have to get something going on the offensive side. They're gonna have to prove that they can ⁓ Create some sort of explosive plays against high level opponents, especially going against defenses, what you're gonna see in Michigan and Ohio State, even Indiana and ⁓ other teams that are that are competing there, Oregon. ⁓ I I haven't really I I I don't recall what ⁓ Iowa's schedule looks like. But when you think of Big Ten teams, you're gonna have to figure out a way to get that offense going in order to to stay in there. So can Iowa kind of find enough offense to complement what should be a strong defense again as we see year in and year out? Let us know in the comments ⁓ what w you know what would Iowa become if it finally fueled a consistently productive offense? ⁓ let us know if you believe that Iowa should be in the top 25. I feel like this was probably the the one that would probably get the most heat there is Iowa being number 22. Going on to number 21, the Tennessee Volunteers. A team that I wanted to rank higher, but the teams that I put above them, I just really felt more confident in in. Going into the season, again, this is a lot of what do I see on paper for this team going into the season? This isn't what I think they're going to be at the end of the season because I think Tennessee could end the season much higher than twenty-one, realistically. But Tennessee, you you they they continue to recruit really well and they're continue to to develop SEC caliper talent on their roster. And Josh Heibel, I I really think is is a solid head coach, and I think he's a head coach that Tennessee will keep around for for a while. ⁓ Course, he's got to get over this hump of kind of these these nine, 10 win seasons and finally put something together. I think Tennessee's kind of growing impatient, but I I do think that he's a coach that can stick around for a while. And so I've got a lot of faith in him. But you know, you think of what this defense returns, they've got some proven playmakers, proven production over on that side of the ball, ⁓ with ⁓ Ariane Carter, ⁓ Jemiah Talender, ⁓ Talender. And so ⁓ you know, you think of guys like that, even ⁓ running back Gene ⁓ sorry, ⁓ Deshaun Bishop, drawing a blank there on names. But I I think with with some returning talent, I think that this this Tennessee team on paper looks like they could be a a pretty tough team in the SEC and very much so a a an SEC contender. And if you're an SEC contender at all, if you're just one of these teams that we think could at least be in contention for the SEC, there's no way I can't put you in the top twenty-five. ⁓ although I couldn't quite put them into the top twenty just because they do have Quarterback competition that kind of lacks proven college experience. you don't really have much there. ⁓ I either one of their their quarterbacks could be talented. It's just neither of them has really established themselves as a dependable starter quite yet. So the quarterback uncertainty, I think it matters too much to overlook in a preseason ranking. ⁓ and Tennessee has to prove that it can consistently be ⁓ you know, a a an SEC contender and and consistently ⁓ show that they're a top team, not just a top half team, but a top team in the SEC. And I think that they can be that team. And so that's why I have them there at number 21. ⁓ let us know, are the volunteers underrated or are they overrated? ⁓ I kind of feel like maybe they're underrated going into this because I have a lot of faith in Josh Hypel. I think they're underrated because of their quarterback uncertainty right now. But yeah, I I really do have a lot of faith in Josh Hypel. Let's see what they can do here in 2026. Moving on to number 20. The SMU Mustangs. Man, Kevin Jennings. I think he gives SMU some some proven quarterback leadership. ⁓ I really like what we see there. And and Rhett Lashley, I think he's really created a consistent offensive identity for SMU. And I think he's ⁓ really commit kind of put a to put together a really good program there at SMU, a team that as long as he's at the helm, I think that you're gonna have to consider SMU ⁓ as a team to really be ⁓ Considered as as a top ACC team. And again, another one of these power four conference ⁓ you know, if if you're a a contender in any of the power four conferences, I I consider you a top twenty-five team preseason, going into the season. ⁓ I I guess during the season that has to stand true as well, right? But SMU, they've won thirty one games over the past three seasons. ⁓ a really good, ⁓ solid ACC contender so far. ⁓ you know, I think that the with the quarterback the the quarterback and the coaching stability. I think this creates a s really strong and a higher floor for SMU. And I think that SMU knows what it what it wants to be offensively. And I really like their offense. Of course, the reason why I couldn't rank them too much higher is because the defensive line and the secondary, they have to improve. They've got to improve overall as a defense. But I think that ⁓ when you when you take it down to their off their their defensive line and ⁓ some of the explosive plays that they let up, it has to be cut down. And I don't know if I see enough on paper. To say that I trust them enough to move them up any higher, but definitely a top 20 team for me. That's why they come in ranked at number 20. ⁓ let us know in the in the comments. Is SMU a safe pick ⁓ to reach the ACC game? Are they a true ACC contender or are they just kind of more of a pretender, a team that makes us believe that they can do it, but just can't quite pull it off? Going to number 19, the Utah Utes. ⁓ this was another tough one for me because. Utah ⁓ I know they just lost their their longtime head coach in Kyle Whittingham. He went off to Michigan and and I don't know. I just I still look at this Utah team on paper and I really think that they still could remain as one of the most physical teams in the Big Twelve. And I I don't know that Kyle Whittingham leaving changes that identity about this team completely. ⁓ you know, I think that ⁓ Devin Dampier and and ⁓ Weyshawn Parker, I I think both of them kind of provide that that proven backfield production. I think of of what Morgan Scaley brings here. I think that he should preserve the program's defensive identity. And so that's why I still have a lot of faith in Utah on paper. Again, another probably controv a controversial pick to put in the top 20, but I like Utah. I I really do. And I I think when you look at paper, ⁓ I still think that they should be difficult to play every week. And I think that their physical style still translates here well into conference play and and I think that they have a realistic path to the Big Twelve Championship game. And I I really do think that this is a a team that I know that they're gonna have to replace, you know, a lot. ⁓ but I still have some faith here for ⁓ Utah going into the the twenty twenty six season. So do you think that Utah should be a Big Twelve contender and do you think that they should be ranked in the top twenty? Let us know in the comments down below. Mm. Moving on to number 17, the Penn State Nittany Lions. Another team that, man, they're gonna have to bounce back from a season ago, a terrible season, but a totally new regime. And the more, you know, when I first saw Matt Campbell being the hire there at Penn State, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. You know, I wasn't really sure if this felt like it was the right move or not. But the more that I think about it, the more that I look at it and and see what he brings to the table. I'm kind of liking this move. Of course, I don't like the move of firing your coach midseason after he just made the college football playoff a season ago. He's a consistent Big Ten championship contender, a true contender. Didn't like all of that, but with the higher, ⁓ not really sure where else they would have gone that could have been much better than bringing Matt Campbell in. I think that he does bring a strong development ⁓ developmental ⁓ track record. He's he's very good at developing young players and turning them into what it takes to be a part of his system. So interested at the very least, excuse me, ⁓ to see what Matt Campbell brings to the table here at Penn State. Can he be a Big Ten contender in his first year? I believe so. That's why I rank them in the top twenty ⁓ here at number seventeen. ⁓ I think Rocco Beck, you know, bringing him in was a really good move for Penn State. And ⁓ you know, you think of this schedule too, another reason why I kind of I'm kind of high and and I probably shouldn't put so much weight into this for Penn State because I didn't do it for a lot of other teams, but you look at the schedule, they avoid Ohio State, Oregon, Annity and all the three top teams in the top ⁓ in the Big Ten. They they avoid ⁓ So I I think that they've got a realistic path to a strong record at the end of the season, too. So ⁓ I think this is a really good season for ⁓ for Matt Campbell to kind of get his feet wet in the Big Ten, ⁓ and get his feet wet there at Penn State at a much bigger profile school than what Iowa State was, ⁓ if we're being honest about it. ⁓ so I think that that ⁓ with that, ⁓ you know, you you look at at what Rocco Beck and his familiarity with the system and with his head coach there, I think it should make the transition a lot easier. Much ⁓ you know, the way that I think a lot of people felt with John Mateir coming over to Oklahoma whenever Ben Arbuckle came over. It's not very often that you see ⁓ you know, a a a a complete new regime come in, but bring so many pieces with them. And the transfer portal allows that a lot more as we see the years go on and as that kind of develops. So one thing that is really concerning about Penn State is that they only return five starters. so you know you you you think of this roster, but the the thing is they also bring in 39 transfers. It was a complete transfer overhaul. And so that's why I think that this is one of those ⁓ situations where the transfer portal can really help you if you're utilizing it properly. And so ⁓ I I think that the chemistry and the depth ⁓ it it has to be developed a lot here in the in the preseason and before we get into ⁓ know late August and and early September. But ⁓ we'll we'll see. how quickly can Matt Matt Campbell kind of turn this rebuilt Penn State team into a true Big Ten contender. ⁓ we're gonna see. We're definitely gonna see. let us know. Will will Penn State's record kind of make it look better than they actually are? ⁓ I I do think when looking at their schedule, it is interesting to see. Going on to another Big Ten team here at number 16, we've got the Michigan Wolverines. I'm high on the Michigan Wolverines, probably higher on them this year than I was last year, which is really weird when you think of all the chaos that has gone on. But I I wasn't really particularly high on them last year. ⁓ But I'm I'm higher than I was last year, and that's not saying much. But Bryce Underwood, ⁓ I do think that he's got some very close to elite. He's very he's very close to being an elite, ⁓ you know, quarterback ⁓ overall. I I think I think he's got the the mechanics. He's got he's got everything there. It's just putting them out on the field and giving us that production. ⁓ I don't know. I'm I'm I'm still left with a lot of question marks with him. I I'm not low on him at all, but I'm just not quite high on him. I I like Bryce Underwood. I see I see the talent. I see the ceiling at least, but can he bring it? Can he give Michigan that five star number one quarterback that that that big checkbook ⁓ can he make it all count here in 2026? I think bringing Kyle Winningham in, ⁓ it's it's a a really good pick for Michigan overall, depending on where they're going long term. I don't know what their long term goal is, but I think short term this was a really smart move. ⁓ I I think if they play it right, it could be a long term move with Kyle Whittingham, maybe not him specifically, but trying to bring somebody in as a protege, what how however they end up playing it out. But he is one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport. So I think that that's really interesting. And of course bringing in Jay Hill, I think that that the brings a respective defensive line system. ⁓ sorry sorry a defensive system not defensive line but just a an entire defensive system as a whole and so I think that Michigan still possesses the considerable talent and physicality that we're gonna know ⁓ that we've always known from Michigan and I think under Kyle Whittingham it's gonna remain much the same. So that's why I leave them up there pretty high at number sixteen. So ⁓ let us know in the comments do does Michigan have ⁓ you know close to a top 10 upside? ⁓ or is there too much transition? Do you think that they deserve to be ranked number 16? Are they too high or too low? Let us know in the comments down below. Going on to number 15, the BYU Cougars. ⁓ I don't know. I I like BYU. I liked them last year. I did think that they were one of those teams that, man, it was hard for me to say that they didn't deserve to be in the playoffs. ⁓ but it was also hard to put them in there because of kind of the chaos. That ensued a season ago. So you look at BYU, they returned their quarterback, ⁓ Bear Bachmeyer. ⁓ just really, really impressive quarterback, ⁓ a guy that just is not your conventional quarterback. ⁓ I I don't know. He fits he fits what BYU needs, though. That physical mentality, that physical ⁓ playmaking ability. So really like Bear Bachmeyer coming coming back for BYU. And ⁓ also running back LJ Martin, I think he kind of provides that that additional continuity on the offensive s ⁓ side of the ball. So some really good pieces that come back for BYU. I think the returning production is what kind of gives me a a lot of high upside for BYU. And you think of what they came back, you know, coming off of ⁓ consecutive 11 win seasons here for BYU, some really impressive ⁓ coaching and some impressive overall for the program. So I I really like BYU. I feel like I had to put them up there pretty high, but not quite any higher than this. I just think that with the, you know, ⁓ Jay Hill, ⁓ their defensive coordinator departing, I think you have to take that into consideration. ⁓ you know, I think that they have to prove that it can consistently control the line of scrimmage ⁓ against some elite competition. So you think of of some of the teams in the Big Twelve that they're gonna have to go against. And I think that that's something that ⁓ I don't know, I wanna see can they can they turn it around and do one more year? I mean, can they can they have three ⁓ three back to back years. I they they've had consecutive eleven win seasons. Can they make it another one? ⁓ can they be a true big twelve and even college football playoff contender again? So ⁓ you know, I I I I I do want to know from you guys in the comments below why does BYU continue to kind of be one of these overlooked teams despite winning eleven games back to back? Cause when I saw that one I was really looking into BYU and what they've got on paper, that kind of surprised me, even though it was a stat that I knew. And I was like, wow, yeah, I guess I knew that. But but why why does that shock me? Because I think they are just one of those teams that's completely overlooked. And so I'm not really sure why that is, but interesting to hear your guys' thoughts on BYU. Another Big 12 team here in the top 15. And a team that I think some people are going to be upset with me not ranking any higher than number 14. But we at number 14, we've got the Texas Tech Red Raiders. ⁓ they return a veteran roster. From, you know, the the 12 win Big Twelve championship team a season ago. And it's a defense that should remain one of the best in the Big Twelve. I really have a lot of confidence in this defense. ⁓ you think of of what they return. They've got seven players who earned preseason all Big Twelve recognition. Some guys that that ⁓ I think a lot of people should have confidence in here for for Texas Tech coming into ⁓ this upcoming season. It's gonna be interesting, ⁓ for sure to see if they can kind of tack on to what they were able to do a season ago. ⁓ but, you know, they've also got a pretty manageable path to to be another conference title contender at the very least, if not making another conference title appearance. But ⁓ looking at the at the roster, ⁓ it it's really already kind of proven that it can be that championship level team. And again, returning a lot of key pieces. And this defense just really gives them a ⁓ very high floor, I think. They're they've they're very Aggressive physical defense and much better than than ⁓ a lot of the teams in the Big Twelve. And so I think that they compete really well in the in the Big Twelve. I I I think that they're one of the safest projections to win the Big Twelve right now. ⁓ and ⁓ I think what they've got going on down there is really good. So ⁓ you've got some injuries there on the squad, ⁓ you've got some quarterback questions. ⁓ there's there's a lot of things that that we can question about Texas Tech. And so that's why I rank them a little bit lower. ⁓ but I'm sure there will be a lot of people in the mentions in the comments not happy with them being ranked as low as they are there at number 14. ⁓ so let us know. ⁓ should they be ranked higher? ⁓ I I think they are one of the I think they're the Big 12 favorite right now, ⁓ easily in my book. Number 13, another team that maybe could be ranked a little higher. And I'm not yeah, I don't know. Maybe maybe I should rank them a little higher, but I'm not going to because coming in at number thirteen is Alabama. The Alabama Crimson Tide ranks number thirteen. ⁓ they're they're championship level talent. Ha. Yeah. Alabama still has championship level talent. ⁓ this secondary could be one of the best in the country. And I think of this defense. I think this entire defense is going be really strong. ⁓ Xavier Brown, ⁓ Dijon Lee Jr., Bray Hubbard, Keon Sab. I they they really do have some elite names over there, some elite guys over on the defensive side of the ball. So I think this is gonna be a really tough defense, again, from from Alabama. But, you know, and and and you you think of The roster and how deep it really is. I I think it's a a roster that's deep enough to compete with anyone. And just because Nick Saban's gone doesn't take that away from Alabama. They are a very very elite roster and and they're able to win ⁓ based on their roster alone. And so I think they compete with anyone. When you look at them on paper, I think they're able to compete with just about anyone. They do have some quarterback ⁓ competitions that's gonna kind of ⁓ raise some question marks for Alabama. And, you know, I I just I I don't think that ⁓ that many teams have as much overall talent that as as Alabama. ⁓ and so very few teams have as much talent as they they've got. And and ⁓ so looking at ⁓ on on paper, I think that they're a team that their ceiling remains national championship. ⁓ and of course their floor sits there around that that I mean, I guess with Kalen De Boer, maybe you say eight wins, but I'm gonna say right around that nine win mark. So I I think that Alabama is still one of the the top teams in the nation, and they're going to be really hard to to leave out of the top 15. So that's why I rank them here at number 13. So ⁓ the biggest question for them is is whether they can solve their quarterback and running game concerns because last year they had a pretty bad running game there on the offensive side of the ball, not able to run the ball very well, and it and it made them very one dimensional, and it caused it it was kind of their doom. Yeah, especially there whenever it came down to the playoff time and they were throttled by ⁓ Indiana, who went on to win the national championship. But anyways, ⁓ is number thirteen too disrespect disrespectful for Alabama or have the Crimson Tide kind of earned the skepticism finally? Is is this finally the year that we look at Alabama and say, just not feeling it? Because I look at their their schedule. I think ⁓ you think of of Georgia and Tennessee, LSU. Yeah, I I think that those three ⁓ alone ⁓ could be losses. on the year. ⁓ there's a few others on their on their schedule that I think they could lose. But again, this isn't where I think they will end up. It's where I'm ⁓ projecting them pre-season. Going to number 12, this is one that I had a really hard time putting up this high for many reasons. But I'm putting USC up at number 12. The USC Trojans, USC, they returned 17 starters. That's why I mean I had to look at at the paper and just so a lot of what I did with my rankings, I tried to leave names out of it. And just put statistics and and I put some key statistics next to each other and just use those to rank them higher or lower. And USC this one shocked me that I put them so high. But when I look at at what they've got on paper, ⁓ returning 17 starters, ⁓ all five starting offensive linemen return. ⁓ they've got their their quarterback coming back, Jaden Maiava, who threw for more than thirty seven hundred yards and and posted one of the nation's best quarterback efficiency ratings last year. ⁓ and then of course you got Lincoln Riley as an offensive coordinator. ⁓ he's gonna have an elite offense again. And that's no question. ⁓ I think that the quarterback and the offensive line continuity, you think of of of what they bring on the offensive side of the ball and and all of the returning starters that they've got, ⁓ you know, very few teams return a more established offensive foundation ⁓ than than the USC Trojans. So I think they legitimately have a top ten. And and and even playoff upside with everything that they they t they return. But of course, the the reason why I I looked at it and was man, I don't know if I should rank him this high is because it's USC and it's Lincoln Riley and what he's done there at USC. And it's just been very ⁓ mediocre, ⁓ to to say the least. So ⁓ yeah, I I gotta put USC here. Although the biggest the biggest question for them is are they going to have enough of an improvement on the defensive side of the ball To become a playoff team. And I do think that bringing Gary Patterson over was a really good ⁓ addition to this team. I think that was very encouraging. I think that that that Gary Patterson coming onto the scene helps, ⁓ but it kind of remains a projection at this point. Is he gonna do enough to really make them a playoff team? Are they is he gonna do enough to make that make them a true Big Ten ⁓ contender? So I want to see more from USC to be able to rank them any higher. But number 12 is where they came in at. Going to number 11. The LSU Tigers, another team that I just this one was was kind of just buying in to the hype. ⁓ and and I think that's probably where this one comes down to. When I when I really admit it, ⁓ I think that's what it com comes down to. But LSU did add one of the country's best transfer classes. ⁓ I think with Sam Levitt, I I think that he gives the Tigers a major quarterback upside and ⁓ you know just really brings a lot to the table. Now ⁓ I don't ⁓ I don't recall. I don't think he played at all last season. ⁓ correct me if I'm wrong. But if he did play at all last season, it wasn't much. ⁓ so it's it's interesting to see such high praise for Sam Levitt. ⁓ but nonetheless, he was one of the top quarterback transfers in the nation. They bring in one of the best, ⁓ really, yeah, I mean one of the best ⁓ high highest touted ⁓ transfer classes overall. ⁓ Jordan Seaton, I think he strengthens the offensive line a lot. ⁓ this receiving corpse is gonna be really high-end talent and so interested and and and excited to see what what that brings. And of course with with Blake Baker and Witt Weeks, I think they provide that defensive continent continuity ⁓ that you need. And so very interested to see what LSU brings to the table under the first year of Lane Kiffin. ⁓ I do think that he's gonna be able to get it done. I think he's I I think he's just a solid coach overall. And it's really seems like this offseason that he's been locked in and and committed to. to to doing things the right way here at LSU and and and bringing another a w another winning mentality here again to the to a team that you would expect to have that mentality. And so ⁓ not gonna rank ⁓ any lower just because I think they have enough talent to be a national championship contender. ⁓ with all the portal additions and everything, I think that they address a lot of the roster's needs. And Lane Kiffin has proven that he can create those explosive offenses in a in a team that can be a contender. ⁓ but of course, when it when you bring in nearly 40 transfers, that's where you start to kind of cr scratch your head and and wonder, bringing that much, does it does it hurt your your overall chemistry or are you going to be able to do something? Another question mark, again, bringing up Sam Levitt, ⁓ you know, I think that he he lost a lot of ⁓ springtime and stuff like that, some some time in the spring ⁓ while still rec recovering from his foot surgery. So very interesting to see the chemistry that you see on this team. ⁓ but on paper, when you see what they've got on paper, I I like LSU. That's why I've got them ranked there at number 11. And then, kind of ironically here at number 10, you've got the Ole Miss Rebels, Lane Kiffin's old team ranked just above him. I think Trinidad Chambless gives Ole Miss proven quarterback protection. ⁓ of course, you got Kaywan Lacey who returns, ⁓ who rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns. And ⁓ I think the Rebels have the best running back. quarterback combination in the country. ⁓ I I don't know many other teams that have anything have a better quarterback running back combination than than Ole Miss. I I like what they returned. I really like ⁓ what P Pete Golding brings to the table. I like his mentality. ⁓ I I think Ole Miss is still going to be around for for the long haul. I think they're still going to be a pretty good contender under Pete Golding. ⁓ I think that they've got proven offensive stars ⁓ that kind of give them a very high floor and ⁓ you know they're they're they've been known to be able to score against the elite competition and the thing is under Pete Golding they still performed really well in the playoffs a season ago and of course this is a new team so we're gonna see I think that Chambless with his mobility I think that takes this offense to the next level. ⁓ I like a lot about Olmus and so ⁓ I I'd like to hear you from you guys in the comments. Does Olmus have the best backfield In college football, because I I don't I don't know many teams that would have much better. Going on to number nine, ⁓ the Oklahoma Sooners. ⁓ I'm trying my best not to be biased with Oklahoma. So I've got them at the top ten. They're at number nine. I think they're gonna be one of the best defenses in the country. ⁓ and and I think they bring enough in on the offensive side of the ball. You think of the returning production, that's the biggest thing here for Oklahoma. The returning production. And I know that they don't have the same starters on really either side of the ball, but the returning guys, I think this offensive line, along with adding some key pieces there, ⁓ you you think of all the transfer portal additions, the the r the coaching upgrades, I would say, for Oklahoma when you bring in a guy like Jason Witten. ⁓ to Marco losing to Marco Murray might not be an upgrade, ⁓ but I I I still think that when when you look at Oklahoma, ⁓ And see what they've got right now. ⁓ I mean, I I am very high on Oklahoma. I I think that they are one of the most overlooked teams. I and again, I'm trying not to be biased here because I am an Oklahoma fan. ⁓ you know, I have been since very young age. But ⁓ I think that they they they tout one of the best defenses and I I will say the best defensive mind in all of college football. You think with bringing in guys like David Stone and Owen Heineke, ⁓ you know, ⁓ just they're they're they're elite defenders. ⁓ they've got some really, really elite defenders on that side of the ball and a lot of young guys that are returning from a season ago over on the defense. ⁓ and of course John Matteer, I think that he gives them kind of that proven mobile quarterback. I you look at what John Matteir was outside of the three or four games that he was really affected by that injury. And I think even there ever since the injury, he's had some questions. And so I I think that That's going to be ⁓ a a big thing to take a look at. I I have faith that Matthears' health ⁓ has has improved enough for him to get over the mental aspect of it. ⁓ and so it that is gonna be a question mark. Is he able to to improve his mental side of the game and and be better at decision making? ⁓ and so I think ultimately the big question for Oklahoma is can their offense just become good enough? And this has been the question for Ever since Brent Venables has come along, but can Oklahoma's offense become good enough to support that elite defense? ⁓ so let us know in the in the comments below. Is Oklahoma a legitimate playoff team? Are or are the offensive ⁓ concerns just too significant here for Oklahoma? Moving on to number eight, the Texas AM Aggies. ⁓ Marcel Reed returns at quarterback. What more do I need to say there? ⁓ Mike Elko, I think he's really built a physical and a very talented roster. And you look at Mike Mike Elko, I think he's brought just a different level of ⁓ of confidence about Texas AM. And so I really like what it ⁓ Texas AM under Mike Elko. I I like them a lot better than I did before him. ⁓ so you know, I I think that they've got enough talent and enough everything to compete in the SEC. And I think that the Aggies with them ⁓ you know, beginning eleven and ⁓ last season, ⁓ before kind of that late struggle, ⁓ This was a team to be reckoned with. And I think that to build off of that season, I think that being ranked here at number eight is very deserving in the top ten for the Texas AM Maggies. Of course, that court that quarterback continuity, I think that matters a lot. And they've got it. I think Elko's defense, I think it's gonna remain very physical and disciplined, very much deserving of a top ten seat. So ⁓ let us know in the comments. Is this finally the year for Texas AM to kind of turn that talent into an SEC championship run or a good playoff run? Let us know in the comments. Number seven, Miami Hurricanes. Man, ⁓ it was hard to put the national championship runner up down this low. ⁓ but I don't know. The biggest thing for me was Darien Mensa. ⁓ he comes in. He did lead the ACC in passing yards and touchdowns, one of the better quarterbacks, ⁓ you know, in in that regard. But I I don't I don't know. I just I'm I there's there's some Question marks for me on that side of the ball. They do have, yeah, no now that I'm really looking at it and thinking about it, they've got NFL talent here. So I'm not really sure why I've got Miami ranked so low. And ⁓ so please roast me in the comments for ranking them so low. ⁓ they really do have a lot of NFL talent. You know, with Mark Fletcher Jr., ⁓ Malachi Tony, proven offensive weapons there on the offensive side of the ball. ⁓ really strong on both sides of the of the line of scrimmage, really big and and and physical. ⁓ so man, I don't know. ⁓ they they did lose quite a bit of premium NFL talent. And so I think that's why I ranked them down here at number seven, still being in the top ten. I think really any of the top ten teams, and just hold on to to to hear the rest of them here. But any of these top ten teams I think are just neck and neck with each other from f really the top seven, top eight teams here, ⁓ starting with Texas A and ⁓ But yeah, Miami, ⁓ sitting there at number seven. So please roast me at that one 'cause ⁓ Now that I talk about it a little bit more, I do think that they've got enough to be a true championship contender again this year. And ⁓ so I like Miami. Number six, the reigning national champs, Indiana Hoosiers. This one was easy for me to drop down a little bit lower because they did lose a ton of production, a ton of it. ⁓ and so ⁓ they they do have sixty players returning from a season to go, but a lot of pr production has has left. ⁓ you know, a lot of key contributors. You think of Fernando Mendoza being the the biggest one. So ⁓ the returning ⁓ you know total rosters don't automatically replace the top end production. So that the the overall the roster is coming back, but not your big time production. And so I think that Indiana's a team that they're gonna have to r this is really truly the prove it to us year. And I think that Indiana they have to prove that that its system can continue to operate at a high level under Kurt Signetti and I know he's under a lot of heat for For calling out other conferences and calling ⁓ the Big Ten the best conference. But ⁓ I think this is a year for for Indiana to really prove that. And they really don't have a tough schedule at all. ⁓ I think on their notable games in the in the Big Ten ⁓ media days, one of the notable games was Purdue. So I I I believe I believe they play I know that they p play Ohio State. ⁓ I feel like they play Michigan. I don't have their They're ⁓ schedule pulled up ahead of me right now, ⁓ or in front of me right now. But ⁓ I know they play Ohio State, but they don't have a tough, tough one. I know that that those first like five or six games are really simple ⁓ and easy for them to go through. So that kind of played a little bit of me ranking them so high. Obviously, I think they shouldn't drop any lower than number six. ⁓ so but re losing so much ⁓ so much production makes me really question how good Indiana will be. ⁓ they did add 18 transfer to kind of transfers to kind of reinforce that roster. And I think bringing in Josh Hoover, that was a really good ⁓ quarterback ⁓ with a lot of meaningful experience. So interesting to see what Indiana turns out to be this season. Going on to number five, the Texas Longhorns. ⁓ man, it it was it was I I should probably replay, you know, just swap Texas and Miami in this rankings, but it's too late now. It's already out there. I've already said it. Number five, Texas Longhorns. I think Arch Manning returning th after throwing for over 3,100 yards. And if you really look at him last season, he started off the season kind of shaky, really slow start to to the season for him. He had a lot of pressure on him. But I think he finally got past a lot of that and really started to look like the Arch Manning that we expected late in the season. And of course, with Cam Coleman coming in, joining Ryan Wingo, I think that's an extremely talented receiver corpse. ⁓ and of course c Colin Simmons giving that defense a a dominance Difference maker over on that side of the ball. And with Texas, I think that they possess so much high-end talent, ⁓ it pr more than most teams in the country, that it's really hard not to rank them high. And Steve Sarkeesian proves year in and year out that he's going to be a contender. He's going to be a team, ⁓ you know, he he's gonna bring his team to be a team to to to be talked about and to be to be considered as a contender. one thing that I I think with with Texas looking at them from a downside is that I think that this offensive line it's it's gonna have to replace a lot of important pieces. So I'm interested to see what that turns out to be because they were up and down last season. And so now replacing a lot of it, that could be a good thing. That could be a bad thing. I don't know. Just a question mark for me there for Texas. And of course with an unforgiving SEC schedule, it's gonna be interesting to see how they are able to kind of to ⁓ get that rolling and and oiled up before too late into the season, especially before you get into ⁓ into the bulk of of that SEC schedule. ⁓ yeah, I I think that's pretty much all I've got from Te for Texas. Going to number four, the Georgia Bulldogs. Kirby Smart is is go always going to have the roster and and the the confidence ⁓ to to rank them very high every preseason. ⁓ so as long as they've got Kirby Smart, ⁓ I think we're we're gonna be pretty, pretty ⁓ confident in in Georgia. They're they return Gunnar Stockton after leading Georgia to another SEC championship and another playoff run last year. Kirby Smart is he's he's just known for building one of the deepest rosters in college football. He can have three guys in his starting lineup go down and it doesn't even look like they skipped a beat. ⁓ you know, with with KJ Bolden leading another talented ⁓ defense. I really like what what Georgia brings to the table. And I think they remain one of the safest projections really in in all of college football, ⁓ but especially in the SEC. So ⁓ very excited to see what Georgia brings to the table. ⁓ of course I think they have to be a little bit more explosive on the offensive side of the ball, but and specifically in the in the passing game, I think we're gonna have to see that from from Gunnar Stockton. Can he be a little bit more elite when it comes to throwing the ball? ⁓ we we know what they can be when passing the ball. So is is Georgia at number four? Is that too high, too low? Are they a dependable program in the S SEC? Where do you rank Georgia here? Let us know in the comments down below. Number three. This one was another tough one for me. But again, I tried to blind blindfold myself as much as possible and rank these teams without seeing the logo, without seeing anything other than what they've got on paper. And I really like Notre Dame. I do. I like Notre Dame here at number three. ⁓ CJ Carr, he's an established returning quarterback, and I'm I'm really high on CJ Carr. I liked a lot of what I saw from him a season ago, and I think we're gonna see a lot more from him here this season. ⁓ you know, they've got approximately 72% of the team's production returning. That was a big part of me ranking them so high. ⁓ they've got four offensive line starters returning. That is really big. ⁓ so you've got A bunch of returning production. You've got your within that returning production, you've got four offensive linemen and your quarterback. ⁓ I I think that this defense and the secondary is gonna remain one of the best in the country. And ⁓ you know, I really like what Marcus Freeman brings with with with Notre Dame. And so ⁓ I'm really high on them this year. I really think that they are one of these teams to to look at and and to to to really consider as a ch national championship contender, not just a playoff contender, because I think they're gonna be in the playoffs. ⁓ but I think they're a national championship contender. So I'm putting them at number three in my preseason rankings. Maybe a little high. ⁓ I don't know, maybe a little too high on Notre Dame because I did kind of shock myself putting them that high ⁓ after kind of revealing who I put at at number three. But I like them. And and you think with ⁓ you know Jeremiah Love and ⁓ and ⁓ Jadarian Price, the the two ⁓ that you know, you're gonna have to replace them. ⁓ and ⁓ of course needing some new offensive playmakers to emerge, but I I really don't think that ⁓ I I I I don't I don't doubt that that Marcus Freeman can get that going here at Notre Dame. So is it is it too high for Notre D Notre Dame, or is this finally the season that Notre Dame finishes the job? Going on to number two, the Oregon Ducks. I'm very high on the Oregon Ducks as well. I know. And another team that kind of surprised me that that I I put so high, but ⁓ Not really surprising when you really take a look at it. You've got a quarterback who's coming back, a very good one at that you with Dante Moore. You've got a good backup too with Dylan Rayola. So kind of look at the depth there just alone, man. I I really like that. ⁓ but Oregon, they might have one of the best defensive fronts in the country with with ⁓ you know, everything that they've got there. ⁓ Mateo Uyangolale, ⁓ a bunch of guys that I can't pronounce their pronunciate their names. ⁓ Tatum, ⁓ Tuyoti, ⁓ Bear Alexander, they're there's a pretty easy one to to announce. ⁓ but ⁓ Amari Washington, ⁓ y you look at these guys up front, I mean, they really do have some some talent up there. ⁓ no, I can't pronounce it pronunciate their names, but I do know that they are very high talented ⁓ pass rushers. ⁓ they're they're they've got a really good defensive line. I really like what they bring. And so ⁓ when you look at a de really good defensive line and an offense that I know is going to produce ⁓ I think that that they're ⁓ they're gonna be a really good team. They've only lost three games over the last two seasons. So and and all three losses came to the eventual national champions, which is really crazy to think about. So ⁓ yeah, I mean I really like Oregon a lot. ⁓ another national championship contender for me. Their their roster is completely loaded, nearly at every position. ⁓ I think with with bringing Dante Moore back, that gives the Ducks elite quarterback potential. And of course that defensive line, which is built for pro for postseason football. So ⁓ Oregon, they really do have enough depth to survive a very demanding schedule. So interested to see what Oregon brings to the table here. ⁓ can can they kind of turn that elite talent roster into a regular season consistency? ⁓ and and ⁓ not just that, but also to compete for a championship run. Can they can they make it all the way? Can they can they do something big there? I like Dan Lanning a lot. ⁓ can he finally get over that hump and get a little bit further there in the postseason? Let it let me know. Should Oregon be number one? Because I mean, looking at it on paper, why not? Going on to the number one team, the Ohio State Buckeys. ⁓ I'm very high on Ohio State. They are they were going to be my number one probably no matter what. You think of everything that they returned, they have a lot of returning talent, and the returning talent is elite talent. They have returning elite talent. ⁓ Julian Sayon, he returns after completing 77% of his passes, an extremely efficient quarterback. ⁓ you know, he he threw for over 3,600 yards and 32 touchdowns a season ago. And of course, when you've got Jeremiah Smith out there, you can just toss the ball up and just pray that he catches it. And most likely it's gonna happen. ⁓ and then of course you got Bo Jackson giving the the Buckeyes proven running back, you know, for production back there. ⁓ and of course, four offensive line starters who are gonna re return. So I mean Ohio State, they just have the most complete combination of quarterback play offensive talent, the the offensive line experience, the just overall roster depth. I don't think that there's anyone in the country that returns as much as they bring. And so, you know, just when it comes to overall true talent, guys that we know can go out there and perform at a really high level. Now the defense did lose multiple premium players, and I get that, but I think that the schedule ⁓ with rogue games at Texas and Indiana. ⁓ and usc, you know, you look at that that ⁓ that that schedule, it's a tough one. It's definitely a tough one. And and ⁓ Oregon also comes to Columbus in that schedule. So it's gonna be really interesting. I think this is going to be a season that if if Ohio State comes away with 10 or 11 wins, man, just watch out. I mean because 10 wins on this schedule is is a good one. So ⁓ i if they're if they're able to go away with 11 wins, I think this is a national championship team And I really think that they can do it with with all the talent that they bring over here. I think that they possess one of the country's best proven offensive foundations with Saiyan and Smith, ⁓ and of course with with Bo Jackson as well. ⁓ bringing all of them over to provide that unmatched quarterback, receiver, running back combination with a strong offensive line. I mean, there's no team that that enters with with this much just elite talent over on that side of the ball. So ⁓ I'm I'm very interested to see what Ohio State pulls out. I think they're a national championship contender. ⁓ but overall, let me know what you guys think of the of the top 25. We're releasing the entire top 25 on social media. We want to hear your thoughts. Drop your top 25 and tag us. ⁓ ultimately ⁓ just let us know who's ranked too high, who's ranked too low. ⁓ which team deserves to be in the top 25 that's just not there. Who did we miss? Make sure to ⁓ post them, drop in the comments. Hit that like button, hit that subscribe button. This is the college game, the college game. ⁓ sorry. This is the college, this is the game day collective college football show where fans who truly love the game come together. So make sure to hit that like button and subscribe button. Become a part of the collective today. We'll catch you on the next one where we are going to drop all of our predictions for national championship winners, Heisman winners, and so much more. We'll see you there on the next one.