ESPN releases college football preseason power rankings

ESPN released their preseason power rankings for the 2021 college football season. For a season that may look different, their power rankings are per usual.

Here are ESPN’s preseason power rankings for the 2021 college football season:

1) Alabama Crimson Tide: The defending national champions are replacing DeVonta Smith, Najee Harris and Mac Jones on offense. It seems as if their hopes for a repeat hinge on how Bryce Young handles his first year as the team’s starting quarterback.

2) Oklahoma Sooners: While it’s announced the Sooners are joining the SEC in the future, Spencer Rattler will attempt to dominate the Big 12 in the present.

3) Clemson Tigers: Will D.J. Uiagalelei be able to replace the magic of Trevor Lawrence? If Clemson is to fare better in the college football player this season, the Tigers quarterback will have to.

4) Georgia Bulldogs: ESPN points out that Georgia’s ability to reload year in and year out could have them back in the playoff for the first time since 2017.

5) Ohio State Buckeyes: It looks like C.J. Stroud will be the replacement quarterback for Justin Fields. ESPN believes that the Buckeyes will need some new names to step up if they want to win it all.

6) Texas A&M Aggies: Jimbo Fisher has to replace Kellen Mond at quarterback, but luckily ESPN gives them a greater than 80% chance to win in each of their first five games prior to Alabama. Can the Aggies defeat the Crimson Tide when they visit College Station?

7) Iowa State Cyclones: Matt Campbell spurned the NFL to return to Iowa State for another season. ESPN believes this Big 12 team is a legitimate playoff contender, and optimism is sky high in their power rankings. 

8) Oregon Ducks: ESPN believes defensive end Kayvon Thinodeaux has potential to be the best player in all of college football. Oregon will look for him to lead them to a second consecutive Pac-12 championship.

9) Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Irish will need to replace talent at multiple key positions, like quarterback and linebacker. ESPN believes the story of their season will be how new faces step up.

10) North Carolina Tar Heels: ESPN believes that North Carolina can push Clemson inside the ACC. Their quarterback, Sam Howell, may be the best in the entire country.

Best of the rest

11) Cincinnati Bearcats: Desmond Ridder returns at quarterback, so the Bearcats offense should once again be productive. ESPN believes they’re in for a big season if their defense performs at a similar level as 2020.

12) Florida Gators: As the Gators replace Kyle Trask, it looks like Emory Jones will be their starting quarterback. ESPN mentions Florida has pieces in place on defense to be much more consistent in 2021.

13) USC Trojans: ESPN believes expectations are highest as they’ve been in the Clay Helton era. With Kedon Slovis and Drake London leading their offense, it’s merited. 

14) LSU Tigers: Last year was a complete letdown for LSU, believes ESPN. With the news of Myles Brennan’s injury, Max Johnson will step in and lead the Tigers.

15) Miami Hurricanes: D’Eriq King has navigated his rehab from his knee injury tremendously, says ESPN. With Diaz calling the plays on defense, the Hurricanes could surprise.

16) Wisconsin Badgers: While the Badgers’ 2020 season faced multiple disruptions from COVID-19, they still had a solid season. ESPN believes a lot depends on quarterback Graham Mertz in 2021.

17) Indiana Hoosiers: ESPN mentions nobody could ignore the Hoosiers in football last season. In 2021, they’ll look to prove it wasn’t a fluke.

18) Iowa Hawkeyes: Quarterback Spencer Petras and running back Tyler Goodson return on offense, and ESPN believes it will provide consistency. After finishing their 2020 season strong, the Hawkeyes will look to get out to a faster start in 2021.

19) Washington Huskies: The Huskies won the Pac-12 North last season, but weren’t able to play in the conference title game due to complications from COVID-19. Now, ESPN believes they could surprise people in 2021.

20) Penn State Nittany Lions: Following a wildly disappointing start to their season, Penn State salvaged their 2020 with several late victories. ESPN believes the continued production of quarterback Sean Clifford and wide receiver Jahan Dotson provide will shape their season. 

Dark horse candidates

21) Texas Longhorns: ESPN isn’t taking Texas’ Week 1 matchup with Louisiana lightly. Still, the Longhorns should improve with former Alabama coordinator Steve Sarkisian at the helm. 

22) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: Almost every starter returns for the Chanticleers, including quarterback Grayson McCall. ESPN believes they could continue to be one of the most entertaining teams in college football.

23) Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Billy Napier continues to build Lousiana into a formidable opponent. ESPN wonders what’s keeping him there, but is loving the ride while he is.

24) Ole Miss Rebels: ESPN believes Lane Kiffin’s second season in Oxford will outdo his first. And with veteran quarterback Matt Corral leading the offense, they can hang in the SEC West.

25) Arizona State Sun Devils: Jayden Daniels is a special talent at quarterback, and ESPN believes in his Sun Devils. They mention the return of 21 starters as a reason for excitement.

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