Preseason AP Top 25 Poll released

The Preseason AP Top 25 Poll has been released, and familiar names are atop the list.

1. Alabama (47)
2. Oklahoma (6)
3. Clemson (6)
4. Ohio State (1)
5. Georgia (3)
6. Texas A&M
7. Iowa State
8. Cincinnati
9. Notre Dame
10. North Carolina
11. Oregon
12. Wisconsin
13. Florida
14. Miami
15. USC
16. LSU
17. Indiana
18. Iowa
19. Penn State
20. Washington
21. Texas
22. Coastal Carolina
23. Lousiana
24. Utah
25. Arizona State

The SEC has five selections in the Top 16, but both the Big Ten and the Pac-12 have five total selections in the poll as well. The ACC, Big 12 and Group of 5 have three selections each, and Notre Dame is the sole independent.

The Top 5 are arguably interchangeable

Any of the first five teams could make a legitimate argument for the No. 1 spot, as is evidenced by the spread of first place votes.

Alabama: The Crimson Tide lost quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris and Heisman-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Bryce Young and John Metchie III are young, but all signs indicate they will pick up where the 2020 crew left off with little drop off. Alabama opens their season against No. 14 Miami.

Oklahoma: Spencer Rattler is an early Heisman favorite, and Oklahoma might actually have the defense to complement their high-powered offense this year. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has had his unit steadily improving. The Sooners allowed 32.4 points per game in 2018 prior to Grinch’s arrival, which was tied for last in the Big 12. In 2019 they improved to 24.5 PPG, and in 2020 they allowed just 21.5 PPG. Two starting linebackers return for the Sooners, and the position group is extremely deep.

Clemson: Head coach Dabo Swinney has a new full-time starter under center with D.J. Uiagalelei, but the now-sophomore already demonstrated he could play in high-pressure situations after posting 439 yards in South Bend in November. The Clemson defensive line, anchored by tackle Bryan Bresee, will be one of the best position units in the country.

Ohio State: Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson are undoubtedly the best wide receiver duo in the country, but they will be catching passes from a new face at quarterback. Like Alabama, they will be replacing a lot from their 2020 team, but Ryan Day has proven he is up to the task.

Georgia: The Dawgs kick off their season in Charlotte against Clemson in a Week 1 matchup that will shake up the rankings. Georgia will unquestionably have elite talent all over the field, but Kirby Smart has failed to put all of the pieces together. Will Heisman contender JT Daniels provide the spark that Georgia has so desperately needed? Sept. 4 will be a good indication.

Veteran teams pepper the rankings

Because of the extra year of eligibility granted to all players, many teams have large numbers of returners and super seniors.

Louisiana, ranked No. 23 in the poll, returns 96% of their production from last season according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly, which is the highest in the country. Quarterback Levi Lewis, all receivers and the entire offensive line return.

Miami returns the third-most production from last season with 91%, and if there is ever a time to catch Alabama, opening weekend after the Crimson Tide’s personnel losses last season is it. According to Miami head coach Manny Diaz, D’Eriq King looks very good in practice.

No. 7 Iowa State returns the fourth-most production at 88%, including quarterback Brock Purdy and Heisman-contending running back Breece Hall. Iowa State would love to win the Big 12 Championship as Oklahoma is on its way out the door to the SEC.

No. 9 Notre Dame returns just 49% of their production, which is 123rd in the FBS. Newly named starter Jack Coan will be working behind four new offensive line starters, and the Irish face four teams currently ranked in the Top 15: Cincinnati, UNC, Wisconsin and USC.