USA TODAY Sports Top 25 Coaches Poll released

The initial USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll of the 2021 season has been released, and familiar names are once again back at the top.

Preseason Top 25:

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

Typical contenders are contenders once again

Despite losing huge playmakers in quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, it is not surprising that Alabama is back at No. 1 for this upcoming season. Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban churns out NFL Draft picks like no one else in the country, and new quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver John Metchie III will likely pick up where last year’s Crimson Tide left off with little drop off. 

Clemson, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Georgia round out the Top 5 and are reasonable preseason favorites to potentially end the season in the College Football Playoff, so no surprise there. Both the Tigers and Sooners have relatively easy schedules, as their conference dominance will likely continue.

Of course, the Top 5 is sure to see a shake up following Week 1, with Clemson and Georgia set to face off in Atlanta in the opening weekend’s premiere matchup on Sept. 4. Alabama also opens their season against No. 16 Miami. 

The SEC led all conferences with six Top 25 selections, followed by the Big Ten with five. 

The rankings look kindly on veteran teams

Because of the extra year of eligibility granted to all players, there are many teams bringing back significant chunks of last year’s squads.

Louisiana, ranked No. 23 in the poll, returns 96% of their production from last season according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly. That is the highest in the country. Miami returns the third-most production from last season with 91%, and Iowa State returns the fourth-most at 88%.

No. 7-ranked Notre Dame returns just 49% of their production, which is 123rd in the FBS. The Irish will need to replace quarterback Ian Book and four members of their offensive line. This season Notre Dame is sure to be tested as it faces four teams currently ranked in the Top 15: UNC, Cincinnati, Wisconsin and USC.

A total of 65 coaches from the American Football Coaches Association – whose membership includes coaches from each of the 10 top conferences plus independents – vote in the poll.

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