Jhop's Way Too Early Top 15 Rankings

Everyone else is doing one so why can’t I? There has been a lot of early rankings coming after the national championship game. And Oregon has been all over the top 10 and I believe I did see one listing Oregon outside the top 10. But that was an outlier.

Oregon finished the AP poll this season as the No. 3 team even after the early Rose bowl exit. But like Ohio State and others, Oregon will have a lot of turnover on its roster.

It’s early and there is still another transfer portal window in the Spring. But based on early schedules and early rosters, here is a stab at a way too early top 15.

1. Penn State – James Franklin returns arguably the top quarterback in college football in Drew Allar and several offensive pieces. He’s got the nucleus of a very talented team but does have to replace his defensive coordinator. That’s the one thing giving me some pause, and the fact Franklin struggles winning big games.
2. Oregon – Probably a bit higher than I’d like but looking around I’m having trouble seeing anyone with more talent combined with favorable schedules. This team goes as far as the offensive line will carry them. Dante Moore doesn’t need to be elite, just solid with the weapons around him.
3. Ohio State – They will be back. They still have talent. I’m not nearly as worried about the change at quarterback as I am losing so many pieces to the NFL. It’s really, REALLY hard to win back-to-back titles so this will be an interesting watch. Ohio State will be plenty good however. Their schedule is not easy but not super tough either.
4. Florida – You probably are sleeping on what Florida built and the fact that I think they did the right thing keeping Billy Napier. They were tough down the stretch last season and have some really good young pieces including an exciting QB in DJ Lagway. The schedule is brutal however with LSU, Miami,Texas, A&M, Georgia and Tennessee on the menu.
5. Georgia – Losing Carson Beck doesn’t hurt them here. Gunner Stockton might not be elite but he just needs to manage the offense. After the season Georgia had I have a tough time betting against Kirby Smart having a second one in a row like it. Expect them to bounce back with what is also a balanced schedule.
6. Texas – Am I the only one not sure Arch Manning is it? I mean he’s going to be good but I’m not sure he’s elite. Sark will lead a team that puts points on the board but my trouble is this. I don’t think this team is any more talented than it was this year and they struggled against good teams this year. They play Ohio State right out the gate this year.
7. Illinois – You probably don’t realize just how much talent Illi brings back. Including a very strong quarterback in Luke Altmyer. Illinois will be very talented and experienced and balanced. Also Ohio State is the only game in my top 15 they have on the schedule.
8. Notre Dame – The Irish play Miami, then have a bye, then play Texas A&M right out of the gate. After that, pretty much smooth sailing unless USC is going to make some sort of comeback. Boise State is easily the best team they face all season. They will be back, they don’t play a conference championship game which gives them a leg up anyways.
9. Michigan – Sherrone Moore was desperately missing a quarterback this season. If Michigan had even a remotely capable one they might have been in the playoffs. If Wink Martindale leaves for the NFL, I might have to adjust this. But for now they have some strong players coming into the program and should build on a strong 2024 finish.
10. Bama – I have a really tough time seeing Bama struggle again for a second season. Perhaps Kalen Deboer learned a lot from his rookie season in the SEC. I’m almost certain no matter who it is, Bama will upgrade at quarterback. Again, Bama has a mid schedule, not tough, not easy.
11. Clemson – I think it’s easy to forget the improvement Clemson made as the season went on. They bring back some good pieces including quarterback Cade Klubnik. And frankly the ACC isn’t very good. They should be able to win the conference without much of a test.
12. South Carolina – They were tough this season and Beamer has some talent on the roster. They seem to dodge some of the tougher SEC teams although they have LSU and Bama and finish with Clemson.
13. Miami – Just like I said with Clemson, the ACC sucks. Miami has to improve on defense because they can’t be any worse. Carson Beck doesn’t have to be, and won’t be, Cam Ward. He just needs to not turn the ball over.
14. LSU – I struggle to get behind a Brian Kelly led team. They will have one of the best quarterbacks in the nation (Garrett Nussmeier) and did try to build around that in the transfer portal. As long as they can be consistent they should challenge. They lead off the season with Clemson which should tell us a lot about both teams right away.
15. ASU – Come on Dilly, I’m pulling for you. Perhaps this is one my one bias pick on here but the Big 12 isn’t very good. And Dilly has the area energized around this program and a lot of guys excited to play for them. Sam Leavitt a dark horse for the Heisman? It’s not unthinkable.