CBS Sports too early 2021 Top 25

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1 Clemson
We've gotten a glimpse of D.J. Uiagalelei, and that's enough. The quarterback's athleticism makes him perhaps more dangerous than Trevor Lawrence. Dabo Swinney loses Travis Etienne and some playmakers on defense, but the cupboard is always full at Clemson. Expect a seventh straight ACC title and fifth CFP National Championship in the last seven years. Aside from the opener against Georgia, Clemson's biggest challenge may be at NC State.

2 Oklahoma
This has a chance to be Lincoln Riley's best team at Oklahoma. After two seasons, one as a starter, Spencer Rattler is just now reaching his peak. Remember Kennedy Brooks? The tailback opted out in 2020 after consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The Sooners should grab a seventh straight Big 12 title.

3 Georgia
Defensively, the Dawgs have it all. Offensively, they need to match up with the likes of Alabama, Florida and LSU. With JT Daniels back (and healthy), that will be easier. A neutral site opener against Clemson should give us a window on the Dawgs' playoff worthiness.

4 Alabama
There will be wholesale changes for the Crimson Tide in 2021. No Mac Jones. No DeVonta Smith. No Najee Harris. No Patrick Surtain II. No Dylan Moses. As Nick Saban has proven throughout the years, it doesn't matter. We take the Tide back in the CFP based on history and faith. The Bryce Young era begins with the sophomore quarterback taking over.

5 Ohio St.
Best in the Big Ten, but the Buckeyes take a step back in 2021. C.J. Stroud or Jack Miller take over for Justin Fields. Ryan Day has options, but we're going with Stroud, the No. 2 pro-style quarterback in the Class of 2020 who has yet to throw a pass. No more Trey Sermon. All the linebackers depart, too.

6 Iowa St.
Forget his ascension as a college coach, Matt Campbell had the interest of at least two NFL teams in the offseason. He chose a loaded Cyclones squad over the pros. Campbell gets back his quarterback (Brock Purdy), the nation's leading rusher (Breece Hall) and star linebacker (Mike Rose). It's Big 12 title or bust in 2021.

7 Cincinnati
Sixteen starters return from a Group of Five darling that won nine games and took Georgia to the wire. That means Desmond Ridder at quarterback should be a Heisman Trophy candidate. Ridder gets back all his receivers and three of five offensive line starters. Big loss with defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman going to Notre Dame. Still, this might this be the year if everything falls right the Bearcats break through to the playoff.

8 LSU
2020 was supposed to be a down season. But this down? There were whispers of Ed Orgeron's job security prior to beating Florida and Ole Miss to finish 5-5. Expect the Tigers to bounce right back into the top 10. They seem settled at quarterback (Myles Brennan, Max Johnson). The entire defensive line is back, including the massively talented Ali Gaye.

9 North Carolina
The Tar Heels were one of the most entertaining teams to watch in 2020. It's about to get better in 2021. Quarterback Sam Howell is Heisman contender. Mack Brown will have to find replacements for Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, the best pair of running backs in the country. The future is bright despite the bowl loss. Brown was missing his leading rusher, receiver and tackler and led Texas A&M in the bowl game.

10 Texas A&M
In Year 3, Jimbo Fisher almost got the Aggies into the playoff. What does he do for an encore in Year 4? Find a replacement for Kellen Mond for starters. The Aggies' career leading passer turned out to be sneaky good. There is plenty of talent at running back to ease the transition. Jimbo won it all in Year 4 at Florida State. Is that a portent of what is to come?

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