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Athlon's Predicted Post-Season Top 25, Conference and National.Champions picks (5/21)
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:15 am
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:15 am
College Football Top 25 Rankings for 2018
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The 2018 college football season is less than 100 days away, but it's never too early to start thinking about what might transpire this fall. Each FBS season brings plenty of surprises, disappointments and unexpected teams emerging in the national title picture, but a familiar program tops Athlon's rankings. Alabama is the projected national champion, with Clemson at No. 2, followed by Georgia and Ohio State in the top four. The 2018 season starts on Aug. 25 and concludes with the national championship on Jan. 7 in Santa Clara, Calif. in Levi's Stadium.
The Athlon Sports 2018 preview magazines hits newsstands nationwide this week and feature in-depth predictions, previews, rankings and insightful stories to prepare for the upcoming year. All five regional - ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC - and national preview editions can be ordered from Athlon Sports' online store.
An important note on Athlon's top 25 for 2018: This is not a preseason ranking of teams going into the season. Instead, this ranking takes into account where we project teams to finish after the national championship in January. Here's Athlon’s projected top 25 teams in college football for 2018.
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College Football's Projected Top 25 Teams for 2018
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25. Texas A&M
As evidenced by new coach Jimbo Fisher’s $75 million dollar contract, Texas A&M is serious about upgrading its place in the brutal SEC West. While Fisher needs a few years of player and program development to push for the division title, immediate improvement from last season’s 7-6 record is within reach. Fisher is one of college football’s top quarterback gurus and has two promising signal-callers to work with in Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond. Starkel is more of a pocket passer and a better fit for Fisher’s offense. Dynamic receiver Christian Kirk will be missed, but the cupboard isn’t bare at this position. Sophomore Jhamon Ausbon is poised for a breakout year, and the coaching staff is counting on freshman Jalen Preston and fellow sophomores Camron Buckley, Klyde Chris, Kendrick Rogers and Roshauud Paul to contribute more in the passing game. The ground attack is in good hands with Trayveon Williams leading the way. The offensive line struggled with inconsistency last season and remains a concern headed into 2018. Fisher’s best hire for his staff was Mike Elko as the program’s new defensive coordinator. Elko, who previously oversaw defenses at Notre Dame and Wake Forest, should make an immediate impact on a unit that gave up 30.7 points a game last fall. The defensive depth chart was loaded with underclassmen last season, but that experience should pay off in 2018. The linebacker duo of Tyrel Dodson and Otaro Alaka is among the best in college football. Safety Donovan Wilson is back after missing 2017 due to injury. The schedule isn’t easy. Texas A&M plays Clemson and Alabama in September and has road games against Mississippi State and Auburn. However, Fisher should make a difference in Year 1, helping the Aggies to improve throughout the 2018 season.
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17. Florida
Projecting the Gators to finish No. 17 might come as a surprise to some, but Florida should get a bump from the addition of new coach Dan Mullen, and there’s still plenty of talent in the program. Mullen’s arrival is a big boost to an offense that averaged only 22.1 points a game last fall. Mullen has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks and will have his work cut out for him in 2018. Feleipe Franks struggled last season but finished spring as the favorite. However, he’s far from secure as the No. 1 quarterback. Sophomore Kyle Trask and true freshman Emory Jones will battle for the job in fall camp. Until a quarterback emerges, look for Mullen to build his offense around a strong stable of running backs, along with an offensive line that returns all five starters from 2017. The line has room to improve after struggling last fall, but similar to the quarterback position, this unit should benefit from a coaching change. The return of Jordan Scarlett bolsters a backfield that already features Lamical Perine, Adarius Lemons and Malik Davis (if healthy). Receivers Tyrie Cleveland and Kadarius Toney are likely to take a step forward in their development, and this unit will get a boost if Ole Miss transfer Van Jefferson is awarded immediate eligibility. While the offense is a work in progress, the defense has a chance to rank among the best in the SEC. The Gators return six starters, including cornerbacks Marco Wilson, CJ Henderson and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to anchor the SEC’s No. 1 secondary. Edge rusher Cece Jefferson should thrive under new coordinator Todd Grantham. The schedule also is favorable for a quick rebound in Mullen’s debut. Florida has only three road SEC games, hosts LSU, Missouri and South Carolina and won’t leave its home state after an Oct. 13 matchup at Vanderbilt.
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14. Mississippi State
New coach Joe Moorhead is stepping into one of the best situations of any first-year coach in 2018. The Bulldogs won nine games under Dan Mullen last season and return most of that core. Moorhead transformed Penn State’s offense into one of nation’s most explosive attacks over the last two years and inherits a group that averaged 32 points a game in 2017. Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald ranked third in the SEC with 230.5 total yards a contest last fall but suffered a significant ankle injury in the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss. While Fitzgerald was limited in the spring, he’s set to return to full strength in the fall. The senior’s rushing ability isn’t in question but he has room to improve as a passer after completing 55.6 percent of his throws last year. Fitzgerald needs more help from his receiving corps after the Bulldogs generated just one pass play of 50 yards or more last season. Junior college recruit Stephen Guidry, freshmen Devonta Jason, Malik Heath and Austin Williams and the return of Malik Dear from injury should provide a boost to this unit. Mississippi State also boasts one of the SEC’s top offensive lines, anchored by guard Darryl Williams and center Elgton Jenkins. New coordinator Bob Shoop takes over a defense that allowed only 20.9 points a game last fall and could be even better in 2018. Linemen Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat combined for 27.5 tackles for a loss last season and should push for All-America honors in 2018. Leo Lewis, Willie Gay and Erroll Thompson are the main contributors at linebacker, and the safety position is set with Mark McLaurin and Johnathan Abram returning. Shoop doesn’t have many concerns to address this offseason, but the cornerback spot is one area to watch this fall. A non-conference road trip to Kansas State provides an intriguing non-conference affair, and Mississippi State hosts Florida, Auburn and Texas A&M in key conference swing games. Assuming the coaching transition is seamless (as most expect), the Bulldogs should push for 10 victories in 2018.
This post was edited on 5/22/18 at 6:17 am
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Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:15 am to TideSaint
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7. Auburn
If Auburn is going to go back-to-back as SEC West champions, it will have to do so on the road in 2018. After hosting Georgia and Alabama last season, the Tigers catch their top rivals on the road. Additionally, coach Gus Malzahn’s team draws Mississippi State in Starkville and plays Washington in a neutral site matchup for Week 1. While the schedule is tough, Malzahn has the necessary personnel to push for another New Year’s Six bid and the SEC West crown once again. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham returns after throwing for 3,158 yards and 18 touchdowns in his first year on the Plains last fall. The offense will lean even more on Stidham in 2018, as running back Kerryon Johnson departed for the NFL. But a major concern for Malzahn and Stidham has to be in the trenches. Four senior starters are gone from a unit that allowed 15 sacks in SEC play last season. Stidham’s receiving corps suffered a setback with injuries to Will Hastings and Eli Stove in the spring, but Ryan Davis, Darius Slayton and Nate Craig-Myers is a solid trio to build around on the outside. Auburn’s defense ranked among the best in the SEC after holding opponents to 18.5 points a game in 2017. This unit remains strong, including a line that ranks among the best in college football. Senior Deshaun Davis anchors the linebacker unit, while Jamel Dean and Javaris Davis form a solid tandem at cornerback. If the offensive line develops, Auburn could be 9-0 headed into its Nov. 10 showdown at Georgia.
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3. Georgia
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs fell just short of a national championship last season, but it won’t be the last time this program reaches the CFB Playoff. Georgia is primed for another run at the top four in 2018, as Smart’s team is likely to be favored in all 12 of its regular season contests. The defense was the strength of last year’s team, holding opponents to 16.4 points a game. This unit has a few holes to fill, namely at linebacker following the departure of Roquan Smith to the NFL. Thanks to elite recruiting classes, the cupboard is stocked with promising talent at every level. Jonathan Ledbetter and Tyler Clark form an effective duo in the trenches, while Natrez Patrick is slated to return after being away from the team for the final two contests last year. Providing a pass rush off the edge will be D’Andre Walker and Walter Grant, with freshmen Adam Anderson, Robert Beal and Brenton Cox also poised to push for snaps. Senior cornerback Deandre Baker and safety J.R. Reed will contend for All-America honors. Despite some personnel turnover on defense, this unit returns enough of a foundation to prevent too much of a drop-off in 2018. Until the defense jells, Smart can ask more of his offense. Jake Fromm returns under center after a promising freshman campaign. Fromm threw for 24 touchdowns to just seven picks but could be pushed by five-star freshman Justin Fields. Terry Godwin should be the go-to target, while Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman are primed for bigger roles in 2018. As usual, Georgia is deep at running back. D’Andre Swift is slated to take over the starting role, with freshmen James Cook and Zamir White, along with junior Elijah Holyfield, supplying depth. With four returning starters and some promising freshmen, the line ranks among the best in the nation. Barring an upset or a loss to Auburn in November, Georgia has a favorable path to 12-0 in the regular season – setting up a showdown with Alabama for the SEC title.
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1. Alabama
Alabama is the only team to go back-to-back (2011-12) as college football’s national champion since the start of the BCS era in 1998. History is working against Nick Saban’s team, but the Crimson Tide are Athlon’s pick to win it all in 2018. As with any Saban-led team, the defense will be an elite group. The 2018 version of Alabama’s defense features a couple of question marks, but it’s hard to be too concerned. Da’Ron Payne’s presence on the interior of the line will be missed, and the secondary will be an entirely new group of starters. However, the end combination of Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs will be dynamic off the edge, and the linebacker unit is stocked with promising talent. Junior Mack Wilson, sophomore Dylan Moses and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings could all have breakout years at linebacker. While the secondary features four new starters, this unit isn’t hurting. Former LSU and junior college cornerback Saivion Smith steps into one cornerback spot, while freshman Patrick Surtain could claim the other. In a role reversal in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s offense is likely to be the strength of this team. Sophomore Tua Tagovailoa impressed in limited action last fall, which included the game-winning touchdown pass in the national championship. Tagovailoa still needs to officially hold off Jalen Hurts for the starting job, but the sophomore brings more to the passing attack. The sophomore trio of DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs is a dynamic group of receivers. Saban and new play-caller Mike Locksley also have an embarrassment of riches at running back. Senior Damien Harris will be the leader of the backfield, but sophomore Najee Harris will be tough to keep on the sidelines. Led by junior Jonah Williams, the offensive line is likely to be among the best in college football. The Crimson Tide may need a couple of games to sort out the new faces on defense. However, this team should be a heavy favorite in most of its games and now has more offensive firepower than in recent years. Assuming Tagovailoa is as good as expected, Saban is likely to hoist his third national title in four seasons.
This post was edited on 5/22/18 at 6:16 am
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:16 am to TideSaint
Michigan at 5. That's bold.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:23 am to TideSaint
I just don't get the Mississippi State love. I think they are the "sexy" pick...meaning, the one that really doesn't make sense on paper unless you fold the paper in half, turn it over, and look at it from a 42 degree angle...yet, a couple of smart people said it and now everyone is on the bandwagon. Sorry, State....you just lost the best coach you ever had. You aren't going to be better...you are going to be worse.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:26 am to TideSaint
I would have thought LSU would make the top 25. Seems lie a misstep on their part not to put them in there.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:28 am to DonaldDuckworth
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I just don't get the Mississippi State love. I think they are the "sexy" pick...meaning, the one that really doesn't make sense on paper unless you fold the paper in half, turn it over, and look at it from a 42 degree angle...yet, a couple of smart people said it and now everyone is on the bandwagon. Sorry, State....you just lost the best coach you ever had. You aren't going to be better...you are going to be worse.
Yet all the Auburn posters point to Gus' first year with pride. MState returns something like 17 or 18 starters from their team last year. I don't think it is out of line to expect them to be good this year.
My first sentence was not a dig at Auburn....just pointing out that sometimes new coaches do very well.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:33 am to TideSaint
Washington, ranked at #8, and is the "...clear #1 team in the PAC12..." and is behind 3 SEC teams. (Alabama, Georgia, Auburn). Just shows how bad the PAC 12 is.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:33 am to DawgsLife
I think defense is going to make or break them if the hype around Moorhead is to be believed. I don't know enough about Shoop to be able to really comment, statistically he put together very stout defenses at Penn State but his time at Tennessee looks mixed.
This post was edited on 5/22/18 at 6:34 am
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:39 am to KSGamecock
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I think defense is going to make or break them if the hype around Moorhead is to be believed. I don't know enough about Shoop to be able to really comment, statistically he put together very stout defenses at Penn State but his time at Tennessee looks mixed.
It'll be an interesting year in the SEC. A lot of questions to be answered.
1. Does Muschamp continue to build at SC?
2. How do the new coaches at Tenn., Fla., MState and A&M work out?
3. Does Burrow elevate LSU?
4. How fast will the new, young players gel at Georgia?
5. Will the committee allow two teams from one conference go to the playoffs again, like Athlon predicts?
I am most interested to see how Florida and Tennessee reacts to their new coaches.
ETA
Muschamp really does seem to have learned from his stint at Florida and has SC pointed in the right direction. Good for South Carolina!
This post was edited on 5/22/18 at 6:40 am
Posted on 5/22/18 at 6:46 am to DawgsLife
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1. Does Muschamp continue to build at SC?
Very good question. We're high on him right now but year three is where things fell apart at UF...but he didn't have a QB then IIRC and we do now. It'll be interesting.
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2. How do the new coaches at Tenn., Fla., MState and A&M work out?
Another good one, Arkansas as well.
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3. Does Burrow elevate LSU?
I was researching for a troll thread after the news broke and went through a list of recent grad transfer QBs comparing their pre-transfer stats to Burrow's. I didn't follow through with the troll because the bait wasn't to be had, Burrow had better stats than almost all of them. I think he could pan out, it will all depend on how coaching fits him in. Nonetheless a very good question.
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4. How fast will the new, young players gel at Georgia?
Pivotal in establishing a competitor to Alabama. This is where other potential competitors have failed. Will be interesting but harder to judge.
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5. Will the committee allow two teams from one conference go to the playoffs again, like Athlon predicts?
This is a weird one. The Big Ten put on a very good showing in their bowls for the first time since I can remember which they could use to argue against 2from1, but the SEC's teams showed it deserved the two. This question is going to plague the playoffs as long as it exists at four, and would only change slightly if expanded to six or eight.
This post was edited on 5/22/18 at 6:48 am
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:06 am to DawgsLife
You never know, right? I mean, there was no reason, on paper, to believe that UGA would go from sucking arse in 2016, to playing for the national championship the following year...the swiss cheese OL alone should have prevented it...but it didn't. It's entirely possible...but State just lost the best coach in the history of their team...and they weren't that good last year even with him. Returning 17 or 18 starters isn't necessarily a good thing if most of them are barely SEC quality players.
They might very well still beat AU if our OL turns out to be as bad as it has the potential to be...but I have a hard time picturing them taking a step forward.
They might very well still beat AU if our OL turns out to be as bad as it has the potential to be...but I have a hard time picturing them taking a step forward.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:11 am to DawgsLife
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Yet all the Auburn posters point to Gus' first year with pride.
we should. It was an anomaly.
ETA Gus took a team that went winless in the SEC, just the year before, to the NC game.
This post was edited on 5/22/18 at 7:49 am
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:20 am to DonaldDuckworth
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I just don't get the Mississippi State love. I think they are the "sexy" pick...meaning, the one that really doesn't make sense on paper unless you fold the paper in half, turn it over, and look at it from a 42 degree angle...yet, a couple of smart people said it and now everyone is on the bandwagon. Sorry, State....you just lost the best coach you ever had. You aren't going to be better...you are going to be worse.
What's not to understand? We have 18 starters back from the #19 team that finished 9-4 last year. Hell, if Mullen were back you could argue we'd be or should be Top 10. Yeah, we have a new coach, but he does have HC experience(albeit at the FCS level) and was very succesful. Even if he sucks the floor should be 7-5. I am glad you let us know we are going to suck Nostradamus.
This post was edited on 5/22/18 at 7:22 am
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:36 am to msudawg1200
You return 18 starters that lost at home to Matt Luke 31-28.
I wouldn't be pounding my chest too much....you will not win in Oxford this year
I wouldn't be pounding my chest too much....you will not win in Oxford this year
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:44 am to BroomfieldReb
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You return 18 starters that lost at home to Matt Luke 31-28.
I wouldn't be pounding my chest too much....you will not win in Oxford this year
That is about stupid to think that way. So, Ohio State should suck because they lost to Iowa 55-24 last year? Better teams lose to shittier teams all the time. By the way, I'll bet we will win in Oxford and big.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:45 am to msudawg1200
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What's not to understand? We have 18 starters back from the #19 team that finished 9-4 last year. Hell, if Mullen were back you could argue we'd be or should be Top 10. Yeah, we have a new coach, but he does have HC experience(albeit at the FCS level) and was very succesful. Even if he sucks the floor should be 7-5. I am glad you let us know we are going to suck Nostradamus.
Y'all might be fine. I just don't see predicting it to be that way. I like state and hope y'all do well. I think it's particularly cool that y'all let a kid with Downs Syndrome play QB for you. #respect
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:51 am to DawgsLife
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My first sentence was not a dig at Auburn....just pointing out that sometimes new coaches do very well.
Gus was a little different as a first year head coach. He was very familiar with his personnel, as he had had a hand in recruiting them coupled with catching lightning in a bottle with the Mason/Marshall read-option combo.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:56 am to TideSaint
So Miami is #6 in the country, but is only -3 against an unranked LSU at a "neutral site" game.
Makes sense.
Makes sense.
Posted on 5/22/18 at 7:57 am to msudawg1200
Ohio State isn't obsessed with Iowa....to lose to your rival at home after all the bullshite that went on and your involvement in it was probably one of the biggest loses in your programs history.....you frickers tried everything in your power to try and take us down and still lost at home...
Posted on 5/22/18 at 8:20 am to BroomfieldReb
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Ohio State isn't obsessed with Iowa....to lose to your rival at home after all the bullshite that went on and your involvement in it was probably one of the biggest loses in your programs history.....you frickers tried everything in your power to try and take us down and still lost at home...
People like this ^^^ drive,procreate and can vote. SMH
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