College Football Top 25 Midway Through Spring Practice

By Karl Finkbeiner March 28, 2015

The inaugural season of the College Football Playoff was full of drama and excitement. Teams
like Ohio State and TCU made strong statements heading into the offseason, while others
limped into spring practice after losing a boatload of talent.
Michigan and Florida begin new eras with brand new head coaches. Early enrollees hit the field
for the first time in their new uniforms. Excitement and hope swirls around every campus.
The foundation for the upcoming season is laid down in spring ball. Coaches get a feel of their
teams' strengths and begin searching for answers to the most pressing questions. Teams are
beginning to take shape, but they are far from complete.
However, it's still fun to project ahead to what these teams will look like in the fall. With the
recruiting classes completed and the teams back on the field, it's a good time to revisit and
update my Way Too Early Rankings from back in January.
Without further ado, here is my preseason Top 25 as of March 28, 2015.

25. Arizona State Sun Devils

The Sun Devils are currently in the midst of their most successful run in recent history. Under
Todd Grahams tutelage, Arizona State has won ten games each of the past two seasons. They
rose into the Top 10 last November before dropping two of their final three contests. Arizona
State returns a healthy sixteen starters from that team, so they should find themselves in the
mix once again in a daunting Pac-12 South division.

What We Know
Offensively, Arizona States experience is in the backfield. DJ Foster racked up over 1,000 yards
on the ground last season. He should take off as a senior, bolstered by an experienced
offensive line that returns four starters. On the other side of the ball, the linebacker corps
returns intact and will be the anchor of a defense that only loses two starters.

Pressing Questions
The main question offensively is whether or not the Sun Devils can find a replacement for
playmaking receiver Jaelen Strong. An elite receiver must step up to help ease the transition to
Mike Bercovici as the full time starting quarterback. Defensively, sack machine Marcus
Hardisons departure leaves a glaring hole at defensive end that needs to be filled.

24. LSU Tigers

For most programs, an 8-5 season would be viewed as successful. Unfortunately for Les Miles,
he is judged by the high standards of LSU fans. Folks down in Baton Rouge are becoming
restless with their Tigers, who have not topped ten wins since 2011. This LSU team has the
talent to compete with the best in the SEC, but they certainly have some wrinkles to iron out
before their first game.

What We Know
The most obvious bright spot on the Tigers roster is sophomore running back Leonard
Fournette. The blue-chip recruit made huge waves as a freshman, and he could be even better
in 2015. LSU will ride their horse hard all season, and the offense will go as he goes.

Pressing Questions
Aside from Zach Mettenberger in 2013, Les Miles has never had a stable quarterback situation
at LSU. Youngsters Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will compete all spring for a job
neither could clamp down last season. Without solid quarterback play, the Tigers will not be
able to compete consistently in the SEC West.

23. Auburn Tigers

Auburn was ranked in the Top 5 at the beginning of the 2014 campaign and roared out to a 7-1
start, but they dropped four of their final five to finish at a modest 8-5 clip. The Tigers lose their
top three playmakers on offense, but excitement is swirling about the addition of Will
Muschamp as defensive coordinator. It will be interesting to see which direction this team goes
this season.

What We Know
We dont know much about Auburn, but the best place to start would be defensively. They are
relatively experienced and should grow tremendously with Will Muschamp taking over as the
defensive coordinator. Star cornerback Jonathan Jones highlights the returning starters.

Pressing Questions
The biggest question facing Auburn is who will score in 2015. They lose two year starting
quarterback Nick Marshall, star wide receiver Sammy Coates, and SEC leading rusher Cameron
Artis-Payne. It will be interesting to see how new quarterback Jeremy Johnson and highly
touted JUCO running back Jovon Robinson perform in the spring game.

22. Michigan Wolverines

Just a few months ago, Wolverine fans were struggling to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, with Jim Harbaugh secured as the head coach, the future in Ann Arbor looks brighter than
ever. The previous coaching staff didnt even tap the potential that this talented roster holds,
so there is plenty to work with. It wouldnt be very surprising if Michigan doubles their win
total from last season.

What We Know
Above all, we know that Jim Harbaugh is among the best coaches in America, and his arrival will
make a huge impact. In terms of the team, though, the most experience lies on the offensive
line. They also have a stable of very talented running backs waiting to explode in the new
offense. The strength of the defense figures to be the secondary, where they return almost
everyone.

Pressing Questions
Michigan has not had a consistent passer since Chad Henne in 2007. With Devin Gardners
departure, the quarterback battle is wide open. Jim Harbaughs specialty is quarterbacks, so
whoever wins the job should far outperform the standard set by the Wolverines recent signal
callers. The question is who will win the job and how big of strides they will take.

21. Louisville Cardinals

Louisville has traditionally been known as a basketball school, but Cardinal fans have been
paying a lot of attention to the football program in recent years as well. After back to back 11+
win seasons, Louisville lost head coach Charlie Strong, said goodbye to quarterback Teddy
Bridgewater, and made the jump to the ACC last season. They proved that they are here to stay
as a power program by compiling a solid 9-4 record. The roster underwent a lot of attrition
again this offseason, but they have proven they deserve the benefit of the doubt.

What We Know
With Bobby Petrino calling plays, one guarantee is that Louisville will have a good quarterback.
Will Gardner returns as the starter and has the potential to explode in 2015 if he can stay
healthy. The passing game will carry Louisvilles offense.

Pressing Questions
Louisville losses a lot of starters on both sides of the ball. Top wideouts DeVante Parker and Eli
Rogers are gone, leaving behind large shoes to fill. Defensively, the Cards are desperate for
some defensive backs to step up. The entire secondary is gone, highlighted by All-American
safety Gerod Holliman. There are plenty of open jobs to compete for on this team.

20. Oklahoma Sooners

The past few seasons have been full of disappointment in Norman, as the Sooners have not
won an outright Big 12 title since 2010. They opened last season as an expected playoff
contender and exited with a 40-6 loss at the hands of Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
Expectations will be much more modest for this years bunch, which gives Bob Stoops a good
opportunity to remold the program.

What We Know
Samaje Perine is a beast. We found that out when the true freshman rushed for an NCAA
record 427 yards, eclipsing the mark set by Melvin Gordon a week earlier. Perine is the latest in
a line of great Sooner running backs, and he will be ridden hard all season.

Pressing Questions
Oklahoma thought they finally had ended the quarterback controversy when Trevor Knight
orchestrated the upset of Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl, but that proved to be false. Knight
regressed in his second year as a starter, and now must fight for his job. Whoever is named
starting quarterback will need to perform much better than Knight did last season.

19. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has developed a history of receiving early season hype and then collapsing down
the stretch. Last season did not deviate from that trend. The Irish were considered a playoff
contender after a 7-1 start, but then they were whipped by Arizona State and dropped their
final four regular season contests. Although this years team may be better, there is no way
they can meet the fans lofty expectations of a playoff appearance.

What We Know
When it comes to Notre Dame, one guarantee is that they will play good, physical defense. All
but one of the 2014 defensive starters are back, setting up for a potentially daunting unit. This
years defense could come close to the 2012 version that led the Irish to the Title Game.

Pressing Questions
Notre Dames season fell off the tracks when Everett Golson completely forgot how to take care
of the football. Golson will have to compete for his job again this spring, and this may be Malik
Zaires opportunity to seize the starting role.

18. Utah Utes

After consecutive 5-7 seasons, many worried that Utah may be in over their heads in the Pac12. The Utes effectively silenced their doubters with a 9-4 campaign last fall that proved they
could compete with the best. Notable wins included those against UCLA and USC. Utah is a
balanced team that returns seven starters on both sides of the ball. They will be very
dangerous in conference play this season.

What We Know
Utah scored north of thirty points per game last season, and they return the backfield combo of
quarterback Travis Wilson and running back Devontae Booker. With such experience at the two
most impactful offensive positions, Utah should be in good shape offensively.

Pressing Questions
One goal during the offseason should be to find a capable replacement for defensive end Nate
Orchard. He was a beast in 2014, racking up an astounding 18.5 sacks. It will be very difficult to
fill the void he leaves as a dominant pass rusher.

17. Georgia Bulldogs

Mark Richt has taken a lot a heat during his tenure at Georgia for his inability to get his teams
over the hump. Last year saw the Bulldogs battle through injuries and inexperience to finish
10-3. Several key players depart again this season, including starting quarterback Hutson
Mason and star running back Todd Gurley. Georgia is an SEC East favorite but probably won't
compete on the national stage.

What We Know
Athens has become a running back factory recently, producing elite rusher after elite rusher.
When stud running back Todd Gurley missed time in 2014, true freshman Nick Chubb stepped
up and looked like one of the nation's best. He is a Heisman contender who will put this team
on his back in 2015.

Pressing Questions
Georgia's top priority this offseason should be to find a solid starting quarterback to replace
Hutson Mason. It will be interesting to see if Brice Ramsey, the favorite for the job, can
distance himself during spring practice.

16. Boise State Broncos

Just when it seemed as if Boise State was beginning to fall behind the power teams, they
responded in a big way with a convincing win over Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl last season. In a
system that allows the top Group of 5 conference team to participate in a major bowl game
each season, Boise State should be the preseason pick to reach another New Year's Six bowl.

What We Know
Boise State always plays physical defense and will be very strong on that side of the ball once
again. Offensively, their entire offensive line returns, setting a solid foundation for the new
quarterback and running back.

Pressing Questions
The national audience didn't know much about Jay Ajayi until the Fiesta Bowl, but he was
among the nation's best running backs in 2014. Boise State consistently boasts good running
backs, but Ajayi was special and won't be easily replaced. Meanwhile, former backup
quarterback Ryan Finley will battle with true freshman Brett Rypien for the starting job. Rypien
ranks as one of the school's most prized recruits ever.

15. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Paul Johnson's Yellow Jackets seemed to be spinning their wheels a bit, failing to surpass eight
wins from 2010-2013. The same was expected of last year's team, but they overachieved and
surprised everyone with a 11-3 record and New Year's Six bowl victory. GT will be on
everyone's radar this season, and it will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure.
They certainly have the potential to contend for an ACC championship.

What We Know
The quarterback of a triple option offense needs to know the system like the back of their hand.
Georgia Tech has the perfect fit in Justin Thomas. He runs the offense to perfection, so having
him back is a huge reason everyone is so high on the Jackets.
Pressing Questions
In an offense that places so much emphasis on running the football, experience in the backfield
is crucial. Georgia Tech loses their top five running backs from last season, which could present
a huge problem. Broderick Snoddy, who is recovering from injury, is the top returning option.
This is a crucial question that must be answered in order for GT to repeat their 2014 success.

14. Stanford Cardinal

The Stanford football program was on quite a ride before hitting a road bump last season.
Their streak of 11+ win seasons ended at four as the Cardinal slipped to 8-5. Many people may
have forgotten about Stanford, but they will be right back in the Pac-12 mix this fall. They
return nine offensive starters, which gives the unit a huge boost after they struggled in 2014.

What We Know
Stanford's strength is in the trenches, and nothing will change this year. Despite the loss of AllAmerican Andrus Peat, the Cardinal return four starters on the offensive line, all of whom will
be seniors. They will create plenty of holes for the running backs in this ground-and-pound
attack.

Pressing Questions
Stanford's offense usually features a bruising runner, but no one emerged from the pack as the
top dog last year. That needs to change if Stanford wants to return to its roots as a bruising,
run-first team. The lack of experience on defense is also a huge concern, as only four starters
return. Stanford needs to clamp down those to areas in order to preserve its physical identity.

13. Texas A&M Aggies

The departure of Johnny Manziel seemed like no problem after A&M roared out of the gate last
September behind the arm of Kenny Hill. Hill collapsed midseason, however, and true
freshman Kyle Allen guided the team to a final record of 8-5. Allen is a special talent who has
the potential to absolutely explode this season. If he does, the Aggies will be right in the mix
for the SEC West title.

What We Know
Clearly, the main thing this team has going for them is Kyle Allen. He will put up great numbers
in Kevin Sumlin's offense. Top running back Tra Carson returns in the backfield, along with
potential star receivers Josh Reynolds and Ricky Seals-Jones. The Aggies are loaded at the skill
positions.

Pressing Questions
Defense remains the major stumbling block for this team. They improved slightly last season
but still could benefit from another several steps up. Dominant offensive lines have become
expected in College Station. Sumlin needs to find replacements for their top two offensive
linemen, both of whom moved on to the NFL.

12. USC Trojans

USC has shown many signs over the past few seasons that they are on the brink of returning to
their glory days. With Steve Sarkisian entering his second year as head coach, a sizeable leap
should be expected. USC will be among the elite teams in the Pac-12. The only factor holding
them back is the lingering effects of their scholarship reductions from 2010-2013.

What We Know
This may be the most talented team in the nation. Quarterback Cody Kessler is a legitimate
Heisman Trophy contender, and he has a plethora of deadly weapons at his disposal. All five
offensive linemen return, headlined by center Max Tuerk. On the other side of the ball, USC
has two All-American candidates in their secondary, a unit that may be the best in America.

Pressing Questions
USC must replace two defensive stars in defensive end Leonard Williams and linebacker Hayes
Pullard. Williams was an elite pass rusher and future first round pick, while Pullard led the
team in tackles. The other major concern is health as the Trojans struggle through what will
likely be their final year under the effects of the scholarship reductions.

11. Florida State Seminoles

The 2013-14 National Champions ran the table during the regular season again last season
before getting run out of town by Oregon in the playoff semifinal. The 'Noles have some
retooling to do as they lose a boatload of talent to the NFL Draft. They narrowly escaped in
many games last year, so this coming season could go a number of ways.
What We Know
Despite fumbling twice in the Rose Bowl, running back Dalvin Cook put together a tremendous
freshman season. FSU will lean on him early in the season as they break in a new quarterback.
The star of the defense is free safety Jalen Ramsey, who may be the best college football player
at his position.

Pressing Questions
Sean Maguire has the difficult task of replacing Jameis Winston. Maguire should do just fine as
the starting quarterback, especially if he makes necessary strides in the offseason. The bigger
concern is an offensive line that only brings back one starter. The defensive line is also
depleted due to the loss of their top pair of linemen.

10. Arizona Wildcats

Rich Rodriguez has done a great job here in Tuscan. After posting 8-5 records in each of his first
two seasons, Rodriguez led the Wildcats to a 10-4 season that included a victory over Oregon
and a Pac-12 South championship. Arizona is trending upward at a tremendous rate, and they
should definitely be able to sustain their success. The Cats are serious contenders in the wide
open Pac-12 conference.

What We Know
As a sophomore, linebacker Scooby Wright led the nation in total tackles, tackles for loss, and
forced fumbles en route to winning nearly every possible defensive award. He is an absolute
monster and the only reason this defense was even respectable. At quarterback, Anu Solomon
returns and could break through as a Heisman contender himself.

Pressing Questions
Outside of Wright, the defense is absolutely atrocious. Rich-Rod has completely ignored
defense at every stop during his coaching career, and Arizona is no different. The Wildcats can
rely on their offense to compete, but they will never get over the hump until they can put a
decent defense on the field.

9. Arkansas Razorbacks

Now that Bielema-ball is fully installed in Fayetteville, the rest of the SEC had better watch out.
Arkansas features a bruising rushing attack that this conference is not used to seeing. They
made a statement at the end of last season that they will not be walked over by anyone. Four
of their six losses last year were by a touchdown or less, while all seven of their wins were by at
least 17 points. This team is a powder keg ready to explode.

What We Know
Just as he did at Wisconsin, Bret Bielema wants Arkansas to pound the rock down their
opponents' throats with a bruising ground attack. Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, a pair of
1,000 yard rushers, are back after splitting carries in 2013 and 2014. The Hogs feature a
monstrous offensive line that pushes people around and opens up huge holes.

Pressing Questions
Unknown to most people, the defense ranked tenth nationally last season. They lose five
starters, highlighted by star linebacker Martrell Spaight. If they find someone to replace him,
they should be near the top of the SEC defensively once again.

8. Michigan State Spartans

For those who have been brushing off Michigan State's success as a blip in the radar, it's time to
start taking them seriously. The Spartans have won at least eleven games in four of the last five
years. They have managed to replace stars and sustain their success. This season they lose a
couple stars but return several more, making them a legitimate threat to Ohio State in the Big
Ten.

What We Know
Connor Cook returns for his senior season, which will be his third as the starting quarterback.
Cook has improved tremendously throughout his career, and he enters 2015 as a Heisman
candidate. On defense, DE Shilique Calhoun also returns for his third year as a starter. The
return of those two provides stability and makes them a Top 10 worthy team.

Pressing Questions
Pat Narduzzi was arguably the best defensive coordinator in college football. His departure to
Pittsburgh leaves questions about whether or not the Spartans will continue to sport a
dominant defensive. Offensively, MSU loses their top two weapons in running back Jeremy
Langford and receiver Tony Lippett, both of whom will be difficult to replace.

7. UCLA Bruins

Heading into last season, many experts were calling the Bruins a playoff contender, but those
were unrealistic expectations. They finished 10-3 and now lose three year starting quarterback
Brett Hundley to the draft. Despite his departure, UCLA could and probably will be better this
year than they were in 2014. They return 18 starters, the most among all Power 5 teams, and
have a great shot to rise to the top of the wide open Pac-12.

What We Know
Hundley received all the hype, but UCLA also featured a very good rushing attack to
compliment the passing game. Running back Paul Perkins returns after racking up over 1500
yards on the ground in 2014, and all five starting offensive linemen are back as well.
Defensively, the Bruins will feature one of the best linebacker units in all of college football.

Pressing Questions
The only glaring hole in the depth chart is at quarterback. Josh Rosen, the top pro-style
quarterback in the class of 2015, enrolled early to compete for the job. He has more upside
than his competitor, junior Jerry Neuheisel. The Bruins are hoping Rosen clamps down the
starting spot in the offseason so they can be all systems go by September.

6. TCU Horned Frogs

TCU had a legitimate argument that they were the best team in America in 2014. If they hadn't
blown a 21 point fourth quarter lead against Baylor, they would have been in the playoff. The
Horned Frogs are loaded on offense, but they have some question marks on the defensive side
of the ball. They will open the season in the AP Top 4.

What We Know
TCU is stacked on offense. Quarterback Trevone Boykin enters the season as one of the
frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy, and he has plenty of talent around him. Four linemen
return, as do the top two running backs and all the starting receivers. TCU could have a top five
offense again in 2015.

Pressing Questions
As great as the offense was, TCU would not have won 12 games last year if it weren't for their
very good defense. Defense is Gary Patterson's forte, but even he will have his hands full
finding replacements for the key pieces they lose. If the defense slips too much, TCU won't
have what it takes to reach the playoff.

5. Oregon Ducks

Just when it appeared as if the Ducks would finally get over the hump and capture a national
championship, everything came crashing down in the title game against Ohio State. Oregon has
plenty of skeptics as they lose Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, All-American center
Hronnis Grasu, and several key defensive players. Oregon is still the team to beat in the Pac-12,
but the competition is gaining ground on them in a hurry.

What We Know
Oregon has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to replacing key players by virtue of
their seven straight double digit win seasons. The Ducks' offense will be tough to stop as
always, even with a new quarterback. They return almost all of their contributing running
backs and receivers, all of whom will be very dangerous in Oregon's explosive offense.

Pressing Questions
Marcus Mariota will be very difficult to replace, but Oregon got the best available replacement
in Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams. The quarterback battle will really heat up when
Adams arrives in the summer. Meanwhile, Oregon needs to find replacements for several
departed defensive stars, highlighted by defensive backs Erick Dargan and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.

4. Clemson Tigers

Dabo Swinney has established Clemson as a national power with four straight 10+ win seasons.
Now it's time for the program to take the next step: reach the playoff. Led by star quarterback
Deshaun Watson, the Tigers are ready to burst onto the scene in 2015. They should be
considered the clear favorite to win the ACC and a legitimate national title contender.

What We Know
When healthy, Deshaun Watson was one of the most electrifying players in college football in
2014. He is a top-tier Heisman contender and the main reason Clemson is on the playoff radar.
He has a fully loaded arsenal at his disposal featuring uber-talented receivers Mike Williams and
Artavis Scott as well as a plethora of young ball carriers. This offense is going to be special.

Pressing Questions
In his third year as Clemson's defensive coordinator, Brent Venables piloted the nation's #1
overall defense. The entire defensive line from 2014 is gone, including All-American DE Vic
Beasley. Venables must reconstruct the line if he wants to approach last year's success.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

For the first time since his arrived in Tuscaloosa, people are starting to question Nick Saban.
Alabama has been the undisputed best team in college football since he took over, but
opponents have recently proven that they are far from invincible. With no other clear favorite
in the SEC, Alabama receives the benefit of the doubt due to their history. However, they are
far from a playoff lock as their offense is completely depleted of experience.

What We Know
Alabama has become "Running Back U," touting two elite rushers every year. Derrick Henry will
be a Heisman contender as the lead back, and five star freshman Damien Harris could emerge
as the #2 option. On defense, the line has the potential to be the best in the country. Alabama
will rank among the nation's best rushing offenses and rushing defenses in 2015.

Pressing Questions
No team in the country loses as many key offensive contributors as the Tide. Quarterback Black
Sims leaves, as does two year starting running back TJ Yeldon and Heisman finalist wide
receiver Amari Cooper. Three starting offensive linemen are also gone. Alabama fans will pay
close attention to the development of Jake Coker, the expected starting quarterback.

2. Baylor Bears

Most people have TCU ranked over Baylor as the Big 12 favorite, but the Bears' sustained
success makes them the more likely playoff representative. The two time defending Big 12
champions return a conference high 17 starters from 2014's 11-2 squad. They featured the
nation's top offense in 2014 and should be right near the top again this season. The defense is
experienced and could actually become an asset rather than a liability.

What We Know
Starting with RGIII, Baylor has had success with every quarterback they put under center the
past several seasons. Couple that with perhaps the best receiving corps in America and you get
an elite passing attack. Baylor also returns all five offensive linemen and 1,000 yard rusher
Shock Linwood, so they should have a top tier running game as well. This offense will be all but
impossible to stop once again.

Pressing Questions
For most teams, a new quarterback is a bad sign; however, Baylor has proven time and again
that they can make the transition seamless. Seth Russell excelled in backup duty last season, so
he should have no issues taking over full-time for Bryce Petty. The bigger concern is the
defense. Although it has improved, the defense must take another step forward to avoid fluke
losses such as the West Virginia game last season.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

This should not come as a surprise to anyone. After struggling early last season, the Buckeyes
struck fire, running through their Big Ten schedule and winning the inaugural College Football
Playoff National Championship. Ohio State returns three Heisman-caliber quarterbacks and
perhaps the top running back in the nation. The "Urban Meyer Effect" is in full swing in
Columbus, where the future looks brighter than anywhere else in America.

What We Know
The Buckeyes epitomize a complete team. They will have a Top 5 offense than can beat
opponents either through the air or with their deadly rushing combination of Ezekiel Elliott and
a mobile quarterback. The defense, likewise, has Top 10 potential with All-American candidates
sprinkled throughout all three levels. Oh, and they have arguably the best coach in college
football.

Pressing Questions
The most closely followed position battle this offseason is the quarterback competition in
Columbus. The first contender is Braxton Miller, the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2012 and
2013. The second is JT Barrett, who finished fifth in the Heisman voting in 2014. And the third
is Cardale Jones, who guided the Buckeyes to victories in the Big Ten championship game,
playoff semifinal, and national title game. None of these guys would be the wrong pick.