College Football Top 25: Spring practice 2016 edition

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Dec 28, 2015; Annapolis, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Qadree Ollison (37) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps. Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

From one program with a new head coach to another, the Pittsburgh Panthers seem to be back and trending in the right direction. The Panthers were 8-5 to finish the 2015 season after a Military Bowl loss to Navy. Pat Narduzzi has put this team back on the map and it’ll be a threat to win its first ACC title this season.

Pittsburgh put together a solid recruiting class and if Narduzzi can get that part of the program up and running too, the Panthers will be a scary team to face for as long as he’s in charge. Four-star running back George Hill, four-star cornerback Damar Hamlin and four-star defensive tackle Keyshon Camp highlight the 27th-best recruiting class in the country, according to Scout.

Senior Tennessee quarterback transfer Nathan Peterman returns after a solid junior season in 2015 as the first-year starter for the Panthers. He passed for 2,287 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing just over 61 percent of his passes.

One major loss for the Panthers will be Tyler Boyd, a talented wide out who finished with 91 catches for 926 yards and six touchdowns and was even second on the team in rushing with 349 yards. Second-leading receiver Dontez Ford will be back, though, and looks to take over as the team’s top option.

Can this team step up to win the wide open ACC Coastal division in 2016?

Next: 23. Boise State Broncos

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