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College Football Rankings: Top 25 after spring practice

By Cody Williams

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) looks to pass the ball during the first half of the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) looks to pass the ball during the first half of the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson Tigers

2016: 14-1, 

It shouldn’t really come as a shock to anyone that the defending National Champions don’t occupy the top spot in these rankings. When you lose a leader and player like Deshaun Watson, there’s going to be a bit of a drop-off, even if one that’s short-lived. After Clemson’s spring game, though, it may not be that much of a fall from what Watson brought to the team and the period may be shorter-lived than expected.

Before even getting into what was on display  the offense, Clemson is going to win on defense in the 2017 season. Christian Wilkins is a stud and an emotional leader for that unit. And he’s certainly not alone in terms of top-tier talent. With that said, there are plenty of great defenses in college football that can only do so much — just look at Michigan’s ranking here as their defense could be just as devastating as the Tigers’ this season.

What makes Clemson a contender to compete for back-to-back titles is the fact that their offense might be just as good as it was in 2016, or at least close enough to it. Veteran quarterback Kelly Bryant looked solid, but young stud Hunter Johnson looked the part as well and could be already in place to take over the offense. With weapons like Deon Cain helping on the outside and a solid offensive line, Dabo Swinney’s Tigers aren’t going away.

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