College football: 10 teams that could be the next Georgia

Several teams on this list have a similar profile to Georgia’s from a year ago. And, admittedly, some are a stretch. However, if we were to call out one program that fits the mold perfectly, and should, therefore, be considered a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, as a result, it’s Texas.

Like Smart entering the 2017 campaign, 2018 will be Year 2 for Tom Herman at Texas. And, like Smart, Herman has already elevated the Longhorns recruiting profile to elite status. SB Nation’s Bud Elliott, who has recently popularized the Blue Chip Ratio as a distinct measure to determine whether or not a team has the talent to contend for a national title, noted earlier this month Texas was on the shortlist of programs trending toward the elusive BCR standing. The Longhorns ranked No. 12 overall in 2017 in the Team Talent Composite.

Herman also has two young, talented quarterbacks at his disposal. Shane Buechele has struggled with injuries but has already thrown for 4,363 yards and 28 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Longhorns. Sam Ehlinger, the team’s leading rusher last season, saw extended action as a true freshman in 2017 and threw for 1,915 yards with an 11-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The team also welcomes back top running backs Kyle Porter and Daniel Young, a veteran receiving corps and four starters on the offensive line.

Next: 30 CFB players with the biggest shoes to fill in 2018

The defense has holes to fill but made great strides in 2017. Texas ranked No. 21 in defensive S&P+ (21.5) last season, including No. 10 against the run and No. 16 against the pass. The only real weak spot was a propensity to allow big plays. With one of the greatest defensive backfield recruiting classes in the country coming in this season (as part of a Top 3 class nationally), if Texas keeps the lid on better in 2018, the Horns could field one of the best defenses in the nation.