College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 for 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the second half of the Alabama Crimson Tide's game versus the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 7, 2019, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes calls a play during the 2019 Outback Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Key returners: Nate Stanley, Mekhi Sargent, Toren Young, T.J. Hockenson, Anthony Nelson, Michael Ojemudia, A.J. Epenesa
Key departures: Noah Fant, Jake Gervase, Parker Hesse, Amani Hooker
Coaching change: None

No one expected Iowa to contend for a Big Ten title or even be relevant in the West division in 2017, but Kirk Ferentz did what he does best and led the Hawkeyes out of the dark and into the spotlight, winning nine games which included an Outback Bowl victory over Mississippi State.

Returning will be Nathan Stanley at quarterback, entering his final year and he’s coming off his best season yet, passing for 2,852 yards and 26 touchdowns with a 59 percent completion rate. If he can take that next step in 2019 and cut his interceptions while throwing 25-30 touchdowns for the third straight season, the Hawkeyes will be dangerous.

The run game wasn’t as dangerous as it usually is, but returning both Mekhi Sargent and Toren Young is huge for the development of the backfield.

Unfortunately, Stanley is losing one of his favorite targets in tight end Noah Fant, but T.J. Hockerson will be back.

Defensively, Jake Gervase, Amani Hooser and Parker Hesse are big-time losses, but A.J. Epenesa might be the best defensive lineman in the conference heading into the 2019 campaign. This side of the ball never seems to struggle for the Hawkeyes.

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