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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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 31: Utah Utes players head for the field before the start of the Holiday Bowl played against the Northwestern Wildcats, on December 31, 2018 at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Key returners: Tyler Huntley, Jason Shelley, Zack Moss, Britain Covey, Julian Blackmon, Bradlee Anae
Key departures: Cody Barton, Chase Hansen, Corrion Ballard, Marquise Blair
Coaching change: Troy Taylor left the offensive coordinator position vacant

I don’t think enough people are giving Utah enough attention heading into 2019 which is a shame because the Utes have plenty of returning talent to a team that finished 9-5.

Unfortunately, the Utes came up just short in the Holiday Bowl against Northwestern and nearly finished the season with 10 victories. Kyle Whittingham has done an exceptional job with this program and he’s one of the longest-tenured coaches in the Power Five and one who consistently flies under the radar.

After Zack Moss announced he’d be returning for his senior season after rushing for 1,000 yards, the Utes have to be favorites to win the Pac-12 South. He will be back to lead the offense along with a finally healthy Tyler Huntley who is backed up by a surprisingly-effective Jason Shelley.

The offense won’t be an issue and neither should the defense which allowed just 316 total yards per game in 2018 and ranked 17th in points allowed. Do not sleep on the Utes in the Pac-12 as they could finally win their first conference crown since joining.

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