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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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Washington (88) Drew Sample (TE) celebrates after with team mates Washington (56) Nick Harris (OL) and Washington (87) Cade Otton (TE) after catching a pass for a touchdown during the Rose Bowl Game between the Washington Huskies and the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 01, 2019, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Key returners: Salvon Ahmed, Aaron Fuller, Myles Bryant
Key departures: Jake Browning, Myles Gaskin, Ben Burr-Kirven, Tevis Bartlett, Drew Sample, Taylor Rapp, JoJo McIntosh, Greg Gaines, Byron Murphy
Coaching change: None

Not many teams can say that a 10-win season is disappointing, but for Washington, it fell short of expectations. The Huskies fell short of an impressive comeback against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl and Jake Browning’s career came to a screeching halt. His career trending down in his final couple of seasons, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be missed by Washington.

However, Georgia-transfer Jacob Eason decided to come back home to finish his college career after losing his job to Jake Fromm last season. He will be eligible to start in 2019.

Myles Gaskin, too, will be missed, but Salvon Ahmed averaged more yards per carry in 2018 than the starting back. He will be back to be the workhorse in the backfield for the Huskies, and that’s not exactly a bad thing. The offense will be every bit as talented, especially with Aaron Fuller back, even if the experience has departed.

The defense will be losing some major pieces everywhere which could mean the unit will take a step back under Chris Petersen’s control. Byron Murphy is the latest to declare for the NFL draft and most of the secondary will be brand new.

Washington should be one of a few favorites to win the Pac-12 in 2019.

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