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

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Oregon Ducks Quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the Redbox Bowl between the Michigan State Spartans and the Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Oregon Ducks Quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the Redbox Bowl between the Michigan State Spartans and the Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
  • Key returners: Justin Herbert, CJ Verdell, Travis Dye, Dillon Mitchell (awaiting decision), Troy Dye, Thomas Graham Jr., Jevon Holland, Deommodore Lenoir, Jacob Breeland
  • Key departures: Justin Hollins, Jalen Jelks
  • Coaching change: None

Though Oregon was held to just seven points in its bowl game, it still found a way to win, 7-6. The Redbox Bowl isn’t exactly where every Pac-12 team aspires to play in the postseason, but Oregon found itself in a tough matchup with Michigan State and it prevailed.

Mario Cristobal’s first season as head coach wasn’t too shabby, finishing 9-4 but you know he’d tell you that he expects conference titles and he fell short of his goal.

Oregon will have a serious chance to win the conference next season as I believe the Ducks will be the most talented in the Pac-12. Justin Herbert announced he will be returning for his senior year at quarterback despite being the No. 1 NFL prospect and he has CJ Verdell and Travis Dye behind him to lead the backfield. Dillon Mitchell could return at receiver after a record-breaking season.

Big losses will plague only the defense, though. Justin Hollins and Jalen Jelks are gone, but Troy Dye will be back as one of the best linebackers in the country.

Jim Leavitt will have even more talent to work with on an improving defense as Cristobal is bringing in the highest-rated recruiting class in school history.

Watch out for Oregon as a playoff contender, folks.

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