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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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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 29: Michigan Wolverines walk off the field before the Peach Bowl between the Florida Gators and the Michigan Wolverines on December 29, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 29: Michigan Wolverines walk off the field before the Peach Bowl between the Florida Gators and the Michigan Wolverines on December 29, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
  • Key returners: Shea Patterson, Nico Collins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Khaleke Hudson, Lavert Hill, Kwity Paye, Josh Metellus, Josh Uche
  • Key departures: Karan Higdon, Zach Gentry, Devin Bush, Chase Winovich, David Long, Tyree Kinnel
  • Coaching change: None

Has Jim Harbaugh worn out his welcome in Ann Arbor? There are probably dueling opinions on this, but the mass exodus of assistant coaches — even some to Ohio State –, as well as transfers and early departures, could raise red flags. Still, he has a wealth of talent at his disposal and should be back contending for the Big Ten title next year.

The Wolverines are bringing back Shea Patterson who could be in early contention for the Heisman Trophy as well as Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones to a talented receiving corps. Losing Karan Higdon and Zach Gentry will take its toll on this offense, but the defense will be back to being elite.

In fact, the Wolverines are returning some major weapons such as Khaleke Hudson at linebacker and Lavert Hill in the defensive backfield.

Unfortunately, defensive line coach Greg Mattison left for the defensive coordinator job at Ohio State and Don Brown has been rumored to be a head coaching candidate at Temple. This team has talent incoming and returning, but is Harbaugh’s reign coming to an end? If he doesn’t win the Big Ten in 2019, it’s possible.

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