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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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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) hands off the ball during the CFP Semifinal Cotton Bowl Classic game against the Clemson Tigers on December 29, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas(Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) hands off the ball during the CFP Semifinal Cotton Bowl Classic game against the Clemson Tigers on December 29, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas(Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
  • Key returners: Ian Book, Chase Claypool, Khalid Kareem, Julian Okwara, Jalen Elliott, Troy Pride Jr., Brandon Wimbush
  • Key departures: Dexter Williams, Miles Boykin, Alize Mack, Jerry Tillery, Drue Tranquill, Te’Von Coney, Julian Love
  • Coaching change: None

Notre Dame was defeated. Losing 30-3 to Clemson was embarrassing, but seeing what the Tigers did to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national title game had to make Fighting Irish fans feel just a little better about what took place in the playoff semifinal.

The Fighting Irish bring back Ian Book and Chase Claypool to an explosive offense and will need a replacement for Dexter Williams in the backfield. Also, losing Miles Boykin won’t be easy to swallow nor will the departure of athletic tight end Alize Mack. Still, this offense returns plenty of talent and should be even better.

Brian Kelly’s defense was also impressive despite losing Mike Elko to Texas A&M in the offseason. Clark Lea did a solid job and will be back with some key pieces though losing Jerry Tillery, Drue Tranquill, Te’Von Coney and Julian Love won’t be ideal.

The Irish are also bringing in 15 four-star recruits in the 2019 class, per 247Sports, ranking in the top-15 nationally. This team will be just fine and another undefeated season isn’t out of the question.

Will the committee think twice about putting Notre Dame in the playoff if they go undefeated after watching what happened in 2018, though?

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