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) /

5 of 26

SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 31: Riley Lees #19 of the Northwestern Wildcats reacts to scoring a passing touchdown against the Utah Utes during the second half of The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 31, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Key returners: Isaiah Bowser, Ben Skowronek, Cameron Green, Blake Gallagher, Paddy Fisher, Joe Gaziano, J.R. Pace
Key departures: Clayton Thorson, Flynn Nagel, Nate Hall, Jordan Thompson
Coaching change: None

Garnering NFL interest isn’t the worst thing Pat Fitzgerald has done, but who’s really surprised after a 9-5 season and yet another expectation-exceeding season. The Wildcats won their first-ever Big Ten West title but came three touchdowns short of upsetting Ohio State for the conference crown.

It was a trying year for the Wildcats, especially with Clayton Thorson coming off a major knee injury and rehab and Jeremy Larkin retiring, but they still finished with nine wins.

Fitzgerald will likely be staying with his alma mater, so fans won’t have to worry, but he’ll have a big position to fill as Thorson is graduating. Luckily, he landed former five-star and Clemson quarterback transfer Hunter Johnson right before the season started and the hype surrounding him will be immense. He’ll fit that system in Evanston perfectly.

On top of that, the Northwestern defense is improving and bringing back about six starters from a squad that allowed 23 points per game.

If the Wildcats can find a consistent run game to add to Johnson’s aerial attack, they can repeat as Big Ten West champs.

Home/College Football