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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SAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 28: Washington State Cougars wide receiver Dezmon Patmon (12) gets ready for a play during the Alamo Bowl between the Washington State Cougars and Iowa State Cyclones on December 28, 2018 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Key starters: Dezmon Patmon, Davontavean Martin, Easop Winston, James Williams, Jahad Woods, Skyler Thomas, Dominick Silvels
Key departures: Gardner Minshew, Peyton Pelluer, Darrien Molton
Coaching change: None

Let’s face it, losing Gardner Minshew is one of the toughest pills to swallow for any team around the country in 2019, but Washington State always seems to find a way to make it work under Mike Leach’s control. He will have the Cougars back to contending for the conference title next season, especially after gaining serious steam with an 11-2 record in 2018.

Who will be the next quarterback to start for Leach’s pass-heavy attack? It could be Trey Tinsley or Anthony Gordon, but don’t sleep on former four-star recruit Cammon Cooper or incoming freshman Gunner Cruz. No matter who starts, they’re sure to succeed under Leach’s tutelage.

Washington State will return its top three wideouts as well as its fourth-leading receiver James Williams who also happened to lead the team in rushing.

The defense, too, should be strong even two years removed from the Alex Grinch era, but don’t be surprised if this group is even better than it was in 2018.

With only a few key departures and plenty of returning talent, the Cougars could be approaching top-15 or top-20 range to start the 2019 campaign.

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