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: Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones and David Montgomery #32 look to the sideline in the second half against the Washington State Cougars during the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 28, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Key returners: Brock Purdy, Hakeem Butler (awaiting decision), Greg Eisworth, JaQuan Bailey, Braxton Lewis, Mike Rose
Key departures: David Montgomery, Kyle Kempt, Willie Harvey, Brian Peavy
Coaching change: None

David Campbell has to be one of the hottest names in coaching searches and it’s because he’s turned Iowa State into a contender after the Cyclones were lying in dormancy for years. They were the laughing stock of the Big 12 and now they’re competing with the rest of the conference, aiming to take down Oklahoma.

David Montgomery is headed off to the NFL as well as likely Hakeem Butler, but on the off chance that the latter returns, the Cyclones could have one of the scariest offenses in the country.

Brock Purdy emerged at quarterback for Iowa State, replacing an injured Kyle Kempt who had earned a sixth year of eligibility and the freshman passed for 2,250 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for another 308 yards and five scores. Oh yeah, and he completed 66 percent of his throws. This offense will be in good hands moving forward.

Most of the defense is returning and it could be one of the best in the Big 12.

Eight wins were slightly below expectations in 2018, but expect a team that could contend for a Big 12 title and approaches the 10-win mark in 2019.

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