College football rankings 2019: Every FBS team from 1-130, ranked

The 2019 college football rankings using the CFB Winning Edge Team Strength power ratings, we rank all 130 FBS teams and the results will surprise some.

UTEP would have been a few spots higher if not for the legal troubles of quarterback Kai Locksley, who started eight games last season and ran for more than 100 yards twice. Brandon Jones threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns (with two interceptions) in his lone start. The backfield has some promise, but the offense as a whole ranks No. 127 in CFB Winning Edge Roster Strength. The defense sits at No. 128.

It’s important to note, these rankings are not a projected order of finish. Instead, they indicate which team would be favored over another on a neutral field. As an example of how this works in practice, Rice must travel to El Paso to face UTEP for the regular season finale Nov. 30.

To make a projected point spread, we take the difference between the power ratings of the two teams in question and make a 3.8-point adjustment for home-field advantage. As a result, the Owls (who have a slightly more talented defense than the Miners, but rank No. 130 in offensive Roster Strength) are currently a 2.35-point underdog in the matchup according to CFB Winning Edge 2019 FBS Preseason Projections.

Coastal Carolina played its first FBS schedule in 2018, so it should be no surprise the Chanticleers rank No. 130 in overall Roster Strength. Running back C.J. Marable and defensive end Tarron Jackson are All-Sun Belt Conference candidates. Several transfers from big-time programs, including receiver Samuel Denmark (Virginia Tech) and former Clemson defensive lineman Sterling Johnson, should keep Jamey Chadwell’s squad competitive in league play.

Quarterback Josh Love and receivers Bailey Gaither and Tre’ Walker form a solid offensive nucleus for the Spartans, and the unit should improve upon its No. 123 finish in total offense (323.7 yards per game), which was dragged down by the worst rushing offense in the country (61.5). San Jose State ranked last in the Mountain West in both categories. Five starters return on defense, but SJSU also had the worst pass defense (283.9 yards allowed per game), and total defense (495.1) in the conference.

UConn’s decision to leave the AAC has made the most headlines recently, but let’s not forget the Huskies were historically bad defensively last season. Connecticut allowed 8.81 yards per play in 2018. The next worst unit (Georgia State), surrendered 7.73 yards per play. Nine starters return, which is a good thing (?). Better, five transfers, including Toledo running back Art Thompkins, helped the Huskies improve 1.29 points in Roster Strength since the end of the 2018 season – fifth-most in the conference.

The Panthers ranked 129th in yards per play (7.73) and No. 125 in total defense (489.5) in 2018. The unit should improve, and linebacker Ed Curney and nose guard Dontae Wilson are building blocks. Quarterback Dan Ellington is a dangerous runner, and receiver Cornelius McCoy should step up to be Ellington’s top target following the departure of Penny Hart. The left side of the offensive line – tackle Hunter Atkinson and guard Quion Gilmore, who have combined to make 59 starts – are one of the best combos in the conference.

The Roadrunners were pitiful offensively in 2018, but a quarterback competition could spark the unit. Sophomore Frank Harris took the inside track with a strong spring, but former LSU signee and Junior College transfer Lowell Narcisse should challenge in the fall. The defense is a strength, especially the defensive line, which ranks No. 6 in Conference USA in Roster Strength at the position. The back seven should also benefit from Power Five transfers Dominic Sheppard (Virginia), Layton Garnett (LSU) and Antonio Parks (Arizona).

Brian Van Gorder is back, baby! The longtime coordinator will call the defense for first-year head coach Scot Loeffler (a divisive veteran play-caller in his own right) for the Falcons. Loeffler brought in a few Power Five transfers, including two he coached at Boston College. Running back Andrew Clair is one of the best players in the MAC, but starting quarterback Jarrett Doege transferred to West Virginia.

Andy Isabella turned his elite speed and terrific production into an NFL career. Of course, that means new UMass head coach and offensive play-caller Walt Bell won’t be able to draw up plays for the standout wideout. Safety Isaiah Rodgers has earned a 95.81 rating in the CFB Winning Edge VGR+ player ratings formula, but Rodgers is one of only six combined starters returning on offense and defense. Bell is the only FBS head coach who must replace more than half of last year’s passing, rushing and receiving yardage, as well as over 50 percent of its tackles – according to the CFB Winning Edge 2018-19 Returning Production Database.

Old Dominion upset a ranked Virginia Tech squad and pulled off one of the most remarkable finishes of the season to beat WKU, but the Monarchs won only two other games in 2018. Head coach Bobby Wilder must replace a total of 17 starters, including quarterback Blake LaRussa, who left ODU with eligibility remaining to attend seminary. Former Michigan State quarterback Messiah deWeaver is the front-runner in a three-way battle to replace LaRussa, who threw for 3,015 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.