Way-too-early 2020 college football rankings: Clemson, Ohio State, Alabama vie for No. 1

40. Appalachian State Mountaineers, 13-1 (7-1)

New coach, same Appalachian State – at least in 2019. The departure of Scott Satterfield didn’t stop the Mountaineers from winning the Sun Belt for the second straight season, but first-year head coach Eliah Drinkwitz left Boone for Missouri, meaning App State will have its third head man in three seasons. At least the promotion of Shawn Clark – a longtime assistant at the school – provides stability.

The return of All-Conference quarterback Zac Thomas is also a stabilizing factor, and though the early departure of running back Darrynton Evans to the NFL Draft hurts, each of Thomas’ top four receivers was a junior last season, and four starters should return on the offensive line. The defense must rebuild at linebacker and safety, but the Mountaineers have built depth and should be one of the best units in the Sun Belt again.

39. Washington State Cougars, 6-7 (3-6)

Recently departed Washington State head coach Mike Leach ranks No. 13 in CFB Winning Edge Head Coach rating, which was the highest in the Pac-12 and also a big reason why his Cougars would have been ranked in the Top 30 our power ratings despite a featuring one of the least talented rosters in the Power Five.

Cammon Cooper, Gunner Cruz or a grad transfer-to-be-named will likely take over at quarterback for the new coaching staff, and until we know more it’s unclear whether or not Washington State will continue to put up huge passing numbers. The receiver corps had great depth in 2020, and Tay Martin, Travell Harris, Renard Bell and Calvin Jackson, Jr. (who redshirted as a senior in 2019) have experience. Plus, running back Max Borghi is one of the most exciting players in the Pac-12 and can hurt teams as a runner or receiver. The defense returns 13 of its top 14 tacklers from last year.

38. Arizona State Sun Devils, 8-5 (4-5)

Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels grabbed the starting role in the fall of his true freshman season, and threw for 2,943 yards and 17 touchdowns, with only two interceptions, while averaging 8.7 yards per pass attempt. Daniels was also the second-leading rusher for the Sun Devils. However, he’ll enter 2020 without No. 1 rusher Eno Benjamin, top receiver Brandon Aiyuk, or his two best offensive linemen. That means in addition to leading returning receiver Frank Darby, the Sun Devils will rely heavily on an incoming recruiting class that currently ranks No. 24 nationally.

There are far more familiar faces returning on defense, however. Only two seniors were full-time starters for the Sun Devils last season, and though head coach Herm Edwards must replace coordinator Danny Gonzales (who was named the new head coach at New Mexico), he welcomes back each of his top four tacklers.

37. Kentucky Wildcats, 8-5 (3-5)

According to PFF, Kentucky was one of the five best offensive lines in the country in 2019. The analytics outfit graded Landon Young, who announced his plan to return to the Wildcats instead of testing NFL waters, as the best pass-blocker among all SEC tackles last season. That’s great news for a team that lost two quarterbacks to injury and were forced to move receiver, kick returner and eventual All-American all-purpose performer Lynn Bowden to quarterback.

Bowden is off to the NFL, but Terry Wilson and Sawyer Smith are set to return. Auburn transfer Joey Gatewood is set to join the group, but it seems unlikely he would be eligible for 2020. Top running backs Asim Rose, Kavosiey Smoke and Christopher Rodriguez, Jr. – all of whom ran for more than 500 yards and six touchdowns – should be back as well. The defense must replace a few key pieces, including defensive lineman Calvin Taylor, Jr. after an 8.5-sack season, but eight of the Wildcats’ top 11 tacklers (and 17 of the top 21) are eligible to return.

36. Miami Hurricanes, 6-7 (4-4)

Despite inheriting a roster that ranked in the top 25 in Roster Strength and among the top 20 in average 247Sports rating, Manny Diaz’s first season as Miami’s head coach was a major disappointment. The Hurricanes finished the regular season ranked No. 52 in Team Performance, shuffled quarterbacks like it was 2018 all over again, and failed to score enough to keep its excellent defense off the field.

Year 2 is important for a first-time head coach, and there’s reason to be optimistic about the Hurricanes. First of all, there’s room to grow in the ACC. Secondly, Gregory Rousseau emerged as one of the most productive pass rushers in the country. Also, the secondary is strong and must replace just one starter (Trajan Bandy, who declared early for the draft).

On offense, Diaz hired Rhett Lashlee from SMU to be his new offensive coordinator. The offensive line gained valuable experience and returns intact, which is good news for running back Cam’ron Davis and whatever quarterback takes the reins and Brevin Jordan is one of the best and most athletic tight ends in the country.

35. Indiana Hoosiers, 8-5 (5-4)

Head coach Tom Allen has built Indiana into a dangerous program, and after years of close calls, the Hoosiers finally made it to a bowl game. Allen’s success on the recruiting trail makes us think 2019’s success is sustainable as well.

Peyton Ramsey helped the Hoosiers overcame a season-ending injury to quarterback Michael Penix, and though Ramsey would be an ideal grad transfer candidate, he might also return to battle Penix for the job for a third straight season. Regardless of which quarterback emerged in 2020 will have a lot of talent and experience to work with, highlighted by running backs Stevie Scott and Sampson James, receivers Whop Philyor and Ty Fryfogle and tight end Petton Hendershot. Defensively, where Allen made his name, the Hoosiers lose just three senior starters.

34. Louisville Cardinals, 8-5 (5-3)

Scott Satterfield led arguably the most remarkable turnaround in college football in 2019. Louisville improved its win total from two in 2018 to eight last year, the last of which was a 38-28 win over Mississippi State in the Music City Bowl. And there’s reason to believe the Cardinals can take another step forward in 2020.

Assuming no one transfers, Louisville should return 100 percent of both its passing and rushing yardage next season. Quarterback Micale Cunningham progressed throughout his sophomore campaign and should enter the fall as the favorite to retain the full-time job behind center. Running back Javian Hawkins exploded for 1,525 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, and Tutu Atwell, who accounted for 1,276 receiving yards and 12 scores as a sophomore, is one of the top playmakers in the ACC. The Cards also expect seven of their top eight tacklers (and 10 of the top 12) to return.

33. Boise State Broncos, 12-2 (8-0)

Boise State is set at the offensive skill positions. Hank Bachmeier started each of the first seven games for the Broncos as a true freshman before going down with an injury, and he returned to the top of the depth chart for the Las Vegas Bowl. The running back room is full and led by fellow rising sophomore George Holani, who ran for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Khalil Shakir and C.T. Thomas, who ranked second and third, respectively in every major receiving category for the Broncos last season, should be one of the best receiver duos in the Mountain West.

But the line of scrimmage could be an area of concern. Four starters depart on the offensive line, and the defensive line must be completely rebuilt following the departure of six seniors and junior pass rusher Curtis Weaver, who (like left tackle Ezra Cleveland) declared for the NFL Draft.

32. Nebraska Cornhuskers, 5-7 (3-6)

Despite posting a losing record in 2018, the Nebraska Cornhuskers entered last season ranked in the AP Top 25 and considered a favorite in the Big Ten West. Though the media will likely be afraid to make the same mistake twice, it would be understandable to be tempted by the 2020 Cornhuskers based on the amount of experience returning, and new talent that signed with Scott Frost and his staff in December.

Quarterback Adrian Martinez needs to be better (and stay healthy), and could be challenged by the dynamic Luke McCaffrey this spring. Running back Maurice Washington was dismissed from the program, but Dedrick Mills led the team with 745 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns and Paul Hornung Award finalist Wan’Dale Robinson returns (hopefully full healthy) as one of the most exciting players in the Big Ten. Top receiver J.D. Spielman and the entire offensive line return as well.

31. Pitt Panthers, 8-5 (4-4)

Pitt didn’t let injuries on the defensive line stop it from recording 51 sacks in 2019, which ranked second nationally behind only Ohio State. The Panthers are expected to get Rashad Weaver and Keyshon Camp back and fully healthy in 2020 as well, and combined with All-ACC performers Jaylen Twyman and Patrick Jones II, Pat Narduzzi might have one of the best defensive lines in college football.

The Panthers are also set to return starting quarterback Kenny Pickett, every running back who took a handoff in 2019, four of their top five leaders in receiving yardage. It won’t be easy to replace the 96 catches Maurice Ffrench was responsible for as a senior, but Taysir Mack and Shocky Jacques-Louis are an exciting duo.

30. Florida State Seminoles, 6-7 (4-4)

Should we expect new Florida State head coach Mike Norvell to make better use of a roster that ranked No. 6 in both average 247Sports recruiting rating and the 247Sports Team Talent Composite in 2019 than Willie Taggart did? Probably. The return of receiver Tamorrion Terry and defensive tackle Marvin Wilson certainly helps, and also softened the blow of early NFL Draft entrants running back Cam Akers and defensive back Stanford Samuels III.

The addition of Texas A&M running back Joshua Corbin is a big step toward replacing Akers’ production, and FIU offensive lineman Devontay Taylor is one step toward turning things around on the offensive line. Quarterback is a huge question mark, though James Blackman is experienced and Jordan Travis is a weapon as a runner.

29. Cincinnati Bearcats, 11-3 (7-1)

Cincinnati proved its doubters (present company included) wrong in 2019 by winning 11 games for a second consecutive season despite playing a much more difficult schedule. Head coach Luke Fickell deservedly moved into the top 20 in the country in Head Coach rating. And he’ll have a lot of production returning in 2020.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder shook off injury and late-season ineffectiveness to score four total touchdowns in a 38-6 bowl victory over Power Five opponent Boston College. Ridder already has 25 starts under his belt and will be just a junior next year. He’ll take on more responsibility in 2020 because running back Michael Warren II, an All-AAC performer, jumped to the NFL.

On defense, it will be difficult to replace linebackers Bryan Wright and Perry Young, but both the defensive line and secondary should be among the best in the AAC. And freshman All-American corner Ahmad Gardner is one of the best in the country at his position.

28. Utah Utes, 11-3 (8-1)

In many ways, 2019 was one of the greatest in Utah football history, but the 11-win Utes stumbled to the finish line and were blown out in the last two games of the season. This ranking isn’t a reaction to the 37-15 loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game or the 38-10 loss to an underachieving Texas squad in the Alamo Bowl.

Instead, it has more to do with the nine defensive starters leaving (two having declared early for the NFL Draft), and the four on offense – headlined by quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zach Moss.

Grad transfer Jake Bentley, a three-year starter at South Carolina, will try to keep Utah atop the Pac-12 South, and the Utes have three experienced running back options to choose from. The return of redshirted senior Dylan Covey at receiver will also help, but the losses on defense will make it very difficult.

27. Baylor Bears, 11-3 (8-1)

Baylor had an amazing 2019 season, and the job head coach Matt Rhule did in his tenure with the Bears was been incredible. Rhule, who ranked No. 24 in CFB Winning Edge head coach rating despite an 11-loss season in 2017, opted to take the head coaching job with the Carolina Panthers, leaving Baylor’s coaching situation in flux.

All-American defensive lineman James Lynch also has an NFL decision to make, and junior quarterback Charlie Brewer, who suffered multiple concussions in 2019 and exited the Sugar Bowl with a neck injury, are also question marks. Throw in more than a dozen seniors, and 2020 could be a rebuilding year in Waco.

26. Washington Huskies, 8-5 (4-5)

The Washington offense will look very different in 2020 following the early NFL Draft entry of quarterback Jacob Eason, running back Salvon Ahmed and tight end Hunter Bryant, as well as the graduation of four seniors on the offensive line, and four more in the receiving corps.

Of course, the Huskies have recruited very well.  Richard Newton scored 10 rushing touchdowns while splitting carries with Ahmed, and Jacob Sirmon and Dylan Morris, who are the top two options to replace Eason, were high four-star recruits.

The defense was hit by graduations at all three levels as well. However, the silver lining for recently promoted Jimmy Lake in his first season, is the expected return of All-Pac-12 performers Levi Onwuzurike, Joe Tryon, Ryan Bowman and Elijah Bolden.

25. Iowa Hawkeyes, 10-3 (6-3)

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff have a long history of elevating the Hawkeyes above their talent projections. For example, Iowa ranked No. 54 in Roster Strength and No. 43 in average 247Sports player ratings in 2019, yet finished the season 10-3 with losses of seven, five and two points. A consistent track record of finding hidden gems in recruiting, and developing them so the Hawkeyes regularly beat “more talented” teams is a major reason why Ferentz ranks No. 7 in head coach rating.

Ferentz will have a difficult task in 2020. Veteran starting quarterback Nate Stanley (who made 39 starts for the Hawkeyes) is finally out of eligibility, as are six seniors on defense and multiple contributors on the offensive line. And those numbers don’t include pass rusher A.J. Epenesa or tackle Tristan Wirfs, who despite no public declaration to date, is likely to leave early for the NFL.

But we shouldn’t count Ferentz out. Spencer Petras (or whoever takes over for Stanley) will have weapons to work with on offense, including electric receiver and return man Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who scored as a receiver, rusher and returner in the Holiday Bowl win over “more talented” USC.

24. Memphis Tigers, 12-2 (7-1)

It’s rare for a Group of Five team to start the season in the top 25 of our power ratings, yet 2020 could have two G5 teams. Memphis, the defending AAC champions, finished the 2019 season ranked No. 30 in Roster Strength – also rarified air for non-Power Five teams – and returns a lot of the talent that contributed to that lofty status.

Quarterback Brady White accepted the sixth season of eligibility he’s been awarded, and the 29-game starter brings great stability to the Tigers. White flirted with the idea of turning pro, but playing another season with 1,459-yard rusher Kenneth Gainwell and 1,276-yard receiver Damonte Coxie apparently proved too difficult to turn down. A defense that expects to return eight starters should help as well.

23. North Carolina Tar Heels, 7-6 (4-4)

So, maybe hiring Mack Brown wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Brown was able to flip quarterback Sam Howell from Florida State and helped him become the ACC Freshman of the Year after throwing for 3,641 yards and 38 touchdowns with just seven interceptions in 422 attempts. Howell helped Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome each surpass 1,000 receiving yards and score double-digit touchdowns. Running back Michael Carter surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground with Javonte Williams coming up just short (933). All five players are expected to return in 2020.

If Brown can rebuild his defensive line, and the unit improves its No. 50 finish in yards allowed per play (5.43), North Carolina could emerge as the second-best team in the ACC.

22. Tennessee Vols, 8-5 (5-3)

Tennessee weathered a disastrous start to the 2019 season, finished on a five-game winning streak with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Indiana in the Gator Bowl, and has a great chance to enter 2020 ranked in the Top 25 of the national polls. With a Roster Strength rating ranked No. 12 in the country, and an incoming recruiting class ranked No. 16 by 247Sports, the Vols appear poised to challenge in the SEC East.

Head coach Jeremy Pruitt expects to return a lot of production on defense, but he and offensive coordinator Jim Cheney have work to do to improve the Tennessee passing game. Three quarterbacks started, and though Jarrett Guarantano regained the job late in the season, he was also benched for part of the bowl game. Guarantano has repeatedly said he plans to return for his senior season in Knoxville, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see him pursue transfer opportunities instead.

Just as important, three of the top four pass catchers for the Vols are out of eligibility. Josh Palmer, who caught 34 passes for 457 yards and one touchdown is the returning leader in each category. But the running game should be a strength with the return of Ty Chandler, Eric Gray and Tim Jordan, all of whom carried the ball more than 100 times and gained over 400 yards on the ground last season. The offensive line expects to return all five starters with center Brandon Kennedy winning a sixth season of eligibility, and All-SEC guard Trey Smith choosing to return. The Vols even added to arguably its best unit by picking up Knoxville native and former five-star Cade Mays as a transfer from Georgia.

21. Virginia Tech Hokies, 8-5 (5-3)

Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster retired following the 2019 season, but new play-caller Justin Hamilton inherits a unit expected to return 10 starters. Defensive back Caleb Farley and linebacker Rayshard Ashby both earned All-ACC honors and are expected to be back in 2020.

Believe it or not, Hokies might return even more promise on offense. Quarterback Hendon Hooker, who helped orchestrate a midseason turnaround following a 2-2 start, should be the full-time starter next season after starting as the backup to senior Ryan Willis. And though leading rusher Deshawn McClease and tight end Dalton Keene both jumped to the NFL , Virginia Tech added transfer running backs Khalil Herbert from Kansas and Raheem Blackshear from Rutgers, as well as every other player who caught a pass in 2019. The entire starting offensive line is set to return as well.