College football rankings: Clemson, Ohio State, Alabama top spring Top 25

5. Oregon Ducks

Seeing as Oregon must replace Justin Herbert at quarterback and Tyler Shough is the unproven leading candidate, this might seem like overselling the Ducks. Having said that, Penei Sewell is the best offensive lineman in the country and should anchor that group to pave the way for a big-time playmaker in C.J. Verdell to lead the offense. And with Kayvon Thibodeaux spearheading the defense, Oregon should be a real force if they can find steady production under center.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

Many of the headlines regarding Georgia coming into the 2020 season focus on incoming transfer quarterback Jamie Newman and rightfully so. His big arm and dual-threat ability could, in theory, open up an offense that has some playmakers in waiting with wideout George Pickens and running back Zamir White. But the Bulldogs will make their money on defense as they’ll field one of the most talented and experienced groups in college football.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

There shouldn’t be much of a drop-off in Tuscaloosa, despite the departures of Tua Tagovaioa, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Jedrick Wills Jr. on offense. Mac Jones or 5-star freshman Bryce Young should be able to helm the offense, a group that’s still loaded on all levels with Najee Harris and Devonta Smith headlining. And with Dylan Moses returning to a star-studded defense, the Crimson Tide should be in the National Championship mix once again.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State has some big holes to fill on both sides of the ball after losing two top-five picks on defense as well as running back J.K. Dobbins. Quarterback Justin Fields, however, is a Heisman favorite for good reason and Master Teague seems more than capable of taking over where Dobbins left off. He’ll have help from Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon to carry the load in the backfield. With cornerback Shaun Wade leading the defense, it’d be a severe disappointment if the Buckeyes didn’t make it back to the College Football Playoff in Ryan Day’s second season.

1. Clemson Tigers

Trevor Lawrence has led Tigers to the National Championship Game in each of his two seasons at Clemson. Dabo Swinney‘s team got a huge boost with running back Travis Etienne electing to return to school, meaning the offense should be absolutely lethal once again. And now the hope is that Xavier Thomas and the defense can restore the defense to elite heights. In any regard, Clemson is the team that everyone else in the country will be chasing.

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