College football rankings: Preseason top 25 – Clemson at No. 1, SEC owns half of top 10

1. Clemson Tigers take the top spot in the FanSided preseason Top 25

As if it could be anyone other than the Clemson Tigers occupying the No. 1 spot in the preseason college football rankings.

Since Trevor Lawrence became the starting quarterback under Dabo Swinney after four games in the 2018 season, the Tigers have lost exactly one game. Yes, that one defeat stings as it came in the National Championship Game to end last year but the fact remains that Clemson has earned the respect of a title favorite as long as the long-haired phenom is taking snaps.

The merits of Lawrence aren’t in question but, in a shortened season, the quarterback can’t come stumbling out of the gate last season. And while stud running back Travis Etienne is back, the Tigers do have some questions in the passing game with Tee Higgins leaving for the NFL and losing Justyn Ross to injury. They’ll need guys such as Frank Ladson to step up in major ways.

On defense, perhaps the biggest weapon is coordinator Brent Venables. But even outside of the coaching staff, the team is still loaded with talent, despite departures including Isaiah Simmons and A.J. Terrell. The big hope is that Xavier Thomas can realize his potential and the defensive line can be a game-changer with their dominance.

Regardless, the continuity and quality of Clemson was always going to have them as favorites to win their second title in three years. And with the hardships of this offseason, that only appears more likely.

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