College football post-spring Top 25 power rankings: Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State ahead of the pack
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 20: Iowa Hawkeyes
There are things to like with the Hawkeyes in 2020. Spencer Petras played well at the end of 2020 and he has a strong core around him with Tyler Goodson and Tyrone Tracy. But it’s hard to totally be sold on Petras’ ceiling at this point. More importantly, though, Iowa has only one returning starter on the defensive line and, while the back seven returns a lot, the defense thrived most in the trenches.
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 19: Florida Gators
Based on Dan Mullen’s history, there actually shouldn’t be too much concern about Florida transitioning from Kyle Trask to Emory Jones at quarterback. Though unproven as a full-time player, he has the tools for Mullen to utilize. The big question the Gators must answer is if the defense can be better enough to handle any type of drop-off from the offense. There’s talent, such as Kaiir Elam, but the unit was a disaster in 2020 and must be much improved.
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 18: Liberty Flames
Yes, Liberty’s schedule last season left a lot to be desired but the Flames are still in a position to make a bid for the top non-Power 5 team in the country in 2021. That starts with quarterback Malik Willis, who’s aiming to take another big step forward after a dominant 2020 campaign. With a deeper and experienced offense and some strong newcomers on defense, Hugh Freeze should keep making noise (and auditioning for a return to the big names in college football).
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 17: Indiana Hoosiers
Few people saw the historic season for the Hoosiers coming last season but there’s reason to believe they could be noise-makers in the Big Ten once again. Michael Penix Jr. coming back healthy to the offense, along with the return of Ty Fryfogle, should keep the points rolling. If the defense can continue to perform at a dominant level, particularly with creating turnovers, under new direction, expect Indiana to be trouble for every conference opponent.
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 16: Texas Longhorns
Texas could have a dominant front seven on defense, headlined by Keondre Coburn. Moreover, running back Bijan Robinson is ready to become a household name and the talent on offense remains at a high level. The big questions for the Longhorns are whether or not Casey Thompson or Hudson Card can replace or improve from Sam Ehlinger and if Steve Sarkisian is able to capitalize on the talent in Austin.