College football post-spring Top 25 power rankings: Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State ahead of the pack
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 15: LSU Tigers
LSU was probably the hardest team to place in these rankings as they had two big things holding them back last season: replacing almost the entire roster of starters from the previous year and Bo Pelini failing miserably as defensive coordinator. With the talent in Baton Rouge, if Max Johnson can provide a spark at quarterback, we should see the Tigers back in the top-10 or top-15 mix throughout the year now that their two major issues should be worked out.
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 14: Miami Hurricanes
Quarterback D’Eriq King’s health after tearing his ACL at the end of last year will be in the forefront for Miami as he’s critical to their hopes. Having said that, the Canes still have a strong core on defense in addition to some key newcomers, such as Georgia transfer Tyrique Stevenson. With King looking on track to play sooner rather than later, don’t sleep on Manny Diaz’s team in 2021.
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 13: USC Trojans
Figuring out how to improve their offensive line, especially with Alijah Vera-Tucker now gone, will be key for the Trojans. But quarterback Kedon Slovis should be healthy and ready to lead a strong offensive attack loaded at wide receiver. With the defense not only returning a strong core but also adding top recruit Korey Foreman, USC should be able to compete for the Pac-12 title.
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 12: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
There aren’t any concerns about Notre Dame’s defense coming into 2021, even with Clark Lei leaving for Vandy. The Irish not only have Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa up front but safety Kyle Hamilton is one of the best in the country. How Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan fares in replacing Ian Book will be important but not as important as the need for the offensive line to come together quickly after losing four starters from last season.
Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 11: Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin boasted a top-20 defense last season but, amid an array of COVID and injury issues, the offense never found its footing. Graham Mertz remains a notably talented quarterback in the history of the Badgers and has an array of experienced weapons. Whether Paul Chryst’s team can achieve their ceiling will depend on if the pass-rush can improve and if Jalen Berger can be a consistent option at running back.