College football post-spring Top 25 power rankings: Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State ahead of the pack

Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 10: Iowa State Cyclones

Rarely in college football do you see a team that delivered arguably the best result in program history bring almost everyone back but that’s the gift that Matt Campbell has been given at Iowa State in the 2021 season. Quarterback Brock Purdy returns with his top two pass-catchers, tight end Charlie Kolar and receiver Xavier Hutchinson, and one of the best running backs in the country, Breece Hall.

The 10 starters coming back on offense are matched but the same number on defense and, while the names may not be as high-profile, they may be better. Reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Mike Roe is back at linebacker along with several standouts from last season. Though they may still be trying to catch Oklahoma, the Cyclones have as good a chance as any team in the conference to do so.

Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 9: Cincinnati Bearcats

It might seem like the Cincinnati Bearcats could have a hard time replicating the immense success they enjoyed last season. That even rings more probable given the substantial defensive losses the team suffered in addition to losing tackle James Hudson and wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick as part of the offense.

Yet, head coach Luke Fickell has earned good faith from fans, especially with dynamic quarterback Desmond Ridder back in the fold. Ridder made big strides last season and, though he was still inconsistent, flashed elite levels of play. If new defensive coordinator Mike Tressel can get guys to step up behind Darrian Beavers and Coby Bryant on defense, don’t expect the Bearcats to go anywhere this season.