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

Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 8: Texas A&M Aggies

Because Jimbo Fisher’s Aggies are losing Kellen Mond, many might think that Texas A&M is going to fall off after finishing just outside the top four last season. The opposite might actually be true. Mond, at times, hamstrung the offense. If the Aggies can get young Haynes King or Zach Calzada to step up, they have weapons capable of making huge plays with Isaiah Spiller, Ainias Smith and Devon Achane all back in the fold.

However, the defense is going to be the unit that buoys the Aggies throughout the season. They return nine starters on that side of the ball, including likely first-round pick DeMarvin Leal on the interior defensive line. This could be one of the stingiest units in college football and, if the offense can find a new identity with Mond gone, Texas A&M could be a CFP threat.

Post-spring College Football Rankings No. 7: North Carolina Tar Heels

Losing the dynamic running back duo of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter along with wide receiver Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome certainly won’t help the Tar Heels but they are in prime position to challenge Clemson atop the ACC, largely thanks to quarterback Sam Howell, returning for his third season at the helm of the offense. North Carolina has an experienced offensive line and weapons like transfer Ty Chandler along with Josh Downs ready to break out.

While the offense likely becomes more predicated on Howell’s arm, potentially making them more explosive, Mack Brown is looking for a defense that brings back 10 starters from last year to take a big leap forward. Not only do they have experience but a shining group of freshmen appear primed to have an instant impact in Chapel Hill.