1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban has created the gold standard for college football in Tuscaloosa and, shockingly enough, that hasn’t changed coming into the 2021 season. Yes, this is a team that must replace a Heisman-winning wide receiver, four additional top-20 picks from the 2021 NFL Draft and a ton of experience on both sides of the ball, but finding talent has never been an issue for Alabama.
Stepping in at quarterback will be former 5-star recruit Bryce Young as he replaces Mac Jones. Young’s upside is immense and he has checked every box throughout the spring and entering the fall to think he can be the next star for the Crimson Tide. Having veteran running back Brian Robinson Jr. and wide receiver John Metchie will help his cause.
The big questions for Alabama will be if the offense under Bill O’Brien can mesh quickly and if the defense can return to form. The Crimson Tide have been better defensively from an analytical perspective than some might think but, with an offense that may need some leeway as they find their footing, the defensive performance is of paramount importance.
All told, though, never doubt the talent or the direction of Alabama under Saban. The Crimson Tide won back-to-back national championships in 2011 and 2012 and they’re looking to repeat that effort again this season as the reigning champs enter the season as the favorites.
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