Alabama
Mandel’s post-spring Too Early Top 25
With spring follow and the spring switch portal window behind us, it’s time to reevaluate my preseason Prime 25 for the primary time since Jan. 10.
On many latest events, the highest of those rankings started with both Alabama No. 1 and Ohio State No. 2, or vice versa. This yr, I’ve extra questions than traditional about each.
Conversely, I didn’t go into this anticipating to rank LSU behind solely Georgia, however Brian Kelly’s group doesn’t seem to have many (any?) query marks.
Lots of you’ll undoubtedly mock me shifting Texas squarely into the rankings, but when something, I could have the ‘Horns too low. I’m making an attempt to mood my enthusiasm.
Lastly, there’s just one Group of 5 consultant. That’s partly as a result of a number of of the highest packages (Cincinnati, UCF, Houston) at the moment are within the Large 12, but additionally, a whole lot of the most effective G5 gamers are getting picked off by P5 packages.
1. Georgia (earlier: 1)
Carson Beck got here out of spring because the clear favourite to succeed Stetson Bennett at quarterback. He and the offense, which brings again star tight finish Brock Bowers plus receiver Ladd McConkey and added ex-Missouri WR Dominic Lovett (56 catches for 846 yards in 2022), regarded deadly within the spring recreation. The protection loses stars like Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo however might be extra skilled as an entire, led by security Javon Bullard and linebackers Jamon-Dumas Johnson and Smael Mondon. Former five-star linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. is poised to interrupt out.
2. LSU (earlier: 4)
Merely put, LSU is loaded. QB Jayden Daniels is a Heisman contender, with weapons galore in WRs Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy and TE Mason Taylor. 5 starters are again on the O-line, led by freshman All-American sort out Will Campbell. The Tigers’ entrance seven is stacked, because of defensive tackles Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo, star linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. and former All-Pac-12 linebacker Omar Speights (Oregon State) and ex-Texas edge rusher Ovie Oghoufo (Texas). Ex-Syracuse CB Duce Chestnut is a possible starter.
3. Michigan (earlier: 2)
The 2-time Large Ten champs carry again QB J.J. McCarthy and star RBs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. WRs Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson are positive issues, and former walk-on Peyton O’Leary shined within the spring recreation. The O-line is in flux however ought to get a carry from transfers LaDarius Henderson (Arizona State) and Drake Nugent (Stanford). An skilled protection, led by linebackers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett and security Mike Sainristil, seems to bounce again from a poor CFP semifinal displaying in opposition to TCU.
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4. USC (earlier: 6)
Lincoln Riley loaded up within the portal once more. Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, receivers Mario Williams and Brenden Rice and working again Austin Jones welcome Arizona receiver Dorian Singer — who had 1,105 receiving yards final season — and South Carolina RB MarShawn Lloyd. Jarrett Kingston (Washington State), Michael Tarquin (Florida) and Emmanuel Pregnon (Wyoming) are possible O-line starters. Oklahoma State LB Mason Cobb and D-linemen Anthony Lucas (Texas A&M), Jack Sullivan (Purdue) and Kyon Barrs (Arizona) ought to assist improve a woeful D.
The Buckeyes’ backfield (TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams, Dallan Hayden) and receivers (Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, freshman Carnell Tate) are ridiculous. Kyle McCord is the possible QB1. Offensive sort out is a priority; Ryan Day added San Diego State switch Josh Simmons final week. Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are keys to what might be a dominant D-line, and DC Jim Knowles’ unit will profit from veterans like LB Tommy Eichenberg, CB Denzel Burke and S Lathan Ransom.
6. Alabama (earlier: 5)
Nick Saban bringing in ex-Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner (55.4 % completion price, three TDs, 5 interceptions final season) raises uncommon considerations in regards to the Tide, which might even have questions at receiver. Operating again Jase McClellan returns, and early enrollee Justice Haynes drew raves from Saban. The O-line ought to be robust. Regardless of shedding star Will Anderson Jr., the protection continues to be stuffed with confirmed standouts like OLB Dallas Turner, security Malachi Moore and CB Kool-Help McKinstry. Georgia switch LB Trezmen Marshall emerged as a possible starter.
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Washington gained 11 video games in Kalen DeBoer’s first season, and star QB Michael Penix Jr. is again, together with prime WRs Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk. Fifth-year RB Cam Davis had a robust spring. The O-line misplaced three starters, however their replacements are all fifth- and sixth-year guys. The Huskies’ just lately underperforming protection has first-round expertise in edge rushers Zion Tupuola-Fetui and Bralen Trice. Ex-Oklahoma State CB Jabbar Muhammad nailed down a beginning job this spring.
Penn State already boasted the RB tandem of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen (mixed 1,928 yards as true freshmen) earlier than including Minnesota switch Trey Potts (1,200 profession yards). With a deep O-line led by embellished sort out Olu Fashanu, new quarterback Drew Allar ought to be nicely protected. Incoming Kent State switch Dante Cephas ought to improve the receiving corps. Standout LB Abdul Carter would be the new face of what ought to be one other stingy protection, although defensive sort out stays a modest concern.
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Mike Norvell has assembled FSU’s most gifted roster in years, led on offense by dynamic QB Jordan Travis, RB Trey Benson and WR Johnny Wilson. Switch tight ends Jaheim Bell (South Carolina) and Kyle Morlock (Division II) and offensive sort out Jeremiah Byers (UTEP) had spectacular springs. Preseason All-America DE Jared Verse, DT Fabian Lovett, LB Kalen DeLoach and S Akeem Dent return from final yr’s top-15 protection. Coveted switch DT Braden Fiske (Western Michigan) ought to have a big effect.
10. Tennessee (earlier: 13)
Orange Bowl MVP Joe Milton seems able to run Josh Heupel’s offense, however keep watch over five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava. The Vols have weapons in RBs Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small and WRs Bru McCoy and Squirrel White. There are questions up entrance, although former Miami beginning sort out John Campbell was good add. Linebacker Aaron Beasley leads a protection that should minimize down on large performs. BYU switch LB Keenan Pili brings a ton of expertise. Freshman Arion Carter might be a fast contributor.
11. Notre Dame (earlier: 11)
Wake Forest switch quarterback Sam Hartman was as marketed in ND’s spring recreation. Whereas prime RB Logan Diggs transferred, the Irish nonetheless have Audric Estimé and touted redshirt freshman Jadarian Worth. Joe Alt and Blake Fisher could also be the most effective offensive sort out tandem within the nation. The protection returns quite a few key gamers like LBs JD Bertrand, Marist Liufau and Jack Kiser and cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Cam Hart. As of now, the D-line lacks a giant title like Isaiah Foskey however runs eight deep. Safeties are a priority.
12. Utah (earlier: 12)
The massive concern is whether or not veteran quarterback Cam Rising might be prepared by the beginning of the season after tearing his ACL within the Rose Bowl. Key targets TE Brant Kuithe and WR Devaughn Vele return, as do RBs Ja’Quinden Jackson and Micah Bernard. The protection will miss lockdown CB Clark Phillips III, but it surely ought to stay robust with All-Pac-12 honorees DT Junior Tafuna, LBs Karene Reid and Lander Barton, and final yr’s main tackler, security Cole Bishop. Ole Miss switch CB Miles Battle is a possible starter.
The story of Oregon State’s spring figured to be Clemson switch QB DJ Uiagalelei, however dazzling early enrollee Aidan Chiles could push him for the beginning job. The Beavers ought to subject a strong speeding assault with Damien Martinez (982 yards as a freshman) and Deshaun Fenwick enjoying behind 4 returning O-linemen, led by All-Pac-12 honorees Joshua Grey and Taliese Fuaga. The Beavers’ D-line, led by Isaac Hodgins and James Rawls, was dominant within the spring recreation. Cornerback is a query mark.
Final yr’s Large 12 champs misplaced superstars RB Deuce Vaughn and DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, however there’s much more coming again — together with QB Will Howard and your complete beginning offensive line. Florida State switch RB Treshaun Ward is a pleasant choice to go together with DJ Giddens. Iowa switch WR Keagan Johnson ought to play a giant function. Tremendous senior LB Daniel Inexperienced leads a protection stuffed with fourth- and fifth-year gamers like DE Khalid Duke, LB Austin Moore and security Kobe Savage. The corners might be younger.
15. Oregon (earlier: 13)
New offensive coordinator Will Stein inherits star QB Bo Nix, a fifth-year profession starter, and weapons like RB Bucky Irving and WRs Troy Franklin and Kris Hutson. Troy switch WR Tez Johnson flashed spectacular velocity within the spring recreation. Oregon’s large concern is an offensive line that misplaced 4 skilled starters. The Geese’ defensive entrance ought to be higher; they added South Carolina switch Jordan Burch to go together with LBs Mase Funa and Jeffrey Bassa. Dan Lanning added a number of transfers to shore up a depleted secondary.
16. Clemson (earlier: 15)
Dabo Swinney’s program stays at or close to the highest of the ACC, however he’s not stockpiling offensive expertise like he used to. New OC Garrett Riley from TCU does inherit quarterback Cade Klubnik and RBs Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, however the Tigers’ receivers had been underwhelming within the spring recreation. The Tigers ought to subject one other stingy protection, although, led by All-Individuals DT Tyler Davis and LB Jeremiah Trotter and standout S Andrew Mukuba. 5-star freshman DT Peter Woods stole the present all through spring.
17. TCU (earlier: 10)
The nationwide runners-up had eight gamers drafted final weekend, together with their greatest offensive playmakers, however Sonny Dykes did nicely within the portal. QB Chandler Morris, final yr’s Week 1 starter, is a succesful successor to Max Duggan. Ex-Oklahoma State WR John Paul Richardson and ex-Alabama RB Trey Sanders shined within the spring recreation. The protection misplaced a number of stars however brings again LB Johnny Hodges, security Mark Perry and DB Bud Clark. The Frogs may even be relying on Florida switch CB Avery Helm.
18. Wisconsin (earlier: 19)
SMU quarterback switch Tanner Mordecai regarded the half in new offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s Air Raid scheme till he threw 4 interceptions within the Badgers’ open scrimmage. Longo will lean on RBs Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi. Transfers C.J. Williams (USC) and Will Pauling (Cincinnati) be a part of Chimere Dike at receiver. The protection could begin six fifth- or sixth-year seniors, led by standout linebacker Maema Njongmeta. Spectacular sophomore Ricardo Hallman and Boston School switch Alexander Smith each shined at cornerback.
19. Texas (earlier: NR)
After an inconsistent debut season, star quarterback Quinn Ewers regarded notably sharper this spring. He’s bought a plethora of targets in Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, Georgia switch AD Mitchell and tight finish Ja’Tavion Sanders. Operating backs Jaydon Blue and Savion Pink stood out within the spring recreation, and your complete O-line is again. Texas’ protection, led by linebacker Jaylan Ford, improved from 102nd to 18th in yards per play final season however lacked move rushers. DE Ethan Burke emerged in spring, and Texas has since added Minnesota defensive sort out Trill Carter.
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20. Ole Miss (earlier: 22)
Ole Miss added quarterbacks Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and Walker Howard (LSU), however incumbent Jaxson Dart exited spring because the chief. Star working again Quinshon Judkins is the offense’s point of interest, and 4 O-line starters are again. Memphis switch tight finish Caden Prieskorn (602 yards final season) seems like a giant add. New defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s unit struggled within the spring recreation. He’ll lean on D-linemen Cedric Johnson and Jared Ivey and linebacker Ashanti Cistrunk. Georgia Tech switch nook Zamari Walton is a possible starter.
21. Iowa (earlier: 18)
Brian Ferentz’s quest for 25 factors per recreation might be a season-long storyline. Michigan switch quarterback Cade McNamara is a transparent improve, and sophomore working again Kaleb Johnson is a star within the making. Luke Lachey and ex-Wolverine Erick All ought to keep on the Tight Finish U model. However the O-line and WRs stay query marks. Iowa’s latest defensive dominance ought to proceed, led by standout cornerback Cooper DeJean and defensive linemen Deontae Craig, Logan Lee and Joe Evans. Most significantly, All-American punter Tory Taylor is again.
22. North Carolina (earlier: 20)
Preseason All-American quarterback Drake Maye, enjoying for brand new OC Chip Lindsey, discovered favourite targets this spring in Kent State switch Tez Walker and Georgia Tech switch Nate McCollum. Operating again British Brooks, who was injured final yr, joins Omarion Hampton and Elijah Inexperienced in a crowded backfield. The O-line is usually set. However the Heels want to enhance their protection, which ranked one hundred and fifteenth in yards per play a yr in the past. Ex-Florida State linebacker Amari Gainer ought to enhance the move rush, and linebacker Tomon Fox, who led UNC in sacks in 2021, is again after lacking 2022.
The Pink Raiders have two succesful quarterbacks in Tyler Shough and Behren Morton and a deep receiving corps led by Freshman All-American Jerand Bradley. Operating again Tahj Brooks regarded good within the spring recreation. The O-line is present process a number of place adjustments. Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter’s unit should exchange top-10 choose Tyree Wilson and main tackler Krishon Merriweather, however San Diego State switch CJ Baskerville emerged as a key playmaker this spring. DE Myles Cole and others might be counted on to step up within the move rush.
24. Tulane (earlier: 24)
Fourth-year beginning QB Michael Pratt leads the reigning Cotton Bowl champs. Redshirt freshman Chris Brazell and Texas A&M switch Yulkeith Brown give him new choices at receiver. Departed star working again Tyjae Spears might be arduous to exchange, however early enrollee Arnold Barnes shined within the spring recreation. LSU switch OT Cam Wire joins an skilled O-line. Cornerback Jarius Monroe picked off Caleb Williams within the Inexperienced Wave’s bowl win. Darius Swanson, a switch from D-II Nebraska-Kearney, helped fill a necessity at security.
25. UCLA (earlier: NR)
5-star early-enrollee quarterback Dante Moore exited spring in shut pursuit of veteran Ethan Garbers. Kam Brown, Logan Loya and Cal switch J.Michael Sturdivant are all succesful receivers. Sophomore working again TJ Harden had an excellent spring, however Ball State switch Carson Steele, who ran for 1,556 yards final season, might be a game-changer. DE Laiatu Latu (10.5 sacks) emerged as a pressure final season, and Chip Kelly has been making an attempt to usher in larger our bodies like 6-3, 240-pound Cal switch LB Oluwafemi Oladejo (91 tackles).
Simply missed: UTSA, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Maryland, Louisville.
(Illustration: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic; Images: Jordon Kelly, Brian Rothmuller, Roy Okay. Miller / Getty)