Evaluating the Top 10 Groups of FBS Returning Starters in 2017

The team that has not only a lot of returning starters but ultimately better returning starters than any other program is undoubtedly Urban Meyer’s program. The Buckeyes still reached the College Football Playoff in 2016 despite failing to win even their division, and they could be right back in the national conversation thanks to an experienced returning group. That all begins with quarterback J.T. Barrett, who will be joined by seven other familiar faces on the starting offense.

The defense should be at least as good as it was in 2016, when it ranked third nationally in points allowed. Seven starters return from that unit, and though they got smoked 31-0 in their last game of the season against Clemson that shouldn’t be a trend of things to come. After all, this team held four opponents to single digits on the scoreboard last year and should be right in the thick of the Big Ten East and CFP discussions this year thanks to its returning experience.