Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football Rankings: Post-spring 2017 Top 25

By Connor Muldowney

Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Hootie Jones (6) as he scores during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Hootie Jones (6) as he scores during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Apr 8, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) prior to the snap during the first half of the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) prior to the snap during the first half of the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

What’s a preseason Top 25 these days without Ohio State in the top five range? The Buckeyes have become a staple of the top five since Urban Meyer took over and 2017 will be no exception. Ohio State will once again be in the playoff conversation, especially with a reloading defense, more receiver weapons, a veteran returning quarterback and second-year star Mike Weber in the backfield.

Coming off a national title, the Clemson Tigers look to get back to that No. 1 overall spot, but after spring ball, they look like the second-best team in their own conference. Deshaun Watson, Mike Williams, Carlos Watkins and Cordrea Tankersley are all gone, but the defense might just be better than it was in 2016. Kelly Bryant might be more than capable of replacing Watson as well. This team is just as talented moving forward.

Cam Akers opened some eyes during Florida State’s spring game and the early enrollee running back will have no issue teaming up with Jacques Patrick to carry the load in place of departing Dalvin Cook. Deondre Francois impressed as a freshman in 2016, but he will be even better under center in 2017. Florida State is bringing in a ton of talent, the sixth-best recruiting class, and returning plenty, too. Derwin James should be gearing up for a monster year at safety.

Like Penn State, USC had a lackluster start to its 2016 season before catching fire and burning a path all the way to the Rose Bowl. Sam Darnold broke out as a freshman quarterback and filled a major need for the Trojans. He is considered the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft next spring. Clay Helton also brings in the fourth-best recruiting class in the country. This team will be stacked in 2017.

Related Story: Way-too-early 2018 NFL Mock Draft

Honestly, it’s nearly impossible to pick against Alabama for as long as Nick Saban is in charge in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide may have fallen short in 2016, but they will be back in 2017 better than ever. Jalen Hurts returns at quarterback, the defense will be stout once again, the Tide bring in the top recruiting class (again) and Bo Scarbrough might be the best running back in the SEC. This team will be scary in 2017.

Home/College Football News