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College Football Rankings 2022: Projected preseason AP Top 25

By Connor Muldowney

Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl.02 rosebowl
Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl.02 rosebowl /
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Oct 23, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) is congratulated by Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) after scoring a touchdown during the game at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) is congratulated by Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) after scoring a touchdown during the game at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /

Clayton Tune threw for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns last year, leading Houston to a 12-2 season and six starters return to each side of the ball. The defense was the Cougars’ strength last year, but I think the offense catches up a bit this year and Houston contends for the AAC title.

A lot of people are overlooking LSU this year and I think that’s a huge mistake. Brian Kelly has taken over and while he’s a proven head coach, he also inherits a roster that’s not exactly void of talent. Kayshon Boutte might be the best receiver in football and Myles Brennan and Jayden Daniels will undoubtedly upgrade the quarterback position. The defense also won’t be worse than last year. This might end up as one of the most improved teams this year.

Kalani Sitake was nearly stolen by Oregon this offseason, but the Ducks went with Dan Lanning instead. But that just goes to show how good of a coach BYU has. He now brings back Jaren Hall who might be the nation’s most underrated quarterback and a solid supporting cast to a team that finished with 10 wins in 2021.

James Franklin just signed a huge extension and Sean Clifford returned for one final year. Normally, that would have been great news, but a lot of fans just wanted a fresh start. Following a 7-6 season, Penn State is being overlooked, but I think the Nittany Lions will do what they do best and follow up a mediocre year with a great one. This team is built to contend.

Braelon Allen is that dude. The freshman running back turned heads last year and the defense kept the Badgers in games. Graham Mertz was rather underwhelming early on, but if he can take that next step and Wisconsin plays like it did in the second half of 2021, we may be looking at a Big Ten title threat here.

Although the defense may be in full rebuild mode with some key pieces, including Sauce Gardner, gone, the Bearcats should be back at the top of the AAC once again. There’s a reason for that and his name is Luke Fickell. The elite head coach has the departure of Desmond Ridder covered with EMU transfer Ben Bryant and former four-star Evan Prater. Oh, and he added an LSU running back transfer to replace Jerome Ford.

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