Another college football season is in the rear-view mirror so, of course, everyone with a pulse has come out with what they call the “way too early” Top 25 predictions for next season.
Why is it way too early?
It’s never too early to think about the next college football season.
Even if there are still decisions to be made for juniors.
Even when there are staffs that will have some changes once signing day comes.
Even if there are injuries and transfers and crazy things still to come before we kick it off again.
There are different ways to look at a Top 25. You can look at schedules. You can look at head coaches. You can look at recruiting. You can look at returning starters.
Or you can look at everything.
That’s what Dr. Football has done and here is the Top 25 for 2016 (subject to change whenever I get an inkling)
1. Alabama.
Nick Saban will have to replace half of his starters. Like it matters. You go ahead and bet against Saban. I’m good.
2. Florida State.
The Semis were young this year and will be loaded in 2016. The biggest issue will be at quarterback.
3. Oklahoma.
Bob Stoops will be back in the CFP for a rematch of the 2000 national title game.
4. Baylor.
There is no way the Bears are going to have to deal with all of the injuries they had this year. This is the year Art Briles makes the College Football Playoff.
5. Tennessee.
The Kardashians will shed their image of being almost really good.
6. Clemson.
As good as the Tigers were this season, I think they will lose in Tallahassee. And expectations will be a burden this season because Deshaun Watson is back.
7. Ohio State.
Even with the mass exodus of juniors, the Buckeyes still have a pretty good head coach.
8. Michigan.
I’m not basing this on the bowl game. I’m basing it on Jim Harbaugh.
9. Iowa.
This past season was not a fluke.
10. Notre Dame.
Another team that fought injuries all season.
11. Houston.
What the Cougars have going on is for real.
12. UCLA.
Two words — Josh Rosen.
13. TCU.
You know the Horned Frogs will be in the playoff hunt.
14. LSU.
Les Miles will have a loaded team and a reprieve.
15. Oregon.
Forget the bowl game. The Ducks would like to.
16. Michigan State.
Only three starters back on offense.
17. Boise State.
Sure. Why not?
18. Stanford.
New quarterback, same Christian McAffrey.
19. Miami.
Mark Richt will bring new life to the Hurricanes.
20. Ole Miss.
Despite losing a lot of juniors, the Rebels will still be strong.
21. USC.
22. Oklahoma State.
23. Florida.
24. Georgia.
25. Duke.
