College football rankings: Updated Way-Too-Early Top 15
For most FBS college football teams, spring training has been completed or will be completed within a few weeks.
However, the transfer portal, which has already registered more than 3,600 FBS players this year, will not stop running. Trainers across the country are trying to fix weaknesses (and unfortunately recruitment errors) over the next few months. Many of the
top teams have already filled the roster shortage through the portal, and the rich may become even richer by the time the 2022 season begins on August 27th.
2022 WayTooEarlyTop 25 is a good time to update. At least so far, the top three teams haven’t changed, but Utah has risen to fourth place. Southern California was another team that had a strong rise, but Iowa had a great dip. Indeed, Pittsburgh, which should have been ranked in the first release in January, will debut in 15th place. Tennessee is another new team, but South Carolina and Wisconsin have been eliminated.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Previous ranking: 1
2021 record: 132 (71 SEC)
Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key departures: OT Evan Neal, DL Phidarian Mathis, LB Christian Harris, WR Jameson Williams, CB Josh Jobe, RB Brian Robinson Jr., WR John Metchie III, WR Agiye Hall
Key additions: CB Eli Ricks, WR Jermaine Burton, OL Tyler Steen, DE Jeremiah Alexander, WR Shazz Preston, RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Spring update: Alabama brings back many players from the team that lost to Georgia 3318 in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, and coach Nick Saban has deftly added a few new faces through the transfer portal. Gibbs, a transfer from Georgia Tech, earned high praise in the spring for his pass-catching out of the backfield and ability to pick up the offense. Burton, who played at Georgia last year, is an experienced addition to a wide receiver corps that lost Williams, Metchie, and Slade Bolden to the NFL draft. Hall, one of the Tide`s top young wideouts, was suspended from the team and entered the transfer portal earlier this month. Steen, who started 10 of 11 games at Vanderbilt in 2021, will get a long look at offensive tackle after starters Neal and Chris Owens departed.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Previous ranking: 2
2021 record: 11-2 (eight-1 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 protection, 1 unique team
Key departures: WR Garrett Wilson, WR Chris Olave, G Thayer Munford, OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, DT Haskell Garrett, DE Tyreke Smith, CB Marcus Williamson
Key additions: S Tanner McCalister, ATH Alex Styles, OLB C.J. Hicks, DE Kenyatta Jackson Jr., OLB Gabe Powers, ATH Kaleb Brown, DT Caden Curry
Spring update: After failing to win a Big Ten name for the primary time in train Ryan Day`s 3 seasons, an awful lot of the eye this spring became at the 4-2-five protection beneath neath new coordinator Jim Knowles. The Buckeyes ranked 9th withinside the Big Ten in scoring protection (22. eight points) and general protection (372.6 yards), and they will massively enhance to get returned to the playoffs. The addition of McCalister, who commenced 23 video games the beyond seasons at Oklahoma State, must assist in Knowles’ “safety-driven” protection. Finding ok replacements for Olave and Wilson additionally became a priority, even though they go back to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who stuck ninety-five passes for 1,606 yards with 9 touchdowns, must make matters easier. Noah Ruggles, one of the pinnacle kickers withinside the FBS, took the spring off, however, he’s predicted to go back this summer, in line with Day.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
Previous ranking: 3
2021 record: 141 (80 SEC)
Returning starters: 7 offense, 4 defense, 1 special team
Key departures: DE Travon Walker, NT Jordan Davis, DT Devonte Wyatt, LB Nakobe Dean, LB Channing Tindall, CB Derion Kendrick, OT Jamaree Salyer, RB James Cook
Key additions: S Tykee Smith, DB Malaki Starks, CB Jaheim Singletary, RB Branson Robinson, OLB Jalon Walker, CB Daylen Everette, QB Gunner Stockton
Spring update: After finally ending a 41year drought without a national championship, Georgia spent the spring rebuilding its historically good defense, which might have at least four players selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Defensive linemen such as Zion Logue, Tyrion IngramDawkins, Chaz Chambliss, Warren Brinson, and Nazir Stackhouse might play dramatically bigger roles in 2022. At least the Bulldogs bring back Dtackle Jalen Carter, who might be even better than the first-rounders who left. There`s plenty of firepower coming back on offense, especially if onetime LSU transfer Arik Gilbert continues to progress after missing all of last season because of personal reasons. All-American tight end Brock Bowers missed the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery, but he should be ready by the start of preseason camp.
4. Utah Utes
Previous ranking: 7
2021 record: 10-4 (8-1 Pac-12)
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 protection, 2 unique teams
Key departures: LB Devin Lloyd, LB Nephi Sewell, DE Mika Tafua, WR Britain Covey, RB TJ Pledger, C Nick Ford, OT Bamidele Olaseni, S Vonte Davis
Key additions: LB Mohamoud Diabate, QB Nathan Johnson, LB Lander Barton, S Elijah Davis, LB Justin Medlock, WR Landon Morris, TE Logan Kendall, DE Gabe Reid
Spring update: If the Utes are going to copy as Pac-12 champions, they`re going to need to rebuild protection that misplaced lots of its pinnacle playmakers, which include All-American linebacker Lloyd. Barton, an early enrollee and more youthful brother of NFL gamers Cody and Jackson Barton, has made pretty an impact on teaching Kyle Whittingham this spring. Diabate, a Florida transfer, could not do a whole lot this spring after having a surgical operation for a torn labrum. After accidents decimated the secondary 12 months ago, the Utes are seeking to construct depth, in particular after Davis and protection Brandon McKinney left.
5. Texas A&M Aggies
Previous placement: 4th
Record 2021: 84 (44 SEC)
Returnees: 6 attacks, 4 defenses, 1 special team
Major departures: OT Kenion Green, DT Demarbin Lille, RB Isaia Spirer, TE Jalen Wydermyer, DL Jalen Wydermyer, DB Leon O’Neill Jr., DE Tyreison, LB Aaron Hansford, DE Michelle Clemmons
Main signatures: QB Max Johnson, QB Conner Weigman, DT Walter Nolen, DT Gabe BrownlowDindy, WR Evan Stewart, DE Lebbeus Overton
Spring Update: Aggie’s aims to end the 83-year drought this season without a national championship. First, Director Zimbo Fisher must decide to start a quarterback. Former LSU starter Johnson is the most experienced and does not make many mistakes. Returning from a broken leg, Haynes King, who may be more dynamic, continues to make suspicious decisions. Wygman was ESPN3002022, the # 1 pocket size. Stewart, ESPN 300’s second wide receiver, looked like Aggie’s first pass-catcher this spring. When it comes to defense, Texas A & M needs to replace the entire front four, but Fisher has signed four of the country’s top seven players to fill these gaps.
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous ranking: 6
2021 record: 11-2
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 1 unique team
Key departures: S Kyle Hamilton, RB Kyren Williams, G Cain Madden, QB Jack Coan, NG Kurt Hinish, DE Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, LB Drew White
Key additions: LB Jaylen Sneed, WR Tobias Merriweather, CB Jaden Mickey, DE Tyson Ford, ILB Niuafe Tuihalamaka, OT Aamil Wagner, S Brandon Joseph, DL Chris Smith
Spring update: It appears as though the whole thing wasn`t rosy among former Irish instructor Brian Kelly and the management earlier than his sudden departure to LSU. New instruct Marcus Freeman, who changed into Kelly’s former protecting coordinator, could make Irish lovers neglect approximately Kelly in a rush if he can win this season. Notre Dame’s offensive line, led with the aid of using tackles Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, has a danger to be one of the qualities withinside the FBS. Bringing again a reputable offensive line to instruct Harry Hiestand will not hurt their chances, either. Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne are locked in a quite proper conflict for the beginning quarterback job, which won’t be determined till past due in preseason camp. New protecting coordinator Al Golden has a few holes to replenish front. Defensive address Aidan Keanaaina tore an ACL withinside the first spring practice. The Irish quickly signed Harvard and switch Smith to help.
7. NC State Wolfpack
Previous placement: 8th
Record 2021: 93 (62 ACC)
Returnees: 8 attacks, 9 defenses, 1 special team
Main departure points: OT Ikem Ekwonu, RB Zonovan Knight, RB Ricky Person Jr., WR Emeka Emezie, DE Daniel Joseph, LB Vi Jones
Major additions: ATH Michael Allen, DT Brandon Cleveland, OLB Torren Wright, G Jacarrius Peak, QB M.J. Morris, P Shane McDonough, WR Darryl Jones
Spring Update: With so many starters back, I didn’t have to worry too much about the wolf herd this spring. However, one of them replaced Ekwonu, the starting player on the left, who could certainly be chosen in the NFL draft. Second grade Anthony Berton got his first chance this spring, followed by Timothy McKay. Jordan Houston, who ran 83 yards in 2021 after the top rusher Knight and Person left, left spring as the number one running back. Quarterback Devin Lee Lee resumed from a break last season, throwing 355 yards with three points in the spring game.
8. Michigan State Spartans
Previous placement: 10 days
Record 2021: 112 (72 Big Ten)
Returnees: 5 attacks, 9 defenses, 1 special team
Major departures: RB Kenneth Walker III, WR Jalen Nailor, C Matt Allen, OT Kevin Jarvis, DE Jacub Panasiuk, DE Drew Beesley, K Matt Coghlin
Main signatures: CB Ameer Speed, RB Jarek Broussard, LB Aaron Brule, DE Khris Bogle, LB Jacoby Windmon, RB Jalen Berger, CB Caleb Coley, DT Alex VanSumeren, TE Daniel Barker, OL Brian Greene
Spring Update: After posting the biggest turnaround in school history, Spartans spent spring reconnaissance to fill Walker’s replacement and major defensive transfers. Burger has already switched from Wisconsin, and Brotherd, who has been rushing 1,556 yards in Colorado for the past two seasons, will sign on in May. Green, a Washington transfer, can probably help guards and centers. The other two transfers, Windmon (UNLV) and Brule (Mississippi State) started as inside linebackers in the spring match. Georgia’s transfer speed was one of the first cornerbacks.
9. Michigan Wolverines
Previous ranking: 5
2021 record: 122 (81 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 8 offense, 4 defense, 2 special teams
Key departures: DE Aidan Hutchinson, OLB David Ojabo, RB Hassan Haskins, LB Josh Ross, SS Brad Hawkins, CB Vincent Gray, S Daxton Hill, C Andrew Vastardis, OT Andrew Stueber, DT Christopher Hinton
Key additions: OT Olu Oluwatimi, CB William Johnson, DE Derrick Moore, OT Tyler Morris, S Keon Sabb, WR Darrius Clemons
Spring update: The Wolverines will have to reload, as well, after losing the heart and soul of the team that won a Big Ten championship and reached a CFP semifinal. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald returned to the Baltimore Ravens, and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis took a job at the University of Miami. New D-coordinator Jesse Minter has many holes to fill. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was impressive this spring, along with fellow tackle Kris Jenkins and edge rusher Jaylen Harrell. The quarterback battle between returning starter Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy didn`t materialize this spring, as McCarthy didn’t throw in practice because of soreness in his shoulder. Olwattimi, a transfer from Virginia, operated as the first center.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Previous ranking: 9
2021 record: 122 (81 Big 12)
Returning starters: 7 offense, 4 defense, 2 special teams
Key departures: RB Jaylen Warren, WR Tay Martin, G Josh Sills, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, LB Devin Harper, S Kolby HarvellPeel, S Tanner McCalister, CB Jarrick BernardConverse
Key additions: RB Ollie Gordon, WR Talyn Shettron, QB Garret Rangel, RB Braylin Presley, OT Tyrone Webber, LB Xavier Benson, RB CJ Brown, OL Jason Brooks, OT Casey Collier
Spring update: Coming off one of the best seasons in school history, the Cowboys have to replace many of their key players on defense. Coordinator Jim Knowles, who transformed the Cowboys into one of the top defensive units in the FBS, left for Ohio State. Coach Mike Gundy hired former Auburn D-coordinator Derek Mason to replace him. Mason inherits a unit that lost leading tacklers Rodriguez and Harper and four starters in the secondary, including BernardConverse, who transferred to LSU. On offense, the Pokes lose top wideout Martin and leading rusher Warren. Gordon, an early registrant, made a strong impression this spring.
11. Clemson Tigers
Previous ranking: 11
2021 record: 103 (62 ACC)
Returning starters: 10 offense, 6 defense, 1 special team
Key departures: LB Baylon Spector, LB James Skalski, CB Andrew Booth Jr., FS Nolan Turner, CB Mario Goodrich, WR Justyn Ross
Key additions: QB Cade Klubnik, CB Jeadyn Lukus, WR Antonio Williams, OT Collin Sadler, WR Adam Randall, CB Toriano Pride, CB Sherrod Covil Jr.
Spring update: Clemson has two new coordinators Brandon Streeter on offense and Wes Goodwin on defense and coach Dabo Swinney hopes the Tigers return to their old ways after slipping with three losses in 2021. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei shed about 25 pounds in the offseason after struggling in his first season as the fulltime starter. Uiagalelei left spring practice atop the depth chart, but he might continue to be pushed by Klubnik, an early enrollee, who looked good over 15 practices. Clemson`s defensive line had its way in the spring game against a thin offensive line. Randall, who was expected to help the wide receiver corps, might miss the season after suffering a torn ACL in his knee during the spring.
12. USC Trojans
Previous ranking: 22
2021 record: 48 (36 Pac12)
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 1 special team
Key departures: WR Drake London, LB Drake Jackson, LB Kana`i Mauga, CB Chris Steele, CB Isaac TaylorStuart, TE Erik Krommenhoek, OT Jalen McKenzie, G Liam Jimmons
Key additions: QB Caleb Williams, RB Travis Dye, WR Mario Williams, WR Brenden Rice, WR Terrell Bynum, OL Bobby Haskins, LB Romello Height, LB Shane Lee, CB Mekhi Blackmon
Spring update: Former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley’s facelift of USC’s roster includes the addition of 13 players through the transfer portal, including former Sooners starting quarterback Caleb Williams and Oregon star tailback Dye. Riley also has vastly upgraded the wide receiver corps by bringing in Mario Williams, Rice, and Bynum. Haskins, who started 20 games at Virginia, might get plugged in at left tackle. USC’s defense seems to need more work, although former Alabama linebacker Lee and exColorado cornerback Blackmon should help. The Trojans won’t play Oregon or Washington during the regular season, and they’ll hit the road for games with Stanford, Utah, and UCLA.
13. Houston Cougars
Previous ranking: 13
2021 record: 122 (80 AAC)
Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 special team
Key departures: G Keenan Murphy, WR Jake Herslow, C Kody Russey, OT Dennis Bardwell, DE David Anenih, LB Deontay Anderson, DB/KR Marcus Jones, DT Logan Hall
Key additions: WR Matthew Golden, QB Lucas Coley, OL Tyler Johnson, RB Brandon Campbell, OL Lance Robinson, WR Joseph Manjack IV, LB Jamal Morris, WR Brice Johnson
Spring update: As the Cougars prepare for what might be their final season in the AAC before potentially moving to the Big 12 in 2023, coach Dana Holgorsen and his staff have been very active in the transfer portal. They recently added Robinson, who started 12 games at Middle Tennessee State last season, and Tyler Johnson, a former ESPN 300 recruit who played sparingly the past three seasons at Texas, to help shore up losses on the offensive line. Coley, an Arkansas transfer, might be Houston`s quarterback of the future. The Cougars were dealt a big blow in the spring when starting tailback Alton McCaskill, who ran for 961 yards with 16 touchdowns in 2021, tore the ACL in his left knee on April 1. He is expected to miss the 2022 season. Tazaun Henry and Southern California transfer Campbell, who rushed 513 yards with 7 points last season, were able to share a carry in his absence.
14. Oklahoma Sooners
Previous placement: 17th
Record 2021: 112 (72 Big 12)
Returnees: 4 attacks, 5 defenses, 1 special team
Major departures: QB Caleb Williams, WR Mario Williams, DE Nick Bonit, LB Brian Asamoah, DE Isaiah Thomas, DL Perion Winfrey, S Delaline Turner Ale, S Pat Fields, WR Jaydon Haselwood, RB Kennedy Brooks, G Marquis Hayes
Main signatures: QB Dillon Gabriel, G. McKade Mettauer, TE Daniel Parker Jr., OL Tyler Guyton, CB Trey Morrison, DL Jonah Laulu, CB C.J. Coldon, RB Gavin Sawchuk, ATH Gentry Williams
Spring Update: The Sooners roster departs for the NFL draft and Riley Was decimated by a player who switched after leaving for the USC. However, the first head coach, Brent Venables, successfully reloaded through the forwarding portal. Gabriel threw more than 8,000 yards at UCF with 70 touchdowns in three seasons. Transfers from Wyoming, Cauldon and Morrison from North Carolina, were a great addition to secondary school. Raul lost eight tackles and four sacks in Hawaii last season. Venables modifies the defense and the attack is enough to outperform most Big 12 teams. Sooners play Kansas State, Baylor, and Oklahoma State at home.
15. Pittsburgh Panthers
Previous ranking: No rank
Record 2021: 113 (71 ACC)
Returnees: 8 attacks, 7 defenses, 1 special team
Major departure points: QB Kenny Picket, LB Phil Campbell III, LB Cam Bright, CB Damary Mathis, DT Key Shon Camp, WR Shocky Jacques Louis, TE Lucas Kururu
Major additions: QB Kedon Slovis, WR Konata Mumpfield, LB Shayne Simon
Spring Update: Pittsburgh’s post-Pittsburgh era, which is a common name for Panthers fans, began with a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator. Frank Sinietti Jr. has returned to his third attack. Pittsburgh should be more balanced than it had passed Mark Whipple in the last three seasons. Throb is, who threw 7,576 yards in 58 touchdowns in 27 games in Southern California, fought Nick Patty and replaced Pickett. The Panthers added Mampfield in 2021 as a freshman at Akron, rushing 751 yards and 8 points. The replacement of two starting linebackers, including Bright, who moved to Washington, was a priority this spring.
