TCU might finally get their chance at Ohio State ... next year. Experts are projecting the Buckeyes as the top-ranked team next season, with the Horned Frogs right behind at No. 2.
ESPN, USA Today, FOX Sports, 247Sports, NFL.com, Land-Grant Holy Land, CBS Sports, and Athlon Sports each released early Top-25 rankings for next season. We've compiled them into one composite ranking, showing who experts project to be contending next season.
Ohio State and TCU are an expected pair at the top, with talented returning rosters and big postseason victories. Alabama and Baylor fill out the top four spots, with playoff teams Oregon and Florida State at No. 5 and No. 6. Cotton Bowl winners Michigan State land at No. 7 despite the loss of defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, while USC, Auburn and Ole Miss are expected big risers. Tennessee and Texas A&M are the first two teams out.
- Ohio State
- TCU
- Alabama
- Baylor
- Oregon
- Florida State
- Michigan State
- USC
- Auburn
- Ole Miss
- Clemson
- Georgia
- LSU
- Arizona State
- Notre Dame
- Arizona
- UCLA
- Boise State
- Georgia Tech
- Missouri
- Wisconsin
- Mississippi State
- Arkansas
- Stanford
- Oklahoma