If you hear both LSU and USC being referred to as "preseason No. 1" this year, just know that both are correct. According to the numbers below, Alabama can also claim a preseason national title. It's among the murkiest Top 25 pictures in recent memory, with teams as far down as Michigan and Oklahoma earning No. 1 votes in major polls.
Confusion and discord! Time for a look at the wisdom of a crowd of crowds. Included in the composite Top 25 below are the Coaches' and AP polls, Football Outsiders' projected F/+ rankings, the SI.com Top 25*, and our own SB Nation Studios Top 25 Countdown. Yet to be included: the final preseason BlogPoll, which will go up next week.
As you can see, USC, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Oklahoma State and Florida are among the most controversial teams, while everyone pretty much agrees on where to slot Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida State, Virginia Tech and Boise State. Your thoughts?
* Some consensus top 25 teams weren't included in SI's, which only went to 25. I added a No. 26 ranking in that column for teams that would've otherwise finished with averages better than 25. This dinged their overall scores somewhat, in order to reflect their omission from SI.
While we’re here, let’s watch some of the many fine college football videos from SB Nation’s YouTube channel:
