College Football Top 25(25-16)
It is the time of year for college football rankings. This article is part of a four article series from Total Apex on the top 25. Some commentary on each team will be included, including a forecast of whether a certain team is going to be better than their ranking.
This may be the case with a couple of teams in this tranche. Indiana was last season’s darling, and could be good again. Illinois is right behind them. The Illini have a lot of starters back and a favorable schedule. In this article, we will cover the teams ranked No. 16-25. How would you rank teams in the top 25?
#25 Rank in College Football: Boise State
The key for Boise State will be if they can compensate for the departure of Running Back Ashton Jeanty from college football to the National Football League. However, Quarterback Maddux Madsen is back to lead this team out of the group of five and into the College Football Playoff.
#24 Iowa State
Quarterback Rocco Becht is back to lead the Cyclones. However, Wide Receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel must be replaced. The schedule is favorable with BYU, Arizona State, and Kansas all coming to Ames, Iowa.
#23 SMU
They were one of the surprise teams in the College Football playoff last season, but they have a more difficult schedule this season. Head Coach Rhett Lashlee must also replace quite a few players on defense. However, skilled Quarterback Kevin Jennings is back to lead the offense.
#22 Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have several highly ranked prospects coming in, and if they gel, Texas Tech may be better than a #22 rank. Head Coach Joey McGuire also hired Shiel Wood, away from Houston. So, things are happening for the Red Raiders.
#21 Tennessee
Gone is quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA. That is a big loss for this team. Last season, the Volunteers relied on a strong defense and running back Dylan Sampson. He is gone, and so are several key defenders, so Coach Josh Heupel needs some new faces to emerge.
#20 Oklahoma
Injuries were a problem for the Sooners last season. Head Coach Brent Venables is on the hot seat.
#19 Ole Miss
This is a Southeastern Conference team that will take a step back this season. Things are complicated by the fact that just four starters are back.
#18 Texas A&M
The Aggies are like DeGualle’s Brazil; they have potential, and they always will. The Aggies always have good recruits, but their recruiting strength never materializes into wins. They ended last season with four consecutive losses. That could happen again in the difficult Southeastern Conference.
#17 Illinois
They return sixteen starters and could be very successful this year. They are ranked a bit low here because they are in Illinois. Head Coach Bret Bielema has done an excellent job.
#16 Indiana
After being a surprise team in the CFP last season, they could take a bit of a step back this season. They have a more difficult schedule. Head Coach Curt Cignetti will rely on All-American Defensive End Makail Kamara to lead a strong defense.
Conclusion
It is imperative to know the college football rankings now. With the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness money, athletes are getting paid, and the fortunes of college football teams change rapidly. That said, as we will see, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The big powers are still at the top of the rankings, because they have the most money and attract the most talent.
