The article - College football's future top 25 power rankings: Who has the most overall talent?
tldr; apparently 9 < 6
Posting the top 5 for your enjoyement. I'm just still scratching my head at how Alabama tops this list with how the scores were presented...
Future offense ranking: 2
Future defense ranking: 3
Scouting the Crimson Tide: After a perfect season, a national title and the most decorated recruiting class ever, Alabama tops these rankings. The Tide have made the necessary pivot on offense and have won titles with different quarterbacks and coordinators. Bryce Young could very well be the next elite-level signal-caller in Tuscaloosa, and will work with a proven playcaller in Bill O'Brien beginning this fall. The constant is coach Nick Saban, who turns 70 on Halloween but shows no desire to do anything but win championships. A stable of backs featuring several top recruits should help offset Najee Harris' departure, and while Alabama will experience some type of drop-off at receiver, John Metchie III and others should spark what has become a signature position group. Landing Doug Marrone as offensive line coach might be the ultimate Saban flex hire. Marrone inherits a group featuring star sophomore tackle Evan Neal and plenty of talented young players.
The defense ranking came out before Alabama added standout linebacker transfer Henry To'o To'o, who only has sophomore eligibility. He joins a front seven already featuring Will Anderson, Christian Harris and DJ Dale. Although the Tide are looking for more true difference-makers along their line, they boast more than enough talent to complement what should be a top-3 offense every season through 2023.
Bryce Young is the latest in a long line of Crimson Tide quarterbacks with high expectations. Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports
Future offense ranking: 3
Future defense ranking: 1
Scouting the Tigers: Clemson is the clear choice to follow Alabama. The Tigers actually outperformed the Tide on the unit lists, but there's a bit of concern after two blowout CFP losses and the departure of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Still, Clemson is positioned very well with its roster and recruiting, and ACC titles and CFP appearances are the standard under coach Dabo Swinney. Unlike Saban, Swinney has been able to retain his coordinators. Will Tony Elliott (offense) and Brent Venables (defense) still be #ALLIN in 2023? Hard to imagine, but I thought they'd be long gone by now, too. Venables should have one of his best defenses in 2021, as Tyler Davis, Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee lead a ferocious front, and veteran linebackers James Skalski and Baylon Spector fortifying the middle. The Tigers bring back plenty of starting experience in the secondary, too. Clemson's defensive recruiting operation rivals Georgia's as the nation's best. The defense adds three top-100 national recruits in Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Payton Page and Cade Denhoff.
Venables' defense will propel Clemson in 2021, but the offense could be very potent, too. D.J. Uiagalelei looked very impressive in relief of Lawrence, and will play at least two more seasons. Wide receiver Justyn Ross is back from a spinal injury to lead a typically strong receiving corps, and Clemson boasts depth at running back (Lyn-J Dixon, incoming freshman Will Shipley) despite Travis Etienne's departure. The offensive line is worth watching, as opposing coaches aren't blown away by Clemson's group. But a 2021 class that includes four ESPN 300 line recruits will help for the future.
Future offense ranking: 4
Future defense ranking: 5
Scouting the Buckeyes: Anything less than a national title before 2024 should leave Ohio State fans extremely disappointed. Despite the result Jan. 11 against Alabama, the Buckeyes are ready to take the next step under Ryan Day. The third-year coach has made quarterback a premier position in the program. Ohio State will miss Justin Fields but has some intriguing options beginning this fall, when C.J. Stroud seems likeliest to take over. The Buckeyes also have a commitment from quarterback Quinn Ewers, ESPN's top-ranked player in the 2022 class. Wide receiver talent continues to flow through Columbus, as Ohio State landed top receiver recruits Emeka Egbuka and Jayden Ballard to complement veterans such as Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. There's no shortage of options at positions such as tight end and running back, as top-10 recruit TreVeyon Henderson enters the mix. Offensive line is another reliable group, especially with Thayer Munford back for another year.
The concern with Ohio State is a defense that recorded historic lows in two of the past three seasons, despite a very strong talent base. Ohio State needs to recapture its 2019 form and stay there. Adding the nation's No. 1 overall recruit in end Jack Sawyer will help, and the Buckeyes boast veterans up front and in the secondary, such as tackle Haskell Garrett, end Tyreke Smith and cornerback Sevyn Banks. But Day needs more star power and consistency from the defense beginning this fall, or to consider changes. The stakes are too high for Ohio State's defense to be average or worse.
Future offense ranking: 1
Future defense ranking: 19
Scouting the Sooners: Although Oklahoma's streak of CFP appearances ended in 2020, the program moved closer to winning a national title. How? The Sooners' defense began taking significant steps. The championship formula in the CFP era mandates top-level quarterback play and offensive production but also a defense that ranks top-15 or top-20 in most major categories. Oklahoma's defense is getting closer and boasts plenty of potential playmakers in the front seven, such as linebackers Nik Bonitto and Brian Asamoah, and linemen Perrion Winfrey, Isaiah Thomas and Jalen Redmond. The Sooners' improved recruiting and transfer portal additions also bolster the outlook on defense. Tennessee transfer Key Lawrence could immediately help a secondary led by an experienced safety tandem in Pat Fields and Delarrin Turner-Yell.
OU's offense and quarterback play will project extremely well as long as coach Lincoln Riley is in town. Second-year starting quarterback Spencer Rattler enters 2021 as a top Heisman Trophy candidate. Rattler could play multiple years, and Caleb Williams, ESPN's top-rated dual-threat quarterback in the 2021 class, figures to be next in line. The Sooners are deep at wide receiver (Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, Austin Stogner) and running back (Kennedy Brooks, Tennessee transfer Eric Gray). Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh always has his group in good shape. The group returns emerging sophomore tackle Anton Harrison and adds tackle Wanya Morris, a transfer from Tennessee.
Future offense ranking: 5
Future defense ranking: 2
Scouting the Bulldogs: There are no more excuses in Athens. Georgia has the roster, both now and in the immediate future, to return to the CFP. If the Bulldogs' four-decade national-title drought doesn't end in the next three years, their fans should be massively disappointed. They finally made a necessary shift on offense behind play-caller Todd Monken and quarterback J.T. Daniels, who both return in 2021. Although George Pickens' ACL injury is a significant blow, Georgia has enough at wide receiver (Kearis Jackson, Jermaine Burton) and especially tight end (Darnell Washington, LSU transfer Arik Gilbert, John FitzPatrick, Brock Bowers) to provide a big-play passing attack in 2021 and beyond. The Bulldogs' traditional strengths of running back and offensive line should remain on track. Backs Zamir White and James Cook, and linemen Jamaree Salyer and Justin Shaffer, all boast tremendous experience, and the recruiting behind them remains strong.
Georgia's operation on defense remains the envy of much of college football. The defense loses a lot from 2020 but adds transfers Tykee Smith (West Virginia) and Derion Kendrick (Clemson) in the secondary, as well as nine ESPN 300 defenders -- headlined by top-25 national prospects Smael Mondon and Xavian Sorey. If former top-10 recruits Nolan Smith and Kelee Ringo blossom this fall alongside others, Georgia should answer key short-term questions and then let its recruiting success take over in 2022 and 2023.
tldr; apparently 9 < 6
Posting the top 5 for your enjoyement. I'm just still scratching my head at how Alabama tops this list with how the scores were presented...
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Future QB ranking: 4Future offense ranking: 2
Future defense ranking: 3
Scouting the Crimson Tide: After a perfect season, a national title and the most decorated recruiting class ever, Alabama tops these rankings. The Tide have made the necessary pivot on offense and have won titles with different quarterbacks and coordinators. Bryce Young could very well be the next elite-level signal-caller in Tuscaloosa, and will work with a proven playcaller in Bill O'Brien beginning this fall. The constant is coach Nick Saban, who turns 70 on Halloween but shows no desire to do anything but win championships. A stable of backs featuring several top recruits should help offset Najee Harris' departure, and while Alabama will experience some type of drop-off at receiver, John Metchie III and others should spark what has become a signature position group. Landing Doug Marrone as offensive line coach might be the ultimate Saban flex hire. Marrone inherits a group featuring star sophomore tackle Evan Neal and plenty of talented young players.
The defense ranking came out before Alabama added standout linebacker transfer Henry To'o To'o, who only has sophomore eligibility. He joins a front seven already featuring Will Anderson, Christian Harris and DJ Dale. Although the Tide are looking for more true difference-makers along their line, they boast more than enough talent to complement what should be a top-3 offense every season through 2023.
Bryce Young is the latest in a long line of Crimson Tide quarterbacks with high expectations. Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports
2. Clemson Tigers
Future QB ranking: 2Future offense ranking: 3
Future defense ranking: 1
Scouting the Tigers: Clemson is the clear choice to follow Alabama. The Tigers actually outperformed the Tide on the unit lists, but there's a bit of concern after two blowout CFP losses and the departure of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Still, Clemson is positioned very well with its roster and recruiting, and ACC titles and CFP appearances are the standard under coach Dabo Swinney. Unlike Saban, Swinney has been able to retain his coordinators. Will Tony Elliott (offense) and Brent Venables (defense) still be #ALLIN in 2023? Hard to imagine, but I thought they'd be long gone by now, too. Venables should have one of his best defenses in 2021, as Tyler Davis, Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee lead a ferocious front, and veteran linebackers James Skalski and Baylon Spector fortifying the middle. The Tigers bring back plenty of starting experience in the secondary, too. Clemson's defensive recruiting operation rivals Georgia's as the nation's best. The defense adds three top-100 national recruits in Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Payton Page and Cade Denhoff.
Venables' defense will propel Clemson in 2021, but the offense could be very potent, too. D.J. Uiagalelei looked very impressive in relief of Lawrence, and will play at least two more seasons. Wide receiver Justyn Ross is back from a spinal injury to lead a typically strong receiving corps, and Clemson boasts depth at running back (Lyn-J Dixon, incoming freshman Will Shipley) despite Travis Etienne's departure. The offensive line is worth watching, as opposing coaches aren't blown away by Clemson's group. But a 2021 class that includes four ESPN 300 line recruits will help for the future.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Future QB ranking: 5Future offense ranking: 4
Future defense ranking: 5
Scouting the Buckeyes: Anything less than a national title before 2024 should leave Ohio State fans extremely disappointed. Despite the result Jan. 11 against Alabama, the Buckeyes are ready to take the next step under Ryan Day. The third-year coach has made quarterback a premier position in the program. Ohio State will miss Justin Fields but has some intriguing options beginning this fall, when C.J. Stroud seems likeliest to take over. The Buckeyes also have a commitment from quarterback Quinn Ewers, ESPN's top-ranked player in the 2022 class. Wide receiver talent continues to flow through Columbus, as Ohio State landed top receiver recruits Emeka Egbuka and Jayden Ballard to complement veterans such as Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. There's no shortage of options at positions such as tight end and running back, as top-10 recruit TreVeyon Henderson enters the mix. Offensive line is another reliable group, especially with Thayer Munford back for another year.
The concern with Ohio State is a defense that recorded historic lows in two of the past three seasons, despite a very strong talent base. Ohio State needs to recapture its 2019 form and stay there. Adding the nation's No. 1 overall recruit in end Jack Sawyer will help, and the Buckeyes boast veterans up front and in the secondary, such as tackle Haskell Garrett, end Tyreke Smith and cornerback Sevyn Banks. But Day needs more star power and consistency from the defense beginning this fall, or to consider changes. The stakes are too high for Ohio State's defense to be average or worse.
4. Oklahoma Sooners
Future QB ranking: 1Future offense ranking: 1
Future defense ranking: 19
Scouting the Sooners: Although Oklahoma's streak of CFP appearances ended in 2020, the program moved closer to winning a national title. How? The Sooners' defense began taking significant steps. The championship formula in the CFP era mandates top-level quarterback play and offensive production but also a defense that ranks top-15 or top-20 in most major categories. Oklahoma's defense is getting closer and boasts plenty of potential playmakers in the front seven, such as linebackers Nik Bonitto and Brian Asamoah, and linemen Perrion Winfrey, Isaiah Thomas and Jalen Redmond. The Sooners' improved recruiting and transfer portal additions also bolster the outlook on defense. Tennessee transfer Key Lawrence could immediately help a secondary led by an experienced safety tandem in Pat Fields and Delarrin Turner-Yell.
OU's offense and quarterback play will project extremely well as long as coach Lincoln Riley is in town. Second-year starting quarterback Spencer Rattler enters 2021 as a top Heisman Trophy candidate. Rattler could play multiple years, and Caleb Williams, ESPN's top-rated dual-threat quarterback in the 2021 class, figures to be next in line. The Sooners are deep at wide receiver (Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, Austin Stogner) and running back (Kennedy Brooks, Tennessee transfer Eric Gray). Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh always has his group in good shape. The group returns emerging sophomore tackle Anton Harrison and adds tackle Wanya Morris, a transfer from Tennessee.
5. Georgia Bulldogs
Future QB ranking: 6Future offense ranking: 5
Future defense ranking: 2
Scouting the Bulldogs: There are no more excuses in Athens. Georgia has the roster, both now and in the immediate future, to return to the CFP. If the Bulldogs' four-decade national-title drought doesn't end in the next three years, their fans should be massively disappointed. They finally made a necessary shift on offense behind play-caller Todd Monken and quarterback J.T. Daniels, who both return in 2021. Although George Pickens' ACL injury is a significant blow, Georgia has enough at wide receiver (Kearis Jackson, Jermaine Burton) and especially tight end (Darnell Washington, LSU transfer Arik Gilbert, John FitzPatrick, Brock Bowers) to provide a big-play passing attack in 2021 and beyond. The Bulldogs' traditional strengths of running back and offensive line should remain on track. Backs Zamir White and James Cook, and linemen Jamaree Salyer and Justin Shaffer, all boast tremendous experience, and the recruiting behind them remains strong.
Georgia's operation on defense remains the envy of much of college football. The defense loses a lot from 2020 but adds transfers Tykee Smith (West Virginia) and Derion Kendrick (Clemson) in the secondary, as well as nine ESPN 300 defenders -- headlined by top-25 national prospects Smael Mondon and Xavian Sorey. If former top-10 recruits Nolan Smith and Kelee Ringo blossom this fall alongside others, Georgia should answer key short-term questions and then let its recruiting success take over in 2022 and 2023.
