Innholdsfortegnelse for National College Football 2020 i Athlon Sports Football Bundle

Th is fall marks the 50th anniversary of twin tragedies that rocked college football. On Oct. 2, 1970, a chartered Martin 4-0-4 airliner carrying members of the Wichita State football team crashed in the Colorado mountains. Among the 31 dead were 14 Wichita State football players. A few weeks later, on Nov. 14, 1970, a chartered DC-9 carrying 37 members of the Marshall football team, eight coaches, 25 boosters and five crew crashed just short of the Tri-State Airport in Huntington, W.Va., killing all 75 aboard. It is still known today as the “worst sports-related air tragedy in U.S. history.” In the aftermath, both schools showed remarkable resiliency in the face of devastating loss. Wichita State continued its season, filling out its roster with freshmen and actually resuming its schedule…

ACC ATLANTIC 1. Clemson 13-0, 8-0 2. Louisville 8-4, 5-3 3. Florida State 7-5, 5-3 4. Wake Forest 7-5, 4-4 5. NC State 6-6, 3-5 6. Syracuse 6-6, 2-6 7. Boston College 4-8, 1-7 COASTAL 1. North Carolina 9-4, 6-2 2. Virginia Tech 8-4, 5-3 3. Miami 9-3, 5-3 4. Pitt 7-5, 4-4 5. Virginia 7-5, 4-4 6. Duke 5-7, 2-6 7. Georgia Tech 3-9, 2-6 ACC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Clemson over North Carolina AMERICAN ATHLETIC 1. Cincinnati 11-2, 7-1 2. UCF 10-3, 7-1 3. Memphis 9-3, 6-2 4. SMU 8-4, 5-3 5. Tulane 6-6, 4-4 6. Houston 6-6, 4-4 7. Navy 6-6, 4-4 8. Temple 6-6, 3-5 9. Tulsa 5-7, 2-6 10. USF 4-8, 1-7 11. East Carolina 4-8, 1-7 AAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Cincinnati over UCF BIG 12 1. Oklahoma…

1. TREVOR LAWRENCE, QB, CLEMSON Lawrence had an uneven start to the 2019 season but was back to playing at an elite level by October. After tossing eight interceptions through the first seven games, Lawrence did not toss a pick over Clemson’s next eight contests and finished with 3,665 yards and 47 overall scores. Lawrence utilized his mobility more often in 2019, which included a 107-yard rushing performance against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Through two years at Clemson, Lawrence has passed for 6,945 yards, accounted for 76 overall scores and is 25–1 as the starting QB. 2. JUSTIN FIELDS, QB, OHIO STATE The arrival of Fields as a transfer with immediate eligibility was a huge boost to Ryan Day’s first full season in Columbus. Fields guided Ohio State’s…

OFFENSE Clayton Tune is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback. Tune was forced into action late in 2018 when starter D’Eriq King suffered a torn ACL, and a month into last season when King used the four-game redshirt rule to sit the rest of the season; King eventually transferred to Miami (Fla.). Tune passed for 1,533 yards and 11 touchdowns in seven games while battling nagging injuries and should take a big step in development after spending a year in coach Dana Holgorsen’s Air Raid system. Shannon Dawson was promoted from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and will have a unit that returns virtually intact, including Kyle Porter and Mulbah Car in the backfield and the top four targets in Marquez Stevenson (nearly 2,000 receiving yards the last two…

OFFENSE After quarterback Shane Buechele threw for 3,929 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, SMU will simplify its high-scoring offense to give him more options. A faster pace with more quick slants and crossing patterns could enhance Buechele’s decision-making and open the field to explosive plays. The Mustangs have been cautious not to overwork their most dangerous playmaker, wide receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. The West Virginia transfer, who averaged 18.7 yards per catch before suffering a season-ending foot injury in the eighth game last year, will take on more responsibility to fill James Proche’s shoes. Flex tight end Kylen Granson became a major threat, particularly after Roberson went down, finishing with 43 receptions for 721 yards and nine touchdowns. A deep group of talented young wideouts will provide diverse targets…

OFFENSE With Baylor transfer Zach Smith taking over at quarterback last year, the Golden Hurricane increased their passing production from 2018 by more than 100 yards per game, showing flashes of the type of high-octane offense that defined Philip Montgomery’s first two seasons at Tulsa. Smith was typically on the money when given enough time to throw, but he also was sacked 39 times as a result of inadequate protection. Smith and most of his primary targets are back, led by playmakers Keylon Stokes and Sam Crawford Jr., who combined for 1,817 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Josh Johnson and JuanCarlos Santana also should be key contributors to the receiving corps. On the heels of a 1,000-yard campaign, running back Shamari Brooks is primed for more behind an upgraded…

OFFENSE Charlotte’s spread option attack averaged 29.8 points and 414.5 yards per game last season. With quarterbacks coach Mark Carney taking over as offensive coordinator and quarterback Chris Reynolds back after a breakout season, head coach Will Healy hopes that an expanded playbook and an arsenal of veteran playmakers will allow that upward trajectory to continue. Reynolds, a dual-threat quarterback who threw for a school-record 22 TDs and rushed for six more, will have his favorite target back in Victor Tucker, who caught seven of Reynolds’ scoring passes. Veteran receivers Cameron Dollar and Tyler Ringwood return alongside Rico Arnold, who had a standout season as a freshman in 2018 but was lost in the preseason last year with a foot injury. The biggest concern facing the 49ers on the offensive…

OFFENSE Marshall running back Brenden Knox, the 2019 Conference USA Most Valuable Player, will be the focal point of coordinator Tim Cramsey’s offense after rushing for 1,387 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. For Knox and the Herd, the best news is right up front, where the team returns four starters and five guys with extensive starting experience along the offensive line. Still, the unit must replace four-year starting center and All-C-USA first-teamer Levi Brown. Senior Alex Salguero assumes that role, but should he have trouble, fellow senior Alex Mollette will shift over from his guard spot to lead the line. Despite the strong rushing presence returning, Marshall’s offense will only go as far as quarterback Isaiah Green takes it. Green struggled with consistency in his second season at the…

OFFENSE Gaej Walker started his career as a defensive back but moved over to running back last season and carved out a nice role behind a veteran offensive line. The Hilltoppers return four linemen (Cole Spencer, Tyler Witt, Seth Joest and Jordan Meredith) who have combined for 114 career starts and helped push Walker to 1,208 rushing yards on a 5.0 yards-per-carry average. That experience will be important with WKU replacing quarterback Ty Storey and 1,000-yard receiver Lucky Jackson. And there lies the biggest concern. Steven Duncan was expected to win an open competition and resume the starting quarterback role he held to begin the 2019 season before an injury, but the redshirt junior entered the transfer portal in April. That leaves Davis Shanley and Kevaris Thomas as the only…

OFFENSE The quarterback room was crowded with seven candidates in the spring, as Rice held open tryouts to shore up a position that has failed to meet expectations the past couple of seasons. A final decision is not expected until preseason camp, but after six spring sessions, thirdyear head coach Mike Bloomgren said Mike Collins and TJ McMahon would enter as 1A and 1B on the depth chart. To fit his preferred run-based offense, Bloomgren would like a 20-plus carries per game back to lean on. The likely choice is Juma Otoviano, who battled injuries all last season but turned a corner in the spring. Ari Broussard and Cameron Montgomery, who ran a 10.4 100 in high school, are also options. Two of C-USA’s most productive receivers return in Bradley…

OFFENSE UTEP has to improve an off ense that has been among the worst in the nation for the last three years, and that will hinge on the performance of a new quarterback. The first returns on the competition between freshman TJ Goodwin and sophomore Gavin Hardison got cut short in the truncated spring, leaving the Miners with a lot of questions at the spot where they most need a breakthrough. Both contenders are coming off redshirts, though New Mexico Military Institute transfer Hardison made two UTEP appearances last year when it appeared he was being groomed to take the job. Th at is the only Division I experience in the quarterback group. Goodwin narrowed the gap in two weeks of spring practice, setting up the position battle that will…

OFFENSE No team in the nation was more anemic offensively than the 2019 Zips — and it wasn’t close. Akron struggled despite returning a solid quarterback in Kato Nelson, who has started 26 games over the past three years and has produced a highly respectable 624 rushing yards and 4,960 passing yards during his career. Nelson returns for his senior season this fall and is expected to start, although redshirt freshman Zach Gibson and recruit Ryan Jankowski could be called upon quickly if the team struggles. The Zips are sorely lacking proven talent at the skill positions. An already-struggling ground attack hit rock bottom last season, when Akron averaged a national-worst 1.8 yards per carry and 47.6 rushing yards per game. Sophomore Peter Hayes-Patrick is the top returning running back,…

OFFENSE Dustin Crum entered last season as a backup quarterback for the Golden Flashes, and he ended 2019 by outdueling Utah State pro prospect Jordan Love in the Frisco Bowl to give Kent State its first-ever postseason victory. Crum (6'3", 201) is one of the top dual-threat signal-callers in the nation heading into his senior year. Crum’s favorite target is 6'3" junior Isaiah McKoy, who caught 56 passes for 872 yards and scored eight touchdowns last season — all covering 21 yards or more. Antwan Dixon is a small but quick and steady senior wideout who recovered from a rare blood disorder that forced him to undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant three years ago. Kent State has a solid one-two punch at running back with speedy junior Xavier Williams…

OFFENSE The Cardinals expect to have the firepower to pile up the points this season since they return six starters from last year’s unit that led the Mid-American Conference in both scoring (34.8 points per game) and total offense (463.0 yards per game). Senior quarterback Drew Plitt has been at the controls of the up-tempo pro-style attack for 18 starts and has 4,356 career passing yards. His favorite target is senior Justin Hall, an All-MAC receiver who has 208 career catches and has led the team in that category in each of the last three seasons. Senior running back Caleb Huntley finished third in the MAC with 1,275 rushing yards in 2019, with seven 100-yard games in conference play. There is ample experience up front with senior all-conference guard Curtis…

OFFENSE Sixth-year senior quarterback Ross Bowers had some ups and downs in his first season in DeKalb. The Cal transfer suffered two concussions, but when healthy, he showed enough to be a difference-maker, throwing for 2,130 yards in nine games. Northern Illinois inexplicably struggled to run the ball in 2019. The Huskies ranked ninth in the conference in rushing, averaging 141.1 yards per game — the program’s lowest since averaging 135.5 yards in 2007 when they finished 2-10. NIU coach Thomas Hammock, a former running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens, is optimistic about his young group of runners. Jordan Nettles, who rushed for 274 yards last season, is the most experienced among a group that includes promising freshmen Rondarius Gregory and Jevyon Ducker and juco product Erin Collins. The…

Contributing Writers: Eric Adelson, Parrish Alford, Mark Anderson, Greg Archuleta, Jason Arkley, Mike Ashley, Bob Asmussen, Mike Babcock, Stephen Bailey, Mike Barber, Joe Bendel, Brent Biggeman, Andy Bitter, Al Blondin, Bret Bloomquist, Rick Bozich, Michael Bradley, Kevin Brockway. Jonah Bronstein, Chip Brown, Olin Buchanan, Keff Ciardello, David Cloninger, Joel Coleman, Jim Comparoni, Matt Connolly, Jake Curtis, Nick Daschel, Jay Drew, Joseph Duarte, Zac Ellis, Jeff Faraudo, Bryan Fischer, Robert Gagliardi, Joe Giglio, Steven Godfrey, Andy Greder, Steve Guiremand, Jon Hale, Zack Hall, Greg Hansen, Shawn Harrison, Pat Harty, Nolan Hayes, John Helsley, Brandon Helwig, Josh Henschke, Matt Herb, Jerry Hill, Kelly Hines, Matt Hinton, Brian Howell, Joey Johnston, Chris Karpman, Mike Kern, Chuck King, Theo Lawson, Tom Layberger, Chris Level, Greg Levinsky, Ferd Lewis, Kelly Lyell, Sean Manning, Matt Markey,…

First-Team Offense QUARTERBACK Trevor Lawrence 6-6 • 220 • Jr. • Clemson RUNNING BACK Travis Etienne 5-10 • 210 • Sr. • Clemson RUNNING BACK Chuba Hubbard 6-0 • 201 • Jr. • Oklahoma State ALL-PURPOSE Rondale Moore 5-9 • 180 • So. • Purdue WIDE RECEIVER Ja’Marr Chase 6-1 • 200 • Jr. • LSU WIDE RECEIVER DeVonta Smith 6-1 • 175 • Sr. • Alabama TIGHT END Pat Freiermuth 6-5 • 259 • Jr. • Penn State CENTER Creed Humphrey 6-5 • 307 • Jr. • Oklahoma OFFENSIVE LINE Penei Sewell 6-6 • 330 • Jr. • Oregon OFFENSIVE LINE Wyatt Davis 6-4 • 315 • Jr. • Ohio State OFFENSIVE LINE Alex Leatherwood Sr. • 6-6 • 310 • Alabama OFFENSIVE LINE Trey Smith 6-6 • 335…

College football is a volatile and unpredictable sport. The yearly roster turnover, coaching changes, transfers and incoming recruiting classes add a significant level of unpredictability every offseason. And if you need any evidence for that theory, look back to last year. LSU — which had struggled to move its offense into the spread era of college football — found the right mix of coaching staff and quarterback to generate arguably the best season in FBS history. While the unpredictable nature of this sport is always challenging for making preseason predictions and ranking all 130 teams, it’s also one of the reasons why Saturdays in the fall never lack for intrigue. As with every college football season, a handful of teams are likely to exceed preseason expectations or take a big…

OFFENSE Cincinnati’s running game was strong again in 2019, finishing 25th nationally, but now the Bearcats must replace Michael Warren II after the junior declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. Replacing Warren will be no small task, but the Bearcats do have several options, led by senior Gerrid Doaks, who amassed 526 yards and five TDs in 2019, and Alabama transfer Jerome Ford, who has been ruled immediately eligible. Add in dual-threat quarterback Desmond Ridder, and the ground game should be ready to function at a high level once again. Ridder started all but one game in 2019 but was hampered by injuries most of the season. He will look to bounce back in 2020 after seeing his numbers decline from his AAC Rookie of the Year 2018 season. The…

OFFENSE New coach Ryan Silverfield began his tenure following the departure of Mike Norvell to Florida State by displaying his skills as a recruiter. Silverfield got receiver Damonte Coxie and quarterback Brady White — two seniors — to return following the most successful season in the program’s history. The Tigers earned the school’s first New Year’s Six Bowl, making a trip to the Cotton Bowl following a victory over Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference title game. In White and Coxie — along with running back Kenneth Gainwell — Silverfield has the foundation of a prolific offense in place. White passed for 4,014 yards and 33 touchdowns, becoming only the second player in school history to pass for 4,000 yards; Coxie caught 76 passes for 1,276 yards and nine TDs;…

OFFENSE Anthony Russo is back for his third season as Temple’s starting quarterback. He’s gone 15–8 as the starter, and he became the first Owl to throw for 400 yards in a game twice. But, like the team as a whole, he needs to show more consistency. Russo has weapons at his disposal. Jadan Blue set school records a year ago with 95 receptions for 1,067 yards. Branden Mack had seven touchdown catches. Re’Mahn Davis, a mid-year enrollee who missed spring camp, rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and posted eight scores. Given the losses on defense, this unit might have to carry things early on. The Owls do need to replace bodies up front, particularly center Matt Hennessy, a Rimington Trophy finalist. They think there are enough capable candidates. Adam…

OFFENSE As the Knights faced quarterback uncertainty following McKenzie Milton’s serious leg injury at the end of 2018, it was freshman Dillon Gabriel who answered the call. The Hawaii native had one of the best seasons nationally for a freshman, passing for 3,653 yards, 29 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. For an offense that finished second nationally in total offense (540.5 yards) and fifth in scoring (43.4), Gabriel headlines an experienced group that should be able to keep things rolling in 2020. Running back is a three-deep unit featuring Otis Anderson, Greg McCrae and Bentavious Th ompson, all of whom possess significant experience. Anderson, who led the Knights with 726 rushing yards last season, will also see action at slot receiver. The biggest question is who will step up as…

OFFENSE The Lane Kiffin era came to an abrupt end in December when the Lane Train departed Florida Atlantic for Ole Miss minutes after the Owls claimed their second Conference USA title during his three seasons. FAU hired another offensive-minded coach, Willie Taggart, to keep momentum rolling. Taggart inked former Texas passing coordinator Drew Mehringer and promoted tight ends coach Clint Trickett to be co-offensive coordinators. Tight end Harrison Bryant, FAU’s first All-American, graduated, but Kiffin left Taggart other potent weapons, including All-C-USA quarterback Chris Robison. Taggart bolstered a depleted receiving unit with a crop of transfers. Graduate transfer Aaron Young (Duke) is eligible immediately, and undergrad transfers Yanez Rogers (Cincinnati), D’Marcus Adams (FSU), and T.J. Chase (Clemson) are all expected to be eligible this season. Wideout John Mitchell and…

OFFENSE Last year, quarterback Asher O’Hara became the second Middle Tennessee quarterback in history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Unfortunately, no running backs reached 300 rushing yards, so finding reliable ball carriers is essential. Chaton Mobley and Brad Anderson are veteran backs, but West Virginia transfer Martell Pettaway and Florida State transfer Amir Rasul provide new options. O’Hara had solid passing numbers (2,616 yards, 20 TDs, eight interceptions), but he needs to go further into his progressions and hit more deep passes. Like the running back competition, there are good numbers at wide receiver but not proven difference-makers. Jarrin Pierce and Jimmy Marshall are steady targets. But the offense needs CJ Windham and Zack Dobson, the team’s fastest player, to flourish after missing a combined 10 games…

OFFENSE The offense took a big leap forward in 2019, improving its scoring average by nearly eight points per game compared to 2018 and by 11 points in conference games. Sustaining that trajectory with a new quarterback, however, will be a challenge. Outgoing QB J’Mar Smith was a three-year starter and first-team All-C-USA pick as a senior and ended his career on a 10-game winning streak. His likely replacement, Aaron Allen, struggled in relief last November, overseeing a pair of low-scoring, division-deciding losses at Marshall and UAB while Smith served a two-game suspension. Now a sophomore, Allen will have to fend off challenges from redshirt freshman Jakson Thomson and grad transfer Luke Anthony, a two-year starter at FCS Abilene Christian. Given a halfway competent quarterback, the rest of the lineup…

OFFENSE Head coach Jay Hopson tabbed Matt Kubik, fresh from a productive four-year stint at UL-Monroe, to be his new offensive coordinator. Kubik should feel no need to reinvent the wheel with a veteran lineup. The quarterback, Jack Abraham, is an entrenched senior with 22 career starts. Wideouts Tim Jones and Jaylond Adams are all-conference candidates with more than 2,100 receiving yards between them over the past two years. There’s significant starting experience in the backfield and along the offensive line. Still, for an attack that finished in the middle of the pack in C-USA in both total and scoring offense, there are lingering issues. One: Reversing the trend line on Abraham’s interception count, which climbed from 10 picks in 2018 to 15 last year even as his overall efficiency…

OFFENSE There is good news and bad news here. There’s a healthy competition at quarterback, a freshman All-American at running back and a receiving corps that is fairly deep and experienced. The downside? An offensive line with some question marks and no spring practice for a new coaching staff to install a new no-huddle attack. Former LSU redshirt Lowell Narcisse started seven games in 2019 at quarterback, but he is going to have to fight off Frank Harris to be the starter again. Harris beat out Narcisse in fall camp in 2019 but was injured in the fourth game and never returned. He was cleared to play in spring practice prior to its cancellation. Running back Sincere McCormick earned Freshman All-America honors after rushing for 983 yards and eight TDs.…

OFFENSE The keys to this unit have been handed to Boston College transfer Matt McDonald, who hasn’t played much the past three seasons. After a redshirt year at BC, McDonald threw just eight passes in 2018 there, and then sat out last season with the Falcons. His advantage is familiarity with the offense, since Bowling Green head coach Scot Loeffler was the offensive coordinator at BC before taking over the Bowling Green program. Junior running back Andrew Clair will lead the rushing attack as he comes back from an injury-shortened 2019 after earning All-MAC honors the previous two seasons. Senior Bryson Denley provides depth and balance behind Clair. The passing game hopes to get going after averaging a modest 157.3 yards per game in 2019. Senior tight end Quintin Morris,…

OFFENSE The RedHawks have found a gem in quarterback Brett Gabbert, who won MAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2019 after throwing for 2,411 yards and 11 touchdowns while leading Miami to the MAC Championship. With a year of experience, Gabbert should now be a contender for the league’s top honors since he will be directing a unit with nine returning starters. Despite being slowed by an offseason injury, Jaylon Bester returns as the top running back after accounting for 741 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. Tyre Shelton and Davion Johnson provide experience and depth in the backfield. Jack Sorenson, who had eight catches for 123 yards and a touchdown in the conference title game, leads the receiver group and is joined by returning starter Jalen Walker…

OFFENSE There are big-time question marks at quarterback after senior-to-be David Moore had his appeal denied by the NCAA in March following a suspension for a positive banned substance test last October. He will miss the first five games of the season. Central Michigan had more depth at the QB spot last season following Moore’s suspension, but his absence will likely hurt, considering the candidates next in line have almost no experience. Redshirt freshman Daniel Richardson threw three passes last season, and his talent might give him the edge, but it comes with considerable risk. George Pearson appeared in one game in 2018 and might be the steadier option, but he lacks Richardson’s upside. Expect Moore to regain the job when he is cleared to return. Kobe Lewis (182 carries,…

OFFENSE Without the benefit of spring ball to sort out the competition, the Rockets will approach the 2020 season with an active battle for the starting quarterback job. Senior Eli Peters has the inside track after going 6–4 in his 10 starts over the past two seasons when he threw for 2,665 yards and 24 touchdowns. Sophomore backup Carter Bradley has been impressive in his more limited work. With All-MAC junior Bryant Koback (1,187 yards, 12 touchdowns in 2019) and senior Shakif Seymour (2,008 career yards with 22 touchdowns), there is proven punch at running back. Seniors Bryce Mitchell and Danzel McKinley-Lewis lead the receiver group, with Mitchell coming off an All-MAC season with 35 receptions for 679 yards and four scores. Three returning starters provide security and strength up…

OFFENSE Donald Hammond III has demonstrated a knack for hitting the big passing plays made possible by Air Force’s prolific running game. With Hammond directing the action, Falcons ranked second nationally in rushing and third in passing efficiency in 2019. Hammond averaged 50 yards on his 13 TD passes last year, connecting primarily with departed seniors Ben Waters and Geraud Sanders. Replacements are ready in junior receivers Brandon Lewis and David Cormier along with touted sophomore tight end Kyle Patterson (who turned down an offer from Alabama). Senior tailback Kadin Remsberg is back after 1,050-yard season and an MVP performance in the Cheez-It Bowl, and tall, slender fullback Timothy Jackson returns after a breakout campaign that included four consecutive 100-yard games. Potential All-America guard Nolan Laufenberg and tackle Parker Ferguson…

OFFENSE With a new head coach, Steve Addazio, bringing in a new staff and system, it’s difficult to get a solid handle on what Colorado State’s offense will look like this fall. But even after a shortened spring session, it’s apparent Addazio and offensive coordinator Joey Lynch know they have some dangerous weapons in the passing game. Senior Warren Jackson, a 6'6", 215-pounder, is the latest in a run of talented receivers to come through the program in recent years, as evidenced by his 77 catches for 1,119 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019. Pair that with the production of Dante Wright, a sophomore speedster who did a little bit of everything last season; hardto-bring-down tight end Trey McBride, a junior; Auburn transfer Nate Craig-Myers; and a returning quarterback in…

OFFENSE With eight starters back, this side of the ball should be solid. However, there is one big question mark, and that is who will fill the shoes of quarterback Jordan Love, who left a year early and was a first-round draft pick. Plus, the Aggies will have a new offensive coordinator in Bodie Reeder. Junior Henry Colombi, who saw backup duty in six games last season, will have the inside track to replace Love but will be pushed by a host of youngsters. Utah State will still play with a fast pace, but there will be times they huddle up, unlike the past few seasons. Having gotten in just two spring practices, the Aggies feel behind on offense. “We've got to get reps. That’s one of the most valuable…

1. Clemson 2. Alabama 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma 5. Penn State 6. Florida 7. Georgia 8. LSU 9. Notre Dame 10. Oregon 11. Texas A&M 12. Wisconsin 13. Auburn 14. Oklahoma State 15. Michigan 16. Texas 17. Iowa State 18. North Carolina 19. USC 20. Minnesota 21. Cincinnati 22. UCF 23. Boise State 24. Virginia Tech 25. Iowa 26. Tennessee 27. Baylor 28. Memphis 29. Miami (Fla.) 30. Louisville 31. Arizona State 32. Kentucky 33. California 34. Washington 35. Florida State 36. Utah 37. Nebraska 38. Ole Miss 39. Pitt 40. Indiana 41. Louisiana 42. Appalachian State 43. TCU 44. Virginia 45. Wake Forest 46. Kansas State 47. South Carolina 48. Mississippi State 49. Purdue 50. Michigan State 51. BYU 52. Missouri 53. SMU 54. Stanford 55. UCLA 56.…

This season, Trevor Lawrence is clearly the face (not to mention the flowing mane) of college football. In Lawrence’s two seasons at Clemson, the Tigers have lost only one game, going 29–1 while winning one national title and playing for another. As he builds on that remarkable record (and tries to win a second national title), Lawrence will also be padding these sparkling career numbers: 6,945 passing yards, 66 touchdowns (to only 12 interceptions), a 65.5 percent completion rate, 740 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs. In the off season, Lawrence reflected on the disappointing 42–25 loss to LSU in the championship game and looked ahead to what will almost certainly be his final season in college before he takes his talents to some lucky NFL team that spends 2020…

Baylor Matt Rhule brought steady improvement to Baylor during his three-year stint as head coach, which culminated in a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game and Sugar Bowl appearance last season. New coach Dave Aranda is one of the off season’s top hires but inherits some major challenges in his first year. Baylor’s offense is in good hands with quarterback Charlie Brewer, but No. 1 receiver Denzel Mims is gone, and a line that allowed 38 sacks last fall remains a question mark. Aranda’s background on defense should help a unit that returns only two starters and loses key pieces at every level. The Bears lose nine of the top 11 tacklers from the 2019 group and will miss the disruptive play of end James Lynch off the edge.…

OFFENSE Homegrown Holton Ahlers was handed the helm of the Pirate ship during a bye week last year, as coach Mike Houston set a new course. From then, with Ahlers airing it out behind more protection, East Carolina rang up nearly 500 yards per game over the final six contests. Ahlers completed 59.7 percent of his throws and finished with 3,387 yards and 21 touchdowns. He added another six scores on the ground and was second on the team with 359 yards rushing. Houston likes a strong running game, and he’s hoping his backfield crew can do more of the heavy lifting there this season. Demetrius Mauney led the way with 446 yards, but Darius Pinnix Jr. started much of the season and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. The question…

OFFENSE Last season, Navy built its entire offense around the talents of Malcolm Perry, who established a Football Bowl Subdivision record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 2,017 yards. Perry is not easily replaced, and the cancellation of spring practice due to the coronavirus pandemic made that task more difficult. Perry Olsen is now the most experienced quarterback on the roster. Navy does return a dangerous weapon in fullback Jamale Carothers. After playing games on the junior varsity, Carothers was promoted and soon took over the starting spot, finishing second on the squad in both rushing yards (734) and touchdowns (14). Navy returns almost all its key skill players. Junior Mychal Cooper emerged as the go-to receiver in 2019 with 18 catches for 380 yards. Senior CJ Williams is…

OFFENSE Despite inconsistency from Justin McMillan, Tulane averaged the third-most yards (449.3) and thirdmost points (33.1) in school history during new offensive coordinator Will Hall’s sterling debut. To build on those impressive numbers — or at least not go backward — the Green Wave need reliable play from returning quarterback Keon Howard or a graduate transfer. Howard, a senior, has the running skills to approach McMillan’s program-record 745 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns for a quarterback, but he must take care of the ball better than he did in two turnover-prone years at Southern Miss, where he was benched three times. His accuracy is unproven, too. The Wave lost receivers Darnell Mooney (48 catches, 713 yards) and Jalen McCleskey (37 catches, 581 yards), but sophomore Jha’Quan Jackson emerged as a…

OFFENSE Generating offense is a top priority for firstyear South Florida coach Jeff Scott, the former co-offensive coordinator at Clemson. The Bulls were largely punchless in American Athletic Conference play, scoring just eight touchdowns in their six league defeats. They were last in the AAC in total offense (330.8 yards per game). Sophomore transfer Cade Fortin, who made two starts for North Carolina in 2018, has the quarterback edge over sophomore incumbent Jordan McCloud, who started 10 games for the Bulls last season. Fortin is a sturdy, pro-style passer and more of a fit for Scott’s offense. McCloud, an elusive dual-threat performer who fought off a series of injuries, was inconsistent in the passing game, and the Bulls suffered because of it. The Bulls are desperate for the emergence of…

OFFENSE FIU makes a transition at quarterback with the exit of James Morgan, but Kaylan Wiggins brings his own dynamic attributes behind center for the Panthers. Wiggins is a talented dual threat who saw action last season in special packages but now will engineer the entire offense. He doesn’t need to be spectacular with talented running back D’Vonte Price (50 carries, 249 yards in 2019), but efficiency is crucial. Sterling Palmer is one of the top tight ends in the nation and will help Wiggins immensely in the passing game. There is also plenty of talent at wide receiver with Georgia transfer JJ Holloman eligible. Holloman caught 24 passes for 418 yards with five touchdowns for the Bulldogs in 2018. Joining Holloman at receiver are former starter Bryce Singleton —…

OFFENSE With a new coach and the entirety of spring practice wiped out, Old Dominion heads into the 2020 season with a remarkably high number of unknowns. And that includes the quarterback position, where the Monarchs are looking for improvement after logging just five passing TDs last season. Hayden Wolff returns after starting three of the Monarchs’ final four games and averaging 245.7 yards through the air. But Wolffs, who will be a redshirt freshman, could have competition from veterans Stone Smartt, Steven Williams and Messiah deWeaver, who have all had turns as the Monarchs’ starter. New head coach Ricky Rahne arrives after six years on the staff at Penn State, the last two as offensive coordinator. He brings a no-huddle, spread off ense that will be a departure from…

OFFENSE Mason Fine’s big cleats at quarterback will be difficult to fill. Fine finished his career in 2019 as the NCAA’s active passing leader with 12,505 yards. North Texas is left with former minor league baseball player Austin Aune and 2019 backup Jason Bean. Neither is a sure bet. Aune gave up on baseball after six seasons in the Yankees farm system, and he’s trying to revive his college football prospects. He completed 4-of-5 passes with one TD last season, and he will turn 27 in September. Bean was 22-of-35 passing with three TDs and three interceptions, and he boasts some mobility. Both may get their chance to play after an offseason of limited practice. There’s talent and depth at running back with the return of Tre Siggers (853 rushing…

OFFENSE UAB’s success off ensively depends on the health of junior quarterback Tyler Johnston III, and the coaching staff will have to figure out a way to keep him from getting hit so much. He’s expected to hold off sophomore Dylan Hopkins, who started five games. Hopkins didn’t have as much success moving the ball as Johnston, who was dynamic to close out the 2018 season. Spencer Brown enters his senior season already having set UAB’s career rushing yards record, but he had just 566 yards as a junior and averaged 3.8 yards per carry, as he was hampered by a foot injury. Jermaine Brown Jr. exploded onto the scene as a freshman with 446 yards, and junior Lucious Stanley, finally healthy after injury-plagued seasons in 2017 and 2018, is…

OFFENSE Buffalo brings back 99 percent of its production from the most prolific off ense in school history. The Bulls amassed 388.5 yards per game last season, 250 coming from a ground game that featured the nation’s top tandem. All-MAC running back Jaret Patterson led the way, ranking fifth in the country and setting school records with 1,799 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns. Kevin Marks complemented him with 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns. Quarterback Matt Myers started the first five games as a redshirt freshman. He gave the Bulls another running threat before he sustained a season-ending neck injury. Kyle Vantrease provided a steady hand the rest of the way, completing 59 percent of his passes and turning the ball over just three times while the Bulls went 6–2 with…

OFFENSE There’s one big question for the Bobcats: Who will replace quarterback Nathan Rourke? A nearly non-existent spring camp didn’t provide any answers. Rourke, in three years as the starter, amassed more than 10,000 yards of offense, accounted for 111 touchdowns, earned three All-MAC selections and guided the Bobcats to three bowl wins. It’s a pair of stadium-sized shoes that either redshirt freshman Kurtis Rourke (Nathan’s brother) or freshman CJ Harris will have to try to fill. But there’s plenty of reason to believe OU can keep clicking. Ohio will return seven offensive starters and 19 of the 22 players listed on the two-deep from its win over Nevada in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Ohio will be built to again be a run-first team with three offensive line starters…

OFFENSE The plus side to Eastern Michigan breaking in a new starting quarterback this fall is the return of its top two receivers from a year ago in Dylan Drummond and Quian Williams, who should help ease the transition. The duo combined for 107 receptions, 1,154 yards and nine TDs a season ago. Talented junior college transfer C.J. Parks also figures in, while Jairus Grissom is making the move from quarterback to wideout, where his athleticism plus versatility should allow the playbook to be expanded. With most of spring practice canceled, the quarterback battle was largely scrapped, but Preston Hutchinson will enter the season as the clear frontrunner. He saw action in eight games last season as the backup to Mike Glass III and completed 43-of-57 passes for 462 yards…

OFFENSE Kaleb Eleby redshirted last season, but that does not mean the quarterback enters 2020 without collegiate game experience, as he was pressed into duty as a freshman in 2018. There were some bumps, but overall it was a positive experience — 92-of-147 passing, 1,092 yards, four TDs. After sitting behind Jon Wassink, Eleby should take a big leap forward with solid playmakers around him. The offensive line is in good shape with four returning starters. Senior Wesley French inherits the starting center job after playing on the defensive side of the ball in 2018. Jaylon Moore and Mike Caliendo were both second-team All-MAC performers last season and should give the Broncos a fantastic left side of the line. D’Wayne Eskridge returns after missing much of last season with injury…

OFFENSE Boise State started three quarterbacks for the first time since 1993 because of a spate of injuries. When healthy, true freshman Hank Bachmeier lived up to his elite recruit status. Before his first injury, he had nine TDs to three INTs in his first 176 attempts, but he had no TDs and three INTs on 43 attempts in his last two starts. Bachmeier will be aided by a deep receiving corps led by junior Khalil Shakir, a breakout star in the making after a team-best 63 catches and nine total TDs last season. Seniors CT Thomas and Octavius Evans provide a reliable slot presence and a strong frame, respectively. The top three running backs return, including sophomore George Holani, who extended Boise State’s streak of 1,000-yard rushers to 11…

OFFENSE New head coach Danny Gonzales and offensive coordinator Derek Warehime are implementing a spread run-pass option offense. The Lobos have the quarterback for it — if he can make it through a season unscathed. Junior Tevaka Tuioti has 11 starts over three seasons but has missed a combined 12 games the last two seasons due to injury. He could benefit significantly under Warehime’s scheme. Brandt Hughes and Trae Hall have experience if Tuioti falters. UNM has speed at tailback with one-time quarterback Bryson Carroll, who had a 193-yard rushing performance vs. Colorado State last year, L.O. Johnson, Daevon Vigilant and Chad Alexander. The Lobos seek a bigger back who can get yardage between the tackles consistently. Junior Micah Gray and incoming freshman Nathaniel Jones are candidates. Options abound at…

OFFENSE Wyoming has two young and capable quarterbacks in sophomore Sean Chambers and redshirt freshman Levi Williams. Chambers suffered a season-ending knee injury in the eighth game but threw seven touchdowns and was the Cowboys’ second-leading rusher with 567 yards and a team-best 10 TDs. Williams played in the final three games and started in the bowl victory over Georgia State. Junior All-Mountain West running back Xazavian Valladay returns after rushing for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns in 2019. Senior graduate transfer Trey Smith (Louisville) was granted another year of eligibility after an ankle injury ended his season. Sophomore Titus Swen showed promise as a true freshman. No returning wideout caught more than eight passes last season. Wyoming does have a pair of 6'7" tight ends in sophomore Jackson Marcotte…