NFP post-spring Top 25
With spring football in the books, it's time to re-evaluate the way-too-early Top 25 that was released shortly after Alabama's victory over Notre Dame last January in the BCS title game.
Here is a fresh set of rankings based off of what we saw in spring football and how we see these teams faring in the fall.
1. Alabama: Until the Crimson Tide get beat, Nick Saban and Co. remain at the top. And as we know, this is a program that just reloads no matter how much talent is lost to the NFL.
2. Oregon: Mark Helfrich is ready to lead the program, and Nick Aliotti remains one of the more underrated defensive coordinators in the nation.
US PRESSWIREBraxton Miller and the Buckeyes could be in for another special season.
3. Ohio State: The Buckeyes have a very manageable schedule in 2013, and quarterback Braxton Miller continues to improve as a passer.
4. Stanford: Head coach David Shaw has this program trending toward BCS national championship game territory. The defense remains stout, and quarterback Kevin Hogan is legit.
5. Notre Dame: Quarterback Everett Golson is embracing his bigger role in the team's offense, and the defense will remain a force even without Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te'o.
6. Georgia: The Bulldogs lost a ridiculous amount of talent on defense, but Todd Grantham's unit developed depth last year. And quarterback Aaron Murray has returned to lead a skilled offense.
7. Texas A&M: The Aggies will have a target on their backs all season long after their standout debut season in the SEC, and all eyes will be on their rematch with Alabama early in the year.
8. South Carolina: A two-quarterback system just may work in Columbia if Steve Spurrier goes that route, and star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is primed to be the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
9. Florida: The Gators will need quarterback Jeff Driskel to take a big step in his development if they want a chance at an SEC crown.
10. Florida State: Playmakers abound on offense, and the defense should still be strong despite losing coordinator Mark Stoops and some top talent to the next level. But will the 'Noles trip up along the way against an inferior opponent as has been the case in recent years?
11. Clemson: Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins lead a prolific offense, but all eyes will be on Brent Venables as he tries to get continued improvement from the Tigers defense.
12. Louisville: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a Heisman hopeful, and the Cardinals are the best team in the Big East. Is another BCS game on the horizon?
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