You need a college football break from March Madness. Future power rankings is here for you.
After examining the quarterback outlook for the next three seasons, it's time to break down the complete offensive units. While the quarterback position largely impacts how offenses project, this will not be a replica ranking. Teams that have stockpiled talent at wide receiver, running back, tight end and especially the offensive line appear here, even if their quarterback outlook is a bit murky. Any projection that encompasses the next three seasons strongly considers recruiting, but teams with proven players at the college level often gained the edge over those who will be banking on talented unknowns during the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons.
This list relied heavily on input from opposing coaches, as well as ESPN's recruiting analysts and other observers around the Power 5 leagues.
1. Returning offensive starters (according to Phil Steele): 6 (QB included)
Scouting the Crimson Tide: The irony about Alabama's recent revolving door at offensive coordinator is that the unit's outlook for the next three seasons couldn't be much brighter. Alabama returns a promising sophomore quarterback in Jalen Hurts, who helped the team to an SEC title and the national championship game, and adds Tua Tagovailoa, ESPN's top dual-threat signal caller in the 2017 class. But the reason Alabama gets the nod over USC and others is its unparalleled depth at running back and along the offensive line. Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs return for at least one more season, and Alabama adds Najee Harris -- the No. 2 running back recruit in the 2017 class -- to the mix. "Bo is a physically dominant player," a Power 5 coach said. "The freaks that they've got lined up there are out of this world." This fall, the Tide project to start only one senior offensive lineman, center Bradley Bozeman, and boast a group of exciting younger linemen, such as tackle Jonah Williams and guards Alex Leatherwood and Dallas Warmack. Alabama loses tight end O.J. Howard and must build depth at receiver around Calvin Ridley, but incoming recruits such as Jerry Jeudy and Tyrell Shavers should help right away.
2. USC Trojans
Returning offensive starters: 5 (QB included)
Scouting the Trojans: It's very close between USC and Alabama for the top spot, and if someone could guarantee quarterback Sam Darnold will spend two more years in college, the Trojans likely would be No. 1. USC has made significant recruiting gains along the offensive line under coach Clay Helton, and Toa Lobendahn and Viane Talamaivao form a strong immediate foundation up front. "They were the best line we saw with pass pro," an opposing defensive coordinator said. Ronald Jones II anchors the running back spot for at least another year, before giving way to Stephen Carr, one of the best in-state running back prospects in recent years. USC has loaded up at tight end with Daniel Imatorbhebhe and incoming recruit Josh Falo. The wide receivers are a bit untested, other than Deontay Burnett and Steven Mitchell Jr., but USC signed Joseph Lewis, the No. 1 wideout in the 2017 class. Redshirt freshman Tyler Vaughns is another name to watch -- departing standout Darreus Rogers picked Vaughns as his potential replacement in 2017. "USC's everything is going to be good," a Pac-12 recruiting chief said. "They recruited two years in a row really well."
3. Returning offensive starters: 7 (QB included)
Scouting the Seminoles: Opposing coaches love quarterback Deondre Francois and don't love the fact he could be tormenting them for three more seasons. "After Lamar Jackson," an ACC defensive coordinator said, referring to the Louisville star and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, "they have the second-best quarterback in the entire league. It's not close." Francois loses dynamic running back Dalvin Cook and the team's top two wide receivers, Travis Rudolph and Kermit Whitfield. But the late-season emergence of Nyqwan Murray and Auden Tate -- as well as the constant stream of elite recruits, such as incoming running backs Cam Akers and Khalan Laborn -- raises confidence for the future. "Cook was exceptional, but they're always going to have skill players that are going to be legit," an ACC head coach said. "They can recruit those elite skill guys out of the state of Florida. I don't see that ever being a problem at Florida State -- receiver or running back." The coach added that FSU's offensive line, which cratered at times last season (36 sacks allowed), will "mature" along with Francois, who should start speeding up his release.
4. Returning starters: 5 (no QB)
Scouting the Tigers: Clemson is one of three FBS teams to eclipse 40,000 yards of offense since the 2011 season. Despite some significant personnel losses, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, the greatest player in team history, the Tigers' offensive machine shows few signs of slowing down. "They're always going to be good," an opposing head coach said, "but you don't lose a guy like [Watson] and not have any effect." Quarterback is the immediate concern, although recruiting continues to flourish with 2017 signee Hunter Johnson and 2018 commit Trevor Lawrence. Clemson has established itself as the nation's premier producer of wide receivers, and while Deon Cain and Hunter Renfrow lead the returning corps, look out for incoming recruits Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers. "They're stockpiled at that position," an ACC head coach said. Clemson must continue to build depth along the offensive line but boasts an excellent anchor in left tackle Mitch Hyatt, who enters his third season as the starter. "The skill people at Clemson, they lost some wonderful guys and great players, but they'll be electric again," an ACC head coach said. "It's just a matter of what they can do at quarterback."
5. Returning starters: 8 (QB included)
Scouting the Buckeyes: There's a heightened curiosity about this offense after its no-show against Clemson in the College Football Playoff. Most who study Ohio State think the Buckeyes soon will be back to scoring points and making big plays. Although quarterback J.T. Barrett ends a storied career after the 2017 season, Ohio State's projected depth chart is filled with sophomores and juniors. "Ohio State was very young last season," a Big Ten coach said. "They're the one team that has the most upside, with how they've been recruiting. Even on the offensive line, they're young. And [running back Mike Weber] is young." The same coach acknowledged thinking that Ohio State's offensive line would progress more late last season, and that Urban Meyer's coordinator changes reflect the need for a shakeup. Ohio State's 2017 offensive line haul, led by guards Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers, is very strong. Several coaches noted Barrett's team-leading 205 rushes last season -- "Ran him a ton, and it took a toll," a Big Ten coach said. Ohio State needs young pass-catching threats such as Austin Mack, K.J. Hill and Binjimen Victor to emerge. The team has made recent gains in recruiting with Trevon Grimes, the No. 5 wide receiver in the 2017 class. "It's Ohio State, they'll have talent," a Big Ten offensive coordinator said. "It's just going to come down to how their talent meshes."
6. Returning offensive starters: 9 (QB included)
Scouting the Nittany Lions: The immediate outlook is bright for Penn State, which led the Big Ten in touchdowns (65) and yards per play (6.5) in 2016 en route to a league championship. Coaches acknowledge that Trace McSorley is a risk/reward passer, but they love his intangibles -- "Viciously competitive," a Power 5 head coach said -- and he will have running back Saquon Barkley (1,496 rush yards) for at least one more year. "He's unbelievable," a Big Ten defensive coordinator said of Barkley. "I was scared to death of him. His lateral quickness and burst is impressive." Coaches say wide receiver Chris Godwin will be missed, but Penn State gets wideout Saeed Blacknall and tight end Mike Gesicki for one more year. Wide receiver could be a concern in 2018 and 2019, but Penn State has recruited well at quarterback (Sean Clifford, Justin Fields) and running back (Miles Sanders). The Lions' offensive line remains the biggest unknown -- "They're terrible," an opposing coach said -- but the team's success and tradition up front should pay off in recruiting.
7. Returning starters: 9 (QB included)
Scouting the Sooners: No team projects better at the most important position on the field, as Oklahoma has All-American Baker Mayfield for one final season before moving on to Kyler Murray -- "That kid is a freak," a Power 5 coach said -- or Austin Kendall. Oklahoma doesn't rank higher overall because of questions elsewhere. The Sooners lose standout running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, as well as transcendent wide receiver Dede Westbrook. Junior Mark Andrews, a big body with position flexibility, could take on a leading role after recording 50 receptions in his first two seasons. "I thought he was their best skill underclass guy," a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. "They use him at wide receiver and tight end." Coaches say Oklahoma's offensive line isn't as strong as it was two years ago, but the Sooners return all five starters from last year, led by tackle Orlando Brown and center Erick Wren. They could be elite this year and will have plenty of time to develop depth up front for 2018 and 2019. "They're always going to have receivers and the O-line," a Big 12 offensive assistant said, "so it's just plug and play."
8. Returning starters: 7 (QB included)
Scouting the Huskies: Washington's offense caught up to its stellar defense last season, and with quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin both likely around for two more seasons, the future is bright. The offensive line should be among the nation's best in 2017, as tackle Trey Adams and center Coleman Shelton, both All-Pac-12 performers, lead the group. Asked who stands out on Washington's offensive line, a Pac-12 defensive assistant replied, "Every one of them. They're really good. You could close your eyes and point." There's depth behind Gaskin with Lavon Coleman and Kamari Pleasant, and Washington kept ESPN 300 prospect Salvon Ahmed at home. "They reloaded," a Pac-12 recruiting chief said. "They did a really good job of getting that running back spot filled in." John Ross is a significant loss at wide receiver, but Washington returns Dante Pettis and Chico McClatcher for the short term, and it signed a strong wideout group in February, led by ESPN 300 selection Terrell Bynum.
9. Returning starters: 4 (QB included)
Scouting the Wolverines: The immediate outlook is what keeps Michigan a bit lower than some would expect. The Wolverines lose All-America tight end Jake Butt, All-Big Ten wide receiver Amara Darboh, wideout Jehu Chesson, top running back De'Veon Smith and three starting offensive linemen. Michigan's quarterback projection seems solid with returning starter Wilton Speight and redshirt freshman Brandon Peters, and there's promise at running back with Chris Evans, who averaged seven yards per carry as a freshman, and Ty Isaac. Although Michigan's top receptions returnee is fullback Khalid Hill (16), coaches like some of the younger wideouts who should take much bigger roles over the next two to three seasons. "[Eddie] McDoom, the little slot, he was a really good athlete," a Big Ten defensive coordinator said. "Every time they needed something -- reverse, jet sweep -- he was the guy they got the ball to. The [Grant] Perry kid, he's a good player." Center Mason Cole will anchor the 2017 offensive line, and guard Ben Bredeson will be a mainstay after starting eight games as a freshman. There's hope that Grant Newsome will return from a severe leg injury. Recruiting is strong with players such as Cesar Ruiz, the top-rated center in the 2017 class, but Michigan needs its offensive line to take a collective step. "Their offensive line was just OK," a Big Ten defensive coordinator said of last year's front. "I didn't see a lot of guys who jumped out to me as game-changer O-linemen."
10. Returning starters: 7 (QB included)
Scouting the Cowboys: The immediate forecast is very good in Stillwater, as quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington return to form arguably the nation's most exciting passing connection in 2017. What could surprise people is how things look beyond this fall. "With all their underclassmen, the young tailback," a Big 12 defensive coordinator said, referring to sophomore Justice Hill, "they were the team that, looking into the future, scares you the most in our league." Hill has at least two years left, and Oklahoma State signed four-star running back Chuba Hubbard from Canada in the 2017 class. Even though a quarterback dip after Rudolph is likely, Oklahoma State boasts tremendous depth at receiver with junior Jalen McCleskey, Chris Lacy, LSU transfer Tyron Johnson and incoming recruits such as Tylan Wallace, an ESPN 300 selection. Oklahoma State brings back an experienced line in 2017, and while it needs to reload for 2018, there's hope new line coach Josh Henson can upgrade the Pokes' line recruiting.
11. Returning starters: 8 (QB included)
Scouting the Cardinal: Stanford continues to build well around its power-based identity on offense. The Cardinal offensive line is a bit youthful, but the current group, and especially the long-term outlook, earns strong reviews from around the Pac-12. Stanford signed two of ESPN's top eight tackles in the 2017 class in Foster Sarell and Walker Little. "I can't imagine anyone's going to have a bigger or better offensive line in the Pac-12," a Pac-12 recruiting coordinator said. A Pac-12 head coach added: "Stanford is just Stanford. They punch them out. They'll have 12 offensive linemen who look the same." Stanford might be equally stocked at tight end, with Dalton Schultz for one more year, Kaden Smith waiting to take over and ESPN 300 prospect Colby Parkinson entering the mix. The wide receivers aren't spectacular but solid. And coaches and others see quarterback upgrades coming soon with K.J. Costello and Davis Mills. Christian McCaffrey leaves a massive production void at running back and on special teams, but Bryce Love and Cameron Scarlett should be capable the next two seasons. "Big tight ends, average college wide receivers, nothing dynamic, but they'll get a running back, and the O-line and the tight ends block everything," a Pac-12 defensive assistant said. "They're not going to fall off."
12. Returning starters: 5 (QB included)
Scouting the Cardinals: There are unique dynamics here that make Louisville tough to accurately slot in these rankings. Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson returns for at least one more season. "He just freaky, freaky talented," said a head coach who faced Louisville. "I'm not sure exactly about the whole supporting cast there. They had ridiculous talent last year." Much of that talent is gone, including wideouts James Quick and Jamari Staples and tight end Cole Hikutini, but Louisville should still be strong at wide receiver with Jaylen Smith and Traveon Samuel leading the way. Jeremy Smith will help in the run game, and coach Bobby Petrino always brings in strong skill players. The big question is the offensive line, which one television analyst called the worst in the Power 5. Louisville hired assistant Mike Summers from Florida to work with a group that Houston and LSU shredded at the end of the season. "Lamar's going to make that line right more times than not," an opposing coach said. "People got after them and pressured them good, but they'll still be dynamic."
13. Georgia Bulldogs
Returning starters: 7 (QB included)
Scouting the Bulldogs: Backfield depth should be Georgia's strength during the next three years. Proven running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel return for their final seasons. Brian Herrien, who saw extensive work as a freshman, and Elijah Holyfield should carry the position through 2019. Coaches expect quarterback Jacob Eason to take a big step forward after a predictably choppy freshman year, in part because incoming recruit Jake Fromm will push him in practice. "Eason grew up. Led them to a bowl game. Any time you do that in this conference as a freshman, the sky's the limit," said an SEC head coach. "They may have the best accumulation of talent around the quarterback." Georgia needs a leading receiver after losing Isaiah McKenzie, but several defensive coordinators singled out tight end Isaac Nauta, who had 29 receptions as a freshman. Terry Godwin could fill the role after a 38-catch season or Georgia might turn to younger wideouts such as Riley Ridley, who had a team-leading 19.8 yards per reception last season. "They've got big-time talent," said a defensive coordinator who faced Georgia. "Nauta is a good player. McKenzie did a lot of jobs for them with special teams and everything. But they've got a bunch of guys who are all pretty good." The offensive line remains somewhat of an immediate concern, but the group should improve, as Georgia signed talents such as Isaiah Wilson and Andrew Thomas, the second- and seventh-ranked tackles in the 2017 class. "[Eason's] got it. You can tell when he's out there," said an SEC defensive coordinator. "If they can get their offensive line on track, with their skill people, the running backs and that QB, they'll be a force."
14. Oregon Ducks
Returning starters: 8 (QB included)
Scouting the Ducks: New coach Willie Taggart might need a recruiting cycle or two to rebuild the Ducks' defense, but he inherits an offense that still can score in bunches. Coaches both within and outside the Pac-12 love Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, who could lead the offense through the 2019 season. Proven big-play threats Charles Nelson and Darren Carrington II will depart after 2017, and the new staff must find some depth at wide receiver. Running back Royce Freeman also enters his final season, but Tony Brooks-James can return in 2018, and coaches like junior Taj Griffin. "They have two to three backs who are talented players and they're just as good as 21 [Freeman]," a Pac-12 coach said. "I think he's good, not great." The offensive line should be an area of strength for Taggart, as four freshmen started most or all of the games in 2016, led by center Jake Hanson. Veteran Tyrell Crosby, the starting right tackle in 2015, returns from injury, and the overall group is filled with linemen who have multiple years of eligibility remaining. "Of anybody that worries me, it's Oregon," a Pac-12 defensive coordinator said. "They have Carrington back. He's very, very talented. Royce Freeman is coming back at running back. The O-line was all young, except one. And that quarterback is really good."
15. Returning starters: 8 (no QB)
Scouting the Irish: Despite losing two quarterbacks with eligibility remaining -- DeShone Kizer to the NFL draft and Malik Zaire to a still-to-be-determined college -- Notre Dame's offense is set up to do some damage in the next three years. A lot depends on quarterback Brandon Wimbush, who could lead the Irish for multiple seasons. Wimbush will operate behind a seasoned and talented offensive line featuring arguably the nation's best blind-side tandem in tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Quenton Nelson. Notre Dame loses only one line starter and has fortified the future with recent recruits such as Liam Eichenberg, Tommy Kraemer and Robert Hainsey, the top-rated guard in the 2017 class. "They had a huge O-line, a good tight end," said a Power 5 head coach who faced Notre Dame last season. "I thought they were pretty stout up front." Josh Adams will lead the running game for at least one more season, and Notre Dame's outlook at wide receiver looks good after Equanimeous St. Brown had 961 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. Kevin Stepherson and C.J. Sanders both have multiple seasons of eligibility left. If Alize Jones becomes eligible again, he would add to a loaded group of tight ends that includes veteran Durham Smythe and incoming freshmen Brock Wright and Cole Kmet, the No. 1 and No. 3 traditional tight end recruits in the 2017 class.
16. Auburn Tigers
Returning starters: 8 (QB included)
Scouting the Tigers: Offensive production is down over the past two seasons on the Plains, but Auburn could soon be piling up yards and points again. The optimism coaches express for Auburn's offensive line and run game only underscore the need at quarterback, where Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham is expected to step in for the next few seasons. If Stidham transitions to a league with bigger, stronger and faster defenders, Auburn should be able to rely much more on its passing game. The Tigers have some dynamic young playmakers in Kyle Davis and Darius Slayton, while Ryan Davis and Eli Stove (48 receptions combined) also have multiple years of eligibility left. Kamryn Pettway's return alongside Kerryon Johnson gives Auburn one of the nation's best running back tandems. And opposing coaches praise an experienced offensive line led by Braden Smith, an All-SEC guard being used at tackle during spring practice. "That running back's going to be a beast," an SEC head coach said of Pettway, who rushed for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns in 2016. "Their offensive line is really good. They'll have to start up front, because the run game was strong." Auburn continues to recruit well along the line with three ESPN 300 selections in the 2017 class, led by tackle Calvin Ashley.
17. Texas A&M Aggies
Returning starters: 5 (no QB)
Future QB power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Aggies: There are some immediate concerns in Aggieland, as Texas A&M sent six offensive players to the NFL combine; and this fall, it likely will turn to a freshman quarterback in Nick Starkel or Kellen Mond. But coaches agree offensive talent never is short supply under coach Kevin Sumlin, and improved line recruiting -- Kellen Diesch in the 2016 class, and Grayson Reed in the 2017 class -- could soon translate for a group that shone during Sumlin's first few seasons. Trayveon Williams solidifies the running back position for at least two more seasons after rushing for 1,057 yards as a freshman. The Aggies also bring back one of the SEC's most explosive players in junior wide receiver/punt returner Christian Kirk, who put up 1,937 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns (16 receiving, five returns) during his first two seasons. "A very, very talented player," an SEC defensive coordinator said. "You always had to have an awareness of where he is." Although Kirk is the only established returning receiver, Texas A&M should restock through recruiting with players such as ESPN 300 prospects Hezekiah Jones and Jhamon Ausbon, who played with Mond at IMG Academy. "Their receivers are always good," an SEC defensive coordinator said. "They have done a great job of reloading on skill, so they've got guys who can play in space."
18. Texas Longhorns
Returning starters: 7 (QB included)
Scouting the Longhorns: The projection for the Longhorns is a bit easier than many teams because they boast so much youth. Barring a surprise, Shane Buechele and/or Sam Ehlinger will quarterback the unit through the evaluation period. Wide receiver could become a strength, as Devin Duvernay has star potential, and Collin Johnson's production should increase. Several Big 12 coaches mentioned the offensive line, anchored by junior tackle Connor Williams but also included talented players such as guards Patrick Vahe and Patrick Hudson. "They have some nice young offensive linemen; the Williams kid is a good player," a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. "They had a couple wideouts who are younger players, as well. Now 80 percent of their offense was one guy, which makes it hard to project." That guy was running back D'Onta Foreman, who rushed for 2,028 yards last season. Chris Warren III, who averaged 5.9 yards per carry in limited work in 2016, could fill the rushing void the next two seasons. But Texas needs to find other options, and incoming freshman Toneil Carter, an ESPN 300 recruit, could be the next man up.
19. Miami Hurricanes
Returning starters: 7 (no QB)
Future QB power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Hurricanes: Opposing coaches really like Miami's young talent on both sides of the ball, as Mark Richt wasn't afraid to play freshmen extensively in his first season. Miami will miss record-setting quarterback Brad Kaaya, and it needs someone to emerge from a QB logjam this spring. But whoever wins the starting job will have help around him, including two cornerstones with multiple years of eligibility left. Junior Mark Walton rushed for 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016, and wide receiver Ahmmon Richards has three years of eligibility left after leading FBS freshmen in receiving yards with 934 on only 49 receptions in 2016. "He was one of the better [receivers] we played," an ACC head coach said. "[Richt] played a bunch of really good freshmen." In addition to Walton, a 2015 recruit, Miami has signed ESPN 300 running backs in each of the past two classes in Travis Homer (2016) and Robert Burns (2017). As an ACC defensive coordinator added: "Skill-wise, they've got folks. They seem to reload." Offensive line coach Stacy Searels has plenty of options in the short term, especially at tackle, although All-ACC guard Danny Isidora will be missed. Miami signed two ESPN 300 linemen in February in Navaughn Donaldson and Kai-Leon Herbert.
20. Florida Gators
Returning starters: 9 (QB included)
Future QB power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Gators: Florida's inclusion likely will raise some eyebrows, as the offense often has been painful to watch since quarterback Will Grier's suspension midway through the 2015 season. But if the coaches find the right quarterback -- a huge if -- there are enough strong complementary pieces to form an effective unit for the next few seasons. "They've got a double-edged sword because they've got to figure out who the quarterback is and they've got to solidify the offensive line," said an SEC defensive coordinator. "The other stuff isn't a problem." SEC coaches like wide receiver Antonio Callaway, who has two years of eligibility left, and tight end DeAndre Goolsby, who ranked third on the team behind Callaway and Brandon Powell (also back) in receptions last fall. "I really like Goolsby," an SEC head coach said. "The wide receivers are good players, and Callaway, he's special. Really good." C'yontai Lewis adds depth at tight end, and wideout Tyrie Cleveland could break out this season after averaging a team-best 21.3 yards per catch as a freshman. Running backs Jordan Scarlett and Lamical Perine, who combined for 1,310 rush yards last season, could carry the position for the next few seasons. Florida must improve up front and needs Martez Ivey to secure the quarterback's blind side, as he moves from guard to left tackle. Jawaan Taylor, who started 12 games at right tackle as a true freshman, shows great promise for the next few seasons. Sophomore center T.J. McCoy is another young but experienced lineman for the group.
21. TCU Horned Frogs
Returning starters: 10 (QB included)
Future QB power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Horned Frogs: The outlook beyond 2017 might be brightest for TCU, especially the way coaches and recruiting analysts talk about incoming freshman quarterback Shawn Robinson. But the coming season is hardly a throwaway (no pun intended), especially if quarterback Kenny Hill can cut down on his mistakes (13 interceptions in 2016) and supplement his strong running skills (609 rush yards, 10 touchdowns). Hill and Kyle Hicks, who led TCU in both rushing (1,042 yards) and receptions (47) as a junior, will form an all-senior backfield. "Everybody talked about how [Texas' D'Onta] Foreman was a different animal," a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. "But their tailback [Hicks], for the way they used him, was the best tailback in our league. He was so different." TCU needs its receivers to eliminate drops, but it returns up to five players with 30 or more receptions in 2016, as long as KaVontae Turpin works out his academic issues that are sidelining him for spring practice. TCU signed two ESPN 300 receivers in February -- Jalen Reagor and Omar Manning -- to go with Isaiah Graham, an ESPN 300 prospect in 2016. The Frogs hope for improvement from an offensive line that returns four starters after having gone through significant growing pains in 2016, especially on rushing plays. TCU has signed ESPN 300 offensive line prospects the past two years in Wes Harris (2017) and tackle Austin Myers (2016).
22. Returning starters: 7 (QB included)
Scouting the Cougars: The offense must show it can keep producing without record-setting quarterback Luke Falk in 2018, but the skill position depth is there to help projected successor Tyler Hilinski and incoming freshman Connor Neville, an ESPN 300 selection. Despite losing Gabe Marks and River Cracraft, Washington State's wide receiver group should be among the Pac-12's strongest during the evaluation period. Tavares Martin Jr. has two years of eligibility left, Isaiah Johnson-Mack is a big body on the perimeter and there's high hopes for redshirt freshman Renard Bell and incoming freshmen Jamire Calvin and Davontavean Martin. "They have some long, lean bodies coming back," a Pac-12 defensive assistant said. "They all look the same. They're all 6-4, lean-bodied, can-run-a-bit guys." Leading rusher James Williams has three more years of eligibility, and veteran backs Jamal Morrow and Gerard Wicks both return for their final seasons.
23. Returning starters: 7 (QB included)
Scouting the Sun Devils: Arguably no Pac-12 team boasts more depth at quarterback, which puts pressure on new coordinator Billy Napier to make the correct starter decision sometime before Aug. 31. All five candidates competing this spring have multiple years of eligibility left, and four have three years remaining, so the right pick could carry ASU through the evaluation period. Whoever wins the job inherits help in the backfield from veterans Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage, albeit for only one more season. Incoming freshman Eno Benjamin, an ESPN 300 recruit, could be the next man in line at running back. The Sun Devils' next quarterback also will have wide receiver N'Keal Harry -- who led the team with 58 receptions as a freshman -- for at least two more seasons. "He might be the most talented receiver coming back in the Pac-12," a Pac-12 defensive coordinator said. "He's a good player. And Kalen Ballage, he's a beast. Big and fast." The offensive line returns plenty of experience but must tighten up after conceding 41 sacks last season. ASU has recruited well along the line in recent years with ESPN 300 prospects Cohl Cabral and Zach Robertson, while adding three junior college players in 2016, including starting center A.J. McCollum.
24. Returning starters: 7 (QB included)
Future QB power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Hogs: Arkansas narrowly missed making the top 25 in the future quarterback power rankings, but it has a good foundation at the position with one more year of Austin Allen, the SEC's leading passer in 2016, followed by Ty Storey, Cole Kelley or incoming freshman Daulton Hyatt, an ESPN 300 selection. Few Power 5 teams have a better running back combination than junior Rawleigh Williams III, a 1,300-yard rusher in 2016, and sophomore Devwah Whaley, who coach Bret Bielema considers the best running back recruit he has ever signed. "They have a 1,000-yard rusher and they replace him with another 1,000-yard rusher," said an SEC defensive coordinator. "Tell me when Arkansas hasn't had a tough, physical back or two who would run over you. They get those guys and they practice that way. They practice running the football physically." Bielema is also quick to praise center Frank Ragnow, who is back for his final season to lead an offensive line that must improve in protection after allowing 29 sacks last season. Arkansas is younger at tight end after losing Jeremy Sprinkle, but it has some intriguing options in Austin Cantrell and Cheyenne O'Grady, along with Jeremy Patton, the top-ranked junior college tight end, who arrives this summer. The Hogs also went the juco route to add Brandon Martin, the No. 1 junior college wide receiver. Arkansas needs big things right away from Martin, as other than Jared Cornelius (32 receptions, 515 yards in 2016), the receiving corps lacks experience. "They do a very good job with their scheme. They lost that wide receiver [Drew Morgan]; he was really good, mismatch-type guy, can get open. Their tight end [Sprinkle] was really good," said an SEC head coach. "But they believe in what they do, and they do a good job of it."
25. Returning starters: 6 (no QB)
Future QB power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Panthers: The immediate questions are valid. How will Pitt keep progressing without creative coordinator Matt Canada as Shawn Watson becomes a playcaller again? Will Pitt's latest graduate transfer quarterback, former USC signal-caller Max Browne, work out as well as predecessor Nathan Peterman? There are more answers elsewhere, including running back, where Qadree Ollison, the 2015 ACC Rookie of the Year, steps in this season alongside Chawntez Moss. Both have multiple seasons of eligibility left. Browne also will benefit from an excellent big-play wide receiver in Jester Weah (24.2 yards per catch in 2016) and Quadree Henderson, a versatile dynamo who last season scored as a rusher, receiver, punt returner and kick returner. "They're ultra-creative in the way they get him the ball," an ACC defensive coordinator said of Henderson. The offensive line outlook looks good, despite losing two All-ACC performers from last year's front. Brian O'Neill has two years of eligibility left and should be one of the league's best tackles. If Jaryd Jones-Smith fills the other tackle spot for 2017, Pitt should hold well during the evaluation period. "Up front, they had some guys," an ACC defensive coordinator said. "One of the better offensive lines in the league, they play to their strengths."