It's time for the big reveal.
During recent months, we've dusted off the crystal ball and gazed three seasons into the future to size up college football's best outlooks at quarterback, offense and defense. Rosters have been reviewed and coaches have been polled to help forecast the best of the best through the 2020 season.
The final 2018 edition of the future power rankings examines the teams in total. If you dutifully tracked the previous three lists, the names at the top won't come as a surprise. The challenge is sorting out good teams that lack balance, or those that tend to overachieve or underachieve based on talent. A wild coaching cycle last winter adds to the difficulty, and coaching factored more into the total team rankings than the unit rankings.
For reference, here is last year's list.
Now, here are the most promising 25 college football teams through the 2020 season.
Future QB ranking: 3
Future offense ranking: 4
Future defense ranking: 1
Scouting the Crimson Tide: Usually there's some debate about the top spot, but not this year. Alabama comes off of its fifth national championship in the past nine seasons. Coach Nick Saban turns 67 on Halloween but has shown every intention of coaching for a while longer. The Tide's defense, their signature unit, continues to stockpile talent and should feature arguably the nation's best linebackers in 2018, complementing All-America candidate Raekwon Davis at defensive end.
"They just look different when you step on the field," an opposing offensive coordinator said. While Alabama's quarterback situation is drawing more attention than normal because of the unique dynamic, the outlook could be better than ever. Jalen Hurts is a proven winner, and Tua Tagovailoa gives Alabama a passing element it has lacked during this historic run. The only potential concerns, other than Saban retiring before 2020, are how a shuffled coaching staff will adjust this season, and whether there's enough quarterback depth if and when one of the top contenders departs.
Future QB ranking: 2
Future offense ranking: 2
Future defense ranking: 3
Scouting the Tigers: It's rare when a program truly changes its trajectory, but that's exactly what Clemson has done under Dabo Swinney. Despite being outclassed by Alabama in last season's CFP semifinal, the Tigers look like they'll be a playoff contender for the foreseeable future. Clemson certainly enters 2018 on the CFP radar, as it brings back one of the most accomplished and talented defensive lines in recent college football history.
There's the typical depth and talent at wide receiver, along with speed at running back with sophomore Travis Etienne. The offensive line must again prove it can hang with the likes of Alabama, but Clemson's recruiting there and elsewhere has stood out. Senior Kelly Bryant returns at quarterback, but the buzz is about freshman Trevor Lawrence, ESPN's No. 2 overall recruit in the 2018 class, who could lead the offense for years to come. Coaches have two areas of concern with Clemson -- offensive line and secondary -- but there's not much slowing down a team that excels both on the field and in recruiting.
Future QB ranking: 7
Future offense ranking: 5
Future defense ranking: 2
Scouting the Buckeyes: Blowout losses in each of the past two seasons -- Clemson in the 2016 CFP semifinal, Iowa last fall -- have blighted the Buckeyes' overall success, and rightfully so. That's life at one of college football's truly elite programs, led by a three-time national champion coach in Urban Meyer. But Ohio State's outlook through 2020 remains encouraging as the team returns a nice core for 2018 and continues to recruit at a nationally elite level.
The defense returns All-America candidate Nick Bosa at end and a secondary stocked with talent. Ohio State breaks in a new starting quarterback this fall, most likely Dwayne Haskins, but boasts great depth at receiver and running back. The Buckeyes will miss J.T. Barrett's guidance but could get more out of Haskins, who has the size and skills to be special. "An embarrassment of riches," a Big Ten coach called Ohio State, which has brought in ESPN's No. 2 recruiting class in each of the past two winters.
Future QB ranking: 1
Future offense ranking: 1
Future defense ranking: 4
Scouting the Bulldogs: Georgia fans probably aren't happy with where their team ended up. These are future power rankings, after all, and arguably no program, even Alabama, is generating more excitement for the next few seasons than Georgia. Still, it's difficult to go from sporadically contending for national titles to being in the mix every year. Even Clemson had to deliver more than one special season to secure a spot among the nation's best. Georgia is taking all the right steps, especially in recruiting, where it signed ESPN's top-ranked class in 2018, headlined by quarterback Justin Fields, ESPN's top-ranked prospect.
"Kirby Smart has put Georgia in a position of dominance," an SEC defensive coordinator said. "Georgia looks like Alabama to me." With Fields and returning starter Jake Fromm, Georgia is in great shape at quarterback through 2020. The offensive-line recruiting and development continues to be one of the most important and somewhat overlooked storylines with the program. There could be a mini step backward on defense this fall, but Smart's track record suggests he'll have Alabama-like units in the near future.
Future QB ranking: 8
Future offense ranking: 3
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Sooners: Lincoln Riley won the Big 12 and reached the CFP in his first season as head coach, employing an exciting and productive offense that drew significant interest in NFL circles. Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield is a significant loss, but Oklahoma has some good options at quarterback, even if Kyler Murray plays only one more season before pursuing professional baseball. This ranking assumes Murray will suit up for the Sooners this fall. If not, OU would drop a few spots. The Sooners bring back young standouts at both running back (Rodney Anderson, Trey Sermon) and wide receiver (Marquise Brown, CeeDee Lamb), and arguably the nation's top offensive line in 2017 brings back three starters.
"They've got a bunch of youngins back even though they lost Orlando [Brown]," a Big 12 coach said. "They will expose you." The concern here is a defense lacking star power, especially up front. Several Big 12 coaches surveyed said Texas and TCU have better defensive personnel than the Sooners.
Future QB ranking: 5
Future offense ranking: 7
Future defense ranking: 17
Scouting the Nittany Lions: Penn State has won 22 games, a Big Ten title and a Fiesta Bowl in the past two seasons. The most exciting part is that James Franklin could just be getting started. In February, the Nittany Lions completed their best recruiting class in at least a decade, which finished fourth in ESPN's national rankings. The haul included defensive prospects such as Micah Parsons, Jayson Oweh, P.J. Mustipher and Aeneas Hawkins, who will upgrade a unit that is a notch or two below elite right now. Quarterback Trace McSorley gives the offense a chance to surge again this fall, and Tommy Stevens and Sean Clifford provide good depth behind him.
Generational running back Saquon Barkley will be missed, but the Lions have recruited well behind him and particularly at wide receiver. "Outside of Saquon, their best skill was all young," a Big Ten coach said. The overall upgrades under Franklin are undeniable, giving PSU arguably the best chance to push Ohio State in the Big Ten.
Future QB ranking: 4
Future offense ranking: 7
Future defense ranking: 6
Scouting the Huskies: Chris Petersen has built Washington into an annual Pac-12 -- and occasional CFP -- contender through shrewd schemes and upgraded recruiting. Petersen is an offensive-minded coach, but Washington has become the Pac-12's pre-eminent defensive team. The Huskies' secondary returns all four starters and should be one of the nation's best this fall, and possibly the next two seasons. The key is finding difference-makers up front after losing tackle Vita Vea, a first-round draft pick.
Washington is well stocked at quarterback with Jake Browning for one more season, then Georgia transfer Jacob Eason and heralded recruits Jacob Sirmon and Colson Yankoff available for 2019 and 2020. There's a need for more proven playmakers on offense, especially at wide receiver and even at running back when Myles Gaskin departs in a year. But Washington has built a solid foundation along both lines.
8. USC Trojans
Future QB ranking: 23
Future offense ranking: 8
Future defense ranking: 16
Scouting the Trojans: USC proved to be one of the toughest teams to project. Ask any Pac-12 coach about talent in the conference, and the response will usually begin with the Trojans. ESPN has rated USC's past four recruiting classes in the top 11 nationally. "If you just talk about talent," a Pac-12 assistant said, "you'd always say them at the top."
But USC has some potential concerns, namely the quarterback situation following Sam Darnold's departure. Perhaps J.T. Daniels, who reclassified to graduate high school early, is the answer, but a step back is possible. Coaches weren't complimentary of USC's offensive line, which struggled last season, but noted the strength at the skill positions. The defense could take a jump in 2018, as Cameron Smith leads a strong group of linebackers, although USC must identify another pass-rusher to complement Christian Rector. Coach Clay Helton is 21-6 the past two seasons, but needs to make the playoff soon.
Future QB ranking: 17
Future offense ranking: 10
Future defense ranking: 7
Scouting the Badgers: One of college football's steadiest teams the past two decades -- 15 seasons of nine or more wins with only one losing season since 1998, and consecutive New Year's Six bowl wins entering this fall -- is showing no sign of slowing down. Wisconsin will never dominate the national recruiting rankings, but no program develops players and sticks to its identity better. And there have been talent upgrades, most recently at wide receiver, where Wisconsin should feature its most explosive group in recent memory this fall.
"Wisconsin's always more talented than they let on," said a defensive coordinator who faced the Badgers last season. Junior quarterback Alex Hornibrook comes off of a huge performance in the Orange Bowl and will be among the nation's most experienced signal-callers. Wisconsin gets record-setting running back Jonathan Taylor for at least two more seasons, and the defense, despite only four returning starters, is positioned well for the future.
Future QB ranking: 15
Future offense ranking: 16
Future defense ranking: 12
Scouting the Seminoles: FSU backslid in all three categories from 2017, but there's reason to think progress is on the way. New coach Willie Taggart inherits a roster built with top-four national recruiting classes from 2014-17. While Taggart's first class ranked just outside ESPN's top 10, it should be an outlier for the gifted recruiter. The key is maximizing talent, especially on defense, where Taggart made a smart coordinator hire in Harlon Barnett from Michigan State. Expect the defensive front to excel right away with Brian Burns, Marvin Wilson, Joshua Kaindoh and others.
The quarterback situation will be interesting with James Blackman making his move this spring, while Deondre Francois hasn't really helped his cause. "He's got a good arm, some of that," an ACC defensive coordinator said of Blackman, "but I don't know that he's mobile enough or has the size and frame enough to be durable as a high-level guy." If FSU can get more from an underwhelming offensive line, its run game should be in great shape with Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick both ready for 2018, and Akers and others back in 2019.
11. Auburn Tigers
Future QB ranking: 11
Future offense ranking: 12
Future defense ranking: 8
Scouting the Tigers: The big question here is whether Auburn coach Gus Malzahn can successfully develop a quarterback he recruited. His three biggest quarterback successes with the Tigers -- Cam Newton, Nick Marshall and Jarrett Stidham, who returns this fall -- transferred in from junior colleges.
If Auburn avoids a quarterback drop-off after Stidham -- Joey Gatewood, ESPN's No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the 2018 class, is a name to watch -- it should continue to challenge Alabama and Georgia for SEC supremacy. Stidham's return is big, as Auburn must address a short-term concern at offensive line and replace standout running back Kerryon Johnson. The defense is on solid footing with coordinator Kevin Steele, and Auburn's defensive line should be among the nation's best this fall. Recruiting remains strong as Auburn's recent classes ranked 12th, ninth and ninth, respectively, over the past three years.
Future QB ranking: 6
Future offense ranking: 9
Future defense ranking: 18
Scouting the Cardinal: David Shaw's teams almost always find their way to 10 wins, doing so in five of his seven seasons as coach. The trend should continue if Stanford can solidify its line play, get a bit more from its quarterbacks and continue to develop special ball carriers like Bryce Love, last year's Heisman Trophy runner-up who returns for a final season.
A small concern is the drop-off on defense, which Pac-12 coaches noticed, particularly as Washington continues to surge. While Stanford seems well stocked on the offensive line, it needs some difference-makers to emerge along the defensive front. There's also a need to find the next wave of offensive playmakers after Love departs. "The back was amazing," a Pac-12 defensive coordinator said, "but they weren't as talented across the board at all those other positions. Their tight ends aren't what they used to be. The wideouts were just good, not great."
13. Miami Hurricanes
Future QB ranking: 18
Future offense ranking: 17
Future defense ranking: 13
Scouting the Hurricanes: After finally winning the ACC Coastal Division, Miami is positioned to win its side of the league more often in the near future. Manny Diaz's defense has a really nice foundation at linebacker, although the Canes must replace both of their defensive tackles, who drew great reviews from opposing coaches. Head coach Mark Richt has options at quarterback, with veteran Malik Rosier and decorated young players N'Kosi Perry and Jarren Williams. Offensive skill should be a strength for the next three seasons, as Miami has recruited well at running back, receiver and tight end.
Line play is the biggest question mark outside of quarterback, as Miami needs to be able to match up with teams like Clemson, Florida State and Virginia Tech. "It was good, it wasn't great," an opposing defensive coordinator said of Miami's offensive line. "The skill and the tight ends were the best part." In February, Miami finalized its first top-10 recruiting class since 2014 and shows no sign of slowing down on the trail.
14. TCU Horned Frogs
Future QB ranking: 22
Future offense ranking: 15
Future defense ranking: 14
Scouting the Horned Frogs: Gary Patterson's team will contend for the Big 12 title in most years. Although TCU's overall recruiting doesn't quite match Oklahoma's or Texas', Patterson is among the best at developing players around the schemes. The Frogs' defense should be very good in 2018, especially in the front seven with pass-rusher Ben Banogu, promising young tackles Ross Blacklock and Corey Bethley, All-Big 12 linebacker Ty Summers and talented linebacker transfer Jawuan Johnson from Northern Illinois.
"They've got a couple guys back on the defensive side that I wish would have left," a Big 12 coach said. The secondary's progress is worth watching, but Patterson leaves little doubt there. TCU's forecast ultimately hinges on young quarterbacks Shawn Robinson and Justin Rogers. The receiving corps is explosive, with Jalen Reagor emerging into one of the Big 12's best. TCU's beefed-up offensive line also projects well for the next few seasons.
15. Texas Longhorns
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: NR
Future defense ranking: 10
Scouting the Longhorns: Two factors drive Texas into a higher slot than teams that rate higher in the unit rankings. The recruiting surge in Austin can't be denied here, as Tom Herman's first full class finished No. 3 in ESPN's national rankings, and the 2019 class is beginning to build. Texas also has quickly upgraded its defense, which should continue to thrive under Todd Orlando after signing ESPN's top three safeties in the 2018 class.
"Some of their young corners, a couple of their young LBs, really stood out, they were more athletic than Oklahoma," a Big Ten offensive coordinator said. "They're going to be really good on the defensive side." It won't matter much without improvement at quarterback, and Herman needs to find an answer, whether it's Sam Ehlinger or Shane Buechele, a transfer, or young signal-callers already in the program (Cameron Rising, Casey Thompson) or on the way (Roschon Johnson or Hudson Card).
Future QB ranking: 21
Future offense ranking: 25
Future defense ranking: 5
Scouting the Wolverines: After the top five to seven teams, Michigan could really end up anywhere on this list. Jim Harbaugh has assembled enough talent -- much of it from the 2016 recruiting class, which ESPN rated sixth nationally -- to start challenging for Big Ten titles and ultimately the playoff. Then again, Michigan needs to show more in college football's most competitive division. Don Brown's defense has often performed at an elite level and should continue to do so in 2018 as Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich, Devin Bush and Khaleke Hudson headline an excellent front seven.
Then there's the offense, a unit that, as one Big Ten coach put it, "has more talent than what's showing up on game day." Shea Patterson could be the immediate answer at quarterback, and Michigan should benefit from Tarik Black's return at wide receiver. But the offensive line has got to start performing to its potential, as veteran assistant Ed Warinner takes over there. Michigan's 2018 recruiting fell off a bit compared with Ohio State and Penn State, adding to the urgency for a breakthrough this fall.
Future QB ranking: 12
Future offense ranking: 11
Future defense ranking: 15
Scouting the Spartans: It's as if 2016, which featured a 3-9 record, didn't even happen in terms of affecting MSU's trajectory. A 10-win season in 2017 coupled with a roster filled with returning starters has put the Spartans back on track. Talented quarterback Brian Lewerke has two more years of eligibility left, and he'll be throwing to a wide-receiving corps one Big Ten coach calls the league's best.
"They'll be a good offense," said a defensive coordinator who faced MSU last season. "They've got a slew of backs. All the wideouts were young. They looked athletic." Four offensive-line starters are back, of whom only one (guard David Beedle) is a senior. Michigan State should produce Dantonio-esque defenses for the next few seasons, especially with a secondary stocked with gifted underclassmen. The Spartans lack glitzy recruiting classes, which could ultimately hurt them in the Big Ten East Division, but they seem to be back to scouting and developing the right players for their identity.
18. LSU Tigers
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: NR
Future defense ranking: 9
Scouting the Tigers: Like the rest of us, opposing coaches see the talent amassed in Baton Rouge and wonder if Ed Orgeron and his staff can translate it into championships. LSU ultimately needs more from the quarterback position and, after a spring with little clarity, adds another piece in Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow. Without an obvious superstar at running back, LSU will need to lean more on its passing game as Texas Tech transfer Jonathan Giles enters the fray, along with five-star recruit Terrace Marshall Jr.
"Almost all of their production [from 2017] is gone," an opposing defensive coordinator said. "Their top two backs, top two wideouts, three-fifths of their O-line." While the offense remains in flux, the defense should become stronger this season, especially if the Tigers identify a productive pass-rusher or two. Linebacker Devin White is terrific, and cornerback Greedy Williams quickly established himself as a natural playmaker.
19. Florida Gators
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: NR
Future defense ranking: 11
Scouting the Gators: Florida is one of the more interesting teams to project because of the Dan Mullen factor. If anyone can revive an unwatchable offense in Gainesville, it's Mullen, the former Gators offensive coordinator who has developed excellent quarterbacks everywhere he's been. Mullen's work with Feleipe Franks in the short term and, more important, Emory Jones in the coming years will determine whether Florida can catch Georgia in the SEC East.
There's a recruiting subplot here, too, as Mullen and his assistants must prove they can keep up with Miami and Florida State in the state. The outlook on defense is good if Florida can simply stay the course with linebacker Cece Jefferson and others. The Gators have produced 10 defenders in the first three rounds of the past three NFL drafts. Their secondary should be strong during the next three years as sophomore Marco Wilson and C.J. Henderson both are back.
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: 22
Future defense ranking: 21
Scouting the Fighting Irish: Coach Brian Kelly made key changes after a dreadful 2016 season, and, after 10 wins last fall, the Irish have set their sights on their first CFP appearance. They could have the defense to get there, as 10 starters return to a dramatically improved unit, now under the direction of first-time coordinator Clark Lea. Veterans like lineman Jerry Tillery and linebackers Drue Tranquill and Te'von Coney solidify the group in 2018, and Notre Dame's recruiting in the secondary has stood out.
Quarterback is the big short-term question, but senior Brandon Wimbush shined in spring practice and talented recruit Phil Jurkovec arrives this summer. Notre Dame has an excellent foundation along the offensive line and at tight end, but needs some star power to emerge at running back and wide receiver. The 2018 recruiting class, which ESPN ranked ninth nationally, includes four four-star receivers, led by Kevin Austin.
21. Texas A&M Aggies
Future QB ranking: 25
Future offense ranking: 24
Future defense ranking: 20
Scouting the Aggies: Jimbo Fisher left a talented roster in Tallahassee for another one in College Station. He also moves from one underachieving defense to another, but wisely hired coordinator Mike Elko to get the results John Chavis never could. The Aggies' defense should be better in 2018, perhaps significantly better, as several talented front-seven players return, including reigning SEC sacks leader Landis Durham. Elko's background is in the secondary, which should help as Texas A&M has looked very vulnerable there.
"There are some freaks on that defense," an opposing offensive coordinator said. "They just didn't finish well or pursue well. But Elko's defenses have been solid." Fisher, meanwhile, must continue his track record of quarterback development, first with Nick Starkel and possibly Kellen Mond, and then with his own recruits (ESPN 300 selection James Foster being the first). Trayveon Williams is a very solid running back and Texas A&M has recruited well at wide receiver, although the offensive line must recapture its form of a few years ago.
22. UCF Knights
Future QB ranking: 10
Future offense ranking: 14
Future defense rankings: NR
Scouting the Knights: It's risky to place so much of a team's forecast on one player, but it's exactly what I'm doing here. McKenzie Milton is simply that good, and as we've seen, an elite quarterback at the Group of 5 level equates to a lot of wins. Milton could play two more seasons for new coach Josh Heupel, hired in large part to maintain some schematic continuity on offense. He also will be surrounded by skill players -- running back Adrian Killins Jr., wideout Dredrick Snelson -- with multiple seasons of eligibility left. The offensive line is mostly young and should be solid during the next three seasons.
UCF's bigger questions come on defense, where veteran coordinator Randy Shannon takes over. Shannon's recruiting skills also should materialize for the unit, which loses star linebacker Shaquem Griffin and struggled at times against the better offenses it faced last season. While the program has everything in place to keep winning, Heupel was somewhat of a surprising hire and must show he can sustain what Scott Frost started.
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: 21
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Cowboys: Oklahoma State has to be disappointed it couldn't get past Oklahoma and win a Big 12 title during the careers of QB Mason Rudolph and WR James Washington. Whether the title window reopens in the next few years depends on how quickly Rudolph's successor emerges, and whether the defense takes a jump under new coordinator Jim Knowles.
Quarterback is the pressing concern, as former walk-on Taylor Cornelius, Hawaii graduate transfer Dru Brown and others compete, but coach Mike Gundy's track record suggests the position will be fine by 2019, if not sooner. There's still good offensive skill on the roster with running back Justice Hill and receivers Jalen McCleskey, Tyron Johnson and Dillon Stoner. Although, as a Big 12 defensive coordinator noted, "You had to pay so much attention to Washington. That's how some of those other guys got their catches." Offensive-line depth is always an area to watch, but the defense will be in the spotlight. Knowles developed players well at Duke, especially in the secondary.
24. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Future QB ranking: 14
Future offense ranking: 20
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Bulldogs: The key for new coach Joe Moorhead and his staff likely will be Years 2 and 3, as long as they build on what they inherited for Year 1. Moorhead, who transformed Penn State's offense the past two seasons, should have immediate success at Mississippi State with Nick Fitzgerald at quarterback and capable backup Keytaon Thompson. Running back is in good shape for the next few seasons, and the offensive line looks solid for at least the short term with four returning starters.
Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop takes over a unit featuring pass-rusher Montez Sweat and seven returning starters. Mississippi State is clearly set up to challenge Alabama and Auburn in the SEC West this season. The question is what happens long-term, as opposing coaches wonder how Moorhead will fare with a staff largely comprised of outsiders.
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: NR
Future defense ranking: 22
Scouting the Hokies: Several teams were considered for the final spot, some with better short-term outlooks than Virginia Tech's. The Hokies' current personnel situation on both offense and defense is shaky, but their potential beyond 2018 looks promising as coach Justin Fuente gets more of his recruits into the program. Fuente's track record can't be overlooked, especially on offense, as Virginia Tech searches for playmakers around quarterback Josh Jackson this season.
The long-term quarterback outlook looks solid as ESPN 300 selection Quincy Patterson arrives this fall. Veteran defensive coordinator Bud Foster also has some immediate challenges after losing three non-seniors to the NFL draft, including two first-round picks. The line should be a strength with Ricky Walker, but Virginia Tech is thin at linebacker and cornerback in 2018. Fuente's past two recruiting classes rank among ESPN's national top 25. The development of those players will determine how Virginia Tech fares in the typically wide-open ACC Coastal Division.