After a hiatus for the NCAA tournament and spring practice, the Future Power Rankings return in force.
This second installment will rank the Top 25 offenses. There will be some overlap with the quarterback version for obvious reasons, but also several differences because complete offensive units project differently for certain teams.
These rankings cover the next three seasons -- 2019, 2020 and 2021 -- and take into account current players, potential NFL departures and incoming recruits. Offenses with more guarantees (i.e. proven players with multiple years of eligibility) tend to rank better. The rankings are also done in the moment, so while future coaching changes are considered, this is a snapshot of current rosters and coaching staffs, and future recruits.
Let's get to it.
1. 2019 future QB ranking: 1
2018 future offense ranking: 2
Scouting the Tigers: This was a fairly easy choice, mainly because Trevor Lawrence will lead the unit for two more seasons. Clemson has also established itself as the nation's premier wide receiver program, and while the legendary Hunter Renfrow departs, standouts such as Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross are back. The Tigers get 1,600-yard rusher Travis Etienne for at least one more season, and Lyn-J Dixon is only a sophomore. Offensive line recruitment and development has steadily improved at Clemson, which loses standout tackle Mitch Hyatt but should be in good shape. Clemson's overall recruiting on offense is virtually unmatched nationally.
2. 2019 future QB ranking: 2
2018 future offense ranking: 3
Scouting the Sooners: OU has the nation's preeminent offensive coach in Lincoln Riley and a system that has averaged 8.14 yards per play since 2016. Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts and promising young quarterbacks Tanner Mordecai and Spencer Rattler solidify the spot through 2021. Oklahoma returns proven pass-catchers such as wideout CeeDee Lamb and tight end Grant Calcaterra, and signed two of ESPN's top three receivers in the 2019 class (Jadon Haselwood and Theo Wease Jr.). Running backs Kennedy Brooks and Trey Sermon both have multiple years of eligibility left, and the offensive line always should be a strength under assistant Bill Bedenbaugh.
3. 2019 future QB ranking: 4
2018 future offense ranking: 1
Scouting the Bulldogs: Arguably no team is recruiting offensive line better than Georgia, which has signed elite prospects at all three trench positions in recent recruiting classes. A Sam Pittman-coached line will provide the foundation for the unit in the next three years. Running back also will be a strength with D'Andre Swift, Brian Herrien and Zamir White on the roster, and ESPN 300 recruit Kenny McIntosh arriving this fall. The potential concerns are quarterback after the 2019 season, as Jake Fromm likely departs, and wide receiver in the short term. But Georgia's wideout recruiting -- decorated prospects Dominick Blaylock and George Pickens arrive this fall -- and James Coley's role as the team's primary coordinator suggest good days are ahead.
4. 2019 future QB ranking: 3
2018 future offense ranking: 4
Scouting the Tide: If this were a one-year projection, Alabama could challenge Clemson and Oklahoma for the top spot. But a year from now, the Tide likely will be replacing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, running back Najee Harris and wideouts Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith. The cupboard is never bare in Tuscaloosa, as wide receiver Jaylen Waddle returns in 2020 and Alabama continues to excel in offensive line recruiting, adding two of ESPN's top four tackles in the 2019 class (Evan Neal and Pierce Quick). But replacing Tagovailoa poses unique challenges, and you have to wonder whether Alabama's constant staffing churn on offense starts to hurt the unit's production.
5. 2019 future QB ranking: 7
2018 future offense ranking: 5
Scouting the Buckeyes: A lot hinges on Justin Fields, especially given the lack of quarterback depth in Columbus. But if Fields performs to his talent level under coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has all the components to be an excellent offense through 2021. The Buckeyes will miss wideouts Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell and Johnnie Dixon, but they only really blossomed in the Day-Kevin Wilson offense. Ohio State still has the sure-handed K.J. Hill, veteran Austin Mack and deep threat Binjimen Victor, while adding Garrett Wilson (ESPN's No. 2 wideout in the 2019 class) and others. Hopes are very high for junior tight end Luke Farrell. Ohio State gets running back J.K. Dobbins for likely one more year, but redshirt freshman Master Teague showed promise this spring. The line must improve from 2018, but Ohio State has recruited well with tackle Nicholas Petit-Frère and others.
6. Oregon Ducks
2019 future QB ranking: 10
2018 future offense ranking: 19
Scouting the Ducks: Quarterback Justin Herbert's return helps the unit's short-term ranking, but there are other reasons to get excited beyond 2019. Coach Mario Cristobal is building an offensive line machine in Eugene, and while key players such as tackle Calvin Throckmorton and guard Shane Lemieux are seniors, Oregon will get left tackle Penei Sewell as a cornerstone piece for at least two more seasons. Cristobal also added four-star tackle Jonah Tauanu'u in the 2019 class. The Ducks' recruiting success should help at wide receiver, as early enrollees Mycah Pittman and Josh Delgado both impressed this spring. Sophomores C.J. Verdell and Travis Dye form a nice tandem at running back that should take Oregon through 2021.
7. 2019 future QB ranking: 9
2018 future offense ranking: 22
Scouting the Irish: Anyone who watched Notre Dame's spring game saw how effective the first-team offense can be. If quarterback Ian Book stays healthy, the Irish should be productive and likely more dynamic during the next two seasons. There's concern about backup Phil Jurkovec's development, which showed in the spring game, but Tyler Buchner, a 2021 recruit, could make an immediate impact. Receiver is in good shape both short term with Chase Claypool and Chris Finke and long term with a group of speed threats that includes Lawrence Keys III. Offensive line will continue to be a strength, especially as players such as Liam Eichenberg and Robert Hainsey keep developing. Notre Dame has extremely high hopes for tight end Cole Kmet. Running back depth has been an issue recently, but new assistant Lance Taylor should get more out of the group.
8. 2019 future QB ranking: 6
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Longhorns: Sam Ehlinger's emergence as a Tom Herman-style quarterback -- high completion percentage, tough runner, strong touchdown-to-interception ratio -- elevates hopes for the unit, especially if he stays for 2020. The offense should surge this fall if Texas can fill some gaps along the line. Ehlinger has a talented group of receivers, led by Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay, but also likely featuring true freshman Bru McCoy, the surprising late addition from USC (ESPN's top athlete and No. 27 player in the 2019 class). Texas needs more from its running backs, but Herman was pleased with the group this spring, especially sophomore Keaontay Ingram and freshman Jordan Whittington. While Texas' big 2018 recruiting gains came on defense, it added McCoy, Whittington, ESPN 300 tackle Tyler Johnson, ESPN 300 quarterback Roschon Johnson and other offensive pieces in this past class.
9. 2019 future QB ranking: 16
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Gators: We shouldn't be surprised, but coach Dan Mullen has dramatically changed Florida's outlook on offense after only one season. Quarterback Feleipe Franks has gone from likely bust to potential star, and he has two years of eligibility left. The Gators should feature one of the SEC's best wide receiver groups, as their top five pass-catchers return, and both Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney have two years of eligibility. Lamical Perine will lead the rushing attack for one more year before Dameon Pierce or another back takes over. Florida also added top tight end recruit Keon Zipperer in the 2019 class. The offensive line is the immediate concern with only one returning starter, but Florida continues to recruit well with players such as Richard Gouraige and Deyavie Hammond.
10. 2019 future QB ranking: 8
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cornhuskers: The combination of quarterback Adrian Martinez's eligibility situation (three more years) and coach Scott Frost's track record boosts Nebraska's overall outlook. Martinez could be a national awards candidate as soon as this season. He once again will target JD Spielman, who has 121 receptions in his first two years, and junior tight end Jack Stoll. Nebraska should build up its wide receiver depth with Kade Warner, Mike Williams and a good group of incoming freshmen that includes Wandale Robinson. Running back is the big short-term question mark because of Devine Ozigbo's departure and Maurice Washington's legal issues. Nebraska returns three starting offensive linemen who all have two seasons of eligibility left, and adds ESPN 300 prospect Bryce Benhart.
11. Texas A&M Aggies
2019 future QB ranking: 13
2018 future offense ranking: 24
Scouting the Aggies: Here's another unit with an improved forecast after the arrival of a proven offensive coach in Jimbo Fisher. Texas A&M should be good and possibly very good at quarterback with Kellen Mond for two more years, followed by likely James Foster or Zach Calzada. The Aggies have an intriguing group of junior wide receivers, led by Quartney Davis and Camron Buckley. There are short-term concerns after the exits of leading rusher Traveon Williams (1,760 yards, 18 touchdowns) and tight end Jace Sternberger (team highs in receptions, yards and touchdowns). Sophomore Jashaun Corbin, who averaged 5.7 yards per carry in limited work last season, will step in for Williams, and incoming tight end Baylor Cupp should help right away. The intrigue is whether Texas A&M reclaims its edge on the offensive line. Center Ryan McCollum's play this spring is encouraging, and Texas A&M just signed Kenyon Green, ESPN's top-rated tackle and No. 3 overall player in the 2019 class.
12. 2019 future QB ranking: 5
2018 future offense ranking: 9
Scouting the Cardinal: The key here is whether Stanford can reestablish its edge with the offensive line and run game, which never got on track in 2018. Stanford needs tackles Walker Little and Foster Sarell, both elite recruits in the 2017 class, to anchor the line this fall. There's genuine uncertainty at running back after the record-setting careers of Christian McCaffrey and Bryce Love. Cameron Scarlett likely will be Stanford's lead back for his final college season. The quarterback outlook is solid with K.J. Costello for at least one more season and Davis Mills and Jack West behind him. But Stanford loses its top three receivers from 2018 and will be leaning on tight end Colby Parkinson and younger receivers such as Osiris St. Brown and Michael Wilson. Stanford also added ESPN 300 wideout Elijah Higgins and ESPN 300 running back Austin Jones in the 2019 class.
13. 2019 future QB ranking: 12
2018 future offense ranking: 25
Scouting the Wolverines: The most interesting element here isn't necessarily the personnel, which looks very good, but how the scheme changes under first-time playcaller Josh Gattis. Michigan hasn't maximized its talent at wide receiver, but Gattis' more open system could feature juniors Nico Collins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and the oft-injured Tarik Black. Quarterback Shea Patterson is a senior, but talented reserves Joe Milton and Dylan McCaffrey can lead the offense through 2021. There's uncertainty at running back, especially with Chris Evans' status, but Michigan has some intriguing young options such as Christian Turner and Zach Charbonnet, who missed spring practice while recovering from surgery. The offensive line improved substantially under Ed Warinner in 2018 and returns several All-Big Ten candidates. Michigan also signed three ESPN 300 line recruits in the 2019 class.
14. LSU Tigers
2019 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Tigers: Yes, there's risk in ranking LSU. We've been fooled before by pledges of scheme change and talent maximization. But there seems to be substance behind the optimism, not to mention excellent recruiting at all positions. Quarterback Joe Burrow finished 2018 strong, and LSU returns its top four receivers, including non-seniors Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. Ed Orgeron hired Joe Brady to energize the passing game, both with Burrow in 2019 and then likely sophomore Myles Brennan in 2020. The future seems bright at running back, especially with John Emery, ESPN's top-rated back in the 2019 class, and junior Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Lanard Fournette. LSU needs more reliability from its line after a choppy season. The group returns experience in 2019, but LSU also has recruited well with Cole Smith and others.
15. 2019 future QB ranking: 22
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cougars: I learned my lesson in last year's Future Power Rankings, foolishly excluding Washington State for both quarterback and offense. There are big losses here, namely quarterback Gardner Minshew, versatile running back James Williams and offensive lineman Andre Dillard, a first-round NFL draft pick. But coach Mike Leach always will find a way to score points. Quarterback depth actually should be a long-term strength, as Eastern Washington transfer Gage Gubrud enters the fold. The receiver group also stands out with juniors Tay Martin and Jamire Calvin and seniors Dezmon Patmon and Easop Winston all back. While Dillard departs, the Cougars return their other four starting offensive linemen. There will be more turnover up front in 2020.
16. 2019 future QB ranking: 11
2018 future offense ranking: 7
Scouting the Huskies: Washington is an interesting spot. The quarterback projection should be fine even after redshirt freshman Colson Yankoff entered the transfer portal. The Huskies have options with Georgia transfer Jacob Eason and sophomore Jake Haener, who impressed this spring. (Another redshirt freshman, Jacob Sirmon, decided to stay rather than transfer.) Whoever wins the job has a veteran group of receivers, led by seniors Aaron Fuller and Andre Baccellia and junior Ty Jones. The Huskies are replacing record-setting running back Myles Gaskin and likely will turn to Salvon Ahmed for at least one more season. The offensive line should be better this season, especially if left tackle Trey Adams can stay healthy. Washington has recruited a handful of ESPN 300 wideouts and linemen the past two years.
17. 2019 future QB ranking: 14
2018 future offense ranking: 6
Scouting the Nittany Lions: The forecast here is a bit hazy after a spike in departures, both to the NFL draft and the transfer portal. Sophomore Sean Clifford looks like the pick at quarterback after Tommy Stevens entered the portal. Clifford likely will be handing off to sophomore Ricky Slade, set to succeed Miles Sanders at running back. In keeping with the sophomore theme, which could be great for a three-year projection, wide receiver KJ Hamler and tight end Pat Freiermuth should be featured in the pass game after combining for 13 touchdown catches in 2018. Veteran center Michal Menet leads a line with three returning starters and gradually more depth. But Penn State's outlook really hinges on Clifford and whether recent recruiting success, especially at positions like running back (Slade, Noah Cain, Devyn Ford), pays off.
18. 2019 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2018 future offense ranking: 21
Scouting the Cowboys: It's odd that quarterback jumps out as the big question mark, given coach Mike Gundy's track record of developing talent. But Oklahoma State needs an answer at QB, whether it's Hawaii transfer Dru Brown or Spencer Sanders, ESPN's No. 8 dual-threat signal-caller in the 2018 class. The wide receiver forecast looks especially good with Tyler Wallace, a 2018 Biletnikoff Award finalist, as well as veterans Dillon Stoner and Landon Wolf and younger players such as C.J. Moore. Sophomore Chuba Hubbard takes over for the productive Justice Hill at running back, and ESPN 300 tight end Grayson Boomer will be an interesting addition this fall. Another element to watch is new coaching on offense, as coordinator Sean Gleeson (Princeton) and line coach Charlie Dickey (Kansas State) arrive. Dickey's influence on the line will be especially interesting.
19. UCF Knights
2019 future QB ranking: 25
2018 future offense ranking: 14
Scouting the Knights: McKenzie Milton's catastrophic leg injury and uncertain playing future certainly changes the outlook for the entire offense. But UCF has quarterback options this season in Darriel Mack Jr. and Brandon Wimbush, and Mack has three years of eligibility left. And there's enough surrounding talent to keep producing in coach Josh Heupel's dynamic system. Running back Adrian Killins Jr. (5.75 career yards per carry) returns for a final season alongside junior Greg McCrae (1,182 rush yards in 2018). UCF brings back a solid group of receivers -- Gabriel Davis, Tre Nixon, Jason Colubiale -- with multiple years of experience. UCF also returns three all-conference linemen, although Jordan Johnson and Jake Brown both are seniors. Most of UCF's biggest recent recruiting prizes are on defense, but there's enough here to keep producing.
20. Auburn Tigers
2019 future QB ranking: 21
2018 future offense ranking: 12
Scouting the Tigers: It's a bit risky to include Auburn, as Gus Malzahn could be coaching for his job this season without a returning starter or decorated transfer at quarterback. There's talent at quarterback in redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood and true freshman Bo Nix, but neither is proven. Auburn lacks a superstar running back but returns its top three options, including sophomores JaTarvious Whitlow and Shaun Shivers. It's a similar situation at wide receiver, where Auburn will need a lot from young players such as Seth Williams, Anthony Schwartz and Matthew Hill, while versatile junior Eli Stove is healthy again. Auburn's line appears to be in good shape, as all five starters return along with several seasoned reserves. If the standard Malzahn offense resurfaces this fall, Auburn has the young nucleus to be good for a while. If not, dramatic changes could be coming.
21. Houston Cougars
2019 future QB ranking: 19
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cougars: The combination of a promising quarterback outlook and coach Dana Holgorsen's arrival gets Houston into the rankings. Senior D'Eriq King, a Maxwell Award semifinalist last season, is one of the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks, and Holgorsen really likes sophomore Clayton Tune's potential for 2020 and beyond. Houston returns four of its top five receivers, including junior Marquez Stevenson (1,019 yards in 2018) and senior Keith Corbin (team-high 10 touchdown catches). Top rusher Patrick Carr is back for one more year, along with senior Mulbah Car, and Houston in March added Texas transfer Kyle Porter. The line is worth watching, both in the short term with interior spots and after 2019, as Josh Jones, Braylon Jones and Jarrid Williams all depart.
22. Syracuse Orange
2019 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Orange: The past two seasons have shown what a Dino Babers offense can do, as Syracuse averaged more than 460 yards per game. It will be tough to replace 38-game starter Eric Dungey at quarterback, but Tommy DeVito has starting experience and three years of eligibility left. Receptions leader Sean Riley returns for his final season, and Taj Harris and Nykeim Johnson both have multiple years of eligibility left after combining for 81 catches in 2018. Michigan State transfer Trishton Jackson is another interesting pass-catching option. The run game will be interesting without Dungey, but senior Moe Neal rushed for 5.6 yards per carry in 2018, and sophomore Jarveon Howard also returns. Syracuse loses three primary line starters and needs a healthy Sam Heckel after offseason surgery. The Orange will rely on scheme and development, rather than a parade of high-level recruits.
23. 2019 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2018 future offense ranking: 10
Scouting the Badgers: Wisconsin's offense is in a fascinating spot. It gets Heisman Trophy candidate Jonathan Taylor (4,171 yards, 29 touchdowns in his first two seasons) for one more year, barring a huge surprise. The wide receiver outlook looks good with A.J. Taylor, Danny Davis III and Kendric Pryor, and tight end Jake Ferguson made 36 catches as a redshirt freshman. But a quarterback upgrade is sorely needed, whether it's junior Jack Coan (four starts in 2018) or true freshman Graham Mertz, Wisconsin's most decorated quarterback recruit ever (ESPN's No. 1 pocket passer and No. 26 overall player in the 2019 class). Offensive line remains Wisconsin's signature unit, but it underperformed last season. Junior center Tyler Biadasz is the centerpiece, but Wisconsin will need to develop senior David Moorman, sophomore Kayden Lyles and others. Wisconsin landed two four-star linemen in the 2019 class.
24. Baylor Bears
2019 future QB ranking: 23
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Bears: After an inconsistent 2018 season, Baylor's offense is on track to be in the top half of the Big 12. The Bears get quarterback Charlie Brewer for most likely two more years. He'll miss top target Jalen Hurd, a third-round draft pick, but Denzel Mims (116 catches, 16 touchdowns the past two seasons) is back alongside talented young players such as Tyquan Thornton and Josh Fleeks. Baylor lacks an alpha in the run game, but its top three running backs return, including two (John Lovett, Trestan Ebner) with multiple years of eligibility left. The line is Baylor's big question mark after it allowed a league-high 39 sacks last season. Three starters return, but Baylor wants versatility and more from players such as tackle Jake Fruhmorgen, a Clemson transfer. Baylor is recruiting well at quarterback and added ESPN 300 athlete Peyton Powell in the 2019 class.
25. Miami Hurricanes
2019 future QB ranking: 24
2018 future offense ranking: 17
Scouting the Hurricanes: I considered several teams for the final spot -- Iowa State and Memphis included -- but ultimately went with Miami, which has a better three-year outlook than an immediate one. The unit clearly needs an upgrade but should get one both with coaching -- Dan Enos is a proven playcaller and quarterback developer -- and overall talent. Redshirt sophomore quarterback N'Kosi Perry showed improvement this spring, and Miami has options with Ohio State transfer Tate Martell and redshirt freshman Jarren Williams. Wide receiver looks strong with junior Jeff Thomas staying put, Buffalo transfer K.J. Osborn and junior Mike Harley. Sophomore tight end Brevin Jordan comes off of a 32-catch season. DeeJay Dallas, who averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2018, could lead the rushing attack along with Auburn transfer Asa Martin and sophomores Cam'ron Harris and Lorenzo Lingard. The line remains murky but, like the rest of the unit, should improve by Year 2 of this projection.