June might be the quietest month on college football's calendar, but it's about to get a little louder.
The Future Power Rankings series reaches a crescendo with the full-team version. By now, you've dutifully studied three-year projections for quarterbacks, offenses and defenses. The team version accounts for the previous Top 25 lists and has many similarities, but also a few differences.
Projecting through the next three seasons, the full-team Future Power Rankings examine offense-defense balance, recruiting performance, and potential coaching changes, dismissals and exciting new hires. Overall program trend (past, present and especially future) is weighed, too.
Here is last year's list, which hit on some projections (Clemson, Texas) and missed on others (USC, Florida State). It's time to check out which 25 college football teams can feel best about what's coming -- through the 2021 season.
1. Future QB ranking: 1
Future offense ranking: 1
Future defense ranking: 4
Scouting the Tigers: There's a change at the top, as Clemson and Alabama trade places from the 2018 rankings. Clemson has more momentum than any program in college football after winning two of the past three national championships. The Tigers get transcendent quarterback Trevor Lawrence for two more years, along with an always-stocked wide receiver room, running backs Travis Etienne and Lyn-J Dixon, and an improving offensive line. The defense should have a more uncertain outlook after losing an incredible collection of linemen, but it simply doesn't -- a testament to coordinator Brent Venables and his staff. Other than Lawrence, the strongest argument for Clemson at the top is a 2020 recruiting class that already includes three five-star linemen -- Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee and Mitchell Mayes -- and a total of 14 ESPN 300 players, including potential Lawrence successor D.J. Uiagalelei at quarterback.
2. Future QB ranking: 3
Future offense ranking: 4
Future defense ranking: 1
Scouting the Tide: Panic ensues whenever Nick Saban's program ranks below No. 1, but there's really no need for concern. Alabama could be the preseason favorite to win the national title in 2019, and, as the only program never to miss the College Football Playoff, surely will contend for championships annually. The defense projects better than any in college football, as an experienced and talented 2019 unit gives way to future groups featuring high-ceiling linemen like D.J. Dale, Antonio Alfano and Chris Braswell, a five-star 2020 prospect headlining a recruiting class that currently ranks behind only Clemson's. Offensive line and running back will also be areas of strength. The major question here is, what happens at quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa departs for the NFL in 2020? Perhaps his younger brother, Taulia, takes command, or it could be veteran reserve Mac Jones. Alabama also will be replacing Biletnikoff Award winner Jerry Jeudy and other standout receivers in 2020. And though Saban looks and sounds like a coach who isn't approaching retirement, his constantly changing staff of assistants is worth watching.
3. Future QB ranking: 4
Future offense ranking: 3
Future defense ranking: 2
Scouting the Bulldogs: Georgia has the personnel to compete for national titles throughout the next three seasons. Kirby Smart's recruiting upgrades, especially at offensive line and linebacker, translate to rosters loaded with talent. But there's urgency to claim a championship soon, especially given Georgia's history of having enough talent but not winning it all since 1980. If the Bulldogs fall short in 2019, when quarterback Jake Fromm, running back D'Andre Swift, safety J.R. Reed and others play their final season, they likely will drop in these rankings. A priority for Georgia: identifying and developing defensive linemen who strike fear in opponents. Alabama and now Clemson do so annually, and Georgia must follow with players like nose tackle Jordan Davis or 2020 prospect Jalen Carter. The Bulldogs also must develop a strong successor to Fromm in 2020, possibly Dwan Mathis or 2020 recruit Carson Beck. But the depth at running back, linebacker and in the secondary should make Georgia an annual contender.
4. Future QB ranking: 2
Future offense ranking: 2
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Sooners: Once again, Oklahoma is one of the most intriguing teams in the rankings. The Sooners have reached the playoff in three of five seasons but have not made it past the semifinals because of a defense far too prone to breakdowns. OU's lopsidedness is reflected in the unit rankings, but there's hope with the arrival of coordinator Alex Grinch, who upgraded Washington State's defense and brings a strong reputation to Norman. Given Oklahoma's success on offense and specifically at quarterback, Grinch might be the nation's most important coordinator hire in years. The key area to watch is the defensive line, a once-feared group that hasn't produced many memorable players in recent years. OU's offense should continue to surge as long as coach Lincoln Riley is in town. Alabama quarterback transfer Jalen Hurts is a fascinating arrival, as he follows two Heisman Trophy winners in Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, and Oklahoma has options for 2020 and 2021. Five-star recruit Jadon Haselwood headlines an incredible wide receiver haul in the 2019 class, and both the receiver and offensive line groups are annually among the best nationally.
5. Future QB ranking: 7
Future offense ranking: 5
Future defense ranking: 7
Scouting the Buckeyes: Ohio State slips two spots from its 2018 ranking but easily could rise again. So much depends on two men -- first-year head coach Ryan Day and quarterback Justin Fields -- who have high ceilings but step into new roles. Day, previously the Buckeyes' offensive coordinator and QB coach, showed with Dwayne Haskins that Ohio State can develop quarterbacks that the NFL desires. He must do so again with Fields, ESPN's top-rated recruit in the 2018 class (ahead of Trevor Lawrence) who transfers in from Georgia. Ohio State has enough to surround Fields, both right now -- running back J.K. Dobbins, receiver K.J. Hill, tight end Luke Farrell -- and in the future with decorated 2019 recruit Garrett Wilson and five-star 2020 commit Julian Fleming. The Buckeyes need two traditionally strong groups, offensive line and linebacker, to improve in 2019. After a down year, the defense reboots under new coordinators Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley. All-America candidate Chase Young returns at end, and there's experience in the secondary. Day follows a coach in Urban Meyer who dominated the Big Ten and the recruiting trail. If Day becomes Ohio State's version of Lincoln Riley, the Buckeyes will soon return to the CFP.
6. Future QB ranking: 9
Future offense ranking: 7
Future defense ranking: 8
Scouting the Irish: Brian Kelly's team makes one of the bigger jumps in the rankings (No. 20 in 2018) after making its first CFP appearance. A quarterback switch from Brandon Wimbush (now at UCF) to Ian Book worked out better than most imagined, and Notre Dame's offense projects very well for at least the next two seasons. The Irish have high hopes for an offensive line returning four starters and promising first-year center Jarrett Patterson. They're looking to upgrade the speed at wide receiver, which loses top contributors Chase Claypool and Chris Finke after 2019. The running back forecast improved with a commitment from Chris Tyree, ESPN's No. 3 back in the 2020 class. Notre Dame's defense is on a steady ascent that could continue this fall, as seniors Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem bookend the line. Safety is another strength for a unit looking to build linebacker depth. Despite his team's 27-point loss to Clemson in the CFP semifinal, Kelly said Notre Dame isn't far away. We'll find out in the next three years if he's right.
7. Future QB ranking: 6
Future offense ranking: 8
Future defense ranking: 14
Scouting the Longhorns: Texas' previous team ranking (15) suggested better days were coming, and the Longhorns took a significant step last fall, reaching the Big 12 championship game and winning the Sugar Bowl. Recruiting success on both sides of the ball and the return of quarterback Sam Ehlinger -- possibly for two more seasons -- suggests Texas will continue to become more nationally relevant. Coach Tom Herman's offense should be very good in 2019, even with the recent departure of receiver Bru McCoy. Texas returns Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay, and Herman is excited about a running back room headlined by young players like Keaontay Ingram and Jordan Whittington. Not surprisingly, line coach Herb Hand has bolstered recruiting, especially for the 2020 class. The defense will be rebuilding this fall, notably in the front seven, but Texas recruited very well on that side in 2018 with defensive backs Caden Sterns, B.J. Foster and DeMarvion Overshown. If young linemen and linebackers -- Keondre Coburn, Ayodele Adeoye, Joseph Ossai -- develop, Texas should be in the Big 12 title mix annually.
8. Future QB ranking: 11
Future offense ranking: 16
Future defense ranking: 9
Scouting the Huskies: Washington is becoming the Pac-12's steadiest program, with two league titles and a 32-9 record in the past three seasons. A defense that consistently produces NFL draft picks has driven the team's consistency. Although there's a lot to replace in the short term -- cornerback Byron Murphy, linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven and other contributors -- Washington recruits very well behind coordinator Jimmy Lake, whose secondary is usually among the nation's best. The offense should take a step forward in 2019 even with a new quarterback; Georgia transfer Jacob Eason and sophomore Jake Haener are the top options there. Washington returns experience along the line, its top three receivers from 2018 and talented junior running back Salvon Ahmed. If the Huskies' next quarterback pans out, especially for multiple seasons, they should get their offensive numbers closer to 2016 levels and possibly start contending for the CFP again.
9. Future QB ranking: 16
Future offense ranking: 9
Future defense ranking: 5
Scouting the Gators: Here's another team that makes a significant jump from last year (No. 19), thanks to coach Dan Mullen and his influence on the offense. Whether or not you're a Feleipe Franks believer -- put me in the undecided camp -- Florida has a strong wide receiver group and a nice running back tandem in senior Lamical Perine and sophomore Dameon Pierce. Offensive line jumps out as an immediate area of concern as longtime Mullen assistant John Hevesy has work to do there. Florida's defense has been on a positive track for a while and should continue under coordinator Todd Grantham, who spurned the Cincinnati Bengals to remain in Gainesville. A veteran-laden line and a secondary populated by talented underclassmen -- Marco Wilson returns from a knee injury to complement CJ Henderson at cornerback -- raise expectations for 2019 and most likely 2020. Florida's last two losses to Georgia (combined score: 78-24) show where the Gators are in the SEC East. Continued growth at quarterback and on the offense in general will close the gap.
10. LSU Tigers
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: 14
Future defense ranking: 3
Scouting the Tigers: LSU can never claim a personnel problem. Talent always flocks to the Bayou, and coach Ed Orgeron is keeping the pipeline going. LSU's 2019 class ranked No. 7 nationally, according to ESPN, and the 2020 class currently ranks behind only Clemson's and Alabama's and includes 10 ESPN 300 prospects. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda could have his best group in 2019, mixing veterans (safety Grant Delpit, lineman Rashard Lawrence, linebacker Jacob Phillips) with potentially transcendent freshmen like cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. who, along with lineman K'Lavon Chaisson and others, strengthen the unit beyond 2019. But LSU's projection comes down to whether the offense, and specifically the passing game, truly breaks through. New passing game coordinator Joe Brady has drawn good reviews, and his work with quarterback Joe Burrow (for 2019) and Myles Brennan (for 2020 and beyond) is critical. Justin Jefferson leads a good group of receivers and John Emery, ESPN's top-rated 2019 running back recruit, joins the backfield. LSU has momentum after last season, but it must translate to better SEC West finishes soon.
11. Future QB ranking: 12
Future offense ranking: 13
Future defense ranking: 6
Scouting the Wolverines: Michigan moves up five spots from its 2018 ranking, and actually could be higher because of a consistently elite defense and an offense taking the right steps. The forecast comes down to whether Jim Harbaugh and his team can be trusted to finally beat Ohio State, win the East division for the first time and capture the Big Ten title for the first time since 2004. On paper, Michigan looks like the league's top team in 2019. Quarterback Shea Patterson returns alongside a talented group of receivers and tight ends and an improving line with four returning starters. New coordinator Josh Gattis will push the passing game in a year in which Michigan is very thin at running back. The defense loses a lot in the front seven from 2018 and will lose more in the back end after 2019 (cornerback Lavert Hill, linebacker Khaleke Hudson, safety Josh Metellus). But coordinator Don Brown always finds a way, and there are high hopes for non-senior linemen Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson. Michigan also landed four-star end Braiden McGregor for the 2020 class. The personnel will be there, but Michigan is well past due for a genuine breakthrough.
12. Texas A&M Aggies
Future QB ranking: 13
Future offense ranking: 11
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Aggies: Jimbo Fisher's first season in Aggieland left the faithful feeling good, as Texas A&M won its final four games, throttling NC State in the Gator Bowl. There's upper-tier talent on the roster (especially on offense) and more on the way, as Fisher's first full recruiting class ranked No. 3 nationally and featured key linemen like five-star offensive tackle Kenyon Green and four-star defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal. The quarterback outlook is strong with Kellen Mond for possibly two more years, and James Foster or Zach Calzada behind him. If Green and others fortify the line -- a strength under Mike Sherman that carried over under Kevin Sumlin -- Texas A&M will be one of the SEC's top offenses through 2021. Although the defense didn't make the Top 25, things could change in a hurry under talented coordinator Mike Elko. Texas A&M needs the pass defense, which struggled mightily in 2018, to balance out its run-stopping ability. How the secondary evolves with younger players like sophomore safety Leon O'Neal Jr. and incoming freshman Brian Williams, ESPN's No. 41 recruit in the 2019 class, will be fascinating. Line play will determine whether Texas A&M can take the difficult next step. The defensive front looks promising with non-seniors like Justin Madubuike and Bobby Brown III.
13. Future QB ranking: 14
Future offense ranking: 17
Future defense ranking: 16
Scouting the Nittany Lions: Penn State's outlook really depends on how its past two recruiting classes pan out. The recent recruiting uptick, highlighted by the nation's No. 4 class in 2018, is obvious. But the NFL draft and the transfer portal hit PSU especially hard, creating some short-term concerns. Penn State's quarterback ranking would have been lower if the list had published after Tommy Stevens transferred to Mississippi State. Then again, if sophomore Sean Clifford emerges as a capable successor to record-setting QB Trace McSorley, the offense will be in good shape. Clifford is among the younger offensive skill players -- with receivers KJ Hamler and Justin Shorter, running backs Ricky Slade, Noah Cain and Devyn Ford, and tight end Pat Freiermuth -- who can carry the unit through 2021. The defense is more senior-laden, especially at linebacker (Jan Johnson, Cam Brown) and in the secondary (John Reid, Garrett Taylor). Junior All-America candidate Yetur Gross-Matos will likely play his final season at end this fall. But the young defenders -- namely linebacker Micah Parsons but also safety Jonathan Sutherland, end Jayson Oweh, tackle P.J. Mustipher, incoming freshman cornerback Keaton Ellis and others -- will shape the outlook.
14. Oregon Ducks
Future QB ranking: 10
Future offense ranking: 6
Future defense ranking: 19
Scouting the Ducks: Everyone is buying Oregon stock. The question: How much? The Ducks should contend for the 2019 Pac-12 championship behind quarterback Justin Herbert, a likely top-10 draft pick in 2020. Coach Mario Cristobal signed the nation's No. 6 recruiting class in 2019, featuring No. 1 overall prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux at defensive end, and several standout perimeter players like cornerback Mykael Wright and receivers Lance Wilhoite, Mycah Pittman and Josh Delgado. Oregon's 2020 recruiting is off and running with top-rated safety Avantae Williams and four other commitments from ESPN 300 prospects. Cristobal is building the premier West Coast offensive line program, and will have elite left tackle Penei Sewell for two more years. New coordinator Andy Avalos takes over a defense with prolific linebacker Troy Dye for one more year and a nice group of non-senior playmakers in the secondary, including safety Jevon Holland. Absent from this list a year ago, Oregon is a rapid riser and could project even better if it can find a Herbert replacement in 2020.
15. Future QB ranking: 5
Future offense ranking: 12
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Cardinal: The big change here -- other than no more Bryce Love -- is a defense that slipped from No. 11 in the 2017 rankings to outside the Top 25. Stanford has struggled to find difference-makers since losing lineman Solomon Thomas after 2016 and must regain the production that defined the early part of David Shaw's tenure. There are some building blocks on the 2019 defense, including dynamic sophomore cornerback Paulson Adebo (four interceptions, 20 pass breakups in 2018) and junior outside linebacker Jordan Fox (4.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss). But Stanford needs more from this unit. The same goes for another traditional strength, the offensive line, which struggled for stretches last season. Junior tackle Walker Little, a likely 2020 NFL draft pick, leads the group alongside sophomore tackle Foster Sarell and others. Stanford's best outlook remains at quarterback, where K.J. Costello will play at least one more year before turning things over to Davis Mills or Jack West. Junior tight end Colby Parkinson is a high-ceiling player, and the wide receiver group is young and promising, but Stanford needs to reclaim its edge in the run game.
16. Auburn Tigers
Future QB ranking: 21
Future offense ranking: 20
Future defense ranking: 10
Scouting the Tigers: Few teams are trickier to project than Auburn, which came in at No. 11 in the 2018 team rankings but has a foggier future now. The major questions concern Gus Malzahn, who might be coaching for his job in 2019 despite a massive new contract in late 2017. If Malzahn restores Auburn's offense to 2013 to '17 production, he should be safe and the Tigers will contend in the SEC. Malzahn, who reclaims the playcalling duties this fall, must show he can develop quarterbacks he recruited to Auburn, either redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood or true freshman Bo Nix, ESPN's No. 23 overall recruit in the 2019 class. If Gatewood or Nix blossoms and an experienced line improves, Auburn should be a factor in the division during the next few years. The Tigers' defense has emerged as one of the SEC's best under Kevin Steele, and this fall boasts a nationally elite line led by Derrick Brown. Auburn's secondary also looks strong behind Javaris Davis, and the defensive recruiting -- headlined by Owen Pappoe, ESPN's No. 1 outside linebacker and No. 8 overall player in the 2019 class -- suggests the unit will be fine beyond this coming season.
17. Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: 23
Future defense ranking: 18
Scouting the Badgers: Wisconsin slides from No. 9 in the 2018 team rundown, as questions loom after an uncharacteristically shaky season last fall. The defense regressed after a historic three-year run and now must regain its edge, especially in the front seven. Better health along the line will help, as junior end Garrett Rand returns from an Achilles injury. Coordinator Jim Leonhard likes a group of non-senior defensive backs that includes sophomore safety Scott Nelson. If other young defenders, such as freshman linebackers Leo Chenal and Spencer Lytle, develop, the unit should be in good shape through 2021. Although Wisconsin's offense barely made the Top 25, there's reason for hope. Incoming freshman Graham Mertz is the best quarterback recruit in program history -- ESPN's No. 21 overall player in the 2019 class -- and could provide the boost Wisconsin has wanted since Russell Wilson departed. Running back and tight end always will be strengths, even after Heisman Trophy candidate Jonathan Taylor departs in 2020. A bigger key is getting the offensive line play back to the pre-2018 level. Standout center Tyler Biadasz is just a junior, and other young linemen, like tackle Tyler Beach, are emerging. Wisconsin recorded seven 10-win seasons between 2009 and 2017 and likely won't be "down" for long.
18. Miami Hurricanes
Future QB ranking: 24
Future offense ranking: 25
Future defense ranking: 13
Scouting the Hurricanes: Miami surged to No. 13 in the 2018 team rankings after winning its first ACC Coastal Division title and reaching the Orange Bowl. A 7-6 season and coach Mark Richt's surprising exit usually would damage the team's outlook. But the school's wise hire of Manny Diaz and a personnel picture that still looks promising keep the Hurricanes from a major drop. Diaz already had Miami's defense on track, and though the unit loses significant players up front and at safety, notable returners include junior end Jonathan Garvin, junior cornerback Trajan Bandy, and senior linebackers Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney. Add younger players including tackle Nesta Silvera and future recruits -- Miami's 2020 class currently ranks No. 6 -- and the Canes should consistently have one of the ACC's best defenses. The bigger question is at quarterback, a spot that new coordinator Dan Enos will oversee. N'Kosi Perry and Ohio State transfer Tate Martell both have multiple years of eligibility left but also plenty to prove. Miami has good skill-position depth, as junior wideout Jeff Thomas stayed with the team and Buffalo wideout K.J. Osborn transferred in, but a very young line remains an area of concern.
19. TCU Horned Frogs
Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: NR
Future defense ranking: 15
Scouting the Horned Frogs: Doubting Gary Patterson over any extended time period is foolish. Though TCU struggled last season and falls from its No. 14 spot in the 2018 future team rankings, Patterson's program has repeatedly shown resilience. A rebound is likely this fall, especially if TCU can stay healthier than it did in 2018 and figure out the quarterback situation. Two transfers could be in the mix -- Alex Delton (Kansas State) and Matthew Baldwin (Ohio State) -- along with Justin Rogers, a top-60 national recruit in 2018 who is coming off a major knee injury. TCU returns a good group of non-senior receivers, led by junior Jalen Reagor, as well as senior running back Darius Anderson. The defense has some immediate holes but also standouts like senior cornerback Jeff Gladney. Defensive tackle should be a strength as Ross Blacklock returns from injury to rejoin fellow junior Corey Bethley. If TCU develops young linemen Ochaun Mathis and Adam Plant, the front should shine through at least 2020. TCU has two ESPN 300 defenders committed for 2020.
20. Future QB ranking: 22
Future offense ranking: 15
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Cougars: Mike Leach has done the finest work of his career in the past four seasons, during which Washington State is 37-15 (26-10 in Pac-12 play) with four solid bowl appearances. The Cougars' personnel doesn't stand out as much as that of other teams on this list, but they know how to win under Leach. Iconic quarterback Gardner Minshew won't be easy to replace, but WSU has short-term options with Eastern Washington transfer Gage Gubrud and seniors Anthony Gordon and Trey Tinsley. The receiving corps is loaded, mostly with non-seniors like Davontavean Martin. Although NFL first-round draft pick Andre Dillard departs up front, the other four line starters return (three non-seniors). WSU's defense didn't make the Top 25 but has been consistently strong under Alex Grinch and now Tracy Claeys. The Cougars return a lot in the back end for 2019, including all-conference safety Jalen Thompson. If West Virginia transfer Lamonte McDougle and others emerge up front, the unit will once again be stingy. WSU must find a way to win the Apple Cup soon, but should be an annual contender for the Pac-12 North.
21. UCF Knights
Future QB ranking: 25
Future offense ranking: 19
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Knights: Perhaps UCF should be higher after a 25-1 surge and back-to-back New Year's Six bowl appearances. The Knights have the best personnel collection in the Group of 5, boasting standouts on offense (running backs Adrian Killins Jr. and Greg McCrae, wide receiver Gabriel Davis) and defense (safety Richie Grant, linebacker Nate Evans). A veteran offensive line returns virtually intact, and the secondary looks solid with Grant and cornerback tandem Nevelle Clarke and Brandon Moore. UCF only moves up one spot to No. 21, though, because of uncertainty at quarterback. McKenzie Milton was a game-changer, but his catastrophic leg injury changed the outlook. Perhaps Darriel Mack Jr. is a long-term answer, although Notre Dame graduate transfer Brandon Wimbush provides another option. Though coach Josh Heupel made an excellent debut, he's still winning largely with Scott Frost's players. UCF is set up to remain the top Group of 5 program, but another year of excellence would solidify the future under Heupel.
22. Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: NR
Future defense ranking: 11
Scouting the Spartans: Mark Dantonio's decision to restructure his offensive staff, rather than overhaul it, will shape how MSU projects through 2021. If the offense can merely be solid and Michigan State recaptures the quarterback play it showed with Kirk Cousins and Connor Cook, big things should follow. But last season showed the Spartans need much more production, as even their signature run game sputtered. MSU returns nine starters for 2019, including the entire line and talented receivers Cody White and Darrell Stewart. Will senior quarterback Brian Lewerke look like he did in 2017? If not, sophomore Rocky Lombardi should get a chance. MSU's defense once again will be among the nation's best in 2019, as All-America candidate Kenny Willekes returns at end alongside linebacker Joe Bachie, cornerback Josiah Scott and others. There will be significant turnover in 2020, especially if Scott goes pro, but Dantonio almost always reloads on defense. MSU signed standout corner Julian Barnett in the 2019 class.
23. Future QB ranking: 8
Future offense ranking: 10
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Cornhuskers: The enthusiasm around coach Scott Frost, quarterback Adrian Martinez and the Husker program makes sense. Martinez will play at least two more seasons after a record-setting college debut (295.1 yards per game of total offense). He's the main reason that Nebraska even appears in these rankings following a historically bad stretch (8-16 combined the past two seasons). The Huskers soon will contend in the Big Ten West, but perhaps not this coming season, as the division is getting a lot better overall. Nebraska's defense still has personnel hurdles to overcome, but the unit should be better this fall behind a nice group of veterans, including linebacker Mohamed Barry and Oklahoma State transfer Darrion Daniels at defensive tackle. Coordinator Erik Chinander must continue to build depth and identify more playmakers in the secondary, traditionally a solid unit but one that has become leaky in the post-Bo Pelini era. A top-20 recruiting class in 2019 highlighted by ESPN 300 athlete Wandale Robinson elevates the optimism for Frost's program.
24. Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: 18
Future defense ranking: NR
Scouting the Cowboys: Mike Gundy has been here before, emerging from a below-average season (7-6) with questions at quarterback, on defense and elsewhere. After back-to-back 7-6 campaigns in 2006 and 2007, Oklahoma State went 41-11 over the next four years. The Pokes then followed a 7-6 season in 2014 with three consecutive 10-win campaigns. Though the past doesn't guarantee a solid future, Gundy has earned the benefit of the doubt. A lot hinges on redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Sanders, an ESPN 300 recruit in 2018, and new offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson, who arrives from Princeton. There's plenty of offensive talent elsewhere, from Biletnikoff Award finalist Tylan Wallace to sophomore running back Chuba Hubbard to three returning line starters. Oklahoma State's better defenses under Gundy have subsisted on pressure and takeaways to offset yards allowed. Second-year coordinator Jim Knowles needs more from the unit and will lean on a secondary filled with non-seniors who gained experience in 2018. Defensive line development will be key, as transfer Israel Antwine (Colorado) enters the mix.
25. Future QB ranking: NR
Future offense ranking: NR
Future defense ranking: 23
Scouting the Wildcats: This list got crowded toward the end as several teams -- Utah, Iowa, Iowa State, Boise State -- were considered for the Top 25. Northwestern's overall personnel doesn't overwhelm, but its recruiting is on the rise after a major facilities upgrade and consistent on-field success. The Wildcats are 36-17 since 2015 despite an offense that ranks near the bottom of the FBS in big-play capability. If Northwestern gets just moderate improvement on offense, along with higher-level recruits, it should be back in the Big Ten championship game before 2021 after making its first appearance last year. Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson, ESPN's top-rated pocket passer in the 2017 class, is the type of quarterback to give the offense a consistent spark. Recruiting upgrades at wide receiver and offensive line should help, and top running back Isaiah Bowser is just a sophomore. A very solid defense is unlikely to drop off, even after end Joe Gaziano and most likely linebacker Paddy Fisher depart in 2020. Safeties JR Pace and Travis Whillock, end Samdup Miller, and linebacker Blake Gallagher (and technically Fisher) are all juniors. There are high hopes for sophomore cornerback Greg Newsome II.