GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Alabama and Clemson played in the College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T on Monday night, and the Crimson Tide and Tigers will be favorites to return to the playoff this coming season.
The Tigers, who were the only unbeaten FBS team during the regular season, are No. 1 in the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25, followed by Alabama, Baylor and Michigan.
The Tigers could bring back as many as 17 starters on offense and defense, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, a Heisman Trophy finalist this past season. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide will have to replace a lot of the key players who helped them reach the playoff two seasons in a row, including perhaps Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.
The first Way-Too-Early Top 25 includes six teams from the Pac-12 (four from the North Division), five from the SEC and four each from the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12.
Here's the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25:
1. Clemson Tigers
2015 record: 14-1, 8-0 ACC
Returning starters: 8 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: DE Shaq Lawson, G Eric Mac Lain, RT Joe Gore, WR Charone Peake, DT D.J. Reader, LB B.J. Goodson
Outlook: The Tigers look built to last, having won more than 10 games in each of the past five seasons and reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season. The Tigers have to replace a couple of key pieces on both lines of scrimmage, especially All-America defensive end Shaq Lawson, but they had nine new starting linemen in 2015. With quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back, they'll have a chance to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. Clemson's schedule will be more than manageable if it can survive a road game at Florida State.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2016, check out Clemson's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
2015 record: 14-1, 7-1 SEC
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Jake Coker, C Ryan Kelly, DE Jarran Reed, LB Reggie Ragland, CB Cyrus Jones
Outlook: The Crimson Tide are losing a ton of talent on defense, along with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who was named Georgia's coach. But when hasn't Nick Saban reloaded on that side of the ball? He hired former Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to replace Smart. The bigger question might be whether freshman Blake Barnett is ready to take the controls of the offense in 2016. He may have to do so without Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, who is probably turning pro early. Alabama opens the season against USC in Arlington, Texas, and also plays SEC road games at Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU.
For more on how the Crimson Tide will look in 2016, check out Alabama's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
3. Baylor Bears
2015 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big 12
Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Corey Coleman, OT Spencer Drango, DE Shawn Oakman, LB Grant Campbell, DE Jamal Palmer, CB Xavien Howard
Outlook: The Bears will have to replace much of their offense this coming season; four starting linemen are leaving and star receiver Corey Coleman is turning pro. Baylor coach Art Briles proved once again in 2015 that he'll find ways to move the ball and score points, no matter the circumstances. Quarterbacks Seth Russell (neck) and Jarrett Stidham (ankle) should be back from injuries, along with tailback Shock Linwood (foot). On defense, the Bears might lose all four starting linemen if junior nose tackle Andrew Billings turns pro. Once again, Baylor's nonconference schedule isn't demanding, but the Bears will have to survive a Big 12 road game at Oklahoma.
For more on how the Bears will look in 2016, check out Baylor's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
4. Michigan Wolverines
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 Big Ten
Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: C Graham Glasgow, QB Jake Rudock, LB Desmond Morgan, LB Joe Bolden, LB James Ross, FS Jarrod Wilson
Outlook: After a five-win improvement in Jim Harbaugh's first season at his alma mater, the Wolverines might be the team to beat in the Big Ten in 2016. Michigan will bring back almost everybody on offense, although losing quarterback Jake Rudock and center Graham Glasgow is significant. Houston transfer John O'Korn might be the top candidate to replace Rudock. Defensively, Michigan will have to replace its entire linebacker corps, but its defensive line figures to be one of the country's best. New defensive coordinator Don Brown led one of the stingiest defenses in the FBS at Boston College this past season. Michigan plays eight home games this coming season, but three of its road games -- at Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State -- should be tough.
For more on how the Wolverines will look in 2016, check out Michigan's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
2015 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big 12
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Sterling Shepard, C Ty Darlington, LB/DE Eric Striker, DE Charles Tapper, CB Zack Sanchez, LB Dominique Alexander
Outlook: The Sooners recovered from a disappointing 8-5 campaign in 2014 by winning the Big 12 and reaching the College Football Playoff this past season. They'll lose some firepower and leadership on defense, especially Striker, who was the team's emotional leader and best pass-rusher. With quarterback Baker Mayfield and tailbacks Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon coming back, the Sooners should again be explosive. Their nonconference schedule is daunting with a road trip to Houston and a home game against Ohio State.
For more on how the Sooners will look in 2016, check out Oklahoma's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
6. Florida State Seminoles
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC
Returning starters: 11 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, DT Nile Lawrence-Stample, LB Reggie Northrup, LB Terrance Smith, FS Lamarcus Brutus, QB Everett Golson, K Roberto Aguayo
Outlook: After winning a national championship in 2013 and reaching the College Football Playoff in '14, it was a bit of a rebuilding campaign for the Seminoles this past season. But FSU might be ready to challenge Clemson in the ACC, especially with every starter expected back on offense. The biggest question heading into spring practice: Can redshirt freshman Deondre Francois challenge quarterback Sean Maguire for the starting job? On defense, the Seminoles will have to replace two starting linebackers and two starting defensive backs. FSU opens the 2016 season against Ole Miss in Orlando, Florida, and it will also play Clemson and North Carolina at home during ACC play.
For more on how the Seminoles will look in 2016, check out Florida State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
7. LSU Tigers
2015 record: 9-3, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Vadal Alexander, LB Lamar Louis, LB Deion Jones, FS Jalen Mills, OT Jerald Hawkins
Outlook: After surviving an attempted coup, Tigers coach Les Miles probably knows his team is going to have to challenge Alabama in the SEC West if he's going to keep his job. He took a big step in doing that by hiring Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Miles also seems intent on keeping offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, even after the Tigers ranked 111th in the FBS in passing yards (173.1) and 57th in scoring (30.7). Of course, having Leonard Fournette gives LSU a chance to beat anybody it plays. The Tigers will open 2016 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, and they'll play home games against Ole Miss and Alabama.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2016, check out LSU's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
8. Stanford Cardinal
2015 record: 12-2, 8-1 Pac-12
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Kevin Hogan, OT Kyle Murphy, G Joshua Garnett, TE Austin Hooper, LB Blake Martinez, DE Aziz Shittu, FS Kodi Whitfield
Outlook: What more does Stanford's David Shaw need to do to be considered among the most elite coaches in the country? He has led the Cardinal to three Rose Bowls and one Fiesta Bowl in his first five seasons as coach. The Cardinal will have to replace a couple of key offensive linemen and quarterback Kevin Hogan this coming season, but Heisman Trophy runner-up Christian McCaffrey will be back to make fans' jaws drop again. Defensively, the Cardinal will have to replace leading tackler Blake Martinez and two starters in the secondary. The Pac-12 schedule includes road trips to UCLA, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Cal, as well as a nonconference trip to Notre Dame.
For more on how the Cardinal will look in 2016, check out Stanford's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2015 record: 10-3
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Ronnie Stanley, C Nick Martin, WR Will Fuller, RB C.J. Prosise, WR Amir Carlisle, DL Sheldon Day, LB Joe Schmidt, LB Jaylon Smith, CB KeiVarae Russell
Outlook: The Fighting Irish must replace some key skill players on offense, especially after receiver Fuller and tailback Prosise left early for the NFL draft. The good news: A boatload of players are coming back from injuries that forced them to miss most of 2015, including quarterback Malik Zaire, tailback Tarean Folston and tight end Durham Smythe. There are also heavy personnel losses on a defense that needs to improve, including Russell and Smith, who have both declared for the draft. Notre Dame will play only three true road games (at Texas, NC State and USC) in 2016, along with neutral-site games against Syracuse, Navy and Army.
For more on how the Fighting Irish will look in 2016, check out Notre Dame's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
10. Houston Cougars
2015 record: 13-1, 7-1 AAC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Alex Cooper, OT Carter Wall, WR Demarcus Ayers, RB Kenneth Farrow, LB Elandon Roberts, SS Adrian McDonald, FS Trevon Stewart, CB William Jackson III, CB Lee Hightower
Outlook: The Cougars stunned Florida State 38-24 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to cap a remarkable season in 2015, but their biggest upset might have been keeping first-year coach Tom Herman. With Herman and quarterback Greg Ward Jr. coming back, the Cougars might be on the verge of even bigger things this coming season. Top receiver Demarcus Ayers is leaving early for the NFL draft, and both starting offensive tackles and top tailback Kenneth Farrow are also departing. The UH defense will have to replace three starters in the secondary and three of its top four tacklers. The Cougars will open the season against Oklahoma at NRG Stadium in Houston, and they'll play AAC road games at Cincinnati, Memphis and Navy.
For more on how the Cougars will look in 2015, check out Houston's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
11. Tennessee Volunteers
2015 record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Kyler Kerbyson, WR Von Pearson, DT Owen Williams, SS LaDarrell McNeil, FS Brian Randolph, DE/LB Curt Maggitt
Outlook: After winning nine games this past season, the mortar finally seems dry on UT coach Butch Jones' three-year rebuilding job. With nine starters expected back on offense and as many as eight on defense, the Vols might be the favorites in the SEC East this coming season. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs needs to continue to improve as a passer, but he'll have a lot of talented skill players returning with him. UT must replace two starters in the secondary, and cornerback Cameron Sutton is reportedly considering leaving for the NFL draft as well. Tennessee's defensive coaching has received a face-lift: Coordinator John Jancek was fired and replaced by former Penn State DC Bob Shoop. The Vols will play a nonconference game against Virginia Tech at Bristol Motor Speedway, and they'll also play home games against Florida and Alabama.
For more on how the Volunteers will look in 2016, check out Tennessee's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
12. Ohio State Buckeyes
2015 record: 12-1, 7-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: RB Ezekiel Elliott, OT Taylor Decker, C Jacoby Boren, WR Braxton Miller, DE Joey Bosa, LB Darron Lee, LB Joshua Perry, S Tyvis Powell, WR Michael Thomas, S Vonn Bell
Outlook: After coming up short in its quest to win back-to-back national championships, Ohio State is going to have major reloading jobs on both sides of the ball. In fact, the Buckeyes might actually take a step back for the first time under coach Urban Meyer. At least nine juniors -- including star tailback Elliott, defensive end Bosa and backup quarterback Cardale Jones -- have announced they're leaving early for the NFL draft. The Buckeyes will play a difficult road schedule, including a nonconference game at Oklahoma and trips to Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan State.
For more on how the Buckeyes will look in 2016, check out Ohio State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
13. Ole Miss Rebels
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Laquon Treadwell, OT Laremy Tunsil, DT Robert Nkemdiche, WR Cody Core, RB Jaylen Walton, DB Mike Hilton, S Trae Elston
Outlook: The Rebels have improved in each of coach Hugh Freeze's four seasons, going from seven wins in 2012 to 10 in 2015. They've beaten Alabama and appeared in New Year's Six bowl games in consecutive seasons. Now they'll try to unseat the Crimson Tide in the SEC West but the Rebels will have to do it without a trio of their best players: receiver Laquon Treadwell, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, who are leaving early for the NFL draft. With quarterback Chad Kelly coming back, the Rebels should still be pretty good on offense. The defense will have to replace six starters, including top defensive backs Trae Elston and Mike Hilton. Getting safety Tony Conner back from a knee injury should help.
For more on how the Rebels will look in 2016, check out Ole Miss' recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
14. Michigan State Spartans
2015 record: 12-2, 7-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 3 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Connor Cook, WR Aaron Burbridge, C Jack Allen, G Donovan Clark, OT Jack Conklin, DE Shilique Calhoun, DT Joel Heath, DE Lawrence Thomas, LB Darien Harris
Outlook: The Spartans' 38-0 loss to Alabama in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic was a deflating end to a great season, but Mark Dantonio has built a program that's here to stay. There's a lot of work to do, though; the Spartans will have to replace all but three offensive starters, including quarterback Connor Cook and two key pieces on the line. They'll also lose three starting defensive linemen, but nose tackle Malik McDowell is a budding superstar. MSU will play nonconference games at Notre Dame and home against BYU this coming season and will play Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan and Ohio State at home during Big Ten play.
For more on how the Spartans will look in 2016, check out Michigan State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
15. USC Trojans
2015 record: 8-6, 6-3 Pac-12
Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: QB Cody Kessler, C Max Tuerk, OLB Su'a Cravens, LB Anthony Sarao, DT Delvon Simmons, NT Antwaun Woods, DE Greg Townsend Jr.
Outlook: The Trojans dropped their final two games after Clay Helton was named permanent coach, but they might be positioned to win the Pac-12 South. USC will have a new starting quarterback; rising junior Max Browne and sophomore Sam Darnold will battle to replace three-year starter Cody Kessler. Whoever wins the job will have plenty of talented skill players to help, as well as every offensive linemen who started in the second half of '15. There are heavy personnel losses on defense, but linebacker Cameron Smith returns from a knee injury after leading USC in tackles as a freshman.
For more on how the Trojans will look in 2016, check out USC's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
16. Iowa Hawkeyes
2015 record: 12-2, 8-0 Big Ten
Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: RB Jordan Canzeri, TE Henry Krieger Coble, WR Tevaun Smith, C Austin Blythe, G Jordan Walsh, LB Cole Fisher, FS Jordan Lomax, DE Nate Meier
Outlook: The Hawkeyes awoke from what seemed like a long slumber to win more than 10 games for the first time in six seasons. There's a good nucleus of talent coming back, including All-America cornerback Desmond King, who said he'll return for his senior season. Iowa's schedule might once again help its chances in the Big Ten title race, as it doesn't play Michigan State or Ohio State during the regular season and plays Northwestern, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska at home.
For more on how the Hawkeyes will look in 2016, check out Iowa's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
17. North Carolina Tar Heels
2015 record: 11-3, 8-0 ACC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Marquise Williams, WR Quinshad Davis, G Landon Turner, LB Shakeel Rashad, Jeff Schoettmer, S Sam Smiley, DT Justin Thomason
Outlook: The Tar Heels finally broke through in coach Larry Fedora's fourth season, improving from 6-7 in 2014 to 11-3 and winning the ACC's Coastal Division this past season. The Tar Heels dropped their last two games, but momentum certainly seems headed in the right direction. UNC will have to replace quarterback Marquise Williams, who accounted for 4,020 yards of offense with 37 touchdowns in 2015. Backup Mitch Trubisky completed a whopping 85.1 percent of his passes with six scores. The Tar Heels open the season against Georgia in Atlanta and also play two FCS opponents (James Madison and The Citadel) for the second straight season.
For more on how the Tar Heels will look in 2016, check out North Carolina's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
18. Oregon Ducks
2015 record: 9-4, 7-2 Pac-12
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Tyler Johnstone, G Matt Pierson, QB Vernon Adams Jr., DE DeForest Buckner, LB Joe Walker, LB Rodney Hardrick
Outlook: The Ducks' collapse in a 47-41 loss to TCU in the Valero Alamo Bowl, in which they blew a 31-0 halftime lead, certainly raised some red flags heading into the offseason. Coach Mark Helfrich demoted defensive coordinator Don Pellum after Oregon allowed 37.85 points per game in 2015, and they'll have to replace most of their front seven on that side of the ball. The Ducks are also going to gamble on another one-and-done quarterback. Montana State transfer Dakota Prukop has already enrolled in classes at Oregon and is the leading candidate to replace Vernon Adams Jr.
For more on how the Ducks will look in 2016, check out Oregon's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
19. TCU Horned Frogs
2015 record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12
Returning starters: 3 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Trevone Boykin, WR Josh Doctson, RB Aaron Green, OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai, C Joey Hunt, FS Derrick Kindred, CB Corry O'Meally
Outlook: Even after a slew of season-ending injuries hit the Horned Frogs like a 1,000-ton truck, they somehow managed to win 11 games, including their memorable comeback win over Oregon in the Alamo Bowl. TCU will have to replace star quarterback Trevone Boykin, All-America receiver Josh Doctson and four starting offensive linemen this coming season. Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill is the top candidate to replace Boykin. Seven starters are coming back on defense, along with some key players returning from injuries, including end James McFarland and safety Kenny Iloka.
For more on how the Horned Frogs will look in 2016, check out TCU's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
20. Washington State Cougars
2015 record: 9-4, 6-3 Pac-12
Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Dom Williams, OT Joe Dahl, G Gunnar Eklund, DE Darryl Paulo, DT Destiny Vaeao, DE Ivan McLennan, LB Jeremiah Allison, SS Taylor Taliulu
Outlook: After a 24-17 loss to FCS foe Portland State in the 2015 opener, Washington State's Mike Leach quietly put together one of the best coaching jobs in the country. The Cougars won seven of their last nine games, including a 20-14 win over Miami in the Sun Bowl, to finish 9-4. With quarterback Luke Falk coming back, the Cougars should again have one of the best passing attacks in the FBS. Falk threw for 4,561 yards with 38 touchdowns this past season, and one of his favorite targets, Gabe Marks, decided to return for his senior season. WSU has some key pieces to replace on defense, but the Cougars have improved dramatically on that side of the ball. They play early road games at Boise State and Stanford in 2016, but they'll have the benefit of playing Oregon, UCLA and Washington at home.
For more on how the Cougars will look in 2016, check out Washington State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
21. UCLA Bruins
2015 record: 8-5, 5-4 Pac-12
Returning starters: 5 offense, 9 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: RB Paul Perkins, WR Jordan Payton, C Jake Brendel, OT Caleb Benenoch, NT Kenny Clark, LB Aaron Wallace
Outlook: After posting back-to-back 10-win seasons, the Bruins dropped to 8-5 in 2015. But UCLA took its lumps with true freshman quarterback Josh Rosen, who looked like the kind of player who might be able to get the Bruins over the hump in the future. UCLA will have to replace three starting offensive linemen as well as tailback Paul Perkins, who ran for 1,343 yards with 14 touchdowns this past season. Nine starters might be back on defense, but top pass-rushers Kenny Clark and Aaron Wallace are gone.
For more on how the Bruins will look in 2016, check out UCLA's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
22. Oklahoma State Cowboys
2015 record: 10-3, 7-2 Big 12
Returning starters: 10 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, WR David Glidden, QB J.W. Walsh, CB Kevin Peterson, CB Michael Hunter
Outlook: The Pokes closed the 2015 season with three straight losses, and they'll have to get better in the running game if they're going to challenge Baylor, Oklahoma and TCU in the Big 12 this coming season. Quarterback Mason Rudolph returns to lead a high-powered offense, along with five starting offensive linemen and top receiver James Washington. Pass-rushing star Emmanuel Ogbah will be missed on defense, but seven starters are expected back. OSU's Big 12 road schedule will be daunting with trips to Baylor, Kansas State, TCU and Oklahoma.
For more on how the Cowboys will look in 2016, check out Oklahoma State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
23. Georgia Bulldogs
2015 record: 10-3, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: LB Jordan Jenkins, LB Jake Ganus, LB Leonard Floyd, DE Sterling Bailey, WR Malcolm Mitchell, G/T Kolton Houston, C Hunter Long, OT John Theus
Outlook: After spending the past 10 seasons on Nick Saban's staff, Kirby Smart gets his first chance as a head coach, replacing Mark Richt at his alma mater. The Bulldogs will have to replace three starting offensive linemen, a task that will be easier if star tailback Nick Chubb successfully recovers from a knee injury. The other big question on offense: Can incoming freshman Jacob Eason or junior Brice Ramsey unseat Greyson Lambert at quarterback? The front seven on defense will get a complete makeover, with three linebackers and two key linemen moving on. Georgia's schedule isn't especially taxing with only four true road games, including an early trip to Ole Miss.
For more on how the Bulldogs will look in 2016, check out Georgia's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
24. Louisville Cardinals
2015 record: 8-5, 5-3 ACC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: C Tobijah Hughley, OT Aaron Epps, DE Sheldon Rankins, DE Pio Vatuvei, LB James Burgess
Outlook: The Cardinals were a bit of a disappointment after losing four of their first six games, but they might have turned the corner in the second half of the 2015 season. Louisville won six of its last seven, including a 27-21 victory over Texas A&M in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. If quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to improve as a passer, the Cardinals might be more consistent on offense next season. Louisville's defense received a big boost when four juniors -- linebackers Devonte' Fields and Keith Kelsey, and defensive backs Josh Harvey-Clemons and Shaq Wiggins -- decided to return for their senior seasons.
For more on how the Cardinals will look in 2016, check out Louisville's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
25. Washington Huskies
2015 record: 7-6, 4-5 Pac-12
Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: C Siosifa Tufunga, TE Joshua Perkins, WR Jaydon Mickens, DT Taniela Tupou, DE Travis Feeney, LB Cory Littleton, S Brian Clay, RB Dwayne Washington
Outlook: After losing six games in each of coach Chris Petersen's first two seasons in Seattle, the Huskies look to take the next step in 2016. Quarterback Jake Browning and tailback Myles Gaskin were two of the top freshmen in the FBS this season, and the Huskies are bringing back four starting offensive linemen to block for them. Washington led the Pac-12 in scoring defense (18.8 points), total defense (351.8 yards) and red zone defense (79.5 percent), and seven starters are expected back from that unit. Washington's schedule this coming season includes road trips to Arizona, Oregon, Utah, California and Washington State, so the Huskies will have to win a couple of big games away from home to challenge Stanford and Oregon in the Pac-12 North.
For more on how the Huskies will look in 2016, check out Washington's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.