The preseason Amway Coaches Poll, with outlooks for the top 25:
No. 1 Clemson (15-0)
Points: 1,619 (59 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 1. Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Georgia Tech (ACC, 8).
Outlook: A overwhelming performance in last year's national tittle game against Alabama has the Tigers at No. 1 for the first time in the preseason poll. The offense looks to be dominant again with QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne both among the best at their position. Some reshuffling is needed on the offensive line to avoid any dip in production. On defense, the dominant front four that was the bedrock of the unit must be replaced. The good news is that there's lots of talent on hand after years of successful recruiting. DL Xavier Thomas was a five-star recruit that will break out as a sophomore. The back half of the defense returns LB Isaiah Simmons and DB Tanner Muse to provide production and leadership.
No. 2 Alabama (14-1)
Points: 1,566 (6 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 2. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Duke in Atlanta (ABC, 8).
Outlook: The Crimson Tide start the season as the hunter instead of the hunted for the first since 2015. Nick Saban overhauled his coaching staff in an attempt to fix the issues that burst open in the title game loss to Clemson. With QB Tua Tagovailoa returning and Jerry Jeudy headlining one to the best receiver groups in the country, the offense is in good hands. The defense again was hit by early NFL departures, leaving some concern about depth. DL Raekwon Davis and LB Dylan Moses lead what should again be a unit that is stingy against the run. Trevon Diggs is the veteran of the secondary.
No. 3 Georgia (11-3)
Points: 1,447. Previous ranking: 8. Opens: Aug. 31 at Vanderbilt (SEC, 7:30).
Outlook: For the second year in a row, the Bulldogs led Alabama in the fourth quarter and saw their national title dreams spoiled by a loss. They again be the overwhelming favorite in the SEC East with QB Jake Fromm returning as a starter for his third season. RB D'Andre Swift is poised for stardom as the lead ball carrier behind Andrew Thomas and an tremendous offensive line. Some questions will need to be answered at receiver. On defense, DL Tyler Clark and DB J.R. Reed are stalwarts. But there's loads of young talent that must mature quickly with an SEC road game to open the season and Notre Dame visiting in September.
No. 4 Oklahoma (12-2)
Points: 1,415. Previous ranking: 4. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Houston (ABC, 8).
Outlook: Another year. Another transfer quarterback for the Sooners. Jalen Hurts likely won't match Baker Mayfield or Kyler Murray in winning the Heisman, but he brings experience and leadership to should keep the offense humming with WR CeeDee Lamb on the end of many of his throws. Hurts will operate behind a rebuilt offense line. The bigger concern is on defense, though. Alex Grinch was brought in to coordinate the unit that was especially shaky in the secondary. How quickly his influence can take hold likely will determine if the Sooners make a third consecutive playoff appearance.
No. 5 Ohio State (13-1)
Points: 1,368. Previous ranking: 3. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Florida Atlantic (Fox, noon)
Outlook: It's a new era in Columbus as Ryan Day takes over as the Buckeyes coach following the retirement of Urban Meyer. Justin Fields, a transfer from Georgia, is the new quarterback that reshuffled the position. A heralded recruit, Fields saw limited time as a freshman with the Bulldogs. RB J.K. Dobbins is seeking his third consecutive 1,000-yard season and WR K.J. Hill's provides an downfield threat. The defense should be improved. DL Chase Young is one of the best in the country and the secondary is full of depth and skill. The challenge of the Big Ten schedule, including a trip to Michigan, won't be easy to navigate unless Fields measures up to his accolades.
No. 6 LSU (10-3)
Points: 1,218. Previous ranking: 7. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Georgia Southern (ESPNU, 7:30).
Outlook: Expectations are high for the Tigers, who will be aiming to end an eight-game losing streak to Alabama that dates back to the 2012 BCS title game. DB Grant Delpit, is the leader of what should be an elite defense. DL Tracy Lawrence and DB Kristian Fulton also are standouts. The big change for Ed Orgeron's team is on the offense. Former Saints assistant Joe Brady was brought in to make the unit more explosive in the passing game. Joe Burrow returns after a solid junior season, giving Brady a solid quarterback to work with. Should LSU get past an early test at Texas, they have the opportunity to make their Nov. 9 matchup against the Crimson Tide also have serious playoff implications.
No. 7 Michigan (10-3)
Points: 1,155. Previous ranking: 14. Opens: Aug. 31 (ESPN, 7).
Outlook: The Wolverines’ tweaked offense is trending upwards behind senior QB Shea Patterson, WRs Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones, and OL Ben Bredeson — the latter one of four returning linemen fresh off earning all-conference accolades. The defense jumps up the page behind LB Khaleke Hudson and CB Lavert Hill. The pieces are there. The big question: Can Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines beat Ohio State? We’ll find out in November. But this team is loaded and ready to make a push for the national title.
No. 8 Florida (10-3)
Points: 1,103. Previous ranking: 6. Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Miami (Fla.), Orlando (ESPN, 7).
Outlook: All Dan Mullen did in his first season in Gainesville was win 10 games, including a defeat of Michigan in the Peach Bowl. Defense was again the key for the Gators as they were among the nation's leaders in forcing turnovers. CJ Henderson and Marco Wilson give the unit two standouts at cornerback. The front seven is deep and talented. Even scarier for opponents, QB Feleipe Franks should continue his improvement under Mullen and lead an offense that will be more prolific. RB Lamical Perine and WR Van Jefferson provide two valuable pieces at the skill positions. The success of the season will boil down to Florida's ability to get past Georgia to the SEC title game.
No. 9 Notre Dame (12-1)
Points: 1,100. Previous ranking: 5. Opens: Sept. 2 at Louisville (ESPN, 8).
Outlook: There were lots of positives from 2018 with the Irish making their first College Football Playoff appearance and finding stability with QB Ian Book running the offense. An offensive line that was young last year is more mature and should be a strength. The running back and wide receiver groups have talent but needs to be productive. DL Julian Okwara had eight sacks in 2018, and that number should increase. Jalen Elliott and Alohi Gilman form a strong safety combination. Some leaders must develop at linebacker to allow Notre Dame to again contend for the final four.
No. 10 Texas (10-4)
Points: 1,038. Previous ranking: 9. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Louisiana Tech.
Outlook: They might not be all the way back to elite status, but the Longhorns won 10 games for the first time since 2009 and proved itself in a Sugar Bowl defeat of Georgia. Now can they carry the momentum into Tom Herman's third year? The offense still lacks a running back threat, so it will live and die on the play of QB Sam Ehlinger. Collin Johnson gives him a dangerous receiver to connect with. There were major losses on defense, especially in the front seven. How quickly those get solved will determine whether another trip to the Big 12 title game is possible or if this is a letdown year.
No. 11 Texas A&M (9-4)
Points: 893. Previous ranking: 16. Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Texas State (SEC, 8:30).
Outlook: The Aggies got some positive early returns after their investment in Jimbo Fisher. Now he must take things a step further to keep people happy. It won't be easy with a schedule that includes a trip to Clemson and the rugged SEC West. Kellen Mond solidified the quarterback position last season and will keep defenses guessing with his running and throwing. There's youth at the skill positions which could be a concern. The defense doesn't have bunch of standouts but DL Justin Madubuike provides an anchor up front. Fisher will prove his worth even further if he can repeat last year's success.
No. 12 Washington (10-4)
Points: 834. Previous ranking: 13. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Eastern Washington (Pac-12, 3).
Outlook: That there are just two returning starters on defense is worrisome despite the program’s recent track record in leading the Pac-12 in most major categories. With so many underclassmen set to take over along the front seven, the Huskies need a big year from senior DL Benning Potoa'e, a converted linebacker. What’s intriguing about Chris Petersen’s team is the potential play of QB Jacob Eason, who takes over for a record-setter in Jake Browning and has the arm strength to take the UW offense to another level. A go-to option at running back will need to be found with the departure of Myles Gaskin.
No. 13 Oregon (9-4)
Points: 787. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Auburn, Arlington, Texas (ABC, 7:30).
Outlook: Senior QB Justin Herbert returns for his senior season to give the Ducks one of the nation’s best at his position and a Heisman Trophy contender. He’ll be protected by an offensive line that returns almost entirely intact and is an unquestioned strength. On the other side of the ball, LB Troy Dye sets the tone for an Oregon defense that adds into the mix the top recruit in the country in DE Kayvon Thibodeaux. The biggest key will be figuring out how to win games on the road; Oregon takes on Auburn, Stanford and Washington away from Autzen Stadium.
No. 14 Penn State (9-4)
Points: 699. Previous ranking: 17. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Idaho (BTN, 3:30).
Outlook: The Nittany Lions were always going to look different when QB Trace McSorley left the program. Who is replacing him is a surprise. Tommy Stevens, the expected heir apparent, transferred to Mississippi State when he wasn't guaranteed the job, leaving sophomore Sean Clifford as the man behind center. There should be growing pains for Clifford, but help will be provided with Ricky Slade leading a deep running back group and WR KJ Hamler catching passes. Also helping out will be an improved defense. DL Yetur Gross-Matos and LB Micah Parsons can contend for national honors. Don't be surprised if Penn State is in the Big Ten mix come November.
No. 15 Utah (9-5)
Points: 642. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 29 at BYU (ESPN, 10:15).
Outlook: RB Zack Moss is the most undervalued skill player in the Pac-12 and could crack 1,500 yards if healthy. In the passing game, QB Tyler Huntley will have depth to work with at wide receiver. But Utah is at its best on defense, particularly behind a line with two All-America contenders on the defensive line in Bradlee Anae and Leki Fotu. Combine these assets with a Pac-12 South Division devoid of a real challenger and you get a team deserving of its status as a dark-horse College Football Playoff contender.
No. 16 Auburn (8-5)
Points: 606. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Oregon, Arlington, Texas (ABC, 7:30).
Outlook: The biggest mystery for the Tigers entering tall camp is who will take the first snap from center in their challenging opener against Oregon. Joey Gatewood and Bo Nix are both freshmen with Gatewood redshirting in 2018 after only seeing action last year in the bowl game. Nix enrolled early this spring. It's not the perfect subscription for Gus Malzahn, who is under pressure after winning just three SEC games last season. The good news? All five starters return on the offensive line and Derrick Brown leads one of the country's best defensive lines. They'll need that strength in the the trenches against an unforgiving schedule.
No. 17 Central Florida (12-1)
Points: 436. Previous ranking: 12. Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Florida A&M (CBSSN, 7:30).
Outlook: Repeating a third consecutive unbeaten regular season will be difficult as the Knights likely will start the season with McKenzie Milton and Darriel Mack expected to be unavailable at quarterback due to injury. That leaves Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush as the starter for an offense that should again be explosive with Greg McCrae and Adrian Killins carrying the running game. The defense needs to show improvement up front despite some key losses. DB Richie Grant had six interceptions last year and will solidify the secondary. Another Group of Five bowl bid remains the expectation.
No. 17 Wisconsin (8-5)
Points: 436. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 30 at South Florida (ESPN, 7).
Outlook: Perhaps lower expectations will suit the Badgers in 2019 after last year's disappointing campaign that started with playoff aspirations. QB Alex Hornibrook transferred to Florida State, leaving junior Jack Coan and incoming freshman Graham Mertz fighting for the job. Metz may not in the job initially, but he is rare talent that could eventually assume the job. The offense will be powered by RB Jonathan Taylor, who has run for 4,171 yards in his first to seasons. The offensive line should, as usual, be the backbone of the unit, led by Tyler Biadasz. A defense that was beset by injuries should be stronger after last year's young players got experience.
No. 19 Iowa (9-4)
Points: 343. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Miami (Ohio) (FS1, 7:30).
Outlook: Stop me when you’ve heard this before: Iowa has a senior QB, strong bookend offensive tackles, experience in the secondary and a potentially dominant DE in junior A.J. Epenesa. Yeah, that sounds like the formula for the Hawkeyes during much of the Kirk Ferentz era. Of concern is the hole at tight end, however, where a pair of first-round picks depart, and the offense needs to establish a set rotation at running back. A very tough schedule of road games is going to impact the overall record but not keep Iowa from being in the mix at the end for the Big Ten West.
No. 20 Michigan State (7-6)
Points: 313. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Tulsa (FS1, 7).
Outlook: The one constant for Mark Dantonio's program is defense. And after leading the nation in run defense last year, the Spartans again will have one of the best units in the country with DL Kenny Willekes and LB Joe Bachie leading the way. How far Michigan State can go will depend on its offense. Senior QB Brian Lewerke was banged up most of the season and production suffered. He has to return to his sophomore form and a running back must emerge if the Spartans want to contend in the Big Ten.
No. 21 Washington State (11-2)
Points: 274. Previous ranking: 10. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. New Mexico State (Pac-12, 10).
Outlook: The Cougars might not match last year’s 11 wins, a program record, but this team is a lock for eight wins behind an offense bound to be as potent as any in the country. Transfer QB Gage Gubrud comes over from Eastern Washington and is projected be the starter for the opener. The defense took a major hit over the summer when all-conference defensive back Jalen Thompson lost his final season of eligibility. A tougher schedule features road trips to Oregon and Washington, limiting Washington State’s shot at a Pac-12 North title, but Mike Leach has this program rolling.
No. 22 Syracuse (10-3)
Points: 227. Previous ranking: 15. Opens: Aug. 31 at Liberty.
Outlook: The Orange might be a ways off from ACC front-runner Clemson but they’re very much in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl as the second-best team in the conference. That’s in large part due to coach Dino Babers’ offense, which should continue to click behind new QB Tommy DeVito. However, what makes Syracuse hard to predict is last year’s huge shift in turnover margin. Can the Orange continue to force turnovers and give this offense added chances? The defense can make its own luck behind a secondary starring All-America DB Andre Cisco.
No. 23 Stanford (9-4)
Points: 200. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Northwestern (Fox, 4).
Outlook: The schedule is absolutely brutal, with nine Pac-12 games joined by non-conference tilts with No. 9 Notre Dame, No. 17 UCF and No. 25 Northwestern. In good news, Stanford found an offensive rhythm last season behind QB K.J. Costello and will continue to rely on the pass in 2019. Still, to be a true New Year’s Six threat the Cardinal need to rely on RB Cameron Scarlett to provide balance. The defense loses six starters but is strong where it counts, especially with All-America CB Paulson Adebo.
No. 24 Iowa State (8-5)
Points: 169. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Northern Iowa.
Outlook: Matt Campbell has taken this program to unprecedented heights after just three years as the Cyclones are ranked in the preseason poll for the first time. The foundation of their success will be on defense. DL JaQuan Bailey, who shares the school's career record for sacks, and DB Greg Eisworth are two of the best players in the Big 12. DL Ray Lima and LB Marcel Spears also should make noise. QB Brock Purdy went from third-string to starter as a freshman and should continue his growth this season. Solutions will have to be found at running back and receiver after the loss of both David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler for Iowa State to take the next step and reach the conference title game.
No. 25 Northwestern (9-5)
Points: 161. Previous ranking: 19. Opens: Aug. 31 at Stanford (Fox, 4).
Outlook: The defending champs in the Big Ten West will break in a new starting quarterback in Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson, a former five-star recruit. What should be one of the top defenses in the Big Ten is headlined by potential All-America LB Paddy Fisher. There are key contributors to replace at wide receiver and the offensive line, and the Wildcats are overall less experienced than a year ago. Still, Pat Fitzgerald's team has gone 15-3 in conference play across the past two seasons and are annually undervalued.
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