04-27-2005, 12:47 PM
NCAA Football Power Rankings
Rank LW Team
1 -- USC Trojans (13-0 in 2004)
Key returnees: QB Matt Leinart, RB Reggie Bush, RB LenDale White, WR Dwayne Jarrett, WR Steve Smith
Spring star: DT Sedrick Ellis. The redshirt sophomore showed he's ready to fill Mike Patterson's shoes.
Lowdown: With Leinart, Bush and LenDale White sitting out the spring, QB John David Booty emerged as the top backup, and tailback Desmond Reed made a case for more playing time. The defensive front seven looks ready to reload, but injuries/suspensions left the Trojans depleted at cornerback.
2 -- Texas Longhorns (11-1)
Key returnees: QB Vince Young, TE David Thomas, T Jonathan Scott, DT Rod Wright, SS Michael Huff
Spring star: RB Ramonce Taylor. In Cedric Benson's absence, the speedy sophomore will split carries with Selvin Young.
Lowdown: QB Young, whose running skills are well known to anyone who watched the Rose Bowl, continued his progress as a passer, thanks to improved WRs Limas Sweed and Jordan Shipley. The defense is still loaded, but the 'Horns will miss LB Derrick Johnson's playmaking abilities.
3 -- Tennessee Volunteers (10-3)
Key returnees: QB Erik Ainge, RB Gerald Riggs, DT Jesse Mahelona, LB Kevin Simon, CB Jason Allen
Spring star: WR Josh Briscoe. The true freshman enrolled early and immediately proved to be a big playmaker.
Lowdown: Mass injuries to the line and receivers limited the offense, but it appears a rejuvenated Ainge will reclaim his starting job from Rick Clausen come fall. The defense is unbelievably deep, particularly with the return of LB Kevin Simon, who missed most of 2004 after a knee injury. The secondary remains tenuous.
4 -- Ohio St. Buckeyes (8-4)
Key returnees: QB Troy Smith, WR Santonio Holmes, WR Ted Ginn Jr., LB A.J. Hawk, CB Ashton Youboty
Spring star: RB Erik Haw. The impressive freshman battled sophomore Antonio Pittman for the starting tailback spot.
Lowdown: With 18 returning starters, the Buckeyes look to pick up where they left off late last season, when they whipped Michigan and Oklahoma State. A more wide-open offense should mean ample touches for gifted playmakers Ginn and Holmes, while the O-line and running game should be stronger.
5 -- Florida Gators (7-5)
Key returnees: QB Chris Leak, C Mike Degory, WR Chad Jackson, LB Earl Everett, LB Brandon Siler
Spring star: QB Josh Portis. The true frosh quickly picked up Urban Meyer's offense to earn the No. 2 job.
Lowdown: Meyer's unique spread-option attack is likely to mystify many an SEC defensive coordinator. Leak and receivers Jackson, Andre Caldwell and Dallas Baker looked sharp during the spring, though a go-to tailback has yet to emerge. Sophomore safety Kyle Jackson is an emerging star on a veteran D.
6 -- Virginia Tech Hokies (10-3)
Key returnees: WR Eddie Royal, TE Jeff King, DE Darryl Tapp, CB Jimmy Williams
Spring star: QB Marcus Vick. The younger Vick regained the Hokies' trust -- and starting job -- following his season in exile.
Lowdown: The Hokies were young when they won the ACC and played Auburn tough in the Sugar Bowl last season. If Vick continues to progress, the passing game will be lethal, what with a bevy of talented receivers. Tech still has some holes to fill defensively but should have a dominant pass rush.
7 -- LSU Tigers (9-3)
Key returnees: RB Alley Broussard, WR Dwayne Bowe, DT Claude Wroten, FS LaRon Landry
Spring star: CB Sammy Joseph. Having started as a freshman at Colorado, the transfer sewed up a job with the Tigers.
Lowdown: The Tigers return nearly their entire offense. New coach Les Miles hasn't named a starting QB, but JaMarcus Russell is the likely choice. The defense lost two stars in CB Corey Webster and DE Marcus Spears, but transfers Joseph and Chase Pittman (Texas) conveniently filled those positions.
8 -- Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2)
Key returnees: QB Drew Tate, WR Ed Hinkel, LB Abdul Hodge, LB Chad Greenway
Spring star: DT Matt Kroul. The redshirt freshman staked a clear claim to one of the two available starting spots at tackle.
Lowdown: A rash of injuries this spring made it hard to get a read on the Hawkeyes, who need to improve their running game and fill all four starting jobs along the defensive line. But Tate is a potential Heisman contender, and the linebackers and secondary should be among the nation's finest.
9 -- Miami (FL) Hurricanes (9-3)
Key returnees: T Eric Winston, CB/KR Devin Hester, DE Baraka Atkins, SS Greg Threat
Spring star: LB Willie Williams. The famous (and infamous) star recruit has been too dominant to keep off the field.
Lowdown: A healthier offensive line and receiving corps helped new QB Kyle Wright shine, and young RBs Derron Thomas and Charlie Jones could eventually supplant veteran Tyrone Moss. The D-line looked tougher, and, even without Antrel Rolle, the 'Canes will be extremely deep in the secondary.
10 -- Michigan Wolverines (9-3)
Key returnees: QB Chad Henne, RB Michael Hart, WR Steve Breaston, LB LaMarr Woodley
Spring star: RB Kevin Grady. Michigan's most touted signee enrolled early and made his case for carries in the fall.
Lowdown: Though Braylon Edwards is gone, the return of freshman sensations Henne and Hart as well as proven threat Breaston should leave few worries on offense. The big question is the defense, which struggled at times last season and must replace DBs Ernest Shazor and Marlin Jackson.
11 -- Oklahoma Sooners (12-1)
Key returnees: RB Adrian Peterson, T Davin Joseph, WR Travis Wilson, LB Rufus Alexander
Spring star: MLB Zach Latimer. The junior proved he's capable of stepping into Lance Mitchell's old role.
Lowdown: This is Bob Stoops' biggest rebuilding job since he first arrived; the Sooners lost Jason White and 10 NFL draft picks (though it certainly helps to have Peterson). Junior Paul Thompson leads the QB hunt for now but could be surpassed by redshirt frosh Rhett Bomar. The secondary must improve.
12 -- Louisville Cardinals (11-1)
Key returnees: QB Brian Brohm, RB Michael Bush, G Travis Leffew, LB Brandon Johnson
Spring star: WR Mario Urruita. The 6-foot-6 redshirt freshman was one of the top playmakers all spring.
Lowdown: Despite losing Stefan LeFors, Eric Shelton and J.R. Russell, last year's top-rated offense hasn't missed a beat; Brohm threw for 390 yards and six TDs in the spring game. Bush and Kolby Smith make a powerful running duo. The D-line is solid, but no middle linebacker has emerged
13 -- Auburn Tigers (13-0)
Key returnees: WR Courtney Taylor, T Marcus McNeill, DE Stanley McClover, LB Travis Williams
Spring star: LB Merrill Johnson. The redshirt freshman and top backup notched 23 tackles in four scrimmages.
Lowdown: How do you replace Jason Campbell, Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams? QB Brandon Cox has looked solid in the past, and veteran Tre Smith leads a committee of tailbacks. New defensive coordinator David Gibbs inherited a deep, loaded front seven that will carry the Tigers early on.
14 -- Georgia Bulldogs (10-2)
Key returnees: RB Thomas Brown, T Max Jean-Gilles, DE Quentin Moses, S Greg Blue
Spring star: LB Brandon Miller. Last year's top recruit continues to challenge for the starting strongside spot.
Lowdown: The Bulldogs are also in rebuilding mode after losing stars David Greene, Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown, David Pollack, Thomas Davis and Odell Thurman. The defense is still in good shape, but QB D.J. Shockley and his receivers struggled. A strong O-line and running game should help.
15 -- Fresno St. Bulldogs (9-3)
Key returnees: QB Paul Pinegar, RB Bryson Sumlin, DE Garrett McIntyre, CB Richard Marshall
Spring star: WR Paul Williams. The previously unsung junior made dazzling long catches in every scrimmage.
Lowdown: Coach Pat Hill returns 17 starters from the team that beat Virginia in the MPC Computers Bowl. Pinegar is a four-year starter, Sumlin is among three former 1,000-yard rushers and the WR corps is deep. There are several holes to fill on the defensive line, but the LBs and CBs are solid.
16 -- Arizona St. Sun Devils (9-3)
Key returnees: WR Derek Hagan, TE Zach Miller, LB Dale Robinson, LB Jamar Williams
Spring star: LB Robert James. The sophomore essentially came out of nowhere to win the starting "devil" spot.
Lowdown: This is Dirk Koetter's deepest team. The Devils are loaded at WR and LB. QB Sam Keller, who threw for 370 yards in the Sun Bowl, is well equipped to succeed Andrew Walter. But a university investigation into the handling of troubled ex-RB Loren Wade could hang over the program into the fall.
17 -- Boise St. Broncos (11-1)
Key returnees: QB Jared Zabrasnky, RB Lee Marks, T Daryn Colledge, LB Korey Hall
Spring star: CB Quinton Jones. The formerly little-used tailback will likely to take over for departed star Gabe Franklin.
Lowdown: Zabransky returns to lead what should be another powerful Dan Hawkins offense, and an experienced defensive front should be strong against the run. The biggest obstacle to a third-straight 11-win season will be the schedule -- at Georgia and Oregon State, home against Bowling Green.
18 -- Florida St. Seminoles (9-3)
Key returnees: RB Leon Washington, RB Lorenzo Booker, LB Ernie Sims, LB A.J. Nicholson
Spring star: DT Clifton Dickson. A standout throughout spring, the projected starter had two sacks in the final scrimmage.
Lowdown: FSU tweaked its offense this spring, using more motion and two-back sets, but it didn't seem to help; the young O-line struggled, and redshirt freshmen QBs Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford failed to overtake Wyatt Sexton. The defense, however, showed it will be dominant yet again.
19 -- Purdue Boilermakers (7-5)
Key returnees: RB Jerod Void, WR Kyle Ingraham, DE Ray Edwards, SS Bernard Pollard
Spring star: T Sean Sester. The 6-8 redshirt freshman seized an opportunity to lay claim to the right tackle job.
Lowdown: Senior QB Brandon Kirsch, who started six times in place of Kyle Orton, takes over for good, and Joe Tiller has installed an option component to take advantage of his mobility. The defense, which led the Big Ten in sacks, returns all 11 starters, but needs to improve against the pass.
20 -- Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-4)
Key returnees: WR Jarrett Hicks, RB Taurean Henderson, CB Khalid Naziruddin, S Vincent Meeks
Spring star: QB Cody Hodges. The fifth-year senior took command with a 20-of-26, 237-yard spring game.
Lowdown: Coming off a huge Holiday Bowl win over Cal, Mike Leach's offense is poised to put up even more big numbers under Hodges, particularly with its veteran receivers. The defense, which returns eight starters, installed several new looks and should be strong in the secondary.
21 -- Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4)
Key returnees: QB Tyler Palko, WR Greg Lee, LB H.B. Blades, CB Bernard Lay
Spring star: RB Rashad Jennings. The freshman wasted no time establishing himself as the Panthers' feature back.
Lowdown:Dave Wannstedt spent his first spring installing a power-running mentality that should make the Panthers more balanced and, in turn, more dangerous offensively. Similarly, the defense will have more of a "pro" look, but it may lack enough impact players along the line to be dominant.
22 -- California Golden Bears (10-2)
Key returnees: RB Marshawn Lynch, C Marvin Philip, T Ryan O'Callaghan, S Donnie McCleskey
Spring star: WR Sam DeSa. The sophomore stepped up as a threat in the Bears' otherwise depleted WR corps.
Lowdown: The Bears lost 11 starters, including Aaron Rodgers and J.J. Arrington, but should still be decent. Juco transfer Joe Ayoob and redshirt freshman Nathan Longshore finished spring in a dead heat at QB. Transfers Albert Ma'afala (DT) and Desmond Bishop (LB) plugged holes on defense.
23 -- Bowling Green Falcons (9-3)
Key returnees: QB Omar Jacobs, RB P.J. Pope, WR Charles Sharon, T Rob Warren
Spring stars: WR Cory Partridge. The redshirt freshman had 140 yards and three TDs in the Falcons' spring game.
Lowdown: The sensational Jacobs threw for 4,002 yards, 41 TDs and just four picks last season, and he'll have just as many weapons around him this year, including Sharon, Partridge and Steve Sanders. Defense is a question mark, but hey, it's the MAC -- no 17-9 games in the forecast.
24 -- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-5)
Key returnees: RB P.J. Daniels, WR Calvin Johnson, DE Eric Henderson, LB Gerris Wilkinson
Spring star: WR James Johnson. The speedy redshirt freshman emerged as a viable No. 3 receiver.
Lowdown: Oft-maligned QB Reggie Ball solidified himself as the starter. Calvin Johnson was dominant all spring and will be one of the nation's top receivers. A season-ending injury to DT Darryl Richard hurts, but the Jackets have eight returning defensive starters and decent depth.
25 -- Wyoming Cowboys (7-5)
Key returnees: QB Corey Bramlet, WR Jovon Bouknight, DT Dusty Hoffschneider, CB Derrick Martin
Spring star: C Drew Severn. Having moved over from guard, the senior will replace four-year starter Trenton Franz.
Lowdown: The Cowboys have improved drastically in two seasons under Joe Glenn, and this year's team will be one of the school's most experienced (17 returning starters, all juniors and seniors) in recent memory. With Utah rebuilding, Wyoming should be the class of the Mountain West.
On the cusp: Texas A&M, Minnesota, Virginia, Notre Dame, UCLA.
<a href='http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/stewart_mandel/04/27/spring.rankings/index.html' target='_blank'>Preseason College Football Top 25</a>
Rank LW Team
1 -- USC Trojans (13-0 in 2004)
Key returnees: QB Matt Leinart, RB Reggie Bush, RB LenDale White, WR Dwayne Jarrett, WR Steve Smith
Spring star: DT Sedrick Ellis. The redshirt sophomore showed he's ready to fill Mike Patterson's shoes.
Lowdown: With Leinart, Bush and LenDale White sitting out the spring, QB John David Booty emerged as the top backup, and tailback Desmond Reed made a case for more playing time. The defensive front seven looks ready to reload, but injuries/suspensions left the Trojans depleted at cornerback.
2 -- Texas Longhorns (11-1)
Key returnees: QB Vince Young, TE David Thomas, T Jonathan Scott, DT Rod Wright, SS Michael Huff
Spring star: RB Ramonce Taylor. In Cedric Benson's absence, the speedy sophomore will split carries with Selvin Young.
Lowdown: QB Young, whose running skills are well known to anyone who watched the Rose Bowl, continued his progress as a passer, thanks to improved WRs Limas Sweed and Jordan Shipley. The defense is still loaded, but the 'Horns will miss LB Derrick Johnson's playmaking abilities.
3 -- Tennessee Volunteers (10-3)
Key returnees: QB Erik Ainge, RB Gerald Riggs, DT Jesse Mahelona, LB Kevin Simon, CB Jason Allen
Spring star: WR Josh Briscoe. The true freshman enrolled early and immediately proved to be a big playmaker.
Lowdown: Mass injuries to the line and receivers limited the offense, but it appears a rejuvenated Ainge will reclaim his starting job from Rick Clausen come fall. The defense is unbelievably deep, particularly with the return of LB Kevin Simon, who missed most of 2004 after a knee injury. The secondary remains tenuous.
4 -- Ohio St. Buckeyes (8-4)
Key returnees: QB Troy Smith, WR Santonio Holmes, WR Ted Ginn Jr., LB A.J. Hawk, CB Ashton Youboty
Spring star: RB Erik Haw. The impressive freshman battled sophomore Antonio Pittman for the starting tailback spot.
Lowdown: With 18 returning starters, the Buckeyes look to pick up where they left off late last season, when they whipped Michigan and Oklahoma State. A more wide-open offense should mean ample touches for gifted playmakers Ginn and Holmes, while the O-line and running game should be stronger.
5 -- Florida Gators (7-5)
Key returnees: QB Chris Leak, C Mike Degory, WR Chad Jackson, LB Earl Everett, LB Brandon Siler
Spring star: QB Josh Portis. The true frosh quickly picked up Urban Meyer's offense to earn the No. 2 job.
Lowdown: Meyer's unique spread-option attack is likely to mystify many an SEC defensive coordinator. Leak and receivers Jackson, Andre Caldwell and Dallas Baker looked sharp during the spring, though a go-to tailback has yet to emerge. Sophomore safety Kyle Jackson is an emerging star on a veteran D.
6 -- Virginia Tech Hokies (10-3)
Key returnees: WR Eddie Royal, TE Jeff King, DE Darryl Tapp, CB Jimmy Williams
Spring star: QB Marcus Vick. The younger Vick regained the Hokies' trust -- and starting job -- following his season in exile.
Lowdown: The Hokies were young when they won the ACC and played Auburn tough in the Sugar Bowl last season. If Vick continues to progress, the passing game will be lethal, what with a bevy of talented receivers. Tech still has some holes to fill defensively but should have a dominant pass rush.
7 -- LSU Tigers (9-3)
Key returnees: RB Alley Broussard, WR Dwayne Bowe, DT Claude Wroten, FS LaRon Landry
Spring star: CB Sammy Joseph. Having started as a freshman at Colorado, the transfer sewed up a job with the Tigers.
Lowdown: The Tigers return nearly their entire offense. New coach Les Miles hasn't named a starting QB, but JaMarcus Russell is the likely choice. The defense lost two stars in CB Corey Webster and DE Marcus Spears, but transfers Joseph and Chase Pittman (Texas) conveniently filled those positions.
8 -- Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2)
Key returnees: QB Drew Tate, WR Ed Hinkel, LB Abdul Hodge, LB Chad Greenway
Spring star: DT Matt Kroul. The redshirt freshman staked a clear claim to one of the two available starting spots at tackle.
Lowdown: A rash of injuries this spring made it hard to get a read on the Hawkeyes, who need to improve their running game and fill all four starting jobs along the defensive line. But Tate is a potential Heisman contender, and the linebackers and secondary should be among the nation's finest.
9 -- Miami (FL) Hurricanes (9-3)
Key returnees: T Eric Winston, CB/KR Devin Hester, DE Baraka Atkins, SS Greg Threat
Spring star: LB Willie Williams. The famous (and infamous) star recruit has been too dominant to keep off the field.
Lowdown: A healthier offensive line and receiving corps helped new QB Kyle Wright shine, and young RBs Derron Thomas and Charlie Jones could eventually supplant veteran Tyrone Moss. The D-line looked tougher, and, even without Antrel Rolle, the 'Canes will be extremely deep in the secondary.
10 -- Michigan Wolverines (9-3)
Key returnees: QB Chad Henne, RB Michael Hart, WR Steve Breaston, LB LaMarr Woodley
Spring star: RB Kevin Grady. Michigan's most touted signee enrolled early and made his case for carries in the fall.
Lowdown: Though Braylon Edwards is gone, the return of freshman sensations Henne and Hart as well as proven threat Breaston should leave few worries on offense. The big question is the defense, which struggled at times last season and must replace DBs Ernest Shazor and Marlin Jackson.
11 -- Oklahoma Sooners (12-1)
Key returnees: RB Adrian Peterson, T Davin Joseph, WR Travis Wilson, LB Rufus Alexander
Spring star: MLB Zach Latimer. The junior proved he's capable of stepping into Lance Mitchell's old role.
Lowdown: This is Bob Stoops' biggest rebuilding job since he first arrived; the Sooners lost Jason White and 10 NFL draft picks (though it certainly helps to have Peterson). Junior Paul Thompson leads the QB hunt for now but could be surpassed by redshirt frosh Rhett Bomar. The secondary must improve.
12 -- Louisville Cardinals (11-1)
Key returnees: QB Brian Brohm, RB Michael Bush, G Travis Leffew, LB Brandon Johnson
Spring star: WR Mario Urruita. The 6-foot-6 redshirt freshman was one of the top playmakers all spring.
Lowdown: Despite losing Stefan LeFors, Eric Shelton and J.R. Russell, last year's top-rated offense hasn't missed a beat; Brohm threw for 390 yards and six TDs in the spring game. Bush and Kolby Smith make a powerful running duo. The D-line is solid, but no middle linebacker has emerged
13 -- Auburn Tigers (13-0)
Key returnees: WR Courtney Taylor, T Marcus McNeill, DE Stanley McClover, LB Travis Williams
Spring star: LB Merrill Johnson. The redshirt freshman and top backup notched 23 tackles in four scrimmages.
Lowdown: How do you replace Jason Campbell, Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams? QB Brandon Cox has looked solid in the past, and veteran Tre Smith leads a committee of tailbacks. New defensive coordinator David Gibbs inherited a deep, loaded front seven that will carry the Tigers early on.
14 -- Georgia Bulldogs (10-2)
Key returnees: RB Thomas Brown, T Max Jean-Gilles, DE Quentin Moses, S Greg Blue
Spring star: LB Brandon Miller. Last year's top recruit continues to challenge for the starting strongside spot.
Lowdown: The Bulldogs are also in rebuilding mode after losing stars David Greene, Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown, David Pollack, Thomas Davis and Odell Thurman. The defense is still in good shape, but QB D.J. Shockley and his receivers struggled. A strong O-line and running game should help.
15 -- Fresno St. Bulldogs (9-3)
Key returnees: QB Paul Pinegar, RB Bryson Sumlin, DE Garrett McIntyre, CB Richard Marshall
Spring star: WR Paul Williams. The previously unsung junior made dazzling long catches in every scrimmage.
Lowdown: Coach Pat Hill returns 17 starters from the team that beat Virginia in the MPC Computers Bowl. Pinegar is a four-year starter, Sumlin is among three former 1,000-yard rushers and the WR corps is deep. There are several holes to fill on the defensive line, but the LBs and CBs are solid.
16 -- Arizona St. Sun Devils (9-3)
Key returnees: WR Derek Hagan, TE Zach Miller, LB Dale Robinson, LB Jamar Williams
Spring star: LB Robert James. The sophomore essentially came out of nowhere to win the starting "devil" spot.
Lowdown: This is Dirk Koetter's deepest team. The Devils are loaded at WR and LB. QB Sam Keller, who threw for 370 yards in the Sun Bowl, is well equipped to succeed Andrew Walter. But a university investigation into the handling of troubled ex-RB Loren Wade could hang over the program into the fall.
17 -- Boise St. Broncos (11-1)
Key returnees: QB Jared Zabrasnky, RB Lee Marks, T Daryn Colledge, LB Korey Hall
Spring star: CB Quinton Jones. The formerly little-used tailback will likely to take over for departed star Gabe Franklin.
Lowdown: Zabransky returns to lead what should be another powerful Dan Hawkins offense, and an experienced defensive front should be strong against the run. The biggest obstacle to a third-straight 11-win season will be the schedule -- at Georgia and Oregon State, home against Bowling Green.
18 -- Florida St. Seminoles (9-3)
Key returnees: RB Leon Washington, RB Lorenzo Booker, LB Ernie Sims, LB A.J. Nicholson
Spring star: DT Clifton Dickson. A standout throughout spring, the projected starter had two sacks in the final scrimmage.
Lowdown: FSU tweaked its offense this spring, using more motion and two-back sets, but it didn't seem to help; the young O-line struggled, and redshirt freshmen QBs Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford failed to overtake Wyatt Sexton. The defense, however, showed it will be dominant yet again.
19 -- Purdue Boilermakers (7-5)
Key returnees: RB Jerod Void, WR Kyle Ingraham, DE Ray Edwards, SS Bernard Pollard
Spring star: T Sean Sester. The 6-8 redshirt freshman seized an opportunity to lay claim to the right tackle job.
Lowdown: Senior QB Brandon Kirsch, who started six times in place of Kyle Orton, takes over for good, and Joe Tiller has installed an option component to take advantage of his mobility. The defense, which led the Big Ten in sacks, returns all 11 starters, but needs to improve against the pass.
20 -- Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-4)
Key returnees: WR Jarrett Hicks, RB Taurean Henderson, CB Khalid Naziruddin, S Vincent Meeks
Spring star: QB Cody Hodges. The fifth-year senior took command with a 20-of-26, 237-yard spring game.
Lowdown: Coming off a huge Holiday Bowl win over Cal, Mike Leach's offense is poised to put up even more big numbers under Hodges, particularly with its veteran receivers. The defense, which returns eight starters, installed several new looks and should be strong in the secondary.
21 -- Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4)
Key returnees: QB Tyler Palko, WR Greg Lee, LB H.B. Blades, CB Bernard Lay
Spring star: RB Rashad Jennings. The freshman wasted no time establishing himself as the Panthers' feature back.
Lowdown:Dave Wannstedt spent his first spring installing a power-running mentality that should make the Panthers more balanced and, in turn, more dangerous offensively. Similarly, the defense will have more of a "pro" look, but it may lack enough impact players along the line to be dominant.
22 -- California Golden Bears (10-2)
Key returnees: RB Marshawn Lynch, C Marvin Philip, T Ryan O'Callaghan, S Donnie McCleskey
Spring star: WR Sam DeSa. The sophomore stepped up as a threat in the Bears' otherwise depleted WR corps.
Lowdown: The Bears lost 11 starters, including Aaron Rodgers and J.J. Arrington, but should still be decent. Juco transfer Joe Ayoob and redshirt freshman Nathan Longshore finished spring in a dead heat at QB. Transfers Albert Ma'afala (DT) and Desmond Bishop (LB) plugged holes on defense.
23 -- Bowling Green Falcons (9-3)
Key returnees: QB Omar Jacobs, RB P.J. Pope, WR Charles Sharon, T Rob Warren
Spring stars: WR Cory Partridge. The redshirt freshman had 140 yards and three TDs in the Falcons' spring game.
Lowdown: The sensational Jacobs threw for 4,002 yards, 41 TDs and just four picks last season, and he'll have just as many weapons around him this year, including Sharon, Partridge and Steve Sanders. Defense is a question mark, but hey, it's the MAC -- no 17-9 games in the forecast.
24 -- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-5)
Key returnees: RB P.J. Daniels, WR Calvin Johnson, DE Eric Henderson, LB Gerris Wilkinson
Spring star: WR James Johnson. The speedy redshirt freshman emerged as a viable No. 3 receiver.
Lowdown: Oft-maligned QB Reggie Ball solidified himself as the starter. Calvin Johnson was dominant all spring and will be one of the nation's top receivers. A season-ending injury to DT Darryl Richard hurts, but the Jackets have eight returning defensive starters and decent depth.
25 -- Wyoming Cowboys (7-5)
Key returnees: QB Corey Bramlet, WR Jovon Bouknight, DT Dusty Hoffschneider, CB Derrick Martin
Spring star: C Drew Severn. Having moved over from guard, the senior will replace four-year starter Trenton Franz.
Lowdown: The Cowboys have improved drastically in two seasons under Joe Glenn, and this year's team will be one of the school's most experienced (17 returning starters, all juniors and seniors) in recent memory. With Utah rebuilding, Wyoming should be the class of the Mountain West.
On the cusp: Texas A&M, Minnesota, Virginia, Notre Dame, UCLA.
<a href='http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/stewart_mandel/04/27/spring.rankings/index.html' target='_blank'>Preseason College Football Top 25</a>
:D 