A look at our Preseason Top 30+ College Football programs of 2019

The 150th Anniversary of NCAA College Football.

The 2019 College Football season celebrates the 150th anniversary of the collegiate sport. In 1869, the first game played was Princeton vs. Rutgers.

Last year, Clemson was the first national champion to finish with 15 wins in a season. The first College Football Playoff champion to finish undefeated.

There have been five College Football Playoff champions, since 2014. Clemson and Alabama have combined for four of those titles, with each program winning two.

Ohio State won the inaugural title in 2014, but the Big Ten has failed to score a single point, since that first season of the Playoff. The Big Ten Conference has been shutout of participation the past two seasons, as Iowa in 2017, then Purdue last year, brought down Ohio State.

Only ten programs have played in the College Football Playoff over the past five seasons, since its inception.

Three of the five title games have seen Alabama and Clemson meet, with the Tigers winning two of those three title games.

Alabama has played in all five. Clemson four, Oklahoma three, but OU has yet to win a game. Ohio State two, but has missed two straight seasons, as mentioned. 

Single season participants have been:

• Notre Dame, 
• Georgia, 
• Washington, 
• Michigan State, 
• Oregon,
• Florida State
• Only the Bulldogs and Ducks have been title game participants 
• Losing to Alabama and Ohio State in 2017 and 2014, respectively

FBS Football

Will we get another repeat champion in 2019?

2019 NCAA TV schedule

The 2019 season will be the 130th anniversary for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who finished last season, in the Top 25, with a win over Mississippi State in the Outback Bowl.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is the only FBS coach, who was at the same school,
since 1999. Ferentz enters his 21st season in 2019, surpassing Hayden Fry at Iowa.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz enters his 21st season as head coach at Iowa. Since 1999, he has lead Iowa Hawkeyes. He is the Dean of College Football coaches and the lone coach, who has been at the same program for the past twenty straight seasons.

Here's CIDsports 2019 preseason list of Top 30+ College Football teams.
We have added a little wrinkle in 2019:

1.) Clemson (15-0) - Dabo Swinney enters his 12th season at the helm, with 55-4 record, since 2015. QB Trevor Lawrence was the first true freshman to lead a program to a College Football Playoff title, last year. The target will be on the Tigers in 2019!

2.) Alabama (14-1) - Nick Saban is 67-6, since the College Football Playoff began, as he enters his 13th season in Tuscaloosa. Junior QB Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench as a freshman to win the last title for the Crimson Tide. They should be all in to get back to the Playoff for the sixth straight season!

There are really only two consensus preseason candidates for #1 heading into 2019 College Football season. The defending champion has earned that position, but no program has won back to back titles, yet, so the Crimson Tide are viewed by many still, as the program to beat in 2019!

So, who are the next 28 plus programs for 2019?

3.) Oklahoma (24-4), the past two seasons under coach Lincoln Riley entering his third season. So, despite zero wins in the College Football Playoff, the Sooners will have QB Jalen Hurts, transfer from Alabama, to lead the program in 2019. Could we see a third straight Sooner QB win a third straight Heisman Trophy in 2019? Can Hurts lead his second program to a College Football Playoff?

4.) Georgia (32-10), the past three seasons, under Kirby Smart. QB Jake Fromm enters his junior season, after leading his his team to a title game, as a true freshman, in 2017. Last year, the Bulldogs came up short, losing three games.

5.) LSU (10-3 last year), as Ed Orgeron enters his fourth season, 25-9 overall. Second year starting QB Joe Burrow, the former Buckeye, looks to get the Tigers into the College Playoff picture in 2019.

6.) Notre Dame (44-20), entering the 10th season under Brian Kelly, as the Fighting Irish went 13-1 last year. Notre Dame fell 30-3 in the semifinals to Clemson. Senior QB Ian Book is back leading the Fighting Irish into the new season!

7.) Washington (47-21), the past five seasons under Chris Peterson, will call on junior QB Jacob Eason, a transfer from Georgia, who has headed back home to the Pacific Northwest to lead the Huskies in 2019. The Huskies won the Pac 12 last season, but came up short 28-23, as Ohio State's Urban Meyer won his first and final Rose Bowl to close out his college coaching career.

Ohio State turns the reigns of head coach over to former OC Ryan Day, who was
3-0 as interim coach in 2018, while Urban Meyer sat out the first three games.

8.) Ohio State (13-1), with new head coach Ryan Day leading the team to the first three wins last season, while Meyer was suspended. The Buckeyes will welcome a new era, asking Georgia transfer QB Justin Fields, a true sophomore, to step up and lead the offense. Two new defensive coordinators, Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley, will welcome nine starters back on the defensive side of the ball in 2019.

9.) Auburn (8-5), last year under seven year coach Gus Malzahn, vs. Oregon (9-4), in  Mario Cristobal's first full season in Eugene, as head coach, the winner likely comes in at #9 for 2019, as the two programs kickoff the season in Arlington in Week 1. The Tigers will have a new QB for 2019, as redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood and true freshman Bo Nix compete for the #1 position. While, the Ducks are lead again by senior QB Jason Herbert, while the Tigers first year OC Kenny Dillingham will need a new QB to step up in 2019 and run the show?

Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth season, as Michigan head coach, at his alma mater. 

10.) Michigan (38-14), entering the fifth campaign under Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines have senior QB Shea Patterson back, after transferring from Ole Miss. First year OC Josh Gattis is back in the Big Ten, now handling the Wolverines offense, after a season at Alabama. Harbaugh, as a QB for Hall of Fame coach Bo Schembechler, back in the mid-1980s, it took him five seasons to win a B1G title, so can the offense combined with DC Doc Brown, in his fourth season in Ann Arbor, pull the right strings, facing the challenging 2019 schedule? Harbaugh was only 10-3 last season. The majority of the Big Ten media is picking the Wolverines in 2019. But, Harbaugh is only 1-9 in Top 10 games over past four seasons. 

11.) Texas (10-4), the Longhorns had their first double digit win season, since 2009 last year. Will third year coach Tom Herman be a one year wonder? Will junior QB Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns, who only return three defensive starters build on winning on four of the last five games, including 28-21 Sugar Bowl win over Georgia from last season?

Injuries impacted Michigan State in 2018, especially on offense. Mark Dantonio
shuffled around his offensive staff duties, as they seek to rebound from a 7-6 season.

12.) Michigan State (43-22), under Mark Dantonio over past five years, 107-51 over 12 years. The Spartans return nine starters on offense, including senior QB Brian Lewerke, eight defensive starters and both kickers coming off an injured plagued 7-6 season in 2018.

13.) Florida (10-3), in Dan Mullen's first season in Tallahassee, vs. Miami-FL (7-6), as first year Manny Diaz takes over the Hurricanes, winner open Week 0 in Orlando. The Gators return eight starters on defense and junior QB Feleipe Franks looks to make his 22nd start leading the offense. While the Hurricanes turn redshirt freshman QB Jarren Williams over Ohio State sophomore transfer Tate Martell. OC Dan Enos is in from Alabama, after one year, as QB coach. Diaz was the DC the past three seasons for Miami and grew up in the City.

Iowa is lead at QB by senior Nate Stanley, who has thrown for
52 touchdowns in his 26 starts for OC Brian Ferentz.

14.) Iowa (9-4), the Hawkeyes enter 2019, like many College Football programs with questions? QB Nate Stanley, like Ricky Stanzi, who began the decade as a senior; is seeking to lead the Hawkeyes to three straight bowl wins, as a starter. But, what about another trip to Indianapolis? Stanley is making his 27th start and he has thrown for 52 touchdowns in his two year career, as a starter.

15.) Texas A&M (9-4), the Aggies enter Year 2 under Jimbo Fisher. Week 2, the Aggies travel to face the defending National Champion Clemson, after hosting them last season. Junior QB Kellen Mond will make his 22nd start in 2019.

16.) Utah (9-5), the Utes return both senior Tyler Huntley and sophomore Jason Shelley, who both split QB starts 9-5 last year. Kyle Whittingham enters 15th season at the helm.

Penn State coach James Franklin enters his sixth season, at the helm in State College.

17.) Penn State (9-4), have been lead by James Franklin for five seasons, 45-21 overall, as the Nittany Lions best two seasons were under former OC Joe Moorhead, who lead Mississippi State last year. Sophomore QB Sean Clifford, who played in four games, will need to replace three year starter Trace McSorley, so Franklin and his staff have their work cut out for him in 2019.

Northwestern Pat Fitzgerald lead his alma mater to their first Big Ten West
division title in 2018. The Wildcats could be salty again on defense and the
offense may show improvement, under Clemson transfer QB Hunter Johnson.

18.) Northwestern (9-5) @ Stanford (9-4) winner as Pat Fitzgerald and David Shaw kickoff season, in the return game, from the 2015 season. Fitzgerald is 41-24 and Shaw is 48-19 each over the past five seasons, as Fitz enters 14th season and Shaw enters his ninth season, respectively at helm. The Wildcats will ask sophomore redshirt transfer from Clemson, Hunter Johnson, to make his first career start at QB, while junior QB KJ Costello will make his 21st college start for the Stanford Cardinal.

19.) TCU (7-6), the Horned Frogs, enter their 19th season under Gary Patterson, who is highly respected coach in the Big 12. The final two QBs are K-State graduate transfer Alex Delton and #1 recruit, true freshman Max Duggan out of the State of Iowa.

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is only 19-19 overall. Cyclone fans are
quite excited, after back to back 8-5 seasons in Ames.

20.) Iowa State (8-5), the Cyclones open the fourth season under Matt Campbell (19-19 overall). Sophomore QB Brook Purdy is a foundation to much of the excitement heading into the 2019 season for the Cyclones. Week 3, the Cy-Hawk Game between cross-state rival Iowa could be a Top 25 showdown for the first time in series history, as the Hawkeyes arrive in Ames.

21.) Boise State (10-3) vs. Florida State (5-7) winner in Week 1 game in Jacksonville to kickoff 2019! Bryan Harsin is 52-15 entering his sixth season, as sophomore Chase Cord is favorite to step into QB position in 2019 for departed Brett Rypien, who was 37-12, as a starter for the Broncos. Willie Taggert enters Year 2 at the helm at Florida State, with first year OC Kendal Briles, who will have sophomore James Blackman and Wisconsin transfer Alex Hornibrook.

22.) UCF (12-1), the Knights have had back to back undefeated regular seasons. First under Scott Frost, who left after two seasons for his alma mater, Nebraska. Then, last year, under first year head coach Josh Heupel, who came over from Missouri as a OC/QB coach. Notre Dame QB transfer Brandon Winbush will likely lead the 2019 offense, with McKenzie Milton, out due to injury. Sophomore Darriel Mack is back, as well.

Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst brings a 42-12 record into his fifth season.

23.) Wisconsin (8-5) @ USF (7-6) winner as Paul Chryst enters Year 5 for the Badgers (42-12 overall) and Charlie Strong (17-8 overall) enters Year 3 for the Bulls. The Badgers return a part-time starter at QB Jack Coan, with true freshman Graham Mertz, a likely option, in relief. The Bulls return senior QB Blake Burnett, who made one start in 2016 at Alabama, later transferring in from Arizona State.

24.) UCLA (3-9) @ Cincinnati (11-2) winner as the season opener heads to the Midwest in 2019. The Bruins enter the second season under Chip Kelly with sophomore QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson looking to make his ninth start under center. Luke Fickel for the Bearcats enters his third campaign with a 15-10 record. Sophomore QB Desmond Ridder has 12 starts under his belt.

25.) Fresno State (12-2) vs. USC (5-7) winner, as the Bulldogs enter third season under Jeff Tedford (22-6) and Clay Helton (32-17) enters fifth season for Trojans. Senior QB Jorge Reyna is favorite to start in 2019 for Fresno, who should be solid up front in defensive line. The Trojans turn again to sophomore QB JT Daniels making his 12th start in 2019.

26.) Mississippi State (8-5), the Bulldogs enter their second season under Joe Moorhead with only four starters back on one of the nation's best defenses. A new QB will need to step up as Penn State grad transfer Tommy Stevens or junior Keytaon Thompson provide different options for the Bulldogs in 2019.

27.) Virginia (8-5), the Cavaliers enter their fourth season under Bronco Mendenhall (16-22 overall) coming off a 28-0 bowl win over South Carolina (7-6) in the Belk Bowl. Senior Bryce Perkins is a former JC transfer, beginning his college journey at Arizona State, where he did not play. He threw 25 touchdowns last year making his debut in Charlottesville.

28.) Virginia Tech (6-7) @ Boston College (7-5) winner, as Hokies travel for the ACC season opener, entering Justin Fuente's fourth season at 25-15. Junior QB Ryan Willis will make 21st college start, after 10 at KU and 10 last year for Hokies. For BC, Steve Addazio enters seventh season at 38-38, so some Eagles fans are a little restless? Junior QB Anthony Brown will make his 23rd start to kickoff 2019.

29.) Missouri (8-5), the Tigers enter the fourth season under Barry Odom, 19-19 overall. Clemson transfer, senior Kelly Bryant will take over the reigns at QB. The Tigers will be ineligible for bowl and the Playoff in 2019. So, a role of spoiler in the SEC will be on the Tigers minds.

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck enters his third season, with positive expectations.

30.) Minnesota (7-6), the Golden Gophers are only 12-13 overall entering the third season under PJ Fleck, though some are projecting a breakout year in the B1G West. Sophomore QB Tanner Morgan will make his seven start and was 4-2, as a starter, including wins over IU, Purdue, @ Wisconsin (program's first in 15 games) and bowl win over Georgia Tech.

Need to Win a key game first, like many above:

#1) Nebraska (4-8), the Huskers travel to Colorado (5-7), who will be under first year coach Mel Tucker, in Week 2. The Huskers have lost eight of last ten on road, and haven't won since their inaugural season in the Big Ten on the road in the non-conference.

Hype, expectations and excitement are at record highs lately in Lincoln, as head
coach Scott Frost enters his second season. The Huskers are coming off back to back
4-8 seasons, but the Big Ten media likes them to win the Big Ten West in 2019.

The B1G media have picked the Huskers in the West, under second year coach Scott Frost the front-runner for the B1G West division. Sophomore QB Adrian Martinez will make his 12th start in 2019 and is fueling much of the excitement. The road trips this season are at Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Purdue and Maryland. Those last two road wins were at Illinois and Purdue in 2017.

One Liners on other Power Five programs for 2019

• Ole Miss (5-7) - the Rebels enter Year 3 under Matt Luke with 3 starters back on offense and 10 starters back on defense
• Arkansas (2-10) - the Razorbacks enter Year 2 under Chad Morris, with 6 starters back on both sides of the football
• South Carolina (7-6) vs. North Carolina (2-9) in Charlotte, as Will Muschamp enters Year 4 for the Gamecocks against Mack Brown, back in coaching and back with the Tar Heels for 2019!
• Tennessee (5-7), as the Volunteers enter Year 2 under Jeremy Pruitt with 10 starters back on offense and 6 on defense in 2019
• Kentucky (10-3), as Wildcats look to rebuild with 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense, as Mark Stoops enters Year 7 at the helm!
• Vanderbilt (6-7) - the Commodores return 7 starters on offense and 5 on defense for 2019 under Derek Mason, in his sixth season!
• Indiana (5-7) - the Hoosiers enter Year 3 under Tom Allen, with a new DC and OC, as 7 starters are back on both sides of the ball, including junior QB Peyton Ramsey, who may start?
• Maryland (5-7) - the Terrapins welcome back Mike Locksley, who was 1-5 in 2015, as an interim coach .... he will work with 5 starters back on each side of the football, and welcomes Virginia Tech transfer, junior QB Joshua Jackson to College Park!
• Rutgers (1-11) - the Scarlet Knights return 8 offensive and 5 defensive starters, including sophomore QB Artur Sitkowski, as head coach Chris Ash enters Year 4
• Purdue (6-7) - the Boilermakers enter Year 3 under Jeff Brohm, with junior QB Elijah Sindelar back off a medical redshirt .... he will have 3 offensive starters and 9 defensive starters back along side of him!
• Illinois (4-8) - the Fighting Illini enter Year 4 under Lovie Smith, as he takes over as DC, as well .... with a new QB needed, and 7 starters back on offense and 10 back on defense!
• Syracuse (10-3) - the Orange enter Year 4 under Dino Babers, as sophomore QB Tommy DeVito takes over, with 6 other starters on offense and 7 starters back on defense!
• North Carolina State (9-4) - the Wolfpack enter Year 7 under Dave Doeren with only 4 back on offense and 7 starters back on defense!
• Wake Forest (7-6) - the Demon Deacons enter Year 6 under Dave Clawson, with both junior QB Jamie Newman and sophomore QB Sam Hartman back after splitting starts last season .... 6 other starters are back on offense and 5 are back on defense!
• Louisville (2-10) - the Cardinals welcome Scott Satterfield as the new head coach, coming off a 47-16 record at Appalachian State .... junior QB Jawon "Puma" Pass is back, along with 5 other starters on offense and 10 back on defense!
• Pittsburgh (7-7) - the Panthers are coming off the Coastal division title in 2018, as Pat Narduzzi enters Year 5 at the helm, junior QB Kenny Pickett is back, along with 4 other offensive starters and 6 defense starters!
• Duke (8-5) - the Blue Devils enter Year 12 under David Cutcliffe, with 4 starters back on offense and 8 back on defense, as senior QB Quentin Harris takes over as the new starter
• Georgia Tech (7-6) - the Yellow Jackets welcome the Geoff Collins era to Atlanta, after two seasons at Temple .... 5 starters are back on offense and only 4 starters return on defense!
• Baylor (7-6) - the Bears enter Year 3 under Matt Rhule coming off a bowl game and win .... junior QB Charlie Brewer returns, with 7 other offensive starters back and 7 defensive starters back, as well
• Oklahoma State (7-6) - the Cowboys enter Year 15 under Mike Gundy, as redshirt freshman QB Spencer Sanders and senior Dru Brown battle for the QB position in 2019, as 7 starters return on offense and 5 on defense!
• Texas Tech (5-7) - the Red Raiders welcome Matt Wells in from Utah State, after compiling a 44-34 record in six seasons .... sophomore QB Alan Bowman is back, along with 6 other starters on offense and defense!
• Kansas State (5-7) -

Top 40 College Football programs with players in NFL

The 2018 NFL seasons kicked off the new season on Thursday night, when the Philadelphia Eagles at home defeated the Atlanta Falcons 18-12.

Here is the full ranking of FBS schools with players on NFL 53-man rosters:

Rank FBS College Program Player
1 Alabama 44
2 LSU 40
3 Florida 38
4 Miami-FL 36
4 Ohio State 36
6 Florida State 33
7 Southern Cal 32
8 Clemson 29
9 Auburn 28
9 Georgia 28
11 Stanford 27
11 UCLA 27
11 Tennessee 27
14 Michigan 26
14 Notre Dame 26
16 Iowa 25
17 Texas 24
17 Penn State 24
17 Texas A&M 24
20 Oklahoma 23
21 Wisconsin 22
21 California 22
21 Washington 22
21 Mississippi 22
21 South Carolina 22
26 Nebraska 19
26 Oregon 19
28 North Carolina 18
29 Pittsburgh 17
29 Michigan State 17
29 Mississippi State 17
32 North Carolina State 16
32 Missouri 16
34 Louisville 15
34 Central Florida 15
36 Virginia Tech 14
36 Temple 14
36 West Virginia 14
36 Utah 14
40 SMU 13
40 TCU 13
40 Texas Tech 13
40 Rutgers 13
40 Boise State 13
40 Arkansas 13

No reason to delay our Week 1 Cidsports Top 40 College Football ratings: as #20 VA TECH @ #19 Florida State kicks off tonight in Tallahassee

Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season concludes with a Top 20 match up in Tallahassee tonight, as Labor Day weekend concludes with a ACC showdown between #20 Virginia Tech (9-4) @ #19 Florida State (7-6). The Hokies lead by head coach Justin Fuente, entering his third season, were 5-3 in the Coastal Division in 2017. While the Seminoles were 3-5 in the Atlantic Division in 2017, they enter the Willie Taggart era, as the former USF and Oregon head coach returns to lead Florida State into the 2018 season.

#20 Virginia Tech @ #19 Florida State, 7 PM CT on ESPN.

Monday, September 3rd
#20 Virginia Tech at #19 Florida State	7:00 pm	ESPN

The dean of college football, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, won his 144th
game for the Hawkeyes, as first year player and now special teams coach
LeVar Woods celebrate, at the end of the Iowa-Northern Illinois game on
Saturday, at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes turn their focus to in-state rival,
Iowa State, as the Cy-Hawk game kicks off on Saturday in Iowa City.

1. Alabama (1-0) (2) - we push the Crimson Tide back into the #1 slot, after a 51-14 win over Louisville (0-1) by the defending national champions in Orlando. Week 2 - vs. Arkansas State (1-0) Red Wolves, who won over SE Missouri in the season opener.
2. Clemson (1-0) (1) - the Tigers fall back, after a 48-7 win over Furman (0-1) to kick off the 2018 season. Week 2 - @ Texas A&M (1-0), as the Aggies opened with a 59-7 win over Northwestern State in College Station. 
3. Georgia (1-0) (3) - the Bulldogs opened 2018 with a 45-0 win over Austin Peay (0-1) on Saturday. Week 2 - @ #28 South Carolina (1-0), where Bulldogs take a three game win streak in this series into the 2018 game
4. Oklahoma (1-0) (4) - the Sooners rolled then #25 FAU (0-1) 63-14 to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. UCLA (0-1), as the Chip Kelly era opened at home to a 26-17 loss to Cincinnati (0-1).
5. Auburn (1-0) (6) - the Tigers took down then #5 Washington (0-1) 21-16 in Atlanta on Saturday. Week 2 - vs. Alabama State (1-0), as this is the first meeting between FBS and FCS schools from the same state.
6. Ohio State (1-0) (7) - the Buckeyes won 77-31 over Oregon State (0-1) in Columbus on Saturday, as interim coach Ryan Day lead the squad. Week 2 - vs. Rutgers (1-0), as the Big Ten opener squares off against the Scarlet Knights, who won their opener 35-7 over Texas State (0-1). Ohio State took down Rutgers 56-0 last year, so Week 2 may not be much different than Week 1.
7. Wisconsin (1-0) (8) - the Badgers won 34-3 against Western Kentucky (0-1) on Friday night. Week 2 - vs. New Mexico (1-0), in the first meeting, as the Badgers have won 40 straight home non-conference games by an average of over 27 points per game. 
8. Washington (0-1) (5) - the Huskies drop opener 21-16 to then #6 Auburn (1-0) in Atlanta, so the margin of error for the College Football Playoff gets slim for the favorite in the Pac 12. Week 2 - vs. North Dakota (1-0), in the first meeting between these schools. The Huskies are 27-5 in home openers.
9. Stanford (1-0) (12) - the Cardinal beat then #45 San Diego State (0-1) by the score of 31-10 to avenge last year's 20-17 loss to the Aztecs. Week 2 - vs. #14 USC (1-0), another payback game for the Cardinal ... last year's 42-24 loss on road against the Trojans!
10. Notre Dame (1-0) (13) - the Fighting Irish defeated Michigan 24-17 in South Bend to open 2018 on Saturday night. Week 2 - vs. Ball State (1-0), first meeting ever between the two schools located in Indiana.
11. Michigan State (1-0) (9) - the Spartans were tested in the season opener on Friday night, but pulled out a 38-31 win over Utah State (0-1). Week 2 - @ Arizona State (1-0), as the Sun Devils opened up the Herm Edwards era, with a 49-7 win over UTSA (0-1). A battle in the desert that typically has favored the local Pac 12 school ....
12. Penn State (1-0) (10) - the Nittany Lions had to scramble back and force OT, as PSU beat Appalachian State 45-37 in Happy Valley on Saturday. Week 2 - @ Pittsburgh (1-0), a game that went to the Panthers 42-39 two years ago. 
13. LSU (1-0) (17) - the Tigers took out then #11 Miami-FL (0-1) 33-17 in Arlington on Saturday to win in Week 1. Week 2 - vs. Southeast Louisiana (0-1), as the Lions lost 34-31 @ Louisiana Monroe (0-1).
14. USC (1-0) (15) - the Trojans beat UNLV (0-1) 43-21 on Saturday. Week 2 - @ #9 Stanford (1-0), as the series opens in Week 2 again this season.
15. UCF (1-0, 1-0 AAC) (23) - the Knights won @ UConn (0-1) 56-17 on Thursday night and we will bump the undefeated 2017 program, since they did finished 13-0 last year and new coach Josh Heupel has the offense rolling already. Week 2 - vs. South Carolina State (0-1), as UCF won in the 2016 season opener 38-0 over the Bulldogs.
16. TCU (1-0) (16) - the Horned Frogs pounded Southern (0-1) 55-7 in the season opener on Saturday. Week 2 - @ SMU (0-1), as the former SWC schools square off for their annual showdown on Friday night. The Mustangs lost 46-23 @ North Texas (1-0) in the AAC vs. C-USA showdown.
17. Northwestern (1-0) (35) - the Wildcats opened Thursday night in the Big Ten @ then #36 Purdue, pulling off a 31-27 win for last year's #17 team. Boost them back up. Week 2 - vs. Duke (1-0), who beat the Wildcats 41-17 in Durham, as this year's game returns to Evanston, where Northwestern won 24-13 in 2016.
18. Mississippi State (1-0) (18) - the Bulldogs won 66-3 over Stephen F Austin (0-1) to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - @ Kansas State (1-0), who struggled in the season opener against South Dakota (0-1) 27-24, as Coyotes miss a tying FG late.
19. Florida State (0-0) (19) - the Seminoles host #20 Virginia Tech to close out Week 1. Week 2 - vs. Samford (1-0), as the Seminoles have hosted at least one FCS program the past ten seasons.
20. Virginia Tech (0-0) (20) - the Hokies travel to Tallahassee to open 2018 @ #19 Florida State tonight. Week 2 - vs. William & Mary (1-0), as the Hokies square off in the 64th meeting in this series.
21. Boise State (1-0) (21) - the Broncos opened 2018 with a win @ then #40 Troy (0-1) 56-20. Week 2 - vs. UConn (0-1), as the Broncos return home, before a Week 3 road trip to P5 Okie State. 
22. Oklahoma State (1-0) (22) - the Cowboys won 58-17 over Missouri State (0-1) to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. South Alabama (0-1), who lost home opener against LA Tech (1-0) 30-26, as they fall in back to back years against the Bulldogs.
23. West Virginia (1-0) (27) - the Mountaineers beat Tennessee (0-1) in Charlotte 40-14 on Saturday to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. Youngstown State (0-1), as WVU looks to win their 15th straight home opener and eighth under coach Dana Holgorsen.
24. Iowa (1-0) (24) - the Hawkeyes opened 2018 with the 144th win under Kirk Ferentz, as he opened his 20th season, as head coach and past Hayden Fry in all-time win in a 33-7 win over Northern Illinois (0-1). Week 2 - vs. #31 Iowa State (0-0), as the Cyclones come to Kinnick Stadium for the annual Cy-Hawk trophy game. The Hawkeyes pulled out a 44-41 OT win last year in Ames. Twenty years ago, the Cyclones ended a 15 game losing streak to end the 20 year reign of Fry in the State of Iowa, back in 1998.
25. Miami-FL (0-1) (11) - the Hurricane lost 33-17 to then #17 LSU (1-0) in Arlington on Sunday. Mark Richt has struggled in big games, dating back to his 15 seasons at UGA. Week 2 - vs. Savannah State (0-1), as Tigers were pounded 52-0 by UAB (1-0).
26. Michigan (0-1) (14) - the Wolverines debuted new QB Shea Patterson, but they fell short chasing then #13 Notre Dame, in a 24-17 loss in South Bend on Saturday night. Week 2 - vs. Western Michigan (0-1), as the Wolverines have won 25 of last 28 home openers.
27. Oregon (1-0) (29) - the Ducks opened the 2018 season with a 58-24 win over Bowling Green (0-1) Week 2 - vs. Portland State (0-1), as the Ducks continue a non-P5 non conference slate, ahead of hosting #9 Stanford in the Pac 12 opener in Week 4.
28. South Carolina (1-0) (28) - the Gamecocks win opener 49-15 over Coastal Carolina (0-1) in the season opener. Week 2 - vs. #3 Georgia (1-0), as the Bulldogs seek to win their first SEC home opener, since 2013 over Vanderbilt.
29. Texas A&M (1-0) (NR) - the Aggies won 59-7 over Northwestern State, after being left off inadvertently from our preseason ratings. Week 2 - vs. #2 Clemson (1-0), as new HC Jimbo Fisher wins his debut, just in time for the first showdown. He is 4-4 vs. Clemson, while he was at Florida State. 
30. North Carolina State (1-0) (30) - the Wolfpack won 24-13 over James Madison (0-1) to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. Georgia State (0-1), who were ruffed up by then #8 Wisconsin (1-0) in the road opener.
31. Iowa State (0-0) (31) - the Cyclones, like the Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0), both witnessed each season openers get called for thunderstorms on Saturday night in the Heartland. Week 2 - @ #24 Iowa (1-0), while the Cornhuskers host Colorado (1-0) in Lincoln. Can a Dec 1st twelve game be arranged between these former Big 8/12 opponents to make up the season opening cancellation?  
32. Boston College (1-0) (32) - the Eagles beat UMass (1-1) 55-21 to kickoff 2018 with a victory. Week 2 - vs. Holy Cross (0-1), as Eagles enjoy back to back home games, before a Week 3 Thursday night ACC road opener @ Wake Forest (1-0).
33. Utah (1-0) (33) - the Utes beat Weber State (0-1) 41-10 to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - @ Northern Illinois (0-1), who are looking to rebound after a disappointing 33-7 loss @ #24 Iowa.
34. Washington State (1-0) - the Cougars opened 2018 with a road win @ Wyoming (1-1) 41-19. Week 2 - vs. San Jose State (0-1), first meeting, since 1996. Cougars have dropped three of last four home openers under Mike Leach.
35. Ole Miss (1-0) (NR) - the Rebels opened the 2018 season with a 47-27 win over Texas Tech (0-1) in Houston on Saturday. Week 2 - vs. Southern Illinois (1-0), in their third meeting, ahead of the SEC home opener in Week 3 against the defending national champions.
36. Kansas State (1-0) (34) - The Wildcats pulled out a narrow win over North Dakota (0-1) 27-24 to open 2018. Week 2 - vs. #18 Mississippi State (1-0), as the Wildcats host a Top 25 SEC team for the first time in Manhattan, since the 2014 Week 3 game against Auburn, which they lost 20-14 in route to a 9-4 season under Bill Snyder.
37. BYU (1-0) (NR) - the Cougars won 2018 opener @ then #37 Arizona (0-1) 28-23 on Saturday. The Cougars opened 2016 with a 18-16 win over the Wildcats on the way to a 9-4 season, back in HC Kalani Sitake's first season at the helm in Provo. Week 2 - vs. California (1-0), as the Golden Bears are coming off a 24-17 home season opener against North Carolina (0-1).
38. Houston (1-0) (38) - the Cougars won 2018 season opener @ Rice (1-1) 45-27. Week 2 - vs. Arizona (0-1), as the Wildcats fell short in new HC Kevin Sumlin's debut 28-23 against BYU (1-0).
39. Memphis (1-0) (39) - the Tigers beat Mercer (0-1) 66-14 to open the 2018 season. Week 2 - @ Navy (0-1), as the Midshipmen fall 59-41 in the season opener @ Hawaii (2-0).
40. Kentucky (1-0) (42) - the Wildcats won the 2018 opener 35-20 over Central Michigan (0-1). Week 2 - @ #41 Florida (1-0), who opened the Dan Mullen era, with a 53-6 win over Charleston Southern (0-1). The Wildcats pulled off the home win 28-27 last season over the Gators.

Game watch in Week 2 outside the Top 40

• Georgia Tech (1-0) @ USF (1-0) - winner is good candidate for Top 40 ... USF ended 2017 at #21 in both major polls.
• Colorado (1-0) @ Nebraska (0-0) - in many ways it is fitting the Scott Frost debut will now come against former conference mate, the Buffaloes, as the two teams kickoff at 2:30 pm CT in Lincoln on Saturday. Both programs were sub-.500 in 2017.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost saw his team rained out on Saturday. His first
official debut will now come Saturday in Lincoln against Colorado (1-0).

How Cidsports would rank the Top programs heading into 2018?

Best four for this year's College Football Playoff in 2018

• Alabama
• Clemson
• Georgia
• Washington

Cidsports Top 45 heading into the 2018 College Football Season

• #1 Clemson (12-2) 
• #2 Alabama (13-1)
• #3 Georgia (13-2) 
• #4 Oklahoma (12-2)
• #5 Washington (10-3) vs. #6 Auburn (10-4)
• #7 Ohio State (12-2)
• #8 Wisconsin (13-1)
• #9 Michigan State (10-3)
• #10 Penn State (11-2)
• #11 Miami-FL (10-3)
• #12 Stanford (9-5) 
• #14 Michigan (8-5) @ #13 Notre Dame (10-3) 
• #15 USC (11-3)
• #16 TCU (11-3)
• #17 LSU (9-4)
• #18 Mississippi State (9-4)
• #20 Virginia Tech (9-4) @ #19 Florida State (7-6)
• #21 Boise State (10-3)
• #22 Oklahoma State (10-3)
• #23 UCF (13-0)
• #24 Iowa (8-5)
• #25 FAU (11-3)
• #26 Texas (7-6)
• #27 West Virginia (7-6)
• #28 South Carolina (9-4)
• #29 Oregon (7-6)
• #30 North Carolina State (9-4)
• #31 Iowa State (8-5)
• #32 Boston College (7-6)
• #33 Utah (7-6)
• #34 Kansas State (8-5)
• #35 Northwestern (10-3) @ #36 Purdue (7-6)
• #37 Arizona (7-6)
• #38 Houston (7-5)
• #39 Memphis (10-3)
• #40 Troy (11-2)
• #41 Florida (4-7)
• #42 Kentucky (7-6)
• #43 Arkansas State (7-5)
• #44 Fresno State (10-4)
• #45 San Diego State (10-3)

At this point, heading into 2018, who are the top teams and who should we project for the College Football Playoff?

2018 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll vs. Cidsports

1. Alabama (13-1) (1) - the Crimson Tide have won two CFP in three seasons, so they are a natural pick. But, how often do teams win national titles in back to back years in college football? Open 2018: vs. Louisville in Orlando. 
2. Clemson (12-2) (4) - the Tigers have played in 3 straight CFP and have one title. This team has all the makings of the team to beat in 2018. Open 2018: vs. Furman, before a road trip @ Texas A&M in Week 2. 
3. Georgia (13-2) (2) - the Bulldogs won 4 of the last 5, losing to Alabama 26-23 in OT, in the National Title Game. Open 2018: vs. Austin Peay, then open SEC East @ South Carolina in Week 2.
4. Wisconsin (13-1) (6) - the Badgers are coming off a program first 12-0 regular season and a 34-24 win over Miami-FL in the Orange Bowl, as HC Paul Chryst enters Year 3. Open 2018: vs. Western Kentucky (6-7) on Friday night in Madison.
5. Ohio State (12-2) (5) - the Buckeyes enter 2018, with a huge off the field distraction, with the firing of an assistant coach and the 3 game suspension of HC Urban Meyer. Open 2018: vs. Oregon State (1-11), followed by the B1G home opener vs. Rutgers, then a neutral site game vs. TCU in Arlington, in Week 2 and 3.
6. Washington (10-3) (16) - the Huskies split 2 of the final 4 games of the season last year. The 3 losses were @ ASU, @ Stanford and vs. Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Auburn in Atlanta, which is very important for the Huskies, as they seek to get back into the CFP picture, after winning the Pac 12 in 2016 and making the playoff!
7. Oklahoma (12-2) (3) - the Sooners won 8 straight games, including Big 12 title game, before a 54-48 OT loss against Georgia in the Rose Bowl, in Lincoln Riley's first season as HC. Open 2018: vs. FAU, then host UCLA (6-7) in Week 2.
8. Miami-FL (10-3) (13) - the Hurricane enter 2018, coming off 3 straight losses @ Pittsburgh, vs. Clemson in the ACC title game, then vs. Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. HC Mark Richt enters Year 3 at his alma mater returning 14 starters from last season. Open 2018: vs. LSU in Arlington on Sunday night. OVERRATED
9. Auburn (10-4) (10) - the Tigers are coming off the SEC division title last year, but lost games @ Clemson, @ LSU, against Georgia in the SEC title game, then vs. UCF in the Peach Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Washington in Atlanta.
10. Penn State (11-2) (8) - the Nittany Lions won 4 straight games to finish last season, including a 35-28 win over Washington in the Fiesta Bowl. HC James Franklin enters Year 5, but he will have a new OC, but senior QB TRace McSorley is back, who lead the team to the 2016 Big Ten title. Open 2018: vs. Appalachian State (9-4), followed by road trip to rival Pittsburgh (5-7) in Week 2, where Panthers beat Nittany Lions 42-39 in '16.
11. Michigan State (10-3) (15) - the Spartans return 19 starters from last year's team, which rebounded from a 3-9 season the previous season. HC Mark Dantonio enters his 12th season in East Lansing. Open 2018: vs. Utah State (6-7) on Friday night, then @ Arizona State (7-6) in Week 2, which could be a trap game for the Spartans in the desert night?
12. Notre Dame (10-3) (11) - the Fighting Irish lost vs. Georgia, @ Miami-FL and @ Stanford last season. HC Brian Kelly enters Year 9, with 15 starters back. Open 2018: vs. Michigan, who resume series (2002-2014) and test in a season opener for the Kelly era.
13. Stanford (9-5) (20) - the Cardinal lost 5 games last season @ USC, @ San Diego State, @ Washington State, vs. USC in the Pac 12 title game, then 39-37 loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. Open 2018: vs. San Diego State on Friday night, then open Pac 12 play vs. USC at home, as well.
14. Michigan (8-5) (NV) - the Wolverines lost to MSU, @ PSU, @ UW and OSU, before the bowl loss vs. South Carolina last season, including 3 straight to finish last year. HC Jim Harbaugh opens his 4th season 0-6 vs. OSU and MSU. Open 2018: @ Notre Dame, resuming the series, since 2014, when the Wolverines lost 31-0 in South Bend. 
15. USC (11-3) ( (12) - the Trojans @ Washington State, @ Notre Dame and 24-7 to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl last year. HC Clay Helton enters 4th Year, with true freshman QB J.T. Daniels listed as the starter. Open 2018: vs. UNLV, then back to back road games @ Stanford and @ Texas in Week 2 and 3.
16. TCU (11-3) (9) - the Horned Frogs rebounded in Gary Patterson's 17th season, after a 6-7 mark the previous year. Only losses were @ Iowa State and two games against OU. Open 2018: vs. Southern and only return 11 starters from last season.
17. West Virginia (7-6) (NV) - big jump coming off 3 straight losses to Texas, OU & Utah. Lost to VA Tech to open 2017, and @ TCU and Oklahoma State, so all good programs heading into 2018. Open 2018: vs. Tennessee in Charlotte - don't see the initial ranking. OVERRATED
18. Mississippi State (9-4) (19) - the Bulldogs open 2018, with a new HC in Joe Moorhead, former Penn State OC. The Bulldogs won 2 of the final 4 games last year. Open 2018: vs. S.F. Austin, before road trip @ Kansas State in Week 2.
19. Florida State (7-6) (NV) - enter season with a 4 game winning streak against one P5, rival Florida, to finish 2017; welcome new HC Willie Taggert back the the 'Sunshine' state. Open 2018: Labor Day ACC home showdown vs. Virginia Tech.
20. Virginia Tech (9-4) (24) - the Hokies lost to Clemson, @ Miami-FL, @ Georgia Tech and a 30-21 loss against Oklahoma State in the Gaming World Bowl to close out last season. Open 2018: @ Florida State on Monday night.
21. UCF (13-0) (6) - the Knights closed out last season with a strong finish and win in the Peach Bowl over Auburn, then HC Scott Frost and staff left for Nebraska. New HC. Josh Heupel has 6 starters back on both sides of ball, after completing two seasons as Missouri's OC. Open 2018: @ Connecticut on Thursday night to kickoff AAC play and the new season. Two games vs. P5 opponents come @ UNC Week 3 and vs. Pittsburgh in Week 5.
22. Boise State (10-3) (22) - the Broncos lost @ Washington State, against Virginia and @ Fresno State, before winning a MWC title game against Fresno State 17-14. Open 2018: @ Troy, in the home and home, where the Broncos opened last year with a 24-13 win.
23. Texas (7-6) (NV) - the Longhorns open Year 2 under HC Tom Herman, after losses against Maryland, in opener, @ USC, vs. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, @ TCU, Texas Tech. They pulled off a 33-16 win over Missouri in the Texas Bowl to close out last year. Open 2018: @ Maryland, who upset the Longhorns last year, in Austin, 51-41.
24. Oregon (7-6) (NV) - the Ducks opened the HC Mario Cristoral era, with a 38-28 loss against Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Ducks lost 5 Pac 12 games last year, @ ASU, Washington State, @ Stanford, @ UCLA and @ Washington. Open 2018: vs. Bowling Green (2-10), then Portland State (0-11 in FCS) and San Jose State (2-11) in Week 2-3. Maybe they shouldn't be considered for a Top 25 position, until they open Pac 12 play vs. Stanford in Week 4 at home? OVERRATED
25. LSU (9-4) (18) - the Tigers lost @ Mississippi State and vs. Troy, then won 6 of the last 8 games, with losses to Alabama and Notre Dame to close out 2017. Open 2018: vs. Miami-FL in Arlington.
26. South Carolina (9-4) (27) - the Gamecocks enter 2018 coming off a 26-19 win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Coastal Carolina, before hosting defending SEC champion Georgia in the SEC East opener in Week 2.
27. Florida (4-7) (NV) - the Gators welcome back former OC Dan Mullen, who moves in as HC, after 9 seasons at Mississippi State. Open 2018: vs. Charleston Southern, then SEC East home opener against Kentucky in Week 2.
28. Utah (7-6) (NV) - the Utes enter Year 14 under HC Kyle Whittingham, with back to back wins last year, including a 30-14 win over West Virginia, in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Weber State on Thursday night, before a Week 2 game @ Northern Illinois.
29. Oklahoma State (10-3) (14) - the Cowboys lost to TCU, Oklahoma and Kansas State all at home last year, but finished strong with a 30-21 win over Virginia Tech in Camping World Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Missouri State, then South Alabama and Boise State at home in Week 2 and 3.
30. FAU (11-3) (30) - the Owls lost the opening two games last year against Navy and @ Wisconsin, then Game 4 @ Buffalo, but rolled through the C-USA undefeated, then beat Akron 50-3 in Boca Raton. Open 2018: @ Oklahoma, as HC Lane Kiffin enters Year 2 at the helm.
31. Arizona (7-6) (NV) - lost 4 of last 5 games to close out 2017; welcome new HC Kevin Sumlin. Open 2018: vs. BYU (4-9) - former staff lost in the 2016 opener against Cougars. OVERRATED
32. North Carolina State (9-4) (23) - the Wolfpack opened with a loss against South Carolina, then lost @ Notre Dame, Clemson and @ Wake Forest, then beat Arizona State 52-31 in the Sun Bowl. Open 2018: vs. James Madison, then Georgia Tech and West Virginia in Week 2 and 3 at home.
33. Texas A&M (NV) - the Aggies begin a new era under HC Jimbo Fisher, who moves over from Florida State. The Aggies lost back to back games to close out last year. Open 2018: vs. Northwestern State on Thursday night, then host Clemson in a SEC-ACC showdown in College Station in Week 2.
34. Boston College (7-6) (NV) - the Eagles have hit the 7-6 mark in 4 of 5 seasons under HC Steve Addazio, losing last year to Wake Forest, Notre Dame, @ Clemson, Virginia Tech, North Carolina State and vs. Iowa 27-20 in the Pinstripe Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Massachusetts, before Holy Cross, @ Wake Forest and @ Purdue, in Week 2-4.
35. Northwestern (10-3) (17) - the Wildcats are coming off back to back bowl wins in program history, as HC Pat Fitzgerald enters Year 13 in Evanston. Open 2018: @ Purdue (7-6) in a rare Big Ten opener for each team. The major question for the Wildcats is the health of senior QB Clayton Thorson, who is coming off surgery from a knee injury.
36. Kansas State (8-5) (NV) - have won 5 of the last 6 games w/ P5 opponents to finish 2017. Open 2018: vs. FCS, South Dakota, then a non-conference home showdown against Mississippi State.
37. Iowa State (8-5) (28) - the Cyclones has a breakout 2nd season under HC Matt Campbell, but lost vs. Iowa in OT, vs. Texas, @ West Virginia, vs. Oklahoma State and @ Kansas State. The Cyclones rebounded to beat Memphis 21-20 in the Liberty Bowl to close out the season last year.
38. Houston (7-5) (NV) - the Cougars lost @ UTSA, Texas State, @ Tulsa, Memphis and @ Tulane in the regular season, before losing 33-27 against Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl. Open 2018: @ Rice, before vs. Arizona and @ Texas Tech in Week 2 and 3.
39. Memphis (10-3) (25) - the Tigers lost @ UCF twice, then lost 21-20 against Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl finish last season. Open 2018: vs. Mercer, then @ Navy in Week 2.
40. Troy (11-2) (31) - the Trojans lost @ Boise State and South Alabama last season, then beat North Texas 50-30 in the New Orleans Bowl to finish off the season. Open 2018: vs. Boise State, then Florida A&M and @ Nebraska in Week 2 and 3.
41. Iowa (8-5) (34) - the Hawkeyes are coming off their first bowl win, since 2010, with 27-20 victory over Boston College, in the Pinstripe Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Northern Illinois (8-5) at Kinnick Stadium. 
42. Kentucky (7-6) (NV) - the Wildcats finished last year on a 3 game losing streak, as HC Mark Stoops enters Year 6 at the helm. Open 2018: vs. Central Michigan (8-5) in the home opener, before the SEC road opener @ Florida in Week 2.
43. Arkansas State (7-5) (NV) - the Red Wolves lost @ Nebraska, @ SMU, @ South Alabama, vs. Troy, then lost 35-30 to Middle Tennessee in Camellia Bowl. Open 2018: vs. SE Missouri, then @ Alabama to square off with the defending national champs.
44. Fresno State (10-4) (32) - the Bulldogs lost @ Alabama, @ Washington, vs. UNLV and vs. Boise State in the MWC title game to kickoff HC Jeff Tedford's first season at the helm. The Bulldogs closed out the season with a 33-27 win over Houston. Open 2018: vs. Idaho, then @ Minnesota and @ UCLA in Week 2 and 3.

Not Rated heading into 2018:

• South Florida (10-2) (21) - the Bulls lost two games in the regular season against Houston, then finished league play with a loss @ UCF, then finish with a 38-34 win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl to win second straight bowl game and finish on a high note. Open 2018: vs. Elon, followed by P5 match ups against Georgia Tech, then a road trip against 
• Washington State (9-4) (26) - the Cougars open Year 7 under HC Mike Leach and have lost back to back bowl games against Big Ten competition. After 3 non-winning seasons the first 3 seasons, the Cougars have won at least 8 wins the past 3 seasons. Open 2018: @ Wyoming (8-6 last year, 1-0, after opening 2018 @ New Mexico State), so this could be a tough start for the Cougars?
• Army (10-3) (29) - the Black Knights lost @ Ohio State and @ Tulane in back to back weeks, then @ North Texas, before beating Navy and San Diego State to close out the season last year. Open 2018: @ Duke to kick off the new college football season!
• San Diego State (10-3) (33) - the Aztecs lost back to back conference games against Boise State and Fresno State, failing to defend the back to back MWC titles. The Aztecs lost to Army 42-35 in the Armed Forces Bowl to close out the season. Open 2018: @ Stanford, before games vs. Sacramento State and Arizona State in Week 2 and 3.

Who are the teams trending for the College Football Playoff for 2018?

There are the obvious picks heading into the 2018 College Football season:

1. Clemson
2. Alabama 

They have been there before and some are picking them to make a return in 2018:

1. Ohio State 
2. Georgia 
3. Washington
4. Oklahoma
5. Michigan State

Been there before, but not likely yet, in 2018:

1. Florida State - one site likes them at #5 according to Stassen Composite
2. Oregon - #18 was as good as it gets heading into 2018 ....

So, who could be the new guys to make the College Football Playoff in 2018:

1. Wisconsin
2. Auburn
3. Michigan
4. Penn State

There are eleven programs trending, as being in the College Football Playoff conversation for 2018. One too many?

Is anyone missing from the discussion in 2018?

• 2014, Baylor just missed
• 2015, Iowa just missed
• 2016, Penn State just missed
• 2017, Ohio State just missed
• 2018, who will be next?

Often, it has been the Big Ten that just missed in the College Football Playoff. The SEC was the first conference to land two teams, and both teams played in last year's title game.

How do the All-Time AP Top 25 Teams look heading into 2018?

The All-Time AP Top 25   

How are the top rated programs of all-time performing heading into 2018?

            AP All-Time Rank, Team Points Top 20 Top 10 Top 5 1st 2nd (2017 final rating)

1. Oklahoma 890.5 55 41 32 6 4 (#3 in '17) - the Sooners (12-2) are coming off their second CFP appearance in four years of the CFP. HC Lincoln Riley will have a lot of work ahead, with #1 NFL draft choice QB Baker Mayfield absent. Riley and his coaching staff return 6 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and senior PK/P Austin Seibert back in 2018. Stassen Composite has OU trending at #8 in the country and #1 in the Big 12 again. Last national title: 2000, under Bobby Stoops!
2. Alabama 888 55 43 26 12 3 (#1 in #17) - the Crimson Tide (13-1) are the defending national champion. HC Nick Saban has taken each team to the College Football Playoff, since its inception in 2014. The Tide return 7 starters on offense, including both QBs, but only 3 on defense and will have new kickers on special teams in 2018. A new year for  The schedule again is favorable for the defending champions, who have won 2 of  4. Stassen Composite has Bama trending as the #2 team, now. They did not win the SEC West in '17, but they are projected to win it back in '18. The past decade has been impressive with ten Top 10 finishes and five national championships for Coach Saban! 
3. Ohio State 881 56 37 26 5 7 (#5 in #17) - the Buckeyes (12-2) began August, with an announcement that HC Urban Meyer was placed on administrative leave, due to the circumstances surrounding the firing of assistant coach Zach Smith, and his domestic abuse allocations. The Buckeyes co-OC Ryan Day was named interim HC for camp. The coaching staff returns 7 offensive starters, but they will have to turn to sophomore QB Dwayne Haskins, 5 defensive starters and both their PK and punter. OSU have made two CFP appearance, winning the inaugural in 2014, but they were eliminated 31-0 in the 2016 semi-finals by Clemson. Stassen Composite  has the Buckeyes #3 heading into 2018 and the team to beat in the #1 in the Big Ten East, the #1 projected division in College Football. The Big Ten didn't send a team in 2017, after the Buckeyes lost another 31 point game, this time in the regular season 55-24 at Iowa!
4. Michigan 801 57 38 15 2 2 (not rated in '17) - Talk about a program under-performing, as hits Year 4 under HC Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines (8-5) were the only Big Ten team that failed to win their bowl game in 2017. Seven teams pulled out wins in Big Ten bowls, but South Carolina defeated Michigan 33-28, knocking them completing out of Top 25 consideration. Harbaugh needs to find a new QB again. Like his first year, he turns to an immediate transfer, as Ole Miss QB Shea Patterson arrives in Ann Arbor. The coaching staff is working with 8 starters back on offense, 9 defensive starters from a unit that should be very strong, plus both kickers. Despite the under performance in 2017, Stassen Composite has the Wolverines trending #9 nationally, and #2 in the B1G East. Last national title: 1997, under Lloyd Carr!
5. Notre Dame 783.5 53 36 23 8 5 (#11 in '17) - the Fighting Irish (10-3) took care of business 21-17 over LSU to close out 2017, but the past BCS participant hasn't made it into the College Football Playoff, like Michigan, who will open in South Bend to kickoff the 2018 season! HC Brian Kelly returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Brandon Wimbush, 9 defensive starters and both specialty players. Stassen Composite has the Irish trending at #13. Last national title: 1988, under Lou Holtz!
6. USC 672 52 28 19 5 5 (#12 in '17) - the Trojans (11-3) have never reached the CFP and lost the Cotton Bowl 24-7 to #3 Ohio State. HC Clay Helton must replace their QB, but do return 7 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and both kickers. Without QB Sam Darnold back, the Trojans are trending #15 in the Stassen Composite nationally, but still #1 in the Pac 12 South!
7. Nebraska 638 43 30 13 4 2 (not rated in '17) - the Huskers (4-8) last major bowl game was the 2001 BCS title game in the Rose Bowl, where they lost 37-14 to Miami-FL. Excitement is soaring, with the hiring of HC Scott Frost, the former Huskers' QB of the program's last national title team. Frost and his entire staff are coming off a 13-0 season at UCF in 2017. Frost and his staff return 7 offensive starters, with true freshman QB Adrian Martinez leading as the opening day starter for 2018. The Blackshirts have been silent for years in Lincoln. DC Erik Chinander, a former Iowa walk-on lineman has 8 defensive starters back and the punter back. No immediate Top 25 bounce back is projected and the Huskers are trending #5 in the B1G West by Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1997, under Dr. Tom Osborne!
8. Texas 626 42 26 10 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Longhorns (7-6) welcomed HC Tom Herman last year, but the season got off to a slow start. A 51-41 loss in the season opener to Maryland (4-8) at home didn't set the tone for an immediate jump start. But, by season's end, the Longhorns did pick up a 33-16 win over Missouri (7-6) in the Texas Bowl. The coaching staff have 7 starters on offense back, including sophomore QB Sam Ehlinger; also 7 starters are back on defense, but the kickers will be new and likely young. The Longhorns are trending in the Stassen Composite #17 nationally and #2 in the Big 12, behind rival OU. The last BCS game was 2009. Last national title: 2005, under Mack Brown!
9. Tennessee 560 40 23 13 2 4 (not rated in '17) - the Volunteers (4-8) turn to Alabama's DC Jeremy Pruitt, as the new HC, his first head coaching job. This is a program that recruits well, but haven't had a double digit win season, in over a decade. The new coaching staff return 6 starters on offense, with Stanford graduate transfer QB Keller Chryst projected #1 at position; 6 starters on defense, including their placekicker. The Vols are trending in the Stassen Composite at #40 nationally and #6 in the SEC East, so it may be a slow start in 2018? Last national title: 1998, under Phillip Fulmer!
10. Penn State 558 41 26 14 2 3 (#8 in '17) - the Nittany Lions (11-2) won the Big Ten in 2016, but fell short in '17, with back to back losses on the road against Ohio State and Michigan State. They are coming off a 35-28 win in the Fiesta Bowl over Washington, as HC James Franklin will have senior QB Trace McSorley back. The offense returns 7 starters, including McShorley, but only 3 starters are back on defense, plus their punter, so their will be some adjustments, with RB Saquon Barkley, top TE, and #1, #3 WRs gone. The roster is at full-strength again, after the demise due to the fallout of Joe Pa and the Sandusky scandal in 2011. Stassen Composite has the Nittany Lions trending #12 nationally and #4 in the strong B1G East division. Last national title: 1986, under Joe Paterno! 
11. Florida State 533.5 30 19 17 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Seminoles (7-6) have gone three straight season, without a birth in the CFP, making it in the first year of the FBS playoff system! A new era begins with HC Willie Taggert returning to Florida, after one season at Oregon. The Seminoles return 8 starters on offense, with junior QB Deondre Francois back; only 4 defensive starters back, plus punter. FSU is coming off a 42-13 Independence Bowl win over Southern Miss, and a two game win streak over Group of 5 programs to build on! The Stassen Composite has the Seminoles trending #18 nationally and #2 in the ACC Atlantic. Last national title: 2013, in the final BCS season, under Jimbo Fisher!
12. LSU 528 40 21 9 2 3 (#18 in '17) - the Tigers (9-4) enter Year 3 under HC Ed Oregeron, with one of the losses, a 24-21 loss vs. Troy (11-2) last year. They also fell to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl to close out  the season. The staff has a new OC and only 5 starters return on offense, 5 starters on defense, plus both kickers. QB has yet be decided, as junior Joe Burrow arrived this Summer from Ohio State and is in contention. Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #20 nationally and #4 in the SEC West, so their is work ahead, if they wish to be in the mix nationally for the first time, since 2011. Last national title: 2007, under Les Miles!
13. Georgia 481.5 33 21 11 1 3 (#2 in '17) - the Bulldogs (13-2) are coming off the SEC title and runner-up in the College Football Playoff, with a 26-23 OT loss to fellow SEC brother, Alabama. HC Kirby Smart enters Year 3, with 8 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Jake Fromm, but only 5 starters are back defensively, plus their PK junior Rodrigo Blankenship. The Tigers are trending #4 nationally and #1 in the SEC East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1980, under Vince Dooley!
14. Auburn 467 35 19 9 2 2 (#10 in '17) - the Tigers (10-4) beat Alabama 26-14 to win the SEC West, but lost 28-7 in the SEC title game, then were upset 34-27 in the Peach Bowl to undefeated UCF (13-0). HC Gus Malzahn enters Year 6 and has not made the CFP, after their loss in the final BCS title game to FSU. The coaching staff returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Jarrett Stidham, 7 starters on defense, but will likely have new young kickers. The Tigers are trending #7 nationally #2 in the SEC West in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 2010, under Gene Chizik!
15. Miami-FL 466 30 15 10 5 4 (#13 in '17) - the Hurricanes (10-3) enter the third season under Mark Richt, at his alma mater, coming off the first double digit season in over 10 seasons. Both coordinators return, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Malik Rosier, and 7 starters on defense, plus punter. The Stassen Composite has the Hurricanes trending #10 nationally and #1 in the ACC Coastal division. Last national title: 2001.
16. Florida 449.5 28 17 11 3 1 (not rated in '17) - the Gators (4-7) welcome former OC Dan Mullen back to Gainsville, after nine seasons as HC at Mississippi State. The new HC has 10 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Feleipe Franks; and 9 defensive starters, but new kickers and coordinator and staff. The Stassen Composite has the Gators trending #21 nationally and #2t in the SEC East division. Last national title: 2008, under Urban Meyer, while Mullen was OC!
17. Michigan State 389.5 27 17 9 1 4 (#15 in '17) - the Spartans (10-3) enter Year 12 under HC Mark Dantonio, who bounced back from a 3-9 season, coming off the Big Ten title and birth in the College Football Playoff in 2015. The Spartans beat Washington State 42-17 in the Holiday Bowl and return 16 Big Ten honorees, with 19 returning starters, with 10 on offense and 9 on defense. Junior QB Brain Lewerke returns along with both kickers. The Spartans are trending #11 nationally and #3 in the tough B1G East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1966, under Duffy Daugherty!
18. UCLA 378 32 17 9 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Bruins (6-7) dismissed Jim Mora and lost 35-17 to Kansas State (8-5) in the Cactus Bowl. New HC Chip Kelly returns the college game, after a 28-35 NFL record and previously four seasons in the Pac 12 at Oregon. The new coaching staff will need to groom a new QB, with 5 offensive starters back and 7 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has UCLA trending at #44t and #4 in the Pac 12 South. Last national title: 1954.
19. Clemson 348 27 11 5 2 2 (#4 in '17) - the Tigers (12-2) have either lost to Alabama or beat them in the College Football Playoff the past three seasons, going 1-2, with the title in 2016 in a 35-31 win over the Tide! HC Dabo Swinney enters his 11th season, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Kelly Bryant, 8 defensive starters also return, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #1 nationally and #1 in the ACC Atlantic division, so another date with Alabama could occur again, if business is taken care of in 2018! Last national title: 2016, under Dabo!
20. Arkansas 328 28 14 4 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Razorbacks (4-8) let coach Bret Bielema go after five seasons. HC Chad Morris arrives after leading SMU (7-6) to first bowl since 2012. The new staff will have to find a new QB, but they return 9 offensive starters, along with 8 defensive starters and both kickers. The Razorbacks haven't won double digit games, since back to back marks in 2010-11. Like the Cornhuskers in the Big Ten, the Razorbacks are not trending to open the season in the Top 25, and the Stassen Composite has them trending last in the SEC West division, after 1-7 last year. Last national title: 1964.
21. Wisconsin 313 21 14 3 0 1 (#7 in '17) - the Badgers (13-1) are entering Year 4 under HC Paul Chryst, who is 34-7 at Wisconsin, having won back to back B1G West divisions and leading his team to the first 12-0 regular season record in program history. The Badgers return 9 offensive starters, including junior QB Alex Hornibrook, and only 4 defensive starters to the #3 defense in the country from last season. Both kickers are back, but PK has been sidelined again. The Stassen Composite has the Badgers trending at #6 nationally and the consensus #1 in the B1G West division for 2018. Last national title: The highest team without a national title in the past!
22. Texas A&M 299.5 25 12 3 1 0 (not rated in '17) - the Aggies (7-6) let go of Kevin Sumlin, after six seasons, with only the first season with double digit wins at 11-2. HC Jimbo Fisher moves over from Florida State and inherits a Aggies team coming off a 55-52 loss to Wake Forest (8-5) in the Belk Bowl. The new staff return 8 offensive starters, including sophomore QB Nick Starkel, and 8 defensive starters, plus their PK. The Stassen Composite has the Aggies trending #30 nationally and #5 in the SEC West division. Last national title: 1939, under Homer H Norton!
23. Washington 293 22 11 6 0 2 (#16 in '17) - the Huskies (10-3) failed to repeat in 2017, after making their lone appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2016. The Huskies came up short against Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl, but they will look to rebound in HC Chris Petersen's fifth season at Washington. The coaching staff returns 8 offensive starters, including senior QB Jake Browning, entering his fourth season, as a starter. The defense returns 9 starters, plus their punter. The Stassen Composite is trending the Huskies #5 nationally and #1 in the Pac 12 North for 2018. Last national title: 1991, under Don James!
24. Ole Miss 282.5 23 12 4 0 2 (not rated in '17) - the Rebels (6-6) on the heals of scandal in 2017, leading to the dismissal of Hugh Freeze before the season, after five seasons at the helm. Interim coach Matt Luke was retained, after the season. He and his staff have 8 returning starters on offense, with part-time starting senior QB Jordan Ta'amu back; 7 starters back on defense. The Tigers are not getting any preseason love entering 2018. The Stassen Composite has Mississippi trending #6 in the SEC West division for 2018. The other all-time AP Top 25 program without a national title.
25. Iowa 276 22 14 3 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Hawkeyes (8-5) won their first bowl game, since 2010, with a 27-20 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. HC Kirk Ferentz enters his 20th season as dean of College Football again. His staff returns in tack and revamping the offensive staff before last season. The Hawkeyes return 7 offensive starters, including junior QB Nate Stanley, 5 defensive starters and both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Hawkeyes trending #32t nationally and #2 in the B1G West division heading into 2018. Last national title: 1957, under Forest Evashevski!

Who were ranked to close out 2017, but not in the all-time AP Top 25?

• #6 UCF (13-0) - the Knights welcome HC Josh Heupel moving over from Missouri, where he was OC the past two seasons. In 2015, the program was 0-12, in George O'Leary's final season. Scott Frost took the program from 6-7 to 13-0 in his two seasons at the helm. The entire new staff return 6 starters on offense, including junior QB McKenzie Milton, and 6 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Knights trending #24t nationally and the consensus #1 in the AAC East division for 2018.
• #9 TCU (11-3) - the Horned Frogs enter Year 18 under HC Gary Patterson and a 39-37 win over Stanford in the Alamo Bowl. Only five starters are back offensive and they will need to find a new starter at QB. The defense returns 6 starters and their placekicker. The Stassen Composite has the Horned Frogs trending #19 nationally and #3 in the Big 12 for the 2018 season. Last national title: 1938, under Dutch Meyer!
• #13 Oklahoma State (10-3) - the Cowboys are entering their 14th season under HC Mike Gundy coming off a 30-21 win over Virginia Tech in the Camping World Bowl. QB Mason Rudolph and his top two receivers have departed, but 5 offensive starters and 7 defensive starters return, along with both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Cowboys trending #26 and #4 in the Big 12 for 2018. 
• #17 Northwestern (10-3) - the Wildcats enter Year 13 under HC Pat Fitzgerald and have won back to back bowl games for the first time in program history, with a 24-23 win over Kentucky (7-6) in the Music City Bowl. The Wildcats have a question at QB, with senior Clayton Thorson coming off an ugly ACL injury in the bowl win last year. The Stassen Composite has the Wildcats trending #29 nationally and #3 in the B1G West heading into 2018.
• #19 Mississippi State (9-4) - the Bulldogs welcome former PSU OC Joe Moorhead, as their new head coach. MSU returns 9 starters on offesne, including senior QB Nick Fitzerald; 8 defensive starters and their sophomore PK. The Bulldogs are coming off a 31-27 win over Louisville in the Taxpayer Bowl. The Bulldogs are trending #16 in the Stassen Composite, #3 in the SEC West.
• #20 Stanford (9-5) - the Cardinal won the Pac 12 North division, losing the title game 31-28 to USC. Then, fell short in the Alamo Bowl to TCU 39-37. HC David Shaw enters Year 8, with 9 returning starters on offense, including sophomore QB KJ Costello; 6 starters on defense, including PK and punter. The Cardinal are trending #14 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 North heading into 2018.
• #21 USF (10-2) - the Bulls are coming off a 38-34 win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl, their second straight over a P5 there. HC Charlie Strong enters Year 2, with 6 offensive starters returning and 5 defensive starters. Junior QB Blake Barnett arrives in Tampa, after stops at Bama and ASU. The Bulls are expected to fall back nationally outside the Stassen Composite heading into 2018, but #2 in the AAC East.
• #22 Boise State (11-3) - the Broncos are coming off a 38-28 win over Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl, as HC Bryan Harsin enters Year 5 at the helm. The Broncos return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Brett Rypien; 10 defensive starters and both kickers. The Broncos are trending #22 in the Stassen Composite and the consensus #1 in the MWC Mountain division, after defeating Fresno State 17-14 in last season's MWC title game.
• #23 North Carolina State (9-4) - the Wolfpack are coming off a 52-31 Sun Bowl win over Arizona State, as HC Dave Doeren enters Year 8 at the helm. The Wolfpack return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Ryan Finley; but only 3 defensive starters and their punter. NC State is trending #36 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Atlantic division in 2018.
• #24 Virginia Tech (9-4) - the Hokies are coming off a 30-21 loss to Oklahoma State in the Camping World Bowl. HC Justin Fuente enters Year 3 with 7 offensive starters back, including sophomore QB Joshua Jackson; only 5 back on defensive and their punter. The Hokies are trending #23 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• #25 Memphis (10-3) - the Tigers are coming off a 21-20 loss at home in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State (8-5) to close out last season. HC Mike Norvell enters Year 3 at the helm, with 7 offensive starters back; 8 defensive starters and their PK. Junior, grad transfer Brady White from ASU is an option at QB. The Tigers are trending #39 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the AAC West division for 2018. 

They made the inaugural College Football Playoff; but not Top 25 all-time!

• Oregon (7-6) - the Ducks were 13-2 in 2014 and played in the College Football title game, but they have fallen to a low of 4-8 in 2016. Last season, under HC Willie Taggert, they finished 7-5 in the regular season, only to lose Taggert to Florida State. Co-OC Mario Cristobal was named HC and DC Jim Leavitt was retained, but their debut was a 38-28 loss to Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. The new coaching staff will return 7 starters on offense, including junior QB Justin Herbert; 7 starters on defense, plus their punter. Stassen Composite has Oregon trending #24t nationally and #3 in the Pac 12 North. The Ducks were 3-2 in BCS era bowl games, but the program is seeking their first national title, after losing the first CFP title game in 2014!

Don't forget about our conference or our team in 2018!

• West Virginia (7-6) - the Mountaineers lost to Utah 30-14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl to close out last season. HC Dana Holgorsen enters Year 8, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Will Grier; 5 starters back on defense, along with both kickers. WVU is trending #27 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• South Carolina (9-4) - the Gamecocks are coming off a 26-19 win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. HC Will Muschamp returns 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Jake Bentley; 6 back on defense and both kickers. The Gamecocks are trending #28 in the Stassen Composite and #2t in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Missouri (7-6) - the Tigers are coming off a 33-16 loss to Texas in the Texas Bowl last year. HC Barry Odom is entering Year 3, with 9 starters back on offense, including senior QB Drew Lock; 7 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Tigers are trending #31 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Arizona (7-6) - the Wildcats are coming off a 38-35 loss against Purdue (7-6) in the Foster Farms Bowl. New HC Kevin Sumlin will have 7 starters back on offense for the Wildcats, including junior QB Khalil Tate; 9 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Wildcats are trending #32t in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Utah (7-6) - the Utes are coming off a 30-14 win in the Heart of Dallas Bowl over West Virginia last year. HC Kyle Whittingham is entering his 14th Year at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, including junior QB Tyler Huntley; 6 starters back on defense and both kickers, who are among the best in the nation. The Utes are trending #34 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Florida Atlantic (11-3) - the Owls are coming off a 50-3 win over Akron (7-7) in the Boca Raton Bowl last season. HC Lane Kiffin enters Year 2, with 5 starters back on offense and 10 defensive starters back. Kiffin hasn't determine his #1 QB yet heading into game against OU. FAU are trending #35 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the C-USA East division for 2018.
• Georgia Tech (5-6) - the Yellow Jackets are coming off a losing season for the second time in three years, under HC Paul Johnson entering his 11th season. The Jackets return 8 starters on offense, including senior QB TeQuon Marshall; 5 starters back on defense and both kickers. GT is trending #37 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Kansas State (8-5) - the Wildcats are coming off a 35-17 win over UCLA in the Cotton Bowl last season. HC Bill Snyder signed a five year extension this summer, as he enters the 10th straight season and 27th overall at the helm in Manhattan. The Wildcats return 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Alex Delton; 5 defensive starters are back. K-State is trending #38 in the Stassen Composite and #7 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Duke (7-6) - the Blue Devils are coming off a 36-14 win over Northern Illinois (8-5) in the Quick Lane Bowl last season. HC David Cutcliffe enters Year 11, with 7 offensive starters back, including junior QB Daniel Jones; 8 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Blue Devils are trending #41 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Louisville (8-5) - the Cardinals are coming off a 31-27 loss to Mississippi State in the Taxslayer Bowl last year. HC Bobby Petrino enters Year 9 at the helm, with 7 starters back on offense, both kickers, but only 4 starters back on defense. The Cardinals are trending #42 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Boston College (7-6) - the Eagles are coming off a 27-20 loss against Iowa in the Pinstripe Bowl last season. HC Steve Addazio enters Year 6, with 10 starters back, including sophomore QB Anthony Brown; 6 defensive starters back and their PK. The Eagles are trending #43 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Arkansas State (7-5) - the Red Wolves are coming off a 35-30 loss against Middle Tennessee (8-5) in the Camellia Bowl last season. HC Black Anderson enters Year 5, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Justice Hansen; 5 back on defense and both kickers. The Red Wolves are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the Sun Belt West division for 2018.
• Texas Tech (6-7) - the Red Raiders are coming off a 38-34 loss to USF in the Birmingham Bowl last year. HC Kliff Kingsbury enters Year 6, with 6 starters back on offense, 10 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Red Raiders are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #8 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Wake Forest (8-5) - the Demon Deacons are coming off a 55-52 win against Texas A&M in the Belk Bowl last season. HC Dave Clawson enters Year 5 at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense and their punter. The Demon Deacons are trending #47t in the Stassen Composite and #6 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• The top picks in the MAC in 2018 - Ohio U (9-4) in the East and Northern Illinois (8-5) in the West. HC Frank Solich is heading into his 14th season at Ohio, while HC Rod Carey is heading into Year 6 for NIU.

Nope, Iowa State is not trending in any preseason Top 25 ratings

• Iowa State (8-5) - the Cyclones are coming off a 21-20 win against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl last year. HC Matt Campbell enters Year 3, with 6 starters back on offense, including senior QB Kyle Kempt; 6 starters back on defense and their PK. The Cyclones are trending #6 in the Big 12 in 2018.