Alabama and Clemson played in the College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T on Monday night, and the Crimson Tide and Tigers will be favorites to return to the playoff this coming season.
The Tigers, who were the only unbeaten FBS team during the regular season, are No. 1 in the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25, followed by Alabama, Baylor and Michigan.
The Tigers could bring back as many as 17 starters on offense and defense, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, a Heisman Trophy finalist this past season. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide will have to replace a lot of the key players who helped them reach the playoff two seasons in a row, including perhaps Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.
The first Way-Too-Early Top 25 includes six teams from the Pac-12 (four from the North Division), five from the SEC and four each from the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12.
Here's the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25:
1. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers look built to last, having won more than 10 games in each of the past five seasons and reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season. The Tigers have to replace a couple of key pieces on both lines of scrimmage, especially All-America defensive end Shaq Lawson, but they had nine new starting linemen in 2015. With quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back, they'll have a chance to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. Clemson's schedule will be more than manageable if it can survive a road game at Florida State.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide are losing a ton of talent on defense, along with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who was named Georgia's coach. But when hasn't Nick Saban reloaded on that side of the ball? He hired former Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to replace Smart. The bigger question might be whether freshman Blake Barnett is ready to take the controls of the offense in 2016. He may have to do so without Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, who is probably turning pro early. Alabama opens the season against USC in Arlington, Texas, and also plays SEC road games at Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU.
3. Baylor Bears
The Bears will have to replace much of their offense this coming season; four starting linemen are leaving and star receiver Corey Coleman is turning pro. Baylor coach Art Briles proved once again in 2015 that he'll find ways to move the ball and score points, no matter the circumstances. Quarterbacks Seth Russell (neck) and Jarrett Stidham(ankle) should be back from injuries, along with tailback Shock Linwood(foot). On defense, the Bears might lose all four starting linemen if junior nose tackle Andrew Billings turns pro. Once again, Baylor's nonconference schedule isn't demanding, but the Bears will have to survive a Big 12 road game at Oklahoma.
4. Michigan Wolverines
After a five-win improvement in Jim Harbaugh's first season at his alma mater, the Wolverines might be the team to beat in the Big Ten in 2016. Michigan will bring back almost everybody on offense, although losing quarterback Jake Rudock and center Graham Glasgow is significant. Houston transfer John O'Korn might be the top candidate to replace Rudock. Defensively, Michigan will have to replace its entire linebacker corps, but its defensive line figures to be one of the country's best. New defensive coordinator Don Brown led one of the stingiest defenses in the FBS at Boston College this past season. Michigan plays eight home games this coming season, but three of its road games -- at Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State -- should be tough.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners recovered from a disappointing 8-5 campaign in 2014 by winning the Big 12 and reaching the College Football Playoff this past season. They'll lose some firepower and leadership on defense, especially Striker, who was the team's emotional leader and best pass-rusher. With quarterback Baker Mayfield and tailbacks Samaje Perineand Joe Mixon coming back, the Sooners should again be explosive. Their nonconference schedule is daunting with a road trip to Houston and a home game against Ohio State.
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