An early (real early) college football top 25 for 2022

On3 imageby:On3 Staff Report•01/10/22

OK, the 2021 season is over. And that, of course, means it’s already time to look ahead to 2022.

Thus, here’s an early — a ridiculously, incredibly early — look at a possible top 25 for 2022. This will change because the transfer portal still is doing furious business, because National Signing Day is a month away and because spring practice is two months away for most schools.

Still, the door on the 2021 season is closed, so why not get a quick peek at a top 25 for 2022?

25. Ole Miss
The buzz: RB Zach Evans’ transfer from TCU is big, but Lane Kiffin has to find a quarterback.

24. Baylor
The buzz: The Bears were a big surprise this season, but they will be expected to be good next season. QB Gerry Bohanon needs to develop as a passer.

23. Fresno State
The buzz: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Former coach Jeff Tedford is back, and in QB Jake Haener, he will have one of the best quarterbacks West of the Mississippi River.

22. Tennessee
The buzz: QB Hendon Hooker went from a ho-hum guy to an “Oh, my!” player in his first season under Josh Heupel. The defense needs to get a lot better, though.

21. Michigan State
The buzz: The Spartans will miss RB Kenneth Walker III, but there’s no way the defense will be as bad in 2022 as it was this season and the passing attack should be good.

20. Penn State
The buzz: Yes, a lot of talent is leaving, but there’s still a lot of talent in Happy Valley. Plus, can the offensive line be that mediocre again?

19. Minnesota
The buzz: The Golden Gophers will need a new quarterback, but they will be a run-first, defense-oriented team. And the return of Kirk Ciarrocca as offensive coordinator will be big.

18. Kentucky
The buzz: RB Chris Rodriguez’s return is huge. The defense will, at the least, be solid. But can a transfer become the go-to receiver?

17. UCF
The buzz: There were some growing pains with new coach Gus Malzahn this season. Those won’t be there in 2022, and RB Isaiah Bowser’s decision to return is big.

16. Oregon
The buzz: There still is a lot of talent on hand for new coach Dan Lanning, but the quarterback situation again bears watching.

15. NC State
The buzz: How many people realize Devin Leary threw 35 TD passes this season? Forget nationally — he was overlooked in his own state. And the Wolfpack have some talented dudes on defense.

14. Oklahoma
The buzz: As with Oregon, Oklahoma has a lot of talent for new coach Brent Venables. And UCF transfer QB Dillon Gabriel already has worked with new OC Jeff Lebby.

13. Utah
The buzz: The Utes made their first Rose Bowl appearance this season. They should be in the hunt for their second in 2022, thanks to the return of RB Tavion Thomas and QB Cameron Rising. The defense needs some new stars to emerge in the front seven, though.

12. Clemson
The buzz: There will be new coordinators on both sides of the ball. The receivers are a question. So is the quarterback. But there are good running backs and a lot of talent overall.

11. Wake Forest
The buzz: Believe it — Wake should be expected to contend for the ACC title next season. QB Sam Hartman’s return means the offense should be extremely prolific again. But league title hopes depend on defensive improvement.

10. Notre Dame
The buzz: Another team whose new coach has a lot of talent with which to work. But there are questions about the offensive backfield.

9. Wisconsin
The buzz: RB Braelon Allen will be the offensive focal point, and he’s good enough to lead the nation in rushing in 2022. The defense, as usual, will be salty. But, man, coaches have to do something about sprucing up the passing attack.

8. Arkansas
The buzz: Look for QB K.J. Jefferson make another big leap. The Hogs need a No. 1 receiver to emerge, but this team has made huge strides in coach Sam Pittman’s first two seasons and should be quite dangerous in 2022. How dangerous? Forget simply being in the top 25; think top 10.

7. Oklahoma State
The buzz: We believe in the Cowboys, though we can understand those who are skeptical. QB Spencer Sanders needs to up his game, and some key defenders will be missing.

6. Michigan
The buzz: We also believe in the Wolverines. There is talent in place, though the pass rush needs to be rebuilt with the departures of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo.

5. USC
The buzz: Yes, we’re serious. The Trojans have had two good quarterbacks transfer out since the arrival of Lincoln Riley. But isn’t Riley’s former quarterback in the transfer portal? Hmmm. The defensive line is a question, for sure.

4. Texas A&M
The buzz: There is talent all over the roster, plus a deep recruiting class coming in. Quarterback is a question, though. Can Jimbo Fisher develop a consistent quarterback? He hasn’t had one in College Station.

3. Georgia
The buzz: Yes, a lot of defensive talent is leaving. But there still will be a lot of defensive talent on hand. What the Bulldogs do at quarterback will be a major storyline.

2. Ohio State
The buzz: C.J. Stroud. TreVeyon Henderson. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That’s the makings of a potent offense. But an improved defense is a must.

1. Alabama
The buzz: Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. will be back. So will about 1,000 other blue-chip players. And the coach ain’t bad, either. Plus, can you have a preseason top 25 without Alabama at No. 1?