CFB: The Touchdown's Top 25 (Positions 10-6)
By Rory Daniels
In our fourth installment of The Touchdown’s Pre-Season College Football Top 25, we take a look at the teams ranked 10-6.
All the rankings are collated from our four college football writers Lee Wakefield, Jack Brentnall, Si Carroll and Rory Daniels.
10. Texas
Is Texas back? Well, it looks like they are as close as they have been for a while. Quinn Ewers has the chance to be a top tier QB and the Longhorns have surrounded him with a star-studded receiving corps and solid offensive line. If the defense can chip in and play to a high level, they should be in with a shot of the conference title and maybe a playoff berth. But, this is Texas so don’t be surprised if they drop the ball!
Player to Watch: Isaiah Neyor – There are plenty of receivers to get doe-eyed over for the Longhorns. Neyor lost last year to injury, but is long and fast – expect a breakout.
9. Washington
Another top-10 team with an elite QB and a star-studded receiving group. Michael Penix Jr has a rocket arm and the athletic ability to make plays with his feet. He will target a pass-catching group headed by Rome Odunze. Don’t forget the edge-rushing menace Bralen Trice on the defensive side of the ball. The Huskies are well stocked for a run at the PAC-12 title.
Player to Watch: Edefuan Ulofoshio – There could be a bounceback for the dynamic linebacker this year. He has battled injuries previously but will want a strong season to boost his draft stock.
8. Penn State
It feels like do or die for James Franklin at Penn State. He has recruited one of the best rosters of his tenure but needs to take down the Big 10 giants of Ohio State and Michigan to reach the final four. Sophomores Nick Singleton (Running Back) and Drew Allar (QB) headline the team that also has a nasty pass rush in Chop Robinson and speedster Abdul Carter.
Player to Watch: Kalen King – A smooth cover corner who has been touted as the best of the upcoming draft class.
7. Florida State
The Seminoles did an impressive job of retaining their star players for a tilt at the ACC title. Edge rusher Jared Verse would likely have been a first-round pick this year, but comes back to secure his status. QB-WR partnership Jordan Travis and Johnny Wilson have been supplemented by Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman and slot tight end Jaheim Bell. On paper, it’s one of the country’s strongest offenses and deserved of this high ranking.
Player to Watch: Akeem Dent – The experienced safety is versatile enough to play in the box or as a deep defender. Expect him to marshall the defensive unit.
6. USC
Can Lincoln Riley finally find enough on defense to match his juggernaut offense? Caleb Williams will make another run at the Heisman for sure but USC must be able to stop opponents. Adding Bear Alexander and Anthony Lucas to the defensive front will help. Also, expect a jump from returning guys like safety Calen Bullock.
Player to Watch: Eric Gentry – Started life as an off-ball linebacker at Arizona State, has freaky length to flash as an edge rusher.
