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Notre Dame football: Early 2021 college football top-25 rankings

By Daniel Morrison

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 12: Notre Dame Fighting Irish players face off at the line of scrimmage against the USC Trojans during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 12: Notre Dame Fighting Irish players face off at the line of scrimmage against the USC Trojans during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Casey Thompson of Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Casey Thompson of Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: Early 2021 college football top-25 rankings

20. Louisiana

Assuming that Billy Napier doesn’t leave Louisiana for Tennessee, which is a distinct possibility, the Ragin’ Cajuns are going to be very well next season. They were very good this season, too. 10-1, with their only loss to a top-ranked Coastal Carolina.

A rematch was stolen by COVID-19 protocols, to the dismay of Louisiana who wanted to avenge that loss. They ended with a share of the Sun Belt Championship, and a First Responder Bowl win. Quarterback Levi Lewis is likely moving on, but they’ll be very good again in 2021.

19.  Oregon

The Ducks never really found their replacement for Justin Herbert, but they won the PAC-12 anyway, though they owe Washington’s COVID-19 issues an assist for that. Now, they need to find Herbert’s replacement still, but also a new defensive coordinator as Andy Avalos is now at Boise State.

Blame issues in 2020 on opt-outs and a weird year, because the Ducks will be back. Mario Cristobal is a great program builder who will figure it out.

18. Miami

The Hurricanes finally figured it out offensively with D’Eriq King who came in as a graduate transfer from Houston. Add a still strong defense and the U was almost back. The question was going to be how do you replace King until he announced he’d use his bonus year of eligibility.

Problem solved? No. King tore his ACL in their bowl game. Now, the question will be about his health. If King is healthy Miami will be very good.

17. Texas

It’s been an ugly season at Texas, who fired Tom Herman right after signing day only to hire Steve Sarkisian. It’s an exciting hire, because of what he’s shown at Alabama, but the timing was bad. It’s not a good look to sign prospects then pull the rug from under them, especially when the AD publicly said he wouldn’t.

The Longhorns also need to replace long term starter, Sam Ehlinger. So, there are tons of questions, but there’s also tons of talent because for all his faults Herman recruited well. Maybe Sarkisian actually knows how to use that talent.

16. Indiana

Indiana was one of the best stories of 2020, with a great defense and passing attack. They beat Penn State when people thought Penn State was good. They beat Michigan to confirm Michigan was bad.

They nearly beat Ohio State, who we all know is one of the three most talented teams annually. Michael Penix, their quarterback, tore his ACL and like Miami, his health will be vital to Indiana’s 2021 success.

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