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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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Notre Dame football running back Chris Tyree. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Notre Dame football running back Chris Tyree. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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

10. Texas A&M

After winning the Orange Bowl, but missing the College Football Playoff, Texas A&M got the best finish they could hope for. They got to brag that they were deserved a College Football Playoff spot, without having to play Alabama in the Rose Bowl, only to get blown out again.

For 2021, the Aggies need to replace Kellen Mond, which doesn’t sound too hard. Mond was inconsistent throughout his time at Texas A&M, but if they had anyone better he’d have been on the bench. Their defense will be great, but the questions continue on offense.

9. North Carolina

North Carolina was everyone’s “it” team in 2020, but inconsistency bit the Tar Heels, and while they made their first major bowl game in 70 years, an amazing accomplishment, they didn’t meet expectations. Sam Howell is back, along with some of his weapons on offense, and the Tar Heels should ready to take the next step in 2021, especially with a proper offseason to prepare.

8. Ohio State

This might seem low, especially since some of their talents on offense like Chris Olave are coming back, but there are some roster issues in Columbus. First and foremost, who is their quarterback going forward, because the roster leaves room for inspiration? Secondly, where do you go on defense?

The Buckeyes secondary wasn’t good enough in 2020. Who is going to step up and stop a good passing attack, because they couldn’t stop a nose bleed against Indiana or Alabama? Other than that, this is still one of the three most talented teams in the country, just expect it to take them a month or so to get going.

7. Iowa State

After the best season in program history, seriously making a conference championship game is their best season ever, Iowa State returns most of their roster, including Breece Hall and Brock Purdy.

They also return coach Matt Campbell, who has had his name rumored for several job openings. No, the Cyclones don’t have the depth of talent that most elite teams have, but they do have Oklahoma’s number and that might be all it takes.

6. Notre Dame

The Irish check-in at number six, amid major roster turnover. Ian Book is gone, so is most of the offensive line, several receivers, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and a bevy of transfers. That’s going to be difficult to deal with and require a full practice schedule.

However, the Irish are recruiting better and better every season, and Brian Kelly always puts strong offensive lines on the field every season. Add a couple of grad transfers to bridge the gap and Notre Dame will be fine.

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