It’s never too early to get into who should be ranked in the top-25 to start the next season and decide where we think Notre Dame football will land. The challenge is finding a good way to come up with those rankings. How much influence should the past season hold? Does returning production matter as much as roster talent?
The questions go on and on, but it comes down to a healthy blend of factors.
It’s important not to simply rank teams highly because they’re a name brand. For instance, Penn State came into 2020 highly thought of, but the reality of that team was that they were deeply flawed, and lost their first five games. Indiana and Ohio State were both able to artificially inflate their resumes by calling that a top-25 win, even though Penn State wasn’t a top-25 caliber team.
Now, Penn State made sense to have ranked, but too often teams with no business being ranked are because of their reputation. Look back to 2019, our most recent normal season, Nebraska counted as a ranked win for Colorado because the media convinced themselves the Cornhuskers were back.
Preseason rankings do matter for perception, and whether it’s fair or not, perception goes into how the strength of schedule is perceived by the College Football Playoff Committee and recruits. Those are two groups you need to like, if you want to win a National Championship, at least.
It should also be noted that these rankings don’t have the benefit of seeing spring practices, summer workouts, the transfer portal work itself out, rule changes take place, every coaching change to finish, or the second signing day. In other words, things can change.
For now, here is your 2021, preseason top-25 college football rankings:
Notre Dame football: Early 2021 college football top-25 rankings
Receiving Votes
Here are several teams just on the outside of the top-25 rankings, stuck on the outside looking in. All of these teams have an argument to be in the top-25, but they also come with faults and aren’t good enough to be in the top-25 until they prove that they’ve corrected those faults.
So, here are those teams that would be considered to be “receiving votes.”
Auburn
It has been a long, and embarrassing offseason for Auburn, whose defensive coordinator went to boosters and tried to steal the head coaching job before the AD had to put his foot down and make a cultural changing hire in Bryan Harsin. A lot of who Auburn is in 2021 depends on how well new coach Bryan Harsin adapts, which remains to be seen.
He inherited a healthy program at Boise State and never got them to the heights they’d been before him, but they were always good. Auburn certainly has top-25 talent, but they also have turmoil culturally and a quarterback who needs to step up.
Appalachian State
For the first time in years, the class of the Sun Belt won’t come into the season with the best quarterback in the Sun Belt. In fact, they don’t even know who their quarterback is going to be, yet.
Zac Thomas is moving on, and that could make for a transition year. The Mountaineers do still boast the most talented roster in the Sun Belt, but not having a quarterback could be devastating.
Ole Miss
Ole Miss had one of the worst defenses in the country in 2020, but they also had one of the best offenses. There’s really no reason to expect them to take a step back in 2021, at least offensively. If quarterback Matt Corral cuts down on turnovers, he had 14 interceptions, he could easily be a dark horse Heisman contender.
Given the number of transfers this offseason and the presumption of a one time transfer without sitting out a season coming this season, and it’s easy to see their defense taking a jump.
SMU
Under Sonny Dykes the Mustangs have come back to prominence, particularly on offense behind their air raid attack. They’ll need to replace Shane Buechele, who really made the offense run this upcoming season.
Luckily for SMU, they have a new Big 12 transfer coming in, Tanner Mordecai from Oklahoma. Mordecai would have started at Oklahoma in 2020, had it not been for Spencer Rattler. Add in an exciting young running back, Ulysses Bentley IV, and this offense is still going to hum for the Mustangs.
Army
Before Jeff Monken got to West Point in 2014, they had four winning seasons since 1990. In Monken’s seven seasons they have added four more winning seasons. He’s done an incredible job, and coming off a 9-3 campaign and a Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy there are no signs of slowing down. Most of the key players on their roster returns, they’re incredibly disciplined, and will likely win nine or ten games in 2021.
Nevada
Did anyone play as surprising, but as under the radar football as Nevada? The Wolf Pack quietly went 7-2 and beat Tulane down in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. They did miss the Mountain West Championship Game, because of a surprise loss to Hawaii and a loss to conference champion San Jose State.
Unlike San Jose State, Nevada returns their quarterback Carson Strong, who threw 27 touchdowns to 4 interceptions in nine games. He should put up monster numbers next season.
UCLA
Under Chip Kelly, UCLA has shown massive improvement, even if they’re still losing a bunch. Yes, 3-4 is 3-4 and you are what your record says you are, but they lost all four games by one score or less, and they looked like the better team in several of their losses. A lot of talent returns, and you have to expect them to take another step forward.
Memphis
Memphis has questions on offense, make no mistake about it. Brady White, Kenny Gainwell, and Damonte Coxie all need to be replaced. That’s going to be a massive test for Ryan Silverfield, who is in just his second season as the head coach in Memphis.
If he’s able to, however, there is still tons of speed and firepower on this team to keep replicating the recent success that had them in the Cotton Bowl in 2019.
Notre Dame football: Early 2021 college football top-25 rankings
25. Washington
2020 was a weird year for Washington, but at 3-1, they won the PAC-12 North. They had to give up their spot in the PAC-12 Championship Game due to COVID-19 issues, though, making this a largely forgotten season.
They flashed a lot of potential under new coach Jimmy Lake, though. Their quarterback, Dylan Morris, is an exciting player with a cannon for an arm, but can he hold of Brock Huard’s son, Sam Huard, a 5-star quarterback prospect?
24. Boise State
There are questions in Boise. Is Andy Avalos the right man for the job? Can the Broncos find a way to protect their quarterback Hank Bachmeier? If those answers are “yes” then Boise State is still in great shape in the Mountain West, for however long they’re in the Mountain West.
23. UCF
UCF certainly had some issues last season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Between a day two NFL prospect opting out before the season, four players being dismissed from the team, and several injuries throughout the season UCF had three players who started Week 1 through the end of the season on defense.
They’ll have to bounce back and improve defensively, which now includes replacing a Jim Thorpe finalist who was one of those three players to start the whole season. Luckily, their offense is still explosive and terrifying to handle for opponents.
22. Northwestern
After being one of the worst offensive teams in the country in 2019, Northwestern was good enough on offense and great on defense in 2020. Much of that B1G 10 West winning defense is back in 2021, which is a good thing.
The bad thing is their longtime defensive coordinator, Mike Hankwitz has retired. His replacement is vital to the program, as well as continuing to improve offensively.
21. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys are certainly going to be losing some talent, particularly on offense. Chuba Hubbard will notably be moving on, but Oklahoma State didn’t fully rely on him in 2020, so they should be fine in terms of replacing him.
They also return their quarterback, Spencer Sanders, who is one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the Big 12. There are talent and potential here, but they never seem to live up to it and they’re always a step behind in-state rival Oklahoma. The Cowboys need to prove they’re ready to compete at a top-10 level.
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.
Notre Dame football: Early 2021 college football top-25 rankings
15. Wisconsin
4-3 was not the season Wisconsin wanted. They did, however, seem to find a quarterback for the future. The emergence of Graham Mertz at quarterback pushed Jack Coan to Notre Dame as a transfer.
In moments, Mertz looked like a Heisman contender, but he also had freshman moments. He’ll be better next season, and Wisconsin doesn’t stay down for long. They’ll look better with a normal season and offseason.
14. Coastal Carolina
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, also known as the best chicken mascot based football team in South Carolina, managed an undefeated regular season. Jamey Chadwell, another rumored coach for the Tennessee job, found the perfect quarterback to run his spread option offense, Grayson McCall. McCall will only be a sophomore next season, and their defense should remain one of the best in the Sun Belt. Coastal Carolina isn’t going away.
13. Arizona State
A lot of people owe Herm Edwards an apology because what he’s doing at Arizona State is downright impressive. Like most PAC-12 teams, it’s unfair to judge them by 2020, when the Sun Devils went 2-2, but it should have been 3-1 had they not lost at the last minute to USC.
Jayden Daniels, their sensational quarterback will be back. Meanwhile, Arizona State has loaded their roster with Southern California talent and should be ready to take the next step forward.
12. Florida
The Gators have a lot to replace on offense, a new defensive coordinator to fix a mediocre and often exposed defense and a head coach who has shown his immaturity throughout the season as rumors swirl that he’s eyeing the NFL. Other than that, things are great in Gainesville. Can they trust Emory Jones at quarterback? Maybe.
He certainly runs better than Kyle Trask, which coach Dan Mullen likes, but he has never proven to be a good enough thrower. There’s tons of talent on Florida, as always, but they may not be ready to play elite-level competition without 2020’s weapons on offense.
11. USC
Kedon Slovis is a media darling. He is a USC quarterback after all, but he didn’t play to his potential in 2020, but it was a weird season so maybe cut him some slack. What was interesting was how clutch he and the USC offense were in 2020.
They stayed calm and came from behind to win multiple games. Mix that with some high-end talent and USC is still a scary team, even if Clay Helton is still somehow their coach.
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.
Notre Dame football: Early 2021 college football top-25 rankings
5. Cincinnati
Like Iowa State, Cincinnati is returning tons of production and their coach. That’s huge for an American Athletic Conference program who could have and probably should have beaten Georgia in the Peach Bowl.
Desmond Ridder will be in his fourth season as a starter, and he runs their RPO game to near perfection. Just as long as losing defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to Notre Dame doesn’t hurt too much, which it easily could, the Bearcats will be fine.
4. Clemson
No Trevor Lawrence or Travis Etienne. Meanwhile, the wide receiver room will be on the lookout for a new standout. So, maybe just maybe there’s a glimmer of weakness here, but we all know that Clemson is more likely to reload and be ready to go next season at an elite level. DJ Uiagalelei was proof enough you can expect Clemson to be fine, reloaded, and ready to go for 2021.
3. Georgia
Georgia didn’t know who their quarterback was to start 2020, but by the time they figured it was JT Daniels, their offense got to be scary good. Next season, Georgia will return Daniels and what should be one of, if not the best wide receiver group in college football. Meanwhile, their talent and depth are as remarkable as ever. The Bulldogs could be scary good next season.
2. Oklahoma
Buy stock in Spencer Rattler now, because Oklahoma is going to be one of the best teams in college football in 2021. Not only do they have an elite group of skills players, but they have the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy in 2021.
The question at Oklahoma has always been defense, but they seemed to turn a corner at the end of 2020. If they can carry that over they’ll have a great chance to remake the Playoff.
1. Alabama
It’s time to stop predicting anything less than being the best team in the country for Alabama under Nick Saban. Yes, they have a lot of talent moving on at every skill position and throughout the defense.
Yes, multiple coaches are heading out to multiple head coaching jobs and promotions on those staffs, from Texas to Marshall. No, you won’t notice a difference on the field. The Alabama machine is going to keep rolling under Nick Saban.