College football’s 2015 season is still several months away. However, it’s never too early to take an early look at how the rankings for next season may look when the preseason polls and predictions are released.



Considering all that usually transpires in a college football offseason, this ranking of top 25 teams will change several times until kickoff next year. Whether it’s unexpected personnel changes or breakout players that emerge in the spring, it’s unlikely this top 25 ranking looks exactly the same in a month, three months or by next August.

Related: Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25



With that in mind, here’s Athlon’s very early look at the top 25 teams for 2015.

Very Early College Football Top 25 for 2015

1. Ohio State

The Buckeyes have a quarterback quandary to answer in 2015, but it’s a good problem for coach Urban Meyer to have. Will it be Braxton Miller under center after returning to full strength from shoulder surgery? Or will J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones fight for the starting job in offseason workouts? Regardless of which player takes the first snap, Ohio State’s depth chart is loaded with talent. Running back Ezekiel Elliott headlines a solid group of playmakers, and the offensive line is slated to return four starters, including standout left tackle Taylor Decker. End Joey Bosa should be among the nation’s best returning defenders next season, but defensive tackle Michael Bennett and cornerback Doran Grant must be replaced. A lot can change between now and September. However, at least on paper, there’s few potential roadblocks on Ohio State’s schedule in 2015.



2. Alabama

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide aren’t going to slip far in the rankings next year despite a few personnel losses. Receiver Amari Cooper is expected to depart for the NFL, and quarterback Blake Sims must be replaced, but Alabama is loaded with talent and the defense can carry this team to a SEC Championship. Florida State transfer Jake Coker could open spring practice as the favorite to replace Sims, and coordinator Lane Kiffin has to find some new pieces around the quarterback. Kiffin should be able to build around left tackle Cam Robinson and running back Derrick Henry next season, while the team can lean on a defense that should be the best in the SEC once again. There are personnel concerns with this team, and Alabama’s schedule will be challenging, as road trips to Georgia, Mississippi State, Texas A&M and Auburn won’t be easy.

3. Florida State

Florida State’s preseason ranking and projection will largely be determined on how many and which players decide to leave for the NFL. If quarterback Jameis Winston (as expected) declares for the draft, the Seminoles will slide in this ranking by a couple of spots. But Winston isn’t the only early player that could leave Tallahassee early, as defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and cornerbacks Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams could all declare for the next level. Replacing Winston will be the biggest offseason storyline for coach Jimbo Fisher, with Sean Maguire considered the favorite to take the first snap in the spring. In addition to Winston’s departure, the Seminoles lose four starters on the offensive line and must replace standout receiver Rashad Greene and tight end Nick O’Leary. Despite the personnel losses, Florida State is still loaded with young talent and has one of the nation’s top coaches in Jimbo Fisher.



4. TCU

The Horned Frogs were one of college football’s biggest surprises in 2014. In 2015, TCU could be one of the preseason favorites to make the four-team playoff. What a difference a year makes. Coach Gary Patterson’s decision to hire Doug Meacham as the team’s play-caller paid huge dividends in 2014, as quarterback Trevone Boykin emerged as a Heisman candidate. Boykin could be even better in 2015 with another year to learn under Meacham, and the offense returns nearly all of its main contributors at the skill positions. Patterson will have some holes to address on defense, starting in the trenches with the departure of tackle Chucky Hunter and linebacker Paul Dawson and in the secondary with standout safety Sam Carter. TCU plays at Minnesota in the season opener but has a favorable schedule until the end of the year with back-to-back games against Oklahoma and Baylor.

5. Oregon

Much like Florida State, Oregon’s preseason ranking and 2015 projection is cloudy until more is known about the future of quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Heisman Trophy winner is expected to declare for the NFL, but if he returns, the Ducks could be ranked higher on this list. Even if Mariota declares, Oregon is still expected to be the preseason favorite in the Pac-12 North. The offense is loaded with skill talent, including running backs Royce Freeman and Thomas Tyner, while the receiving corps returns Byron Marshall, Devon Allen and Charles Nelson. Three starters must be replaced on the offensive line, including standouts center Hroniss Grasu and left tackle Jake Fisher. Defensive coordinator Don Pellum will have holes to fill on each level, but the front seven could be the biggest concern if DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead leave for the NFL. Oregon has a challenging road slate in 2015, including trips to Michigan State, Arizona State, Stanford and Washington.



6. Baylor

The Bears have won at least 10 games in three out of the last four seasons and will be picked near the top of the Big 12 once again in 2015. Quarterback Bryce Petty departs, but the depth chart is stocked with talented arms, with Seth Russell holding an edge to take the first snap in spring practice. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Bears might have the Big 12’s top collection of skill talent in 2015. Shock Linwood, Devin Chafin and Johnny Jefferson are back at running back, and the receiving corps features weapons like Corey Coleman, KD Cannon and Jay Lee. And assuming left tackle Spencer Drango returns to Waco for his senior season, the Bears will have all five starters back on the offensive line. The defense has improved under the direction of coordinator Phil Bennett, and the Bears return a good chunk of talent for 2015. End Shawn Oakman could enter the NFL Draft, but defensive tackle Andrew Billings, linebacker Taylor Young and cornerback Xavien Howard are three All-Big 12 talents returning in 2015.



7. Michigan State

Under coach Mark Dantonio’s watch, the Spartans have won at least 10 games in four out of the last five seasons. And while Ohio State is the clear favorite in the Big Ten next year, Michigan State should be in contention for a spot in one of college football’s premier bowl games. Quarterback Connor Cook has already announced he will return to East Lansing for 2015, and the steady passer will be working with a new starter at running back and No. 1 receiver next year. The Spartans could lose defensive standouts Trae Waynes and end Shilique Calhoun to the NFL, and coordinator Pat Narduzzi is leaving East Lansing to take the head coaching job at Pittsburgh. Narduzzi won't be easy to replace, but Dantonio has a good staff and should find the right answers to keep Michigan State's defense among the nation's best.



8. Auburn

Even with quarterback Nick Marshall, running back Cameron Artis-Payne and receiver Sammie Coates departing, Auburn’s offense is going to be just fine with Jeremy Johnson at the controls. In two seasons, Johnson is 57 of 78 for 858 yards and nine passing scores. In addition to the departure of Marshall, Artis-Payne and Coates, the Tigers have to replace center Reese Dismukes and guard Chad Slade. Coach Gus Malzahn hired former Florida coach Will Muschamp to fix the defense, and there’s hope for immediate improvement with a good chunk of the depth chart returning. End Carl Lawson missed all of 2014 due to a knee injury, and his return should help spark a pass rush that ranked near the bottom of the SEC. The Tigers open with a neutral site (Atlanta) game against Louisville and catch Georgia and Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2015.



9. LSU

The Tigers will finish 2014 without a double-digit win total for the first time since 2009. However, the future is bright in Baton Rouge with a depth chart loaded with young talent. Running back Leonard Fournette should push for 1,000 yards in his second year on campus next season, and the rushing attack will have to carry the team once again. Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will be expected to compete for the starting quarterback job again in the spring, and the receiving corps should improve with the development of young receivers like Travin Dural, Trey Quinn, Malachi Dupre and John Diarse. The offensive line may have a facelift in the offseason, especially if Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins declare for the NFL. As usual, the defense should be strong for coach Les Miles. The Tigers could lose a couple of defenders early to the NFL, but rising stars like tackle Davon Godchaux, sophomore Tre’Davious White and safety Jamal Adams will keep this unit among the best in the SEC.



10. USC

Coach Steve Sarkisian’s first season had its share of ups and downs, but USC could be the favorite to win the Pac-12 South in 2014. Quarterback Cody Kessler is expected to return for his senior year, and the California native should benefit from an offensive line that returns all five starters from the bowl game and the continued development of young receivers JuJu Smith, Darreus Rogers and Steven Mitchell. Top receiver Nelson Agholor may leave early for the NFL, but if he returns for his senior season, Agholor would be one of the top receivers in the nation in 2015. Coordinator Justin Wilcox is expected to lose end Leonard Williams to the NFL, while linebacker Hayes Pullard, safety Gerald Bowman and linebacker/end J.R. Tavai expire their eligibility after the Holiday Bowl. Another positive for USC in 2015 is the full allotment of scholarships to use in recruiting after being shorthanded due to NCAA sanctions in recent years.



11. Georgia

With Florida dealing with a coaching transition and South Carolina having question marks on both sides of the ball, Georgia and Missouri should enter the spring as the favorites in the SEC East. The Bulldogs have their share of holes to fill, starting on offense where quarterback Hutson Mason, receiver Michael Bennett and center David Andrews will expire their eligibility after the Belk Bowl. Replacing a starting quarterback is never easy, and coach Mark Richt will be working with a new coordinator after Mike Bobo left for Colorado State. Running back Nick Chubb will be one of the best in the SEC next season. Coordinator Jeremy Pruitt made an impact in his first season as the defensive signal-caller in Athens, as Georgia lowered its yards per play allowed to 4.8 after giving up 5.4 in 2013. Pruitt should continue to mold the Bulldogs’ defense into one of the best in SEC next season but standout linebackers Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera must be replaced. The secondary was considered the biggest weakness for Georgia this year and should show improvement in 2015 with only one player expected to depart (Damian Swann) from the Belk Bowl two-deep. The Bulldogs play Auburn and Alabama in crossover games with the SEC West next season.



12. Mississippi State

The Bulldogs are coming off their first double-digit win season since 1999, and coach Dan Mullen has this program trending up after spending time at No. 1 in 2014. Quarterback Dak Prescott is considering the NFL Draft, but if he returns to Starkville, the senior should be one of the nation’s top returning signal-callers in 2015. Prescott isn’t the only Bulldog pondering a jump to the next level, as running back Josh Robinson and linebacker Benardrick McKinney may also leave for the NFL. In addition to the early entries to the NFL, Mississippi State will have to replace receiver Jameon Lewis, three starters on the offensive line and six starters on defense.



13. Ole Miss

The Rebels are coming off their first season of double-digit victories since 1999. And the arrow on coach Hugh Freeze’s team is pointing up, as this team has the pieces in place to finish among the top 10-15 nationally in 2015. Bo Wallace must be replaced at quarterback, but the new starter will benefit from the return at Laquon Treadwell at receiver. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil is one of the best in the nation and is part of an offensive line that returns all five starters from the Peach Bowl depth chart. With the uncertainty at quarterback, the defense will have to carry Ole Miss – at least early on – in 2015. This unit allowed only 13.8 points per game in 12 regular season contests and should have one of the nation’s top defensive lines. However, there’s concern in the secondary with the departure of cornerback Senquez Golson and safety Cody Prewitt.



14. Arizona State

With only eight returning starters in 2014, the Sun Devils were considered by some to be in rebuild mode. However, Arizona State finished 9-3 and came within a victory of playing for the conference title. Coach Todd Graham’s team will have some personnel losses to address with receiver Jaelen Strong leaving for the NFL, and Taylor Kelly expiring his eligibility. But the cupboard isn’t empty on either side of the ball. Mike Bercovici should be a solid replacement for Kelly at quarterback, three starters are back on the offensive line, and running back D.J. Foster is one of the nation’s top all-purpose players. Graham’s specialty is on defense, and this unit used an aggressive pass rush to rank near the top of the nation in tackles for loss and sacks. The defense returns nearly intact in 2015, with safety Damarious Randall and end Marcus Hardison the biggest losses for Graham to replace.



15. Arizona

The defending Pac-12 South champions will be among the favorites to win the conference in 2015. Quarterback Anu Solomon and running back Nick Wilson are only going to improve in their second season as starters, and the receiving corps is stocked with playmakers in Samajie Grant, DaVonte’ Neal and Cayleb Jones. The offensive line will be revamped with three new starters in 2015. Arizona’s defense has showed progress under coordinator Jeff Casteel, but there’s a few personnel concerns next season. Linebacker Scooby Wright will be a first-team All-America selection in 2015, but he will have to shoulder even more of the defensive spotlight with defensive backs Jourdon Grandon and Jared Tevis and linemen Reggie Gilbert and Dan Pettinato expiring their eligibility after the Fiesta Bowl. The talent level is on the rise in Tucson, and Rodriguez is clearly one of the best in the conference. Another double-digit win season is a strong possibility.



16. Oklahoma

The Sooners were considered by most to be one of the biggest disappointments in college football this year. And after finishing the regular season at 8-4, coach Bob Stoops’ team will start 2015 lower in most preseason polls. Oklahoma will be a tough team to rank next season, as there’s reason to believe this team will rebound – and also plenty of room to doubt this squad. Quarterback Trevor Knight is expected to be pushed by Baker Mayfield for playing time in spring practice, but the strength of the offense resides in the backfield with Alex Ross, Samaje Perine and Keith Ford (and potentially Joe Mixon). Top receiver Sterling Shepard also returns, and pass targets could get deeper for the quarterback if Missouri transfer Dorial Green-Beckham decides to eschew the NFL Draft. There’s talent at the skill positions, but the offense could be hampered by a line that loses four starters. The Sooners return a solid core on defense and will be helped by the return of linebacker Frank Shannon.



17. Clemson

There’s an interesting contrast of personnel returning to Clemson in 2015. The Tigers are stocked with promising young talent on offense, but the defense is losing several key pieces. Quarterback Deshaun Watson decided to sit out the Russell Athletic Bowl and undergo ACL surgery to be ready in time for summer drills. Watson is one of the nation’s rising stars at quarterback and is surrounded by freshmen standouts Wayne Gallman (RB) and Artavis Scott (WR). While talent certainly isn’t an issue for the Tigers, three starters on the offensive line must be replaced, and Chad Morris is no longer calling the plays. With Morris off to SMU, Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott were promoted into the co-coordinator role. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables will be busy this spring, as the Tigers lose ends Vic Beasley and Corey Crawford, along with tackles Grady Jarrett, DeShawn Williams and Josh Watson. In addition to the losses on the line, linebacker Stephone Anthony, cornerback Garry Peters and safety Robert Smith will expire their eligibility after the Russell Athletic Bowl.



18. Missouri

Coach Gary Pinkel’s team has a good shot to earn its third consecutive SEC East title. Quarterback Maty Mauk returns but will be surrounded by a revamped group of skill talent, as receivers Bud Sasser and Jimmie Hunt, along with running back Marcus Murphy expire their eligibility after the Citrus Bowl. Mauk should be better in his second full season as Missouri’s starter, and he should benefit from the return of running back Russell Hansbrough and four starters on the line. Pinkel will probably ask more of his offense in 2015, especially with losses on defense expected to alter the depth chart. The line is set to lose tackle Matt Hoch and end Markus Golden, while end Shane Ray could leave early for the NFL. The linebacking corps should return intact, and three starters are back in the secondary. Coordinator Dave Steckel left to be the head coach at Missouri State, but Barry Odom (Memphis) was a good replacement.



19. Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish stumbled to a 7-5 finish in the regular season after a 6-0 start. Injuries, turnovers and defensive problems were largely to blame for the second-half collapse, but there’s optimism for coach Brian Kelly’s team in 2015. Quarterback Everett Golson has do a better job of limiting turnovers after tossing 14 interceptions and eight lost fumbles in the regular season. Assuming Golson holds off Malik Zaire for the starting job, he will be surrounded by a strong supporting cast, including four starters on the offensive line, receiver Will Fuller (71 catches) and running backs Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant. The Fighting Irish gave up 29.3 points per game during the regular season, and this unit has to improve for Notre Dame to get back into one of college football’s top bowl games. The good news for Kelly and coordinator Brian VanGorder is most of the personnel from 2014 will return, and top cornerback KeiVarae Russell is back from academic suspension. The Fighting Irish has a difficult schedule next season, featuring matchups against Texas, Georgia Tech, Clemson, USC, Stanford and Pittsburgh.



20. Wisconsin

Paul Chryst is back in Madison, and the Badgers’ new head coach inherits a team that’s capable of winning the Big Ten’s West Division once again. Running back Melvin Gordon will be missed, but Corey Clement is the next star in the backfield for Wisconsin. In addition to Clement’s emergence, Chryst could help the development of the passing game, which is in need of receivers to emerge to help quarterback Joel Stave. Three starters must be replaced on the offensive line, and guard Kyle Costigan and tackle Rob Havenstein are big losses. Coordinator Dave Aranda kept the Wisconsin defense among the best in the Big Ten despite heavy personnel losses prior to 2014. The Badgers return most of its core, with linebackers Marcus Trotter and Derek Landisch, along with linemen Konrad Zagzebski and Warren Herring expiring their eligibility after the Outback Bowl. Wisconsin misses Michigan State and Ohio State in crossover play with the East Division.



21. UCLA

The biggest offseason priority for coach Jim Mora and the UCLA coaching staff will be to find a replacement for quarterback Brett Hundley. Jerry Neuheisel led the Bruins to a victory over Texas this season, but the California native is expected to be pushed by Asiantii Woulard and incoming freshman Josh Rosen. While the quarterback spot is a concern, the rest of the depth chart returns largely intact. All five starters are slated to return on the offensive line, running back Paul Perkins is back after rushing for 1,000 yards and six receivers that caught at least 20 passes will return next season. Mora and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich need to replace linebacker Eric Kendricks, defensive back Anthony Jefferson and tackle Owa Odighizuwa. Late-season road trips to Utah and USC could decide how high UCLA climbs in the Pac-12 South next year.



22. Georgia Tech

Expect another year of uncertainty at the top of the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech – as the defending division champs – get a slight edge as the early favorite, but coach Paul Johnson’s team has to overcome a schedule that features conference games against Florida State and Clemson and road trips to Miami, Duke and Notre Dame. Quarterback Justin Thomas needs a couple of new options at running back with the departure of Synjyn Days, Zach Laskey, Charles Perkins and Tony Zenon at running back. Guard Shaquille Mason will also be missed. Even with the losses on offense, Johnson’s option attack should continue to perform at a high level, while the defense should improve with only four seniors listed as starters on the Orange Bowl depth chart.



23. Arkansas

The brutal SEC West provides few breaks for Arkansas, so there may not be drastic improvement in the win column for coach Bret Bielema’s team. However, the Razorbacks are moving forward under Bielema and will once again be a tough out in the West. Quarterback Brandon Allen showed progress in his second year under center and needs more help from his receiving corps to take another step forward in 2015. Even with improvement in the passing game, Arkansas is going to lean on its ground attack. Jonathan Williams decided to return for his senior season, and the senior will team with Alex Collins to form one of the nation's top one-two punches at running back. And we can’t mention the ground attack without a tip of the cap to the offensive line, which figures to be among the best in the nation. First-year coordinator Robb Smith had the defense playing at a high level at the end of the season, and this unit will hope to improve without standout end Trey Flowers and linebacker Martrell Spaight.



24. Texas A&M

Young talent certainly isn’t an issue for coach Kevin Sumlin. Quarterback Kyle Allen supplanted Kenny Hill as the team’s starting quarterback late in the season, and the Arizona native will have a deep group of receivers at his disposal in 2015. Of course, Allen’s position at the top of the depth chart isn’t a guarantee with the arrival of true freshman Kyler Murray. The left side of the offensive line must be revamped with tackle Cedric Ogbuehi and guard Jarvis Harrison expiring their eligibility after the Liberty Bowl. Regardless of the small concerns on offense, the Aggies won’t be able to climb higher in the SEC West without improvement on defense. Sumlin will have a new defensive signal-caller after Mark Snyder was fired, and this unit has to take a step forward after allowing 36.6 points per game in eight SEC contests. There are reasons for optimism on defense, starting with talented freshmen in end Myles Garrett, safety Armani Watts and linebacker Otaro Alaka.



25. Florida

Jim McElwain inherits talent, but the first-year coach needs to find answers for an offense that averaged only 4.9 yards per play in SEC games. Quarterback Treon Harris should be better in his second season as the starter, but the offensive line is a concern with center Max Garcia out of eligibility and tackle D.J. Humphries set to leave for the NFL. The Gators should be solid on defense under the direction of coordinator Geoff Collins, and this unit should be the strength of the team until McElwain and coordinator Doug Nussmeier has time to stabilize the offense. Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III will be one of the top returning defenders in the nation, but end Dante Fowler will be a huge loss on the defensive front. There's no shortage of talent in Gainesville. How quickly can McElwain get the Gators back on track? The East Division isn't loaded with national title contenders next season, so a quick turnaround is possible at Florida.



The Next Five



26. Texas

Charlie Strong clearly has Texas trending in the right direction. However, the Longhorns could lose standout defensive tackle Malcom Brown to the NFL, which would be a huge loss for a defense that is already slated to lose end Cedric Reed, linebacker Jordan Hicks and cornerback Quandre Diggs.



27. Utah

The Utes are coming off their best season since joining the Pac-12. Now, coach Kyle Whittingham hopes to propel Utah in 2015 to its first double-digit win mark since 2010. Quarterback Travis Wilson will be pushed by Kendal Thompson for snaps in the offseason, and running back Devontae Booker could leave for the NFL after recording 1,512 yards in 2014. The Utes had one of the nation’s top pass rushes, but end Nate Orchard and tackle Sese Ianu depart. Hunter Dimick will replace Orchard’s production at end, and the front seven should benefit with the return of linebacker Gionni Paul from a foot injury. Another positive for Utah: Perhaps the best special teams in the country with kicker Andy Phillips and punter Tom Hackett.



28. Tennessee

Much like some of the other new coaches in the SEC, Butch Jones has his program headed in the right direction. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs is a good building block, but the Volunteers need more help in the trenches.



29. Louisville

Bobby Petrino’s first season back at Louisville was a success, and the Cardinals should be a fringe top 25 team in 2015. Reggie Bonnafon is a promising quarterback, but the offense won’t have receiver DeVante Parker and running back Michael Dyer next season. Louisville’s defense was one of the best in the ACC in 2014. However, there is work for coordinator Todd Grantham to do next season, as safety Gerod Holliman and linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin depart.



30. Minnesota

The Golden Gophers were a win against Wisconsin away from playing for the Big Ten title. Coach Jerry Kill’s team should be in the mix for the division title once again in 2015. Running back David Cobb must be replaced, and quarterback Mitch Leidner has to improve as a passer if Minnesota wants to take the next step in the Big Ten.



11 Other Teams to Watch



Boise State

The Broncos have some holes to fill on both sides of the ball, but coach Bryan Harsin’s team will be in the mix for the Mountain West title (and a top 25 spot) in 2015. The biggest losses are on offense with the departure of quarterback Grant Hedrick and running back Jay Ajayi.

BYU

A healthy Taysom Hill at quarterback and Jamaal Williams at running back should help BYU navigate a difficult schedule that features games against Nebraska, Boise State, UCLA, Michigan and Missouri.



Miami

Is 2015 the year Miami takes a step forward under coach Al Golden? Quarterback Brad Kaaya is promising, but the Hurricanes lose running back Duke Johnson to the NFL.



Michigan

Talent certainly isn't an issue in Ann Arbor. And new coach Jim Harbaugh should bring immediate improvement to a roster that underachieved in 2014. How much? Probably not enough to win the division. However, a top 25 finish isn't out of the question.

NC State

The Wolfpack closed 2014 by winning four out of their last five games, including a rivalry matchup against North Carolina and a bowl game against UCF. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett should be one of the ACC’s top returning offensive players for 2015.

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys returned only seven starters in 2014 and needed an upset win over Oklahoma to reach a bowl with a 6-6 mark. Oklahoma State should be better in 2015, especially if Mason Rudolph continues to improve at quarterback.

Penn State

The Nittany Lions should be improved in coach James Franklin’s second season. Better depth and more scholarships will help, especially if the offensive lines takes a step forward and protects quarterback Christian Hackenberg.



South Carolina

Quarterback Dylan Thompson and running back Mike Davis must be replaced, but receiver Pharoh Cooper is one of the nation’s top all-around talents. The defense was a major issue in 2014 and must be fixed for the Gamecocks to rank among the nation’s top 25 teams in 2015.

Stanford

After winning at least 11 games in each year from 2010-13, the Cardinal regressed to 7-5 in 2014. Will David Shaw find the right answers this offseason for an offense that averaged only 23.8 points in Pac-12 games this year? In addition to finding answers on offense, Shaw has to replace seven starters from a defense that limited opponents to 16 points per game in 2014.

Utah State

Boise State and Utah State should be the top teams in the Mountain West next year. Despite significant injuries at quarterback, Coach Matt Wells has guided the Aggies to 19 wins over the last two seasons. The defense loses standout linebacker Zach Vigil, but Kyler Fackrell returns after missing nearly all of 2014 due to a knee injury.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies were a disappointment in 2014, but there’s hope for a turnaround in 2015. Getting cornerback Brandon Facyson and defensive tackle Luther Maddy back to full strength will help on defense, and there’s a talented group of skill players returning on offense.