Paul Myerberg

USA TODAY Sports

Florida State cemented one of the most impressive seasons in recent college football history by defeating Auburn, 34-31, in the BCS National Championship Game. With one season over, it's time to turn our gaze to 2014. While rosters might change between today and August, especially with several talented underclassmen yet to decide on early entries into the NFL, here's an early look at the top 25 teams for next season. One thing won't change between 2013 and 2014: Florida State still leads the pack.

1. Florida State (2013 record: 14-0)

Why No. 1? Because the Seminoles are loaded. How loaded? So much so that even if the team loses several key starters — many to the NFL ahead of schedule — FSU remains as talented from top to bottom as any team in college football. The offense will again be headlined by quarterback Jameis Winston and a line that grows stronger with each passing season. The defense will put together a front four perhaps unmatched by any fellow title contender. The lone question mark, if one exists, is the leadership roles left vacant by players like cornerback Lamarcus Joyner, linebacker Telvin Smith and center Bryan Stork.

2. Oregon (11-2)

Why No. 2? Because the Ducks could have gone undefeated this season had quarterback Marcus Mariota not been slowed by a knee injury in November. After Mariota hurt his knee against UCLA on Oct. 26, the Ducks went 3-2 and averaged only 29.2 points per game — down from 55.6 points per game during the team's 8-0 start. With a healthy Mariota, an improved front seven and, with cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu back for his senior season, one of the nation's best defensive backfields, Oregon is poised to make a strong run at a spot in the inaugural four-team playoff.

3. Alabama (11-2)

Why No. 3? Because a disappointing close to 2013 could be all the motivation a still-deep Alabama roster needs to reclaim the national championship. The biggest question marks stand at quarterback, where the Tide must replace AJ McCarron, and at linebacker, where C.J. Mosley's departure leaves an enormous void in leadership and production. But the last time Alabama failed to win the national championship, in 2010, coach Nick Saban's bunch came back to win back-to-back titles. The Tide will remain among the nation's very best.

4. Ohio State (12-2)

Why No. 4? Because coach Urban Meyer and his staff have recruited at such level as to offset the number of losses to graduation and the NFL – like the four offensive linemen, running back Carlos Hyde, cornerback Bradley Roby and linebacker Ryan Shazier. On offense, the Buckeyes are loaded with elite talent at the skill positions, like running backs Dontre Wilson and Ezekiel Elliott, but must address those holes up front. Conversely, the defense will be dominant along the line but will have holes in the secondary. Based on what they've done through two years, give Meyer and the staff benefit of the doubt in the Big Ten.

5. Auburn (12-2)

Why No. 5? Because if Auburn was this good in 2013, next season could be special. Consider this idea: Gus Malzahn's team will be even stronger on offense due to another offseason spent working in his system. Even if the Tigers lose running back Tre Mason, a Heisman Trophy finalist, there's more than enough up front and at the skill positions for the offense to rank among the nation's best. Can the defense take a step forward without end Dee Ford and cornerback Chris Davis? Even if not, the offense will be there to carry the load.

6. Michigan State (13-1)

Why No. 6? Because the Spartans' foundation of defensive excellence combined with a punishing offense makes them a threat for the national championship. On offense, quarterback Connor Cook developed into one of the Big Ten's best in his first year as a starter. Joining Cook is a solid group of returning skill players in the backfield and receiver, though the line loses a trio of senior starters. Even with a number of starters gone on defense, the system in place – as run by coordinator Pat Narduzzi – almost guarantees another elite performance.

7. Stanford (11-3)

Why No. 7? Because Stanford won't move outside the top 10 until Stanford stops playing its particularly physical and bruising style of football, which won't happen anytime soon. Even with several stars departing on defense – linebackers Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy, for example – the Cardinal's championship hopes hinge on the play on offense. What Stanford needs is more consistent play from quarterback Kevin Hogan, who can in turn be aided by some help at the tight end position. For now, it's the little things that give Oregon the edge in the Pac-12.

8. Oklahoma (11-2)

Why No. 8? Because the Sooners are back – we think. No other team enters the offseason with as much self-confidence, at least, after Oklahoma's superb performance in a Sugar Bowl win against Alabama. That game showed what OU was capable of when running on all cylinders on offense, particularly at quarterback. It also showcased coordinator Mike Stoops' image for his defense: attacking, aggressive and blitzing. If that game can be bottled and used on a weekly basis, OU could win it all. More likely, the Sooners stand as the Big 12's best team and a threat for a spot in the four-team playoff.

9. LSU (10-3)

Why No. 9? Because the Tigers could experience another year of painful losses to the NFL draft. A number of talented underclassmen, like receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham and defensive tackles Anthony Johnson and Ego Ferguson, have already declared, and losing such stars – especially with a new quarterback – could lead to another round of early-season growing pains. If LSU can find a rhythm and an identity early, consider the Tigers a very strong championship contender. If they start strong, the Tigers have to be viewed as a team set for at least 10 wins in the regular season and perhaps a top-five finish.

10. UCLA (10-3)

Why No. 10? Because with quarterback Brett Hundley set to return for his junior season, the Bruins have a triggerman for an offense and team inches away from a major breakthrough. Though still a touch young in 2013, UCLA will be far more experienced heading into next fall. This is true on both sides of the ball: UCLA's offense will be a year wiser and the defense, led by sophomore-to-be Myles Jack, will rank among the most athletic in the nation. Coach Jim Mora's group is ready to join Oregon and Stanford in the elite upper echelon of the Pac-12.

11. Baylor (11-2)

Why No. 11? Because Art Briles is back. That alone – Briles was considered in connection with the Texas job – ensures another season among the nation's elite. Solidifying this idea is the return of quarterback Bryce Petty, though running back Lache Seastrunk did choose to leave early and enter the NFL draft. Even with Seastrunk gone, the question marks will lie on the defensive side of the ball – even if Baylor's defense was underrated in 2013. Perhaps a bigger issue is road games against Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech.

12. Missouri (12-2)

Why No. 12? Because the Tigers have found their comfort zone in the SEC. Better yet, the Tigers know quarterback Maty Mauk will step in for James Franklin and not miss a beat. That's a great thing for this offense, which might lose running back Henry Josey to the NFL in addition to a pair of offensive linemen and key receivers Marcus Lucas and L'Damian Washington. That's not all: Missouri also loses two superb defensive ends in Michael Sam and Kony Ealy, along with standout cornerback E.J. Gaines. Will this team be perfect? No, not quite. But Missouri still looks deeper than any opponent in the SEC East Division.

13. Arizona State (10-4)

Why No. 13? Because coach Todd Graham could be building a powerhouse. In his second season in charge, Graham piloted ASU to a 10-win season and Pac-12 South Division title. Though UCLA is looming, the Sun Devils will be right in the thick of the Pac-12 race again in 2014. With the offense in the steady hands of quarterback Taylor Kelly and receiver Jaelen Strong, Arizona State can turn its focus to replacing defensive tackle Will Sutton. Equal production from the defensive line could mean a banner season.

14. Wisconsin (9-4)

Why No. 14? Because the Badgers might not lose a game during Big Ten play. Wisconsin should, however, lose to LSU in the season opener – a loss that could hurt its national standing as it moves through a very easy conference schedule. But when it comes to Big Ten action, the Badgers' biggest test is either a home date with Nebraska or a road game against Iowa. The issue today is the defense, which must replace nine contributors from the two-deep.

15. Notre Dame (9-4)

Why No. 15? Because the dip won't last long. It wasn't much of a dip: Notre Dame might have gone from 12 wins to 9-4, but the Irish still had several high-quality wins against elite competition. In 2014, the program welcomes back quarterback Everett Golson, who missed this season because of academic issues, and has surrounded the returning starter with a nice array of talent at the skill positions. Golson's a huge addition, but to reclaim a spot among the top 10 the Irish will need to perform a successful overhaul of the defensive front seven. Do not bet against Notre Dame winning 10 or more games.

16. Nebraska (9-4)

Why No. 16? Because the balance between a grind-it-out offense and an aggressive defense might be the best of coach Bo Pelini's tenure. If running back Ameer Abdullah returns, the offense will have its leader and tone-setter. The defense is still young but clearly going places, judging by the way it turned a corner midway through 2013. There are some very strong players on the roster – like Abdullah, receiver Kenny Bell and defensive end Randy Gregory – and several yet-known pieces ready for an increase in playing time, particularly on both lines. The schedule isn't particularly daunting, meaning this could end up being Pelini's best team on the field and in the standings.

17. Georgia (8-5)

Why No. 17? Because Georgia will be healthier. That alone is reason to think the Bulldogs will add at least one win to this year's total, even if the team will sorely miss stars like quarterback Aaron Murray and tight end Arthur Lynch. But consider who returns: Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, the latter from injury; quarterback Hutson Mason, who spelled Murray down the stretch; a large number of receivers, another few from injury; three-fifths of the offensive line; and the majority of a defense that struggled with youth in 2013. One issue? The Bulldogs again draw Clemson in non-conference play and face South Carolina and Missouri on the road.

18. Washington (9-4)

Why No. 18? Because former Boise State coach Chris Petersen steps into a wonderful situation. As much as any new coach in the country, Petersen could be poised to make immediate waves. One potential negative to consider is that UW must still acclimate to a new staff – and new schemes – after several years under now-USC coach Steve Sarkisian. But that negative is offset by the talented, deep roster Petersen inherits from Sarkisian.

19. Clemson (11-2)

Why No. 19? Because even if the offense must rebuild at the skill positions, coordinator Chad Morris – he of the sparkling résumé of success – will ensure the Tigers' prolific attack doesn't fall far. At the same time, the defense could always continue to improve under coordinator Brent Venables, perhaps completely offsetting any degree of decline on offense. Yet it's hard to avoid mentioning the number of prime-time performers set to depart, many with one year of eligibility on the table. Then there's always Florida State to worry about, so Clemson probably won't play for the ACC title.

20. South Carolina (11-2)

Why No. 20? Because even if the Gamecocks lack celebrity and star power, they don't lack for an identity. The Gamecocks even have a veteran quarterback ready for the starting job in Dylan Thompson, who has started several games in the past. Thompson, running back Mike Davis and young receivers like Shaq Roland form the guts of an offense that should be more balanced than in the recent past. The defense loses Jadeveon Clowney, for one, but is more veteran in the back seven. In many ways, one could make the argument that USC will be weaker individually but just as strong as a team. But there's no question that each side of the ball needs a star to step forward.

21. Central Florida (12-1)

Why No. 21? Because it's going to be tough to match this year's success without quarterback Blake Bortles, who opted for a potential spot among the top 10 in April's draft rather than returning for his senior season with the Knights. In addition, UCF pulls a very tough slate in non-conference play: Penn State, Missouri and Brigham Young. Yet there's no disputing the fact that the Knights will enter next season as the clear top dog in the American Athletic Conference.

22. Kansas State (8-5)

Why No. 22? Because it's time to have a little trust in the process – and the coach behind the process. These three things are true: Kansas State started the season sluggishly; Kansas State closed strong against a weak slate; Kansas State loses a large number of starters to graduation. What is also true, however, is that the Wildcats clearly turned a corner on offense down the stretch, the sort of improvement that will carry over to 2014, and have several former reserves and borderline defensive starters poised to step into larger roles. Bill Snyder's group digs life as an underdog.

23. Texas (8-5)

Why No. 23? Because new coach Charlie Strong will have this roster to work with. Now, it's not perfect: UT will have holes on the offensive line, will have to address its quarterback situation, must still locate consistent production at the skill positions and needs to remain healthy. At the same time, a steady hand at the controls could vault the Longhorns back into a national ranking.

No. 24 North Carolina (7-6)

Why No. 24? Because UNC is a small step away from a major breakthrough. This was evident during this past season's second half, when the Tar Heels overcame a woeful start to finish with a winning record for the second year in a row under coach Larry Fedora. For the way this past season closed and the potential found on both sides of the ball – and even if there are some holes on the lines – UNC is a trendy pick to challenge Clemson and Florida State for ACC supremacy.

No. 25 Brigham Young (8-5)

Why No. 25? Because after struggling at times against stout schedules, the Cougars' slate turns easy in 2014. As of today, the toughest games seem to come against UCF and Texas – two teams with question marks of their own heading into the offseason. With this schedule, and even without All-American linebacker Kyle Van Noy, anything less than nine wins would be pretty disappointing. A run at double-digit wins is possible if quarterback Taysom Hill adds more consistency to the passing game to go with his bruising running style.

Barely missed the cut (listed alphabetically):

Arizona, Boise State, Duke, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisville, Marshall, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, USC, Utah State, Virginia Tech.