The USC Trojans are the top ranked college football program according to the USA Today 25 coaches’ poll. Not much of a surprise there considering John David Booty is set to embark on his senior campaign and is highly regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
LSU is ranked second, which isn’t a huge surprise considering the Tigers defense is going to be nasty again next year. Losing quarterback JaMarcus Russell and defensive leader LaRon Landry doesn’t help, however, so it wouldn’t be a total shock if LSU slips as the season wares on and they face stiffer opponents.
Out of the rest of the top five, (#3) Florida, (#4) Texas and (#5) Michigan, I think I’m most excited to see how the Long Horns will fare. Colt McCoy was something special last year as a freshman and if he can stay healthy, I believe he could potentially lead UT to a national title, whether it be this year or next. Of course, the defending champion Gators rarely get the respect they deserve and it’s evident once again with the way they’re ranked third in these preseason polls. The Wolverines are going to be tough too with Chad Henne, Jake Long and Michael Hart all returning to try and finish what they couldn’t last year when they lost to rival Ohio State in the regular season finale.
To see the entire USA Today ranking, click here.
