Preseason Top 25
| 1. LSU 2. USC 3. Alabama 4. Oregon 5. Michigan 6. Oklahoma 7. Arkansas 8. South Carolina 9. Georgia 10. Florida State 11. West Virginia 12. Kansas State 13. Wisconsin | 14. Virginia Tech 15. Clemson 16. TCU 17. Oklahoma State 18. Nebraska 19. Michigan State 20. Ohio State 21. Texas 22. BYU 23. Stanford 24. Boise State 25. Auburn Just Outside the Top 25: Florida |
| National Championship Predictions Pick 1: LSU vs USC Pick 2: Alabama vs Oregon Pick 3: LSU vs Michigan Most likely to win: LSU Most likely to make it: USC Longshot picks: Arkansas & Oklahoma |  Rose Bowl Predictions Pick 1: Michigan vs Oregon Pick 2: Michigan vs USC Pick 3: Wisconsin vs Oregon Most likely to win: Oregon Longshot Picks: Michigan State, Nebraska, Stanford & Washington |
| BCS Busters Watch List *BYU *Louisiana Lafayette *Boise State *FIU *Arkansas State *Ohio *Southern Miss *Houston |  Conference Ratings 1. SEC, 100 7. Big East, 51 2. Big 12, 95 8. C-USA, 33 3. Big Ten, 65 9. MWC, 32.5 4. ACC, 62 10. MAC, 30 5. Pac 12, 58 11. Sun Belt, 29.5 6. Ind, 54 12. WAC, 27 |
| Top Teams Per Position QB: USC RB: Wisconsin WR: USC OL: Alabama Def: LSU ST: Oregon |
Just Out: QB James Franklin Mizz & WR Sammy Watkins Clem*** *Denotes player injured last season **Ball arrested during offseason ***Watkins was arrested in offseason & punishment is unclear Dynamic Dozen Heisman Contenders 2012 |
Other information posted after the top 5 summary & team rankings including SOS, recruiting, coaching changes, and more.
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The 2012 season looks to be another ultra competitive year of college football with conference changes and parity throughout. This year’s landscape is top heavy with powerhouses like LSU, Alabama, USC, and Oregon. But there is also a large assortment of other high quality teams like Michigan and Arkansas that could lead to some surprises by season’s end. The teams ranked in the top 25 above and the 124 FBS teams rated below are based on which teams are the best coming into the 2012 season. The rankings are not based on merit or prediction. First, here is a summary of the top five teams in the College Football Universe preseason rankings.
LSU is rated number one in the preseason CFU rankings and will most likely be the AP number one to begin the 2012 season. The Tigers retain the most talent of the upper echelon in college football. The losses of quarterback duo Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee should not hurt them at all and the addition of Georgia transfer Zach Mettenberger is a definite upgrade at the quarterback position. Most of the highly rated offensive line and running back Spencer Ware are back for 2012 as well as the defense is still stacked. Last season’s Heisman finalist cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, aka the Honey Badger, returns this season. The biggest losses on defense are cornerback Morris Claiborne and defensive tackle Michael Brockers with both going to the NFL. However, teams will still fear the Purple and Gold with the returning talent.
The USC Trojans were very close to being rated number one on this list, but their lack of depth on the defensive line kept them out of the top slot. However, the skilled players returning on offense make it tempting to write them in as preseason number one. Top rated NFL prospect quarterback Matt Barkley is returning for his senior season along with top notch wide receiver Robert Woods including an arsenal of other targets and a veteran offensive line. Also, the defense is mostly loaded except on the line as previously mentioned. Free safety T.J. Mcdonald leads the way for the defense recently being honored as an All-American and has tallied six interceptions with 156 tackles over the past two seasons. Along with an experienced secondary, the Trojans bring back a very capable linebacker core including sophomores Dion Bailey and Hayes Pullard. A date to mark on the calendar is when Oregon travels to the Coliseum to face USC. They beat the Ducks by just three last season and Oregon looks to be the Trojans stiffest test in 2012.
Coming in at third is the defending BCS National Champion Alabama. The Crimson Tide also have an argument for number one, but slight uncertainty on defense and the loss of running back Trent Richardson on offense drops them to third. I say slight uncertainty on defense, because the Tide did roll in another top recruiting class with oodles of defensive talent including five star defensive back Landon Collins and they still bring back veterans like safety Robert Lester. However, six players on defense were drafted so with such a heavy loss, the new talent will have to learn quickly. They also keep continuity at the quarterback position with A.J. McCarron in his second season starting and have a stout offensive line led by one of the top linemen in the nation in Barrett Jones. Also, incoming five star freshman T.J. Yeldon was impressive during the Spring game and is a weapon for the Tide at wideout.
Over recent years, the number four ranked Oregon Ducks have turned into another college football powerhouse including winning the Rose Bowl last season for the first time since 1917 and coach Chip Kelly demonstrating the ability to win the big game after losing two BCS Bowls in a row. They are also a very fun team to watch with their multiple uniforms, lovable mascot, and oh yeah loads of speed on the field. Sophomore running back and kick returner De'Anthony Thomas has blazing speed that can be used in multiple positions exhibited by his nearly 1,000 kick off returns yards, 1,200 receiving/rushing yards, and 18 total touchdowns with two on kickoff return. Redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus Mariota lit up the field with his arm and feet in the Oregon Spring game in which he completed 18 of 26 passes for 202 yards, rushed five times for 99 yards and three total touchdowns with two rushing. Sophomore quarterback Bryan Bennett is also still in the QB competition, but had a poor outing during the Spring game. Either way, the Ducks look to have the position securely filled after the departure of Darron Thomas.
Michigan rounds out the top five and in Brady Hoke's second season, they should be looked at as a serious BCS National Championship and Rose Bowl contender for 2012. Dual threat quarterback Denard Robinson is back and should be on every preseason Heisman list. Junior tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint along with Robinson gives the offense a nice one-two punch in the running game. Coach Hoke surprised many with the 11-2 record his team compiled in just his first season at Michigan, but he brought in a top 25 recruiting class in 2011 and hauled in a top 10 class for this 2012 season ranked at seven according to Yahoo Rivals. The Wolverines have an experienced defense returning that finished in the top 10 of points allowed per game last season and recruited well in 2012 to plug into the defensive line such as five star defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins.
Below included in the list of 124 FBS teams ranked are the teams' last season record, returning starters, Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Team Ranking, recent accolades, and impact players for the top 60 teams and 61 thru 124 are ranked with notes on some of the teams. Previous FCS teams in transition to FBS are included. There is other information posted after the team rankings including strength of schedule, recruiting, coaching changes, and more. There are almost 200 links in this preseason guide to other useful information such as Yahoo Rivals for the list of team's recruits, links to NationalChamps.net and PhilSteele.com for returning starters as well as links to various other sites for impact players and many other useful college football scouting links.
LSU is rated number one in the preseason CFU rankings and will most likely be the AP number one to begin the 2012 season. The Tigers retain the most talent of the upper echelon in college football. The losses of quarterback duo Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee should not hurt them at all and the addition of Georgia transfer Zach Mettenberger is a definite upgrade at the quarterback position. Most of the highly rated offensive line and running back Spencer Ware are back for 2012 as well as the defense is still stacked. Last season’s Heisman finalist cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, aka the Honey Badger, returns this season. The biggest losses on defense are cornerback Morris Claiborne and defensive tackle Michael Brockers with both going to the NFL. However, teams will still fear the Purple and Gold with the returning talent.
The USC Trojans were very close to being rated number one on this list, but their lack of depth on the defensive line kept them out of the top slot. However, the skilled players returning on offense make it tempting to write them in as preseason number one. Top rated NFL prospect quarterback Matt Barkley is returning for his senior season along with top notch wide receiver Robert Woods including an arsenal of other targets and a veteran offensive line. Also, the defense is mostly loaded except on the line as previously mentioned. Free safety T.J. Mcdonald leads the way for the defense recently being honored as an All-American and has tallied six interceptions with 156 tackles over the past two seasons. Along with an experienced secondary, the Trojans bring back a very capable linebacker core including sophomores Dion Bailey and Hayes Pullard. A date to mark on the calendar is when Oregon travels to the Coliseum to face USC. They beat the Ducks by just three last season and Oregon looks to be the Trojans stiffest test in 2012.
Coming in at third is the defending BCS National Champion Alabama. The Crimson Tide also have an argument for number one, but slight uncertainty on defense and the loss of running back Trent Richardson on offense drops them to third. I say slight uncertainty on defense, because the Tide did roll in another top recruiting class with oodles of defensive talent including five star defensive back Landon Collins and they still bring back veterans like safety Robert Lester. However, six players on defense were drafted so with such a heavy loss, the new talent will have to learn quickly. They also keep continuity at the quarterback position with A.J. McCarron in his second season starting and have a stout offensive line led by one of the top linemen in the nation in Barrett Jones. Also, incoming five star freshman T.J. Yeldon was impressive during the Spring game and is a weapon for the Tide at wideout.
Over recent years, the number four ranked Oregon Ducks have turned into another college football powerhouse including winning the Rose Bowl last season for the first time since 1917 and coach Chip Kelly demonstrating the ability to win the big game after losing two BCS Bowls in a row. They are also a very fun team to watch with their multiple uniforms, lovable mascot, and oh yeah loads of speed on the field. Sophomore running back and kick returner De'Anthony Thomas has blazing speed that can be used in multiple positions exhibited by his nearly 1,000 kick off returns yards, 1,200 receiving/rushing yards, and 18 total touchdowns with two on kickoff return. Redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus Mariota lit up the field with his arm and feet in the Oregon Spring game in which he completed 18 of 26 passes for 202 yards, rushed five times for 99 yards and three total touchdowns with two rushing. Sophomore quarterback Bryan Bennett is also still in the QB competition, but had a poor outing during the Spring game. Either way, the Ducks look to have the position securely filled after the departure of Darron Thomas.
Michigan rounds out the top five and in Brady Hoke's second season, they should be looked at as a serious BCS National Championship and Rose Bowl contender for 2012. Dual threat quarterback Denard Robinson is back and should be on every preseason Heisman list. Junior tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint along with Robinson gives the offense a nice one-two punch in the running game. Coach Hoke surprised many with the 11-2 record his team compiled in just his first season at Michigan, but he brought in a top 25 recruiting class in 2011 and hauled in a top 10 class for this 2012 season ranked at seven according to Yahoo Rivals. The Wolverines have an experienced defense returning that finished in the top 10 of points allowed per game last season and recruited well in 2012 to plug into the defensive line such as five star defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins.
Below included in the list of 124 FBS teams ranked are the teams' last season record, returning starters, Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Team Ranking, recent accolades, and impact players for the top 60 teams and 61 thru 124 are ranked with notes on some of the teams. Previous FCS teams in transition to FBS are included. There is other information posted after the team rankings including strength of schedule, recruiting, coaching changes, and more. There are almost 200 links in this preseason guide to other useful information such as Yahoo Rivals for the list of team's recruits, links to NationalChamps.net and PhilSteele.com for returning starters as well as links to various other sites for impact players and many other useful college football scouting links.
1. LSU Tigers 13-1
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 18
Recent Accolades: SEC Champion & BCS National Championship Finalist
Impact Players: CB Tyran Mathieu (14 turnovers & 11 forced fumbles in 25 game career) & DE Barkevious Mingo (10.5 career sacks)
2. USC Trojans 10-2
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 8
Recent Accolades: Finished 6 in AP Top 25 & best record in Pac-12 South
Impact Players: QB Matt Barkley (9,054 pass yards & 80 TDs in career) & WR Robert Woods (111 receptions, 1,292 rec yards, & 15 TDs in 2011)
3. Alabama Crimson Tide 12-1
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 1
Recent accolades: Defending BCS National Champion
Impact Players: S Robert Lester (10 career interceptions) & OL Barrett Jones (35 career starts & 98.5 percent on assignments in 2011)
4. Oregon Ducks 12-2
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 16
Recent Accolades: Pac-12 & Rose Bowl Champion
Impact Players: RB DeAnthony Thomas (1,200 rush/rec yards, 16 rush/rec TDs & 2 kick off TDs in 2011) & RB Kenjon Barner (6.2 yards per rush & 14 total TDs in 2011)
5. Michigan Wolverines 11-2
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 7
Recent Accolades: Sugar Bowl Champion & finished 9 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Denard Robinson (3,349 total yards & 36 total TDs in 2011) & RB Fitzgerald Toussaint (1,041 rush yards in 2011)
6. Oklahoma Sooners 10-3
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 11
Recent Accolades: Insight Bowl Champion & finished 15 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Landry Jones (12,379 pass yards & 93 pass TDs in career) & RB Dominique Whaley (627 rush yards & 9 TDs in 6 games)
7. Arkansas Razorbacks 11-2
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 34
Recent Accolades: Cotton Bowl Champion & finished 5 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Tyler Wilson (3,638 pass yards & 28 total TDs in 2011) & RB Knile Davis (1,322 rush yards & 14 total TDs in 2010 season)
8. South Carolina Gamecocks 11-2
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 19
Recent Accolades: Capital One Bowl Champion & finished 9 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: RB Marcus Lattimore (124.2 total yards per game & 30 total TDs in career) & DE JaDeveon Clowney (8 sacks, 12 tackles for loss & 5 forced fumbles in 2011)
9. Georgia Bulldogs 10-4
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 12
Recent Accolades: SEC East Division Champion & finished 19 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Aaron Murray (3,149 pass yards & 37 total TDs in 2011) & OLB Jarvis Jones (13.5 sacks & 19.5 tackles for loss in 2011)
10. Florida State Seminoles 9-4
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 6
Recent Accolades: Champ Sports Bowl Champion & finished 23 in AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB E.J. Manuel (2,666 pass yards & 22 total TDs in 2011) & DE Brandon Jenkins (21.5 sacks & 36.5 tackles for loss in career)
11. West Virginia Mountaineers 10-3
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 48
Recent Accolades: Big East Champion & Orange Bowl Champion
Impact Players: QB Geno Smith (4,385 pass yards & 31 pass TDs in 2011), WR Stedmon Bailey (1,279 yards & 12 TDs in 2011) & WR Tavon Austin (101 receptions, 1,368 rush/rec yards & 2 kick off TDs in 2011)
12. Kansas State Wildcat 10-3
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 58
Recent Accolades: Second best record in the Big 12 & finished 15 in AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Collin Klein (3,059 total yards & 40 total TDs in 2011) & LB Arthur Browns (101 tackles in 2011)
13. Wisconsin Badgers 11-3
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 56
Recent Accolades: Two consecutive Rose Bowl appearances & finished 10 in AP Top 25
Impact Players: RB Montee Ball (2,229 rush/rec yards & 39 total TDs in 2011), OT Ricky Wagner (38 games played & 24 games started in career) & WR Jared Abbrederis (933 rec yards in 2011)
14. Virginia Tech Hokies 11-3
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 22
Recent Accolades: ACC Coastal Division Champion & finished 17 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Logan Thomas (3,482 total yards & 30 total TDs in 2011)
15. Clemson Tigers 10-4
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 14
Recent Accolades: ACC Champion & finished 22 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Tahj Boyd (3,828 pass yards & 38 total TDs in 2011) & WR Sammy Watkins (1,450 rec/rush yards, 12 rec TDS & 1 kick off TD in 2011)
16. TCU Horned Frogs 11-2
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruting Rank: 37
Recent Accolades: MWC Champion & Poinsettia Bowl Champion
Impact Players: QB Casey Pachall (2,921 pass yards & 27 total TDs in 2011) & DE Stansly Maponga (9 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss & 5 forced fumbles in 2011)
17. Oklahoma State Cowboys 12-1
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 32
Recent Accolades: Big 12 Champion & Fiesta Bowl Champ
Impact Players: RB Joseph Randle (1,482 rush/rece yards & 26 total TDs in 2011) & CB Brodrick Brown (5 interceptions, 15 passes broken up, & 2 fumble recoveries in 2011)
18. Nebraska Cornhuskers 9-4
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 25
Recent Accolades: Finished 24 in AP Poll
Impact Players: QB Taylor Martinez (2,963 total yards & 22 total TDs in 2011) & RB Rex Burkhead (1,357 rush yards & 17 total TDs in 2011)
19. Michigan State Spartans 11-3
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 41
Recent Accolades: Big Ten Legends Division Champion & Outback Bowl Champion
Impact Players: DE Will Gholston (70 tackles, 16 tackles for loss & 5 sacks in 2011) & RB Le'Veon Bell (1,215 rush/rec yards & 13 rush TDs in 2011)
20. Ohio State Buckeyes 6-7
Returning Starters: 21
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 4
Recent Accolades: New Head Coach Urban Meyer
Impact Players: QB Braxton Miller (1,874 total yards & 20 total TDs in 2011) & DL John Simon (16 tackles for loss & 7 sacks in 2011)
21. Texas Longhorns 8-5
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 2
Recent Accolades: Holiday Bowl Champion & finished 28 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: RB Malcom Brown (742 rush yards & 5 TDs in 2011) & DE Alex Okafor (12.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks & 2 forced fumbles in 2011)
22. BYU Cougars 10-3
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 61
Recent Accolades: Armed Forces Bowl Champ & finished 25 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Riley Nelson (2,109 total yards & 20 total TDs in 2011) & WR Cody Hoffman (943 rec yards, 10 rec TDs & 1 kick off TD in 2011)
23. Stanford Cardinal 11-2
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 5
Recent Accolades: Second best record in Pac-12 & finished 7 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: RB Stepfan Taylor (1,512 rush/rec yards & 12 total TDs in 2011)
24. Boise State Broncos 12-1
Returning Starters: 12
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 54
Recent Accolades: Las Vegas Bowl Champion & finished 6 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: RB D.J. Harper (10 total TDs in 2011)
25. Auburn Tigers 8-5
Returning Starters: 20
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 10
Recent Accolades: Chick-fil-A Bowl Champion & finished 27 in the AP Poll
Impact Players: RB Onterio McCalebb (985 rush/rec yards, 7 rush/rec TDs & 1 kick off TD in 2011) & TE Philip Lutzenkirchen (7 TDs in 2011)
26. Florida Gators 7-6
Returning Starters: 23
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 3
Recent Accolades: Gator Bowl Champion & finished with one vote in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: S Matt Elam (11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions & 2 forced fumbles in 2011)
27. Missouri Tigers 8-5
Returning Starters:13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 31
Recent Accolades: Independence Bowl Champion & finished 27 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB James Franklin (3,846 total yards & 36 total TDs in 2011) & RB Henry Josey (1,168 rush yards, 8.1 yards per rush & 9 TDs in 2011*might not play in 2012 due to injury)
28. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 8-5
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 20
Recent Accolades: Champ Sports Bowl Berth & finished with one vote in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: LB Manti Te'o (128 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss & 5 sacks in 2011)
29. Washington Huskies 7-6
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 21
Recent Accolades: Alamo Bowl Berth & finished with two votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Keith Price (3,063 pass yards & 36 total TDs in 2011)
30. NC State Wolf Pack 8-5
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 53
Recent Accolades: Belk Bowl Champion
Impact Players: CB David Amerson (13 interceptions & 2 TDs in 2011)
31. Utah Utes 8-5
Returning Starters: 21
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 28
Recent Accolades: Sun Bowl Champion
Impact Players: RB John White IV (1,519 rush yards & 17 total TDs in 2011)
32. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 9-4
Returning Starters: 20
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 24
Recent Accolades: Pin Stripe Bowl Champion & finished 30 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: LB Khaseem Greene (128 tackles in 2011 & 14 tackles for loss in 2011)
33. Penn State Nittany Lions 9-4
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 51
Recent Accolades: Ticketcity Bowl Berth & finished second in Big Ten Leaders Division
Impact Players: RB Silas Redd (1,241 rush yards & 7 TDs in 2011)
34. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 8-5
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 56
Recent Accolades: Sun Bowl Berth
Impact players: QB Tevin Washington (2,639 total yards & 25 total TDs in 2011)
35. Baylor Bears 10-3
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 45
Recent Accolades: Alamo Bowl Champion & finished 12 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: WR Terrance Williams (957 yards & 11 TDs in 2011)
36. Cincinnati Bearcats 10-3
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 50
Recent Accolades: Liberty Bowl Champion & finished 21 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: S Drew Frey (199 tackles & 6 interceptions in career)
37. Mississippi State Bulldogs 7-6
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 30
Recent Accolades: Music City Bowl Champion
Impact Players: OG Gabe Jackson (60 takedowns in 12 games in 2011)
38. Virginia Cavaliers 8-5
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 27
Recent Accolades: Chick-fil-A Bowl Berth & finished with four votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Michael Rocco (2,671 pass yards & 15 total TDs in 2011)
39. Louisville Cardinals 7-6
Returning Starters: 21
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 42
Recent Accolades: Belk Bowl Berth
Impact Players: S Hakeem Smith (172 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles & 10 pass break ups in 2 seasons) & CB Adrian Bushell (2 blocked kicks & 100 yard kick off return TD in 2011)
40. Texas A&M Aggies 7-6
Returning Starters: 20
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 15
Recent Accolades: Meinek Car Care Bowl Champion & finished with five votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: WR Ryan Swope (1,207 rec yards & 11 TDs in 2011)
41. Tennessee Volunteers 5-7
Returning Starters: 24
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 17
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Derek Dooley
Impact Players: QB Tyler Bray (283.3 pass yards per game & 18 total TDs in 7 games in 2011) & WR Da'Rick Rogers (1,040 rec yards & 9 TDs in 2011)
42. Arkansas State Red Wolves 10-3
Returning Starters: 10
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 68
Recent Accolades: Sun Belt Champion & finished with one vote in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Ryan Aplin (4,176 total yards & 29 total TDs in 2011)
43. UCLA 6-8
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 13
Recent Accolades: Pac-12 South Division Champion
Impact Players: QB Kevin Prince (2,252 total yards & 13 total TDs in 2011) & RB Johnathan Franklin (2,669 rush yards & 19 total TDs in career)
44. Illinois Fighting Illini 7-6
Returning Starters:18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 64
Recent Accolades: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Champion
Impact Players: QB Nathaan Scheelhaase (2,734 pass/rush yards & 19 total TDs in 2011) & LB Johnathan Brown (108 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, & 2 fumble recoveries in 2011)
45. North Carolina Tar Heels 7-6
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 44
Recent Accolades: Independence Bowl Berth
Impact Players: RB Giovani Bernard (1,615 rush/rec yards & 14 total TDs in 2011) & OG Jonathan Cooper (47 knockdowns in 2011)
46. Texas Tech Red Raiders 5-7
Returning Starters: 25
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 26
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Tommy Tuberville
Impact Players: QB Seth Doege (4,004 pass yards & 32 total TDs in 2011) & OT LaAdrian Waddle (27 career starts & 25 consecutive starts in 2010 & 2011)
47. Ohio Bobcats 10-4
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 79
Recent Accolades: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champion & MAC East Division Champion
Impact Players: QB Tyler Tettleton (3,964 pass/rush yards & 38 total TDs in 2011)
48. Vanderbilt Commodores 6-7
Returning Starters: 25
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 29
Recent Accolades: Liberty Bowl Berth
Impact Players: RB Zac Stacy (1,193 rush yards & 14 TDs in 2011)
49. Miami (FL) 6-6
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 9
Recent Accolades: One season under Head Coach Al Golden
Impact Players: S Ray-Ray Armstrong (134 tackles & 4 interceptions in career)
50. Wake Forest Demon Deacons 6-7
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 69
Recent Accolades: Music City Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Tanner Price (3,017 pass yards & 21 total TDs in 2011) & DT Nikita Whitlock (14 tackles for loss in 2011)
51. Iowa Hawkeyes 7-6
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 43
Recent Accolades: Insight Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB James Vandenberg (3,022 pass yards & 28 total TDss in 2011) & CB Micah Hyde (72 tackles, 3 interceptions & 8 pass break ups in 2011)
52. Southern Miss Golden Eagles 12-2
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 70
Recent Accolades: Conference USA Champion & Hawaii Bowl Champion
Impact Players: RB Jamal Woodyard (891 total yards, 6.7 yards per rush & 5 total TDs in 2011)
53. Purdue Boilermakers 7-6
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 33
Recent Accolades: Little Caesar's Bowl Champion
Impact Players: DT Kawann Short (17 tackles for loss & 6.5 sacks in 2011) & KR/RB Raheem Mostert (837 kick return yards & 1 kick off TD in 2011)
54. California Bears 7-6
Returning Starters: 11
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 23
Recent Accolades: Holiday Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Zach Maynard (2,990 pass yards & 21 total TDs in 2011)
55. Pitt Panthers 6-7
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 47
Recent Accolades: BBVA Compass Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Tito Sunseri (2,616 pass yards & 14 total TDs in 2011) & RB Ray Graham (2,688 rush/rec yards & 23 total TDs in career)
56. Kentucky Wildcats 5-7
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 62
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Joker Phillips
Impact Players: OG Larry Warford (34 knockdown blocks & 1 sack allowed in 2011)
57. South Florida Bulls 5-7
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 49
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Skip Holtz
Impact Players: QB B.J. Daniels (3,205 total yards & 19 total TDs in 2011) & DE Ryne Giddins (11 tackels for loss, 5.5 sacks & 3 forced fumbles in 2011)
58. Houston Cougars 13-1
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 59
Recent Accolades: Ticketcity Bowl Champion, Conference USA West Division Champion & finished 14 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: RB Charles Sims (1,396 total yards & 13 total TDs in 2011)
59. Northwestern Wildcats 6-7
Returning Starters: 12
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 60
Recent Accolades: Meineke Car Care Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Kain Colter (1,793 pass/rush/rec yards & 18 total TDs in 2011)
60. Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns 9-4
Returning Starters: 12
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 95
Recent Accolades: New Orleans Bowl Champion & finished with one vote in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Blaine Gautier (3,444 pass/rush yards & 26 total TDs in 2011) & WR Javone Lawson (1,092 rec yards & 8 TDs in 2011)
61. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 8-5 *Won last 7 season games & impact player WR Quinton Patton
62. SMU Mustangs 8-5 *Impact player RB Zach Line
63. Northern Illinois Huskies 11-3 *Defending MAC Champion & impact player DE Alan Baxter
64. UCF Knights 5-7 *6 of 7 losses by a touchdown or less & team ranked top 10 in defense points allowed per game
65. Iowa State Cyclones 6-7 *Only team to defeat Oklahoma State last season
66. San Diego State 8-5 *17 wins in the last 2 seasons
67. Temple Owls 9-4 *26 wins over past 3 seasons & team ranked in top 5 in defense points allowed per game
68. Arizona State Sun Devils 6-7 *Signed 38th ranked recruiting class according to Yahoo Rivals
69. Wyoming Cowboys 8-5 *Impact QB Brett Smith
70. Navy Midshipmen 5-7
71. Washington State Cougars 4-8 *New Head Coach Mike Leach
72. Toledo Rockets 9-4 *Team ranked in top 10 offense points per game
73. Ole Miss Rebels 2-10 *New Head Coach Hugh Freeze
74. Florida International Panthers 8-5 *Return 19 starters
75. Tulsa Golden Hurricane 8-5
76. Nevada Wolfpack 7-6 *28 wins over the past 3 seasons
77. Marshall Thundering Herd 7-6
78. Kansas Jayhawks 2-10 *New Head Coach Charlie Weis & Notre Dame transfer QB Dayne Crist eligible to play
79. Utah State Aggies 7-6 *5 of 6 losses by a touchdown or less
80. Maryland Terrapins 2-10 *Signed 5 star recruit WR Stefon Diggs & second season under Randy Edsall
81. Colorado Buffaloes 3-10 *Signed 36th ranked recruiting class according to Yahoo Rivals
82. Oregon State Beavers 3-9 *Signed 39th ranked recruiting class according to Yahoo Rivals
83. Arizona Wildcats 4-8
84. Syracuse Orange 5-7
85. Connecticut Huskies 5-7
86. Boston College Eagles 4-8
87. Fresno State Bulldogs 4-9
88. Air Force Falcons 7-6
89. Hawaii Warriors 6-7
90. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 7-5
91. Western Michigan Broncos 7-6
92. Eastern Michigan Eagles 6-6
93. Ball State Cardinals 6-6
94. Miami (OH) Redhawks 4-8
95. East Carolina Pirates 5-7
96. Bowling Green Falcons 5-7
97. UTEP Miners 5-7
98. UAB Blazers 3-9
99. North Texas Mean Green 5-7
100. Army Black Knights 3-9
101 Troy Trojans 3-9
102. Duke Blue Devils 3-9
103. Kent State Golden Flashes 5-7
104. Minnesota Golden Gophers 3-9
105. San Jose State Spartans 5-7
106. Louisiana Monroe Warhawks 4-8
107. Rice Owls 4-8
108. Memphis Tigers 2-10
109. New Mexico Lobos 1-11
110. New Mexico State Aggies 4-9
111. Indiana Hoosiers 1-11
112. Central Michigan Chippewas 3-9
113. Colorado State Rams 3-9
114. Tulane Green Wave 2-11
115. UNLV Rebels 2-10
116. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 2-10
117. Buffalo Bulls 3-9
118. Florida Atlantic Owls 1-11
119. Idaho Vandals 2-10
120. Akron Zips 1-11
121. UTSA Roadrunners 4-6 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
122. Massachusetts Minutemen 5-6 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
123. Texas State Bobcats 6-6 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
124. South Alabama Jaguars 6-4 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
*Included in the returning starters are also kickers, punters, & multiple starters
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 18
Recent Accolades: SEC Champion & BCS National Championship Finalist
Impact Players: CB Tyran Mathieu (14 turnovers & 11 forced fumbles in 25 game career) & DE Barkevious Mingo (10.5 career sacks)
2. USC Trojans 10-2
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 8
Recent Accolades: Finished 6 in AP Top 25 & best record in Pac-12 South
Impact Players: QB Matt Barkley (9,054 pass yards & 80 TDs in career) & WR Robert Woods (111 receptions, 1,292 rec yards, & 15 TDs in 2011)
3. Alabama Crimson Tide 12-1
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 1
Recent accolades: Defending BCS National Champion
Impact Players: S Robert Lester (10 career interceptions) & OL Barrett Jones (35 career starts & 98.5 percent on assignments in 2011)
4. Oregon Ducks 12-2
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 16
Recent Accolades: Pac-12 & Rose Bowl Champion
Impact Players: RB DeAnthony Thomas (1,200 rush/rec yards, 16 rush/rec TDs & 2 kick off TDs in 2011) & RB Kenjon Barner (6.2 yards per rush & 14 total TDs in 2011)
5. Michigan Wolverines 11-2
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 7
Recent Accolades: Sugar Bowl Champion & finished 9 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Denard Robinson (3,349 total yards & 36 total TDs in 2011) & RB Fitzgerald Toussaint (1,041 rush yards in 2011)
6. Oklahoma Sooners 10-3
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 11
Recent Accolades: Insight Bowl Champion & finished 15 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Landry Jones (12,379 pass yards & 93 pass TDs in career) & RB Dominique Whaley (627 rush yards & 9 TDs in 6 games)
7. Arkansas Razorbacks 11-2
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 34
Recent Accolades: Cotton Bowl Champion & finished 5 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Tyler Wilson (3,638 pass yards & 28 total TDs in 2011) & RB Knile Davis (1,322 rush yards & 14 total TDs in 2010 season)
8. South Carolina Gamecocks 11-2
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 19
Recent Accolades: Capital One Bowl Champion & finished 9 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: RB Marcus Lattimore (124.2 total yards per game & 30 total TDs in career) & DE JaDeveon Clowney (8 sacks, 12 tackles for loss & 5 forced fumbles in 2011)
9. Georgia Bulldogs 10-4
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 12
Recent Accolades: SEC East Division Champion & finished 19 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Aaron Murray (3,149 pass yards & 37 total TDs in 2011) & OLB Jarvis Jones (13.5 sacks & 19.5 tackles for loss in 2011)
10. Florida State Seminoles 9-4
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 6
Recent Accolades: Champ Sports Bowl Champion & finished 23 in AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB E.J. Manuel (2,666 pass yards & 22 total TDs in 2011) & DE Brandon Jenkins (21.5 sacks & 36.5 tackles for loss in career)
11. West Virginia Mountaineers 10-3
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 48
Recent Accolades: Big East Champion & Orange Bowl Champion
Impact Players: QB Geno Smith (4,385 pass yards & 31 pass TDs in 2011), WR Stedmon Bailey (1,279 yards & 12 TDs in 2011) & WR Tavon Austin (101 receptions, 1,368 rush/rec yards & 2 kick off TDs in 2011)
12. Kansas State Wildcat 10-3
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 58
Recent Accolades: Second best record in the Big 12 & finished 15 in AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Collin Klein (3,059 total yards & 40 total TDs in 2011) & LB Arthur Browns (101 tackles in 2011)
13. Wisconsin Badgers 11-3
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 56
Recent Accolades: Two consecutive Rose Bowl appearances & finished 10 in AP Top 25
Impact Players: RB Montee Ball (2,229 rush/rec yards & 39 total TDs in 2011), OT Ricky Wagner (38 games played & 24 games started in career) & WR Jared Abbrederis (933 rec yards in 2011)
14. Virginia Tech Hokies 11-3
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 22
Recent Accolades: ACC Coastal Division Champion & finished 17 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Logan Thomas (3,482 total yards & 30 total TDs in 2011)
15. Clemson Tigers 10-4
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 14
Recent Accolades: ACC Champion & finished 22 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: QB Tahj Boyd (3,828 pass yards & 38 total TDs in 2011) & WR Sammy Watkins (1,450 rec/rush yards, 12 rec TDS & 1 kick off TD in 2011)
16. TCU Horned Frogs 11-2
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruting Rank: 37
Recent Accolades: MWC Champion & Poinsettia Bowl Champion
Impact Players: QB Casey Pachall (2,921 pass yards & 27 total TDs in 2011) & DE Stansly Maponga (9 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss & 5 forced fumbles in 2011)
17. Oklahoma State Cowboys 12-1
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 32
Recent Accolades: Big 12 Champion & Fiesta Bowl Champ
Impact Players: RB Joseph Randle (1,482 rush/rece yards & 26 total TDs in 2011) & CB Brodrick Brown (5 interceptions, 15 passes broken up, & 2 fumble recoveries in 2011)
18. Nebraska Cornhuskers 9-4
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 25
Recent Accolades: Finished 24 in AP Poll
Impact Players: QB Taylor Martinez (2,963 total yards & 22 total TDs in 2011) & RB Rex Burkhead (1,357 rush yards & 17 total TDs in 2011)
19. Michigan State Spartans 11-3
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 41
Recent Accolades: Big Ten Legends Division Champion & Outback Bowl Champion
Impact Players: DE Will Gholston (70 tackles, 16 tackles for loss & 5 sacks in 2011) & RB Le'Veon Bell (1,215 rush/rec yards & 13 rush TDs in 2011)
20. Ohio State Buckeyes 6-7
Returning Starters: 21
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 4
Recent Accolades: New Head Coach Urban Meyer
Impact Players: QB Braxton Miller (1,874 total yards & 20 total TDs in 2011) & DL John Simon (16 tackles for loss & 7 sacks in 2011)
21. Texas Longhorns 8-5
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 2
Recent Accolades: Holiday Bowl Champion & finished 28 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: RB Malcom Brown (742 rush yards & 5 TDs in 2011) & DE Alex Okafor (12.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks & 2 forced fumbles in 2011)
22. BYU Cougars 10-3
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 61
Recent Accolades: Armed Forces Bowl Champ & finished 25 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Riley Nelson (2,109 total yards & 20 total TDs in 2011) & WR Cody Hoffman (943 rec yards, 10 rec TDs & 1 kick off TD in 2011)
23. Stanford Cardinal 11-2
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 5
Recent Accolades: Second best record in Pac-12 & finished 7 in the AP Top 25
Impact Players: RB Stepfan Taylor (1,512 rush/rec yards & 12 total TDs in 2011)
24. Boise State Broncos 12-1
Returning Starters: 12
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 54
Recent Accolades: Las Vegas Bowl Champion & finished 6 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: RB D.J. Harper (10 total TDs in 2011)
25. Auburn Tigers 8-5
Returning Starters: 20
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 10
Recent Accolades: Chick-fil-A Bowl Champion & finished 27 in the AP Poll
Impact Players: RB Onterio McCalebb (985 rush/rec yards, 7 rush/rec TDs & 1 kick off TD in 2011) & TE Philip Lutzenkirchen (7 TDs in 2011)
26. Florida Gators 7-6
Returning Starters: 23
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 3
Recent Accolades: Gator Bowl Champion & finished with one vote in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: S Matt Elam (11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions & 2 forced fumbles in 2011)
27. Missouri Tigers 8-5
Returning Starters:13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 31
Recent Accolades: Independence Bowl Champion & finished 27 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB James Franklin (3,846 total yards & 36 total TDs in 2011) & RB Henry Josey (1,168 rush yards, 8.1 yards per rush & 9 TDs in 2011*might not play in 2012 due to injury)
28. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 8-5
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 20
Recent Accolades: Champ Sports Bowl Berth & finished with one vote in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: LB Manti Te'o (128 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss & 5 sacks in 2011)
29. Washington Huskies 7-6
Returning Starters: 18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 21
Recent Accolades: Alamo Bowl Berth & finished with two votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Keith Price (3,063 pass yards & 36 total TDs in 2011)
30. NC State Wolf Pack 8-5
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 53
Recent Accolades: Belk Bowl Champion
Impact Players: CB David Amerson (13 interceptions & 2 TDs in 2011)
31. Utah Utes 8-5
Returning Starters: 21
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 28
Recent Accolades: Sun Bowl Champion
Impact Players: RB John White IV (1,519 rush yards & 17 total TDs in 2011)
32. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 9-4
Returning Starters: 20
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 24
Recent Accolades: Pin Stripe Bowl Champion & finished 30 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: LB Khaseem Greene (128 tackles in 2011 & 14 tackles for loss in 2011)
33. Penn State Nittany Lions 9-4
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 51
Recent Accolades: Ticketcity Bowl Berth & finished second in Big Ten Leaders Division
Impact Players: RB Silas Redd (1,241 rush yards & 7 TDs in 2011)
34. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 8-5
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 56
Recent Accolades: Sun Bowl Berth
Impact players: QB Tevin Washington (2,639 total yards & 25 total TDs in 2011)
35. Baylor Bears 10-3
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 45
Recent Accolades: Alamo Bowl Champion & finished 12 in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: WR Terrance Williams (957 yards & 11 TDs in 2011)
36. Cincinnati Bearcats 10-3
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 50
Recent Accolades: Liberty Bowl Champion & finished 21 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: S Drew Frey (199 tackles & 6 interceptions in career)
37. Mississippi State Bulldogs 7-6
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 30
Recent Accolades: Music City Bowl Champion
Impact Players: OG Gabe Jackson (60 takedowns in 12 games in 2011)
38. Virginia Cavaliers 8-5
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 27
Recent Accolades: Chick-fil-A Bowl Berth & finished with four votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Michael Rocco (2,671 pass yards & 15 total TDs in 2011)
39. Louisville Cardinals 7-6
Returning Starters: 21
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 42
Recent Accolades: Belk Bowl Berth
Impact Players: S Hakeem Smith (172 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles & 10 pass break ups in 2 seasons) & CB Adrian Bushell (2 blocked kicks & 100 yard kick off return TD in 2011)
40. Texas A&M Aggies 7-6
Returning Starters: 20
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 15
Recent Accolades: Meinek Car Care Bowl Champion & finished with five votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: WR Ryan Swope (1,207 rec yards & 11 TDs in 2011)
41. Tennessee Volunteers 5-7
Returning Starters: 24
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 17
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Derek Dooley
Impact Players: QB Tyler Bray (283.3 pass yards per game & 18 total TDs in 7 games in 2011) & WR Da'Rick Rogers (1,040 rec yards & 9 TDs in 2011)
42. Arkansas State Red Wolves 10-3
Returning Starters: 10
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 68
Recent Accolades: Sun Belt Champion & finished with one vote in the USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Ryan Aplin (4,176 total yards & 29 total TDs in 2011)
43. UCLA 6-8
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 13
Recent Accolades: Pac-12 South Division Champion
Impact Players: QB Kevin Prince (2,252 total yards & 13 total TDs in 2011) & RB Johnathan Franklin (2,669 rush yards & 19 total TDs in career)
44. Illinois Fighting Illini 7-6
Returning Starters:18
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 64
Recent Accolades: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Champion
Impact Players: QB Nathaan Scheelhaase (2,734 pass/rush yards & 19 total TDs in 2011) & LB Johnathan Brown (108 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, & 2 fumble recoveries in 2011)
45. North Carolina Tar Heels 7-6
Returning Starters: 17
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 44
Recent Accolades: Independence Bowl Berth
Impact Players: RB Giovani Bernard (1,615 rush/rec yards & 14 total TDs in 2011) & OG Jonathan Cooper (47 knockdowns in 2011)
46. Texas Tech Red Raiders 5-7
Returning Starters: 25
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 26
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Tommy Tuberville
Impact Players: QB Seth Doege (4,004 pass yards & 32 total TDs in 2011) & OT LaAdrian Waddle (27 career starts & 25 consecutive starts in 2010 & 2011)
47. Ohio Bobcats 10-4
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 79
Recent Accolades: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champion & MAC East Division Champion
Impact Players: QB Tyler Tettleton (3,964 pass/rush yards & 38 total TDs in 2011)
48. Vanderbilt Commodores 6-7
Returning Starters: 25
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 29
Recent Accolades: Liberty Bowl Berth
Impact Players: RB Zac Stacy (1,193 rush yards & 14 TDs in 2011)
49. Miami (FL) 6-6
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 9
Recent Accolades: One season under Head Coach Al Golden
Impact Players: S Ray-Ray Armstrong (134 tackles & 4 interceptions in career)
50. Wake Forest Demon Deacons 6-7
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 69
Recent Accolades: Music City Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Tanner Price (3,017 pass yards & 21 total TDs in 2011) & DT Nikita Whitlock (14 tackles for loss in 2011)
51. Iowa Hawkeyes 7-6
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 43
Recent Accolades: Insight Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB James Vandenberg (3,022 pass yards & 28 total TDss in 2011) & CB Micah Hyde (72 tackles, 3 interceptions & 8 pass break ups in 2011)
52. Southern Miss Golden Eagles 12-2
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 70
Recent Accolades: Conference USA Champion & Hawaii Bowl Champion
Impact Players: RB Jamal Woodyard (891 total yards, 6.7 yards per rush & 5 total TDs in 2011)
53. Purdue Boilermakers 7-6
Returning Starters: 16
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 33
Recent Accolades: Little Caesar's Bowl Champion
Impact Players: DT Kawann Short (17 tackles for loss & 6.5 sacks in 2011) & KR/RB Raheem Mostert (837 kick return yards & 1 kick off TD in 2011)
54. California Bears 7-6
Returning Starters: 11
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 23
Recent Accolades: Holiday Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Zach Maynard (2,990 pass yards & 21 total TDs in 2011)
55. Pitt Panthers 6-7
Returning Starters: 15
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 47
Recent Accolades: BBVA Compass Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Tito Sunseri (2,616 pass yards & 14 total TDs in 2011) & RB Ray Graham (2,688 rush/rec yards & 23 total TDs in career)
56. Kentucky Wildcats 5-7
Returning Starters: 13
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 62
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Joker Phillips
Impact Players: OG Larry Warford (34 knockdown blocks & 1 sack allowed in 2011)
57. South Florida Bulls 5-7
Returning Starters: 19
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 49
Recent Accolades: Two seasons under Head Coach Skip Holtz
Impact Players: QB B.J. Daniels (3,205 total yards & 19 total TDs in 2011) & DE Ryne Giddins (11 tackels for loss, 5.5 sacks & 3 forced fumbles in 2011)
58. Houston Cougars 13-1
Returning Starters: 14
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 59
Recent Accolades: Ticketcity Bowl Champion, Conference USA West Division Champion & finished 14 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: RB Charles Sims (1,396 total yards & 13 total TDs in 2011)
59. Northwestern Wildcats 6-7
Returning Starters: 12
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 60
Recent Accolades: Meineke Car Care Bowl Berth
Impact Players: QB Kain Colter (1,793 pass/rush/rec yards & 18 total TDs in 2011)
60. Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns 9-4
Returning Starters: 12
Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rank: 95
Recent Accolades: New Orleans Bowl Champion & finished with one vote in USA Today Coaches Poll
Impact Players: QB Blaine Gautier (3,444 pass/rush yards & 26 total TDs in 2011) & WR Javone Lawson (1,092 rec yards & 8 TDs in 2011)
61. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 8-5 *Won last 7 season games & impact player WR Quinton Patton
62. SMU Mustangs 8-5 *Impact player RB Zach Line
63. Northern Illinois Huskies 11-3 *Defending MAC Champion & impact player DE Alan Baxter
64. UCF Knights 5-7 *6 of 7 losses by a touchdown or less & team ranked top 10 in defense points allowed per game
65. Iowa State Cyclones 6-7 *Only team to defeat Oklahoma State last season
66. San Diego State 8-5 *17 wins in the last 2 seasons
67. Temple Owls 9-4 *26 wins over past 3 seasons & team ranked in top 5 in defense points allowed per game
68. Arizona State Sun Devils 6-7 *Signed 38th ranked recruiting class according to Yahoo Rivals
69. Wyoming Cowboys 8-5 *Impact QB Brett Smith
70. Navy Midshipmen 5-7
71. Washington State Cougars 4-8 *New Head Coach Mike Leach
72. Toledo Rockets 9-4 *Team ranked in top 10 offense points per game
73. Ole Miss Rebels 2-10 *New Head Coach Hugh Freeze
74. Florida International Panthers 8-5 *Return 19 starters
75. Tulsa Golden Hurricane 8-5
76. Nevada Wolfpack 7-6 *28 wins over the past 3 seasons
77. Marshall Thundering Herd 7-6
78. Kansas Jayhawks 2-10 *New Head Coach Charlie Weis & Notre Dame transfer QB Dayne Crist eligible to play
79. Utah State Aggies 7-6 *5 of 6 losses by a touchdown or less
80. Maryland Terrapins 2-10 *Signed 5 star recruit WR Stefon Diggs & second season under Randy Edsall
81. Colorado Buffaloes 3-10 *Signed 36th ranked recruiting class according to Yahoo Rivals
82. Oregon State Beavers 3-9 *Signed 39th ranked recruiting class according to Yahoo Rivals
83. Arizona Wildcats 4-8
84. Syracuse Orange 5-7
85. Connecticut Huskies 5-7
86. Boston College Eagles 4-8
87. Fresno State Bulldogs 4-9
88. Air Force Falcons 7-6
89. Hawaii Warriors 6-7
90. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 7-5
91. Western Michigan Broncos 7-6
92. Eastern Michigan Eagles 6-6
93. Ball State Cardinals 6-6
94. Miami (OH) Redhawks 4-8
95. East Carolina Pirates 5-7
96. Bowling Green Falcons 5-7
97. UTEP Miners 5-7
98. UAB Blazers 3-9
99. North Texas Mean Green 5-7
100. Army Black Knights 3-9
101 Troy Trojans 3-9
102. Duke Blue Devils 3-9
103. Kent State Golden Flashes 5-7
104. Minnesota Golden Gophers 3-9
105. San Jose State Spartans 5-7
106. Louisiana Monroe Warhawks 4-8
107. Rice Owls 4-8
108. Memphis Tigers 2-10
109. New Mexico Lobos 1-11
110. New Mexico State Aggies 4-9
111. Indiana Hoosiers 1-11
112. Central Michigan Chippewas 3-9
113. Colorado State Rams 3-9
114. Tulane Green Wave 2-11
115. UNLV Rebels 2-10
116. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 2-10
117. Buffalo Bulls 3-9
118. Florida Atlantic Owls 1-11
119. Idaho Vandals 2-10
120. Akron Zips 1-11
121. UTSA Roadrunners 4-6 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
122. Massachusetts Minutemen 5-6 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
123. Texas State Bobcats 6-6 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
124. South Alabama Jaguars 6-4 *Previous FCS team in transition to FBS
*Included in the returning starters are also kickers, punters, & multiple starters
Strength of ScheduleAverage Opponent Rank 1. Notre Dame 36.667 2. Iowa State 41 3. TCU 43 4. Florida 43.333 5. Kansas 43.583 6. Ole Miss 43.833 7. Texas 44.75 8. South Carolina 45.583 9. Oklahoma 45.8333 10. Oklahoma State 46.417 Opponent Win % according to PhilSteele.com 1. Texas A&M 67.31% 2. Kansas 66.67% 3. Baylor 64.52% 4. Notre Dame 63.40% 5. TCU 63.40% 6. Iowa State 62.50% 7. Ole Miss 62.42% 8. Oklahoma 62.25% 9. Florida 62.09% 10. Arkansas 61.18% | Rankings & ProjectionsProjected Preseason AP Top 5 according to PhilSteele.com 1. LSU 2. USC 3. Alabama 4. Oregon 5. Oklahoma ESPN College Football Live's 2012 Preseason Top 25 1. USC 2. LSU 3. Alabama 4. Oregon 5. Oklahoma 2012 Post-Spring Top 25 by SI.com Andy Staples 1. LSU 2. USC 3. Alabama 4. Oregon 5. Oklahoma |
Fair Rankings for 2011-12 Season Notable Teams
| 1. Oklahoma State 12-1, 92, 607, .28634 2. LSU 13-1, 97, 588, .24491 3. Alabama 12-1, 79, 464, .22003 4. Oklahoma 10-3, 71, 459, .21310 5. Michigan 11-2, 78, 461, .20848 Listed are BOW, Total Wins, and Fair Score (Details Here) | 6. USC 10-2, 63, 406, .19961 7. South Carolina 11-2, 70, 412, .18950 8. Wisconsin 11-3, 64, 414, .17761 9. West Virginia 10-3, 60, 373, .17600 10. Oregon 12-2, 70, 418, .17549 *System to be modified for the 2012-13 season |
Top 10 Recruiting Classes of 2012
| Yahoo Rivals 1. Alabama 2. Texas 3. Florida 4. Ohio State 5. Stanford 6. Florida State 7. Michigan 8. USC 9. Miami (FL) 10. Auburn | Scout.com 1. Texas 2. Alabama 3. Ohio State 4. Michigan 5. Florida 6. LSU 7. Stanford 8. Auburn 9. Miami (FL) 10. Oklahoma |
Top 10 Recruits/Incoming Freshmen 2012
| Yahoo Rivals 1. Dorial Green-Beckham WR Missouri 2. DJ. Humphries OL Florida 3. Mario Edwards DT Florida State 4. Shaq Thompson DB Washington 5. Johnathan Gray RB Texas 6. Jonathan Bullard DE Florida 7. Eddie Goldman DT Florida State 8. Stefon Diggs WR Maryland 9. Noah Spence DE Ohio State 10. Jameis Winston QB Florida State | Scout.com 1. Dorial Green-Beckham WR Missouri 2. Arik Armstead OT Oregon 3. Shaq Thompson S Washington 4. Mario Edwards DE Florida State 5. Noah Spence DE Ohio State 6. Stefon Diggs WR Maryland 7. John Theus OT Georgia 8. Landon Collins S Alabama 9. Ronald Darby CB Florida State 10. Adolphus Washingtion DE Ohio State |
Head Coaches Hired for the 2012 Season
| Akron Terry Bowden Arizona Rich Rodriguez Arkansas John L. Smith Arizona State Todd Graham Arkansas State Gus Malzahn Colorado State Jim McElwain FAU Carl Pelini Fresno State Tim DeRuyter Hawaii Norm Chow Houston Tony Levine Illinois Tim Beckman Kansas Charlie Weis Memphis Justin Fuente UMass Charlier Molnar Ole Miss Hugh Freeze | New Mexico Bob Davie North Carolina Larry Fedora Ohio State Urban Meyer Penn State Bill O'Brien Pitt Paul Chryst Rutgers Kyle Flood Southern Miss Ellis Johnson Texas A&M Kevin Sumlin Toledo Matt Campbell Tulane Curtis Johnson UAB Garrick McGee UCLA Jim Mora Washington State Mike Leach Coaching Changes For 2012 Season on CollegeFootballPoll.com |
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