Here is a ranking of all 126 FBS teams' incoming Freshman classes in college football, including schools in transition. The rankings were compiled from numerous reputable recruiting sites and junior college recruits were also accounted for. The CFU top 10 recruits for 2013 was released earlier in the year. Other recruit rankings and lists will be coming out soon.  

1. Alabama 472

2. Ohio State 469

3. Notre Dame 462

4. Michigan 454

5. LSU 446

6. Ole Miss 444

7. Florida 438

7. Texas A&M 438

9. UCLA 436

10. Georgia 429

11. Auburn 422

12. Florida State 421

13. USC 411

14. Clemson 402

14. Oklahoma 402

16. Washington 399

17. Nebraska 388

18. South Carolina 385

19. Miami FL 384

20. Texas 381

21. Vanderbilt 377

22. Oregon 369

23. Virginia Tech 361

24. Mississippi State 359

25. Tennessee 348

26. Baylor 342

27. Arkansas 339

28. West Virginia 338

29. Oklahoma State 334

29. North Carolina 334

31. California 328

31. Virginia 328

33. Pitt 324

34. Kentucky 316

35. Penn State 311

36. Arizona State 310

37. Arizona 305

38. Michigan State 298

39. Missouri 297

40. TCU 296

41. Rutgers 291

42. Maryland 289

43. Wisconsin 287

44. Oregon State 284

45. Indiana 283

46. Illinois 271

47. Utah 268

48. Louisville 266

49. Northwestern 251

50. Kansas 250

50. Washington State 250

52. Stanford 244

53. Boise State 241

53. South Florida 241

55. Texas Tech 239

56. Iowa 231

57. Purdue 229

58. NC State 228

59. Houston 225

60. Iowa State 214

61. Marshall 207

62. Kansas State 206

62. Wake Forest 206

64. Cincinnati 205

65. Connecticut 193

66. BYU 184

66. Colorado 184

68. Duke 182

69. Minnesota 179

70. Toledo 171

71. San Diego State 169

72. Fresno State 167

73. SMU 166

74. Georgia Tech 159

75. Syracuse 153

76. Louisiana 151

77. Tulsa 147

78. East Carolina 139

79. UCF 138

80. Southern Miss 137

81. Bowling Green 133

82. Hawaii 132

83. Colorado State 131

84. Tulane 120

85. Boston College 114

86. Central Michigan 110

87. Temple 106

88. Rice 102

89. Florida Atlantic 101

90. Middle Tennessee 99

90. Western Kentucky 99

92. Memphis 98

92. Texas State 98

94. New Mexico 91

95. Air Force 90

96. South Alabama 89

97. Louisiana Tech 83

98. Ball State 82

99. UAB 81

100. Miami OH 78

100. Nevada 78

102. Western Michigan 75

103. Navy 69

103. Northern Illinois 69

105. Akron 68

106. Troy 63

107. Massachusetts 59

108. Wyoming 58 

109. Ohio 57

110. Eastern Michigan 54

111. Arkansas State 53

112. Utah State 51

113. UTSA 49

114. UNLV 48

115. Kent State 39

116. New Mexico State 36

117. FIU 33

117. Idaho 33

119. Army 25

120. North Texas 21

121. San Jose State 20

121. UTEP 20

123. Old Dominion 19

124. Georgia State 18

125. ULM 9

126. Buffalo 7

At 6-foot-8, 308 pounds, Taylor Lewan has the build and look of the prototypical offensive tackle and is recognized as being just that.  After attending high school in Scottsdale, Ariz., Lewan was rated as the nation’s 16th best offensive tackle by Rivals.com despite never playing the position until his senior year.  

While starting his Michigan career as a defensive lineman, Lewan come off the bench in 2010 and has since started 35 games for the Wolverines as an offensive tackle. A 2012 Associated Press All-American and the 2012 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, the fifth-year senior returns as one of the biggest names on the team and arguable the best offensive lineman in college football.

While projected by many experts to be a first round selection in the NFL Draft, Lewan has decided to stay another year at Michigan and not take the big pay-day now. Another year at Michigan will test not only Lewan’s physical capabilities, but his leadership skill as well, as the Wolverines transition from a spread offense to a pro-style. Lewan has become known for striving to improve himself and teammates and will again be the anchor of Michigan's offensive line.

Head coach Brady Hoke talked about Lewan’s influence after the recent spring game,

Playing in a pro-style offense may help his projected rankings in next year’s draft, but Lewan’s reasons for staying in Ann Arbor appear to go beyond his own gains—another intangible and crucial trait of a prototypical offensive tackle.

The hog mollies on the offensive line never seem to get enough attention in college football so here is a rundown of the best O-linemen in the nation for the 2012 season. The top 20 offensive linemen are ranked along with a summary of the top five and notes on the rest. The ranking is based on the best college football linemen not NFL prospects, but information on draft status is included. Bench, squat, and 40-yard dash numbers are provided for the top five. Four of the top five linemen have weight room numbers listed from high school and some of the other players have more recent weight room numbers posted. 

Size: 6'5 302 pounds
Bench Max: 335 pounds 
Squat Max: 490 pounds 
40 Yard Dash: 4.9 seconds 
Stats: Only nine missed assignments in 587 snaps (98.5 percent) and 100 percent on assignments in four games last season according to Rolltide.com
Draft Rating: Second/ Late First Round

Size: 6'6 335 pounds
Bench Max: 375 lbs 
Squat Max: 525 lbs 
40 Yard Dash: 4.9 secs 
Stats: 22 career starts at right tackle
Draft Rating: Early/Mid First Round

DJ Fluker is a behemoth on the offensive line and is the top rated lineman on Mel Kiper's Big Board at six overall. He has played mostly right tackle for the Crimson Tide, but there is a chance that he could be a guard at the next level. His posted weight is actually less than it was in high school and he is currently listed as 335 pounds. Fluker may not be as accomplished as his teammate Barrett Jones, but there are high expectations for him due to his physicality alone. With a little refinement, he should easily maintain his NFL Draft stock. 

Size: 6'8 302 lbs 
Bench Max: 335 lbs  
Squat Max: 450 lbs 
40 Yard Dash: 4.72 secs 
Stats: Started 22 games in two seasons 
Draft Rating: Mid/Early First Round

After a misfit freshman season that involved antics and penalties, Taylor Lewan came back strong and matured some as a sophomore. He is an athletic lineman that has good power for his build and incredible length with his 6'8 height to fight off defenders. The Wolverine lineman has definite first round potential for the NFL Draft coming into his junior season. Lewan started all 13 games last season at left tackle and his athleticism should translate well in the pros. 

Size: 6'6 322 lbs
Bench Max: N/A
Squat Max: N/A
40 Yard Dash: 5.32
Stats: Started all 14 games in 2011 and played in 38 games for career 
Draft Rating: Late First/ Early Second Round

Ricky Wagner is a durable lineman that rose from walk-on to NFL prospect thus far in his college career. He was a consensus honorable mention on the All-Big Ten team for the past two seasons and is a first team preseason All-American on various lists for 2012. He performs well as a blindside pass blocker at left tackle and is consistently good all around in his play. Wisconsin has traditionally done a great job of prepping players for the NFL and Wagner should be the next. 

Size: 6'3 300 lbs
Bench Max: 340 lbs 
Squat Max: 500 lbs 
40 Yard Dash: 5.3 secs
Stats: 22 career starts and 36 games played
Draft Rating: Second/Third Round

Experienced right guard Omoregie Uzzi is a powerful run blocker for the Ramblin Wreck. He earned First Team All-ACC in 2011 and is a Second Team Phil Steele's 2012 Preseason All-American. His effort on the line helped his team rank second nationally in rushing yards last season with 316.5 yards per game and they ranked in the top four rushing yards in each of his three seasons. He is the most questionable of the top five due to a late season injury, but if he fully recovers, expect another strong season. 

There are a lot of good players on this list that could have placed in the top five and that may have higher NFL Draft potential.  Luke Joeckel is a first round prospect, Gabe Ikard has had an outstanding college career, and Travis Frederick's weight room numbers are freakish. Here are the rest of the top 20 offensive linemen in college football for 2012 with their height, weight, and a note on each:

6. C Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma: 6'4 295 lbs, 88 knockdowns on 860 snaps in 2011 according to SoonerSports.com.
7. OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M: 6'6 310 lbs, First round NFL Draft potential at 16 on Mel Kiper's Big Board.
8. OG Travis Frederick Wisconsin: 6'4 328 lbs, school record 770-lb squat & benchs around 500 lbs. 
9. OG Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina: 6'3 310 lbs, 2012 Phil Steele's All-American First Team.
10. OT Alex Hurst, LSU: 6'6 340 lbs, 71.5 knockdowns in 767 plays in 2011 according to LSUSports.net.
11. OG Chance Warmack, Alabama: 6'3 320 lbs, started 26 straight games.
12. OT Chris Faulk, LSU: 6'6 325 lbs, 500-lb squat & 73.5 knockdowns in 724 snaps in 2011 according to LSUSports.net. 
13. OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M: 6'5 305 lbs, started all 13 games in 2011 & son of Bruce Matthews.
14. OG Alvin Bailey, Arkansas: 6'5 319 lbs, 2011 All SEC Second Team (Coaches), 440-lb bench press & 555-lb squat.
15. C Dalton Freeman, Clemson: 6'5 285 lbs, 36 career starts & 2012 Rimington Award Watch List. 
16. OG Larry Warford, Kentucky: 6'3 336 lbs, 1 QB sack & graded 87.5 percent in 2011 according to NFLDraftScout.com.
17. OG Blaize Foltz, TCU: 6'4 310 lbs, 2011 All MWC First Team, posted 580-lb bench press & 800-lb squat.
18. C Khaled Holmes, USC: 6'4 305 lbs, 2011 All Pac-12 Second Team.
19. OG Mason Walters, Texas: 6'6 315 lbs, started 25 games in a row at right guard.
20. OG Marcus Martin, USC: 6'3 325 lbs, 2011 Freshman All-American First Team by various publications.

Honorable Mention: OG Lane Taylor Oklahoma State (6'3 328 lbs), OT Oday Aboushi Virginia (6'6 310 lbs), OG Braden Hansen BYU (6'6 313 lbs), C Braxston Cave* Notre Dame (6'3 304 lbs), OT Morgan Moses Virginia (6'6 336 lbs), OG Chris McDonald Michigan State (6'5 299 lbs), OG Carson York Oregon (6'5 284 lbs), and OT Cameron Fleming Stanford (6'6 308 lbs). *Cave benchs 520 lbs.

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After a 11-2 season with a Sugar Bowl victory, you would think that the Michigan Wolverines would be receiving more preseason hype in 2012. The past failure during the tenure of Rich Rodriguez has brought caution to a once consistently successful program. Despite the lack of noise about this year's team, the Wolverines should duplicate the success of last season and have a chance to do more in just the second season under head coach Brady Hoke. 

Michigan's schedule is slightly more difficult this year. The Wolverines have the 32nd toughest schedule according to the CFU strength of schedule rankings and are ranked at 26 for opponent win-loss percent, but Phil Steele has their schedule rated fourth which also takes into account home and away games. They have to play Alabama, Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Ohio State away from home. But they do play Michigan State in the Big House this year which was one of the two teams that defeated them last season. 

The experienced players and new talent should be able to handle the more difficult season to at least replicate a similar one as last. They return 16 starters and plugged in well with recruiting. There have been back to back solid recruiting classes for Michigan including the rated seven class for 2012 according to Yahoo Rivals. The Wolverines recruited highly rated five star offensive lineman Kyle Kalis and five star defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins to fill needed vacancies. 

Dual threat quarterback Denard Robinson (3,349 total yards & 36 total TDs) returns along with running back Fitzgerald Touissaint (1,041 rush yards) . Some naysayers doubt Robinson's ability especially as a passer, but his exceptional speed and running capability makes him an instant weapon on the field. At times, he throws good, but does seem to get out of sorts when there is too much on his plate to handle. However in order to win, the team needs to continue with their strong running game and top notch defense which ranked sixth in points allowed per game in 2011. The Michigan defense may be the best since 2006 including the well recruited new talent along with experienced linebackers and secondary led by senior safety Jordan Kovacs.

With Michigan's schedule, a couple of big wins could vault them into the national championship discussion, but if a couple trip ups do happen, a double digit win season is still a reasonable expectation along with a chance at either the Rose Bowl or another BCS Bowl. "Experts" should not discount the Wolverines just because of their schedule. Look at LSU in 2011, they played eight ranked teams before their berth in the BCS championship game. Michigan's schedule is no pansy either, but it is not the gauntlet that the Tigers had to endure. 


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Other information posted after the top 5 summary & team rankings including SOS, recruiting, coaching changes, and more. 

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. 

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

Alabama is again reloaded full of talent for the 2012 season. The Crimson Tide led the Yahoo Rivals Recruiting Rankings for 2012 and new highly rated running back T.J. Yeldon was impressive in the spring game leading the White team to a 24-15 victory over the Crimson. He had 88 yards rushing and 91 yards receiving in front of 78,526 fans in attendance.  Returning starting QB AJ McCarron was 29 of 42 for 304 yards, but was intercepted three times on the losing end for the Crimson. Alabama brings back just five starters on defense, but they recruited strong with nine 4 stars and one 5 star just on defense according to Yahoo Rivals. Sophomore linebacker Adrian Hubbard had a beast of a game with seven tackles including three sacks and four tackles for loss totaling 42 yards for loss. 

Florida State has plenty of talent as well with 18 starters returning and another highly rated recruiting class. The Seminoles have the sixth ranked recruiting class for 2012 according to Yahoo Rivals. The Garnet led by last year's back up QB Clint Trickett defeated the Gold 35-20. Last season's starter E.J. Manuel was the quarterback for the Gold and was inconsistent throughout finishing with 28 of 51 for 255 yards and two touchdowns, but he was sacked three times and threw two interceptions with one being a pick-six. For the Garnet, Trickett threw a 70 yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage on a long ball to Greg Dent. He completed 12 of 23 passes for 173 yards and added another touchdown pass in the third quarter. The other back up QB Jacob Coker completed 8 of 11 for 137 yards. 

Brady Hoke appears to have Michigan on the right track in his second season as head coach of the Wolverines after leading them to a 11-2 record last season and bringing in the seventh ranked recruiting class for 2012 according to Yahoo Rivals.  They also bring back 16 returning starters with an experienced defense and their star QB Denard Robinson returning. He did not see much playing time in the Spring game so that they could give the back ups more playing time. Thomas Rawls, no. 2 running back behind Fitzgerald Toussaint, had a good outing with 39 yards on nine carries with a pair of touchdowns.  The Blue team defeated the White 17-0, but the Blue was offense only and the White was defense only. The defense had a solid outing including sophomore cornerback Blake Countless' interception of back up QB Devin Gardner on his first pass of the day. 

LSU's Spring game was not televised, but there were approximately 33,000 fans in attendance according to LSUSports.Net. Junior QB Zach Mettenberger which transferred from Georgia led all passers completing 14 of 25 for 270 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. One of his scores was a 49 yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr at the beginning of the second quarter. Mettenberger is a long range bomber, but according to Michael Moraitis of Bleacher Report, he is not the Tigers' QB of the future. However, it appears he will be the starter for 2012 and he has a much stronger arm than the quarterbacks from last season. It will depend on his decision making ability in order for him to be successful. The Tigers have 14 returning starters and brought in the 18th ranked recruiting class according to Yahoo Rivals which is their lowest recruiting rank since 2005. 

There will be another Spring game update posted on the blog after April and make sure to check out the CFU Facebook page for videos and posts on other spring games.

Teams that already played Spring games:
ACC-Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wake Forest. 
Big 10- Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, and Purdue, *Nebraska’s Spring game was cancelled due to the weather. 
Big 12- Baylor, Iowa State, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, and Texas Tech.
C-USA- East Carolina, Houston, Memphis, Rice, Southern Miss, Tulane, Tulsa, UCF, and UTEP.
MAC-Temple
Independents- Navy, Army, and BYU.
Big East- Cincinnati, Louisville, Pitt, and USF
MWC- Boise St, Fresno State, and San Diego State. *Air Force did not schedule a Spring game.
Pac-12- Arizona, Colorado, Stanford, and USC. Cal did not schedule a Spring game.
SEC- Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt/
Sun Belt- Arkansas State, FAU, Middle Tennesse, and Western Kentucky. 
WAC- Louisiana Tech, San Jose St, and Texas St. 

Teams that have not played their Spring games yet:
ACC- Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State, and Virginia Tech.
Big 10- Michigan St, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin.
Big 12- Kansas, Kansas St, Oklahoma St, and West Virginia.
C-USA- Marshall, SMU, and UAB.
MAC- Akron, Ball St, Northern Illinois, and Ohio. 
Independents- Notre Dame
Big East- Rutgers, Syracuse, and Uconn.
MWC- Colorado St and Wyoming
Pac-12- Arizona St, Oregon, Oregon St, Utah, Washington, and Washington State.
SEC- Arkansas, Mississippi St, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
WAC- Idaho and New Mexico St.

YouTube Videos:
Alabama A-Day Spring Game Recap 2012

Garnet defeats Gold 35-20 in 2012 FSU Spring Game

Michigan Spring Game Highlights 2012

LSU Spring Game