Alabama, fresh off its fifth national championship since 2009 under Nick Saban and second title of the College Football Playoff era, is once again the preseason No. 1 team heading into the year. On Monday, the first AP Top 25 was released, and for third-straight year that poll will lead with the Tide at the top. Clemson checked in at No. 2 and received 18 of the remaining 19 first-place votes. Wisconsin, at No. 4, also received a first-place vote. Georgia splits those two at No. 3 after finishing as the national runner-up a season ago, and Ohio State rounds out the top five. AP Top 25 poll<doc-sep>(CLICK HERE, if you are unable to view this photo gallery on your mobile device.) Aug. 21 update: The AP rankings have been added below for comparative purposes … Our AP ballots were due Monday, with a fairly significant caveat: Voters will have the option to make revisions in the event of news on Urban Meyer’s job status, but only until Wednesday. At that point, the AP has production deadlines in order to meet the release date for the preseason poll (Aug. 20). OSU’s position below reflects the midpoint between where I would slot the Buckeyes with Meyer on the sideline (top five) and with an interim coach for the entire season (10-15 range). Three key points on the ballot in general: * As always, the preseason ballot is a projection of where I expect the teams to finish, not an assessment of the situation as it stands now, midway through training camp. During evaluations, significant weight was assigned to quarterback play, experience on the lines of scrimmage and the schedule, including the cross-division rotations. Noteworthy misses include Alabama-Georgia, Clemson-Miami, Ohio State-Wisconsin and Washington-USC. * Yes, I picked a few sleepers — the only certainty to the season is the unexpected. (UCF didn’t receive a single vote last year in either the AP or Coaches preseason polls; Florida State was No. 3 in both.) The trick, of course, is picking the right sleepers. A 50 percent hit rate is perfectly respectable. * My in-season ballot will be published on the Hotline each Sunday morning (PT), with the exception of the Week One delay for the Labor Day schedule. Also considered (in no particular order): Oklahoma State, Northwestern, South Carolina, Iowa State, Boston College, Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Navy, West Virginia, LSU, Kansas State, Toledo, Utah, Mississippi State, Iowa and Memphis. 1. Alabama (AP ranking: 1): Gave serious thought to placing Clemson in the top spot, but the Crimson Tide’s schedule (no Georgia, no Florida, Auburn at home and LSU in a down cycle) is mildly challenging, at best. The defense will have seven or eight new starters. If only a few of them had potential, the Tide might have a chance to make something of its season. 2. Clemson (AP: 2): Slotted the Tigers fourth in my early (January) forecast, but that was before knowing the entire defensive line would return. Combine a front for the ages with experience in the back seven and the offensive line — not to mention quarterback Kelly Bryant — and Clemson is a CFP frontrunner. 3. Wisconsin (AP: 4): With so much attention on the chaos at Ohio State, it’s easy to overlook the drama-free Badgers and their terrific tandem of quarterback Alex Hornibrook and tailback Jonathan Taylor. The first-class offensive line returns intact, and the schedule is favorable. If the defense is merely solid, Wisconsin should contend for a playoff berth regardless of developments in Columbus. 4. Miami (AP: 8): Expecting the Canes and their 14 returning starters to handle LSU in the opener and then roll into the Florida State showdown undefeated. The Clemson cross-division miss sets up an ACC title game with a semifinal berth at stake. Mark Richt won nine games in his first year in Coral Gables and 10 in his second. He’ll get to 11 this season. 5. Georgia (AP: 3): The Dawgs lost a load of talent but return more than enough to keep their momentum alive and contend for another CFP berth. Quarterback Jake Fromm is back, as is most of the offensive line and all but one of the top receivers. (There is never a shortage of tailbacks in Athens.) We’re figuring on a few early rough patches for the defense, and the schedule is sneaky-tough. 6. Michigan State (AP: 11): The Hotline correctly pegged the Spartans’ upside surprise last season, but there’s no overlooking them this fall: 19 starters return, including quarterback Brian Lewerke, from a team that won 10 games and beat Michigan and Penn State. Only a brutal division can stop MSU from making a serious playoff run. 7. Washington (AP: 6): The best blend of talent and experience in the Pac-12, particularly on the lines of scrimmage and the defensive backfield. A victory over Auburn in the opener would vault UW into the CFP race, but navigating the Pac-12 with fewer than two losses will be tricky. 8. Ohio State (AP: 5): If Meyer coaches, the semifinals are well within reach despite a schedule that includes road/neutral site tangles with TCU, Penn State and Michigan State. If Meyer isn’t on the sideline, OSU could fall to the second tier. He means that much. 9. Oregon (AP: 24): Sleeper No. 1. With one of the top quarterbacks in the country (Justin Herbert), a veteran offensive line, experienced defense (seven returning starters), established coordinators and a favorable schedule — no USC; Stanford and Washington at home — the Ducks should jump back onto the national stage. 10. Penn State (AP: 10): Top 10 in the nation but only the third- or fourth-best team in the Big Ten East. Without Saquon Barkley, the burden falls heavily on quarterback Trace McSorley. His line and wideouts are good enough to win the division, but we’re skeptical of the defense. The Nittany Lions lost eight starters, including the entire secondary. 11. Oklahoma (AP: 7): Rare is the team that loses a quarterback of Baker Mayfield’s talent and is able to maintain playoff-level performance. (Clemson did it in the post-Deshaun Watson season, but OU doesn’t have the Tigers’ defense.) The Sooners will take a half-step back, and perhaps even a full one, in coach Lincoln Riley’s second year. 12. UCF (AP: 21): Everything will be different for the Knights, not only because of the new coach (Josh Heupel) and nine new starters but because of the expectations generated by their 13-0 record and (comical) claims on the national title. At least quarterback Milton McKenzie is back to guide UCF through what should be a fascinating season. 13. TCU (AP: 16): Initial assessment of the Frogs (in January) was lukewarm, but a thorough summer inspection prompted an elevated position: Experience, playmakers and schedule all align for a first-rate season. Taking one out of two in the September back-to-back against Ohio State (neutral) and Texas (road) is essential. 14. Auburn (AP: 9): The Tigers typically follow a superior season with a forgettable one, but the pieces are in place to build on the 2017 success with quarterback Jarrett Stidham and a loaded front seven. The SEC rotation does them no favors, however, with Georgia and Alabama on the road in the final weeks. 15. Boise State (AP: 22): With 10 returning starters on defense, senior quarterback Brett Rypien and a trip to Oklahoma State providing the fuel, the Broncos are set for their best season of the Bryan Harsin era. A few quality non-conference wins by other teams in the MW would help their cause by elevating the conference’s rep. 16. Michigan (AP: 14): It’s Year Four of the Harbaugh era, the year the Wolverines have been pointing to since his arrival. They have a talented quarterback (Shea Patterson, from Ole Miss) and 17 returning starters, but the schedule is ridiculous: Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State on the road; Wisconsin and Penn State at home. 17. Florida (AP: Not Ranked): Sleeper No. 2. Projection is based on Dan Mullen’s skills as a play caller and his comfort level in Gainesville; the presence of 18 returning starters, including the entire offensive line; a wide-open division (beyond the top spot); and a schedule that’s made for an upside surprise. The Gators won four games last year; expect them to double that total, at least, this fall. 18. Stanford (AP: 13): Tailback Bryce Love, quarterback K.J. Costello and a stacked line make this one of Stanford’s most talented offenses of the David Shaw era, but the Cardinal will have to average 35 or 40 points if the defensive flaws (line and backfield) aren’t resolved. Even years are typically difficult for Stanford with trips to Seattle, Eugene and South Bend. 19. Virginia Tech (AP: 21): Coach Justin Fuente has won at least nine games in each of the past four seasons (two at Memphis, two at VaTech). No reason to expect anything less from his Hokies this fall with several options at quarterback, including 2017 starter Joshua Jackson. The schedule, albeit challenging, does not include Clemson. 20. Florida Atlantic (AP: Not Ranked): Sleeper No. 3. Like him or despise him, Lane Kiffin is a competent coach, and his Owls are positioned for another 10-win season (or better). If the season unfolds in that fashion and he stays out of trouble with his mouth, Kiffin will be coaching somewhere in the Power Five in 2019. Related Articles Pac-12 mulling a revised football schedule: November is the key to closing the gap with the SEC Will AT&T walk away (and take DirecTV with it)? Updating the negotiations with the Pac-12 Networks Comparing Pac-12 revenue distributions to Power Five peers: Bad and getting worse (as the Big Ten cashes in) The future of Pac-12 football in two words: Vegas, baby (the Hotline plan’s to make Las Vegas the centerpiece for two major events) Back from vacation? Here’s what you might have missed on the Pac-12 Hotline 21. Notre Dame (AP: 12): I’ll admit to waffling on the Irish. They’ve recruited well, have an experienced roster and play only four true road games. But is Brandon Wimbush the answer behind a rebuilt line? And the schedule … it’s difficult and potentially grueling if two or three teams prove better the anticipated. 22. USC (AP: 15): Speaking of schedules: No team faces a more difficult September than the Trojans, who face Stanford, Texas and Arizona on the road in the opening month. Good thing they have a veteran quarterback to navigate enemy turf, err … Sure, much of the season hinges on the play of rookie JT Daniels, but not all of it. The roster is loaded everywhere else. 23. Texas (AP: 23): The Hotline whiffed on UT last season, expecting a bit more than the Longhorns provided in Tom Herman’s first season. I’ll take the mulligan and figure on eight or nine wins and a clear indication of ascent. Aiding the momentum: Most of their toughest game are at home. 24. Arizona (AP: Not Ranked): Coach Kevin Sumlin stepped into a favorable situation with a gifted quarterback, veteran defense and highly-manageable schedule. Don’t discount the Wildcats, who miss Stanford and Washington and get USC and Oregon at home, as a contender in the South if Khalil Tate develops his pocket efficiency. 25. Florida State (AP: 19): Wasn’t overly impressed by Willie Taggart’s in-game tactics last season in Eugene, and that could be an issue any of the four or five weeks the Seminoles face an opponent with high-level talent. Wouldn’t be surprised by either extreme: a top-10 season, or a bellyflop. Ranked teams not on my ballot: No. 17 West Virginia, No. 18 Mississippi State and No. 25 LSU. Why we need your support: Like so many other providers of local journalism across the country, the Hotline’s parent website, mercurynews.com, recently moved to a subscription model. A few Hotline stories will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. The good news for Hotline faithful: I’ve secured a discount: 12 cents per day for 12 months. Click here to subscribe. And thanks for your loyalty. Get Pac-12 Conference news in your inbox with the Pac-12 Hotline newsletter Sign Up *** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com *** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.<doc-sep>
College football’s worst kept offseason secret is finally out. Defending national champion Alabama is ranked No. 1 in Monday’s Associated Press Preseason Top 25, the third consecutive season and fifth time since 2010 the Crimson Tide have started the season in the top spot. Garnering 42 of 61 first-place votes in the preseason, Alabama is the only team in the College Football Playoff era to appear in the final four every year since inception. Nick Saban is one national championship away from eclipsing Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant’s mark for most all-time with seven and his team is the Vegas frontrunner to repeat. Behind Alabama inside the Top 5 is Clemson, Georgia, Wisconsin and Ohio State, respectively. Alabama and Clemson have met head-to-head three consecutive years in the Playoff, twice in the national championship game. Washington, Oklahoma, Auburn, Miami and Penn State round out the Top 10. The UCF Knights, who currently hold the nation’s longest winning streak at 13 games, come in at No. 21 with first-year head coach Josh Heupel. UCF is the highest-ranked Group of 5 team, followed by Boise State. The SEC and Big Ten lead college football with five nationally-ranked teams. At least from the outset, the Big Ten East appears to be the nation’s toughest division boasting four teams inside the Top 15. Preseason AP Top 25 Poll 1) Alabama (42 first-place votes) 2) Clemson (18) 3) Georgia 4) Wisconsin (1) 5) Ohio State 6) Washington 7) Oklahoma 8) Miami 9) Auburn 10) Penn State 11) Michigan State 12) Notre Dame 13) Stanford 14) Michigan 15) USC 16) TCU 17) West Virginia 18) Mississippi St. 19) Florida State 20) Virginia Tech 21) UCF 22) Boise State 23) Texas 24) Oregon 25) LSU Receiving votes: South Carolina 96, Florida 68, Utah 60, Oklahoma St. 51, FAU 38, Arizona 28, NC State 22, Texas A&M 21, Boston College 18, Northwestern 13, Kansas St. 10, Iowa St. 8, Houston 6, Memphis 3, Troy 2, Iowa 2, Kentucky 1, Arkansas St. 1, Fresno St. 1. Poll methodology, per AP: The AP Top 25 is determined by a simple points system based on how each voter ranks college football's best teams. A team receives 25 points for each first place vote, 24 for second place and so on through to the 25th team, which receives one point. The rankings are set by listing the teams' point totals from highest to lowest. Poll history, per AP: The Associated Press began its college football poll on Oct. 19, 1936, and it is now the longest-running poll of those that award national titles at the end of the season. The preseason poll was started in 1950. A panel of 61 sports writers and broadcasters from around the country votes on the poll weekly. All of the voters have an extensive background in covering college football. Alabama's ten AP national titles lead the way, with Notre Dame sitting second with eight.