Thomas Williams
So far I want my money back and my friend just told me. "Alabama has a REAL football coach who holds a command over all he does for his football team.
LSU has only a hack for a football coach.
Les is more at LSU."
So I couldn't truly reply with a valid argument other than to say let's see what happens in 2016. Where LSU will be competing after recruiting LSU's very best recruiting class even.
And also see if Brandon Harris has truly caught on playing QB for LSU so Les Miles can have an honest shot to become a winning head college football coach with another National championship again.
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The Tigers, who were the only unbeaten FBS team during the regular season, are No. 1 in the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25, followed by Alabama, Baylor and Michigan.
The first Way-Too-Early Top 25 includes six teams from the Pac-12 (four from the North Division), five from the SEC and four each from the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12.
Here's the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25:
2015 record: 14-1, 8-0 ACC
Returning starters: 8 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: DE Shaq Lawson, G Eric Mac Lain, RT Joe Gore, WR Charone Peake, DT D.J. Reader, LB B.J. Goodson
Outlook: The Tigers look built to last, having won more than 10 games in each of the past five seasons and reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season. The Tigers have to replace a couple of key pieces on both lines of scrimmage, especially All-America defensive end Shaq Lawson, but they had nine new starting linemen in 2015. With quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back, they'll have a chance to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. Clemson's schedule will be more than manageable if it can survive a road game at Florida State.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2016, check out Clemson's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 14-1, 7-1 SEC
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Jake Coker, C Ryan Kelly, DE Jarran Reed, LB Reggie Ragland, CB Cyrus Jones
Outlook: The Crimson Tide are losing a ton of talent on defense, along with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who was named Georgia's coach. But when hasn't Nick Saban reloaded on that side of the ball? He hired former Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to replace Smart. The bigger question might be whether freshman Blake Barnett is ready to take the controls of the offense in 2016. He may have to do so without Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, who is probably turning pro early. Alabama opens the season against USC in Arlington, Texas, and also plays SEC road games at Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU.
For more on how the Crimson Tide will look in 2016, check out Alabama's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big 12
Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Corey Coleman, OT Spencer Drango, DE Shawn Oakman, LB Grant Campbell, DE Jamal Palmer, CB Xavien Howard
Outlook: The Bears will have to replace much of their offense this coming season; four starting linemen are leaving and star receiver Corey Coleman is turning pro. Baylor coach Art Briles proved once again in 2015 that he'll find ways to move the ball and score points, no matter the circumstances. Quarterbacks Seth Russell (neck) and Jarrett Stidham (ankle) should be back from injuries, along with tailback Shock Linwood (foot). On defense, the Bears might lose all four starting linemen if junior nose tackle Andrew Billings turns pro. Once again, Baylor's nonconference schedule isn't demanding, but the Bears will have to survive a Big 12 road game at Oklahoma.
For more on how the Bears will look in 2016, check out Baylor's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 Big Ten
Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: C Graham Glasgow, QB Jake Rudock, LB Desmond Morgan, LB Joe Bolden, LB James Ross, FS Jarrod Wilson
Outlook: After a five-win improvement in Jim Harbaugh's first season at his alma mater, the Wolverines might be the team to beat in the Big Ten in 2016. Michigan will bring back almost everybody on offense, although losing quarterback Jake Rudock and center Graham Glasgow is significant. Houston transfer John O'Korn might be the top candidate to replace Rudock. Defensively, Michigan will have to replace its entire linebacker corps, but its defensive line figures to be one of the country's best. New defensive coordinator Don Brown led one of the stingiest defenses in the FBS at Boston College this past season. Michigan plays eight home games this coming season, but three of its road games -- at Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State -- should be tough.
For more on how the Wolverines will look in 2016, check out Michigan's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big 12
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Sterling Shepard, C Ty Darlington, LB/DE Eric Striker, DE Charles Tapper, CB Zack Sanchez, LB Dominique Alexander
Outlook: The Sooners recovered from a disappointing 8-5 campaign in 2014 by winning the Big 12 and reaching the College Football Playoff this past season. They'll lose some firepower and leadership on defense, especially Striker, who was the team's emotional leader and best pass-rusher. With quarterback Baker Mayfield and tailbacks Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon coming back, the Sooners should again be explosive. Their nonconference schedule is daunting with a road trip to Houston and a home game against Ohio State.
For more on how the Sooners will look in 2016, check out Oklahoma's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC
Returning starters: 11 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, DT Nile Lawrence-Stample, LB Reggie Northrup, LB Terrance Smith, FS Lamarcus Brutus, QB Everett Golson, K Roberto Aguayo
Outlook: After winning a national championship in 2013 and reaching the College Football Playoff in '14, it was a bit of a rebuilding campaign for the Seminoles this past season. But FSU might be ready to challenge Clemson in the ACC, especially with every starter expected back on offense. The biggest question heading into spring practice: Can redshirt freshman Deondre Francois challenge quarterback Sean Maguire for the starting job? On defense, the Seminoles will have to replace two starting linebackers and two starting defensive backs. FSU opens the 2016 season against Ole Miss in Orlando, Florida, and it will also play Clemson and North Carolina at home during ACC play.
For more on how the Seminoles will look in 2016, check out Florida State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 9-3, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Vadal Alexander, LB Lamar Louis, LB Deion Jones, FS Jalen Mills, OT Jerald Hawkins
Outlook: After surviving an attempted coup, Tigers coach Les Miles probably knows his team is going to have to challenge Alabama in the SEC West if he's going to keep his job. He took a big step in doing that by hiring Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Miles also seems intent on keeping offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, even after the Tigers ranked 111th in the FBS in passing yards (173.1) and 57th in scoring (30.7). Of course, having Leonard Fournette gives LSU a chance to beat anybody it plays. The Tigers will open 2016 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, and they'll play home games against Ole Miss and Alabama.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2016, check out LSU's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 12-2, 8-1 Pac-12
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Kevin Hogan, OT Kyle Murphy, G Joshua Garnett, TE Austin Hooper, LB Blake Martinez, DE Aziz Shittu, FS Kodi Whitfield
Outlook: What more does Stanford's David Shaw need to do to be considered among the most elite coaches in the country? He has led the Cardinal to three Rose Bowls and one Fiesta Bowl in his first five seasons as coach. The Cardinal will have to replace a couple of key offensive linemen and quarterback Kevin Hogan this coming season, but Heisman Trophy runner-up Christian McCaffrey will be back to make fans' jaws drop again. Defensively, the Cardinal will have to replace leading tackler Blake Martinez and two starters in the secondary. The Pac-12 schedule includes road trips to UCLA, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Cal, as well as a nonconference trip to Notre Dame.
For more on how the Cardinal will look in 2016, check out Stanford's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 10-3
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Ronnie Stanley, C Nick Martin, WR Will Fuller, RB C.J. Prosise, WR Amir Carlisle, DL Sheldon Day, LB Joe Schmidt, LB Jaylon Smith, CB KeiVarae Russell
Outlook: The Fighting Irish must replace some key skill players on offense, especially after receiver Fuller and tailback Prosise left early for the NFL draft. The good news: A boatload of players are coming back from injuries that forced them to miss most of 2015, including quarterback Malik Zaire, tailback Tarean Folston and tight end Durham Smythe. There are also heavy personnel losses on a defense that needs to improve, including Russell and Smith, who have both declared for the draft.
Notre Dame will play only three true road games (at Texas, NC State and USC) in 2016, along with neutral-site games against Syracuse, Navy and Army.
For more on how the Fighting Irish will look in 2016, check out Notre Dame's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2015 record: 13-1, 7-1 AAC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Alex Cooper, OT Carter Wall, WR Demarcus Ayers, RB Kenneth Farrow, LB Elandon Roberts, SS Adrian McDonald, FS Trevon Stewart, CB William Jackson III, CB Lee Hightower
Outlook: The Cougars stunned Florida State 38-24 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to cap a remarkable season in 2015, but their biggest upset might have been keeping first-year coach Tom Herman. With Herman and quarterback Greg Ward Jr. coming back, the Cougars might be on the verge of even bigger things this coming season. Top receiver Demarcus Ayers is leaving early for the NFL draft, and both starting offensive tackles and top tailback Kenneth Farrow are also departing.
The UH defense will have to replace three starters in the secondary and three of its top four tacklers. The Cougars will open the season against Oklahoma at NRG Stadium in Houston, and they'll play AAC road games at Cincinnati, Memphis and Navy.
For more on how the Cougars will look in 2015, check out Houston's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
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Clemson, Alabama lead the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25
8:51 AM ET
GLENDALE,
Ariz. -- Alabama and Clemson played in the College Football Playoff
National Championship presented by AT&T on Monday night, and the
Crimson Tide and Tigers will be favorites to return to the playoff this
coming season.
Mark SchlabachESPN Senior Writer
The Tigers, who were the only unbeaten FBS team during the regular season, are No. 1 in the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25, followed by Alabama, Baylor and Michigan.
Editor's Picks
Way-Too-Early Top 25: Recruiting primer
As signing day nears, 2015's top teams look to secure their incoming classes. RecruitingNation offers a sneak peek at how the teams in Mark Schlabach's Way-Too-Early Top 25 are faring.
Too-early conference power rankings
The 2015 season is in the books. Here's how the 2016 conference races are shaping up.
5 teams missing from 2016 Too-Early Top 25
Here are five teams that didn't make the cut in Mark Schlabach's Way-Too-Early Top 25, but which should have warranted serious consideration.
The first Way-Too-Early Top 25 includes six teams from the Pac-12 (four from the North Division), five from the SEC and four each from the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12.
Here's the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25:
1. Clemson Tigers
2015 record: 14-1, 8-0 ACCReturning starters: 8 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: DE Shaq Lawson, G Eric Mac Lain, RT Joe Gore, WR Charone Peake, DT D.J. Reader, LB B.J. Goodson
Outlook: The Tigers look built to last, having won more than 10 games in each of the past five seasons and reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season. The Tigers have to replace a couple of key pieces on both lines of scrimmage, especially All-America defensive end Shaq Lawson, but they had nine new starting linemen in 2015. With quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back, they'll have a chance to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. Clemson's schedule will be more than manageable if it can survive a road game at Florida State.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2016, check out Clemson's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.2. Alabama Crimson Tide
2015 record: 14-1, 7-1 SECReturning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Jake Coker, C Ryan Kelly, DE Jarran Reed, LB Reggie Ragland, CB Cyrus Jones
Outlook: The Crimson Tide are losing a ton of talent on defense, along with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who was named Georgia's coach. But when hasn't Nick Saban reloaded on that side of the ball? He hired former Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to replace Smart. The bigger question might be whether freshman Blake Barnett is ready to take the controls of the offense in 2016. He may have to do so without Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, who is probably turning pro early. Alabama opens the season against USC in Arlington, Texas, and also plays SEC road games at Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU.
For more on how the Crimson Tide will look in 2016, check out Alabama's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.3. Baylor Bears
2015 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big 12Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Corey Coleman, OT Spencer Drango, DE Shawn Oakman, LB Grant Campbell, DE Jamal Palmer, CB Xavien Howard
Outlook: The Bears will have to replace much of their offense this coming season; four starting linemen are leaving and star receiver Corey Coleman is turning pro. Baylor coach Art Briles proved once again in 2015 that he'll find ways to move the ball and score points, no matter the circumstances. Quarterbacks Seth Russell (neck) and Jarrett Stidham (ankle) should be back from injuries, along with tailback Shock Linwood (foot). On defense, the Bears might lose all four starting linemen if junior nose tackle Andrew Billings turns pro. Once again, Baylor's nonconference schedule isn't demanding, but the Bears will have to survive a Big 12 road game at Oklahoma.
For more on how the Bears will look in 2016, check out Baylor's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.4. Michigan Wolverines
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 Big TenReturning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: C Graham Glasgow, QB Jake Rudock, LB Desmond Morgan, LB Joe Bolden, LB James Ross, FS Jarrod Wilson
Outlook: After a five-win improvement in Jim Harbaugh's first season at his alma mater, the Wolverines might be the team to beat in the Big Ten in 2016. Michigan will bring back almost everybody on offense, although losing quarterback Jake Rudock and center Graham Glasgow is significant. Houston transfer John O'Korn might be the top candidate to replace Rudock. Defensively, Michigan will have to replace its entire linebacker corps, but its defensive line figures to be one of the country's best. New defensive coordinator Don Brown led one of the stingiest defenses in the FBS at Boston College this past season. Michigan plays eight home games this coming season, but three of its road games -- at Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State -- should be tough.
For more on how the Wolverines will look in 2016, check out Michigan's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.5. Oklahoma Sooners
2015 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big 12Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Sterling Shepard, C Ty Darlington, LB/DE Eric Striker, DE Charles Tapper, CB Zack Sanchez, LB Dominique Alexander
Outlook: The Sooners recovered from a disappointing 8-5 campaign in 2014 by winning the Big 12 and reaching the College Football Playoff this past season. They'll lose some firepower and leadership on defense, especially Striker, who was the team's emotional leader and best pass-rusher. With quarterback Baker Mayfield and tailbacks Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon coming back, the Sooners should again be explosive. Their nonconference schedule is daunting with a road trip to Houston and a home game against Ohio State.
For more on how the Sooners will look in 2016, check out Oklahoma's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.6. Florida State Seminoles
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACCReturning starters: 11 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, DT Nile Lawrence-Stample, LB Reggie Northrup, LB Terrance Smith, FS Lamarcus Brutus, QB Everett Golson, K Roberto Aguayo
Outlook: After winning a national championship in 2013 and reaching the College Football Playoff in '14, it was a bit of a rebuilding campaign for the Seminoles this past season. But FSU might be ready to challenge Clemson in the ACC, especially with every starter expected back on offense. The biggest question heading into spring practice: Can redshirt freshman Deondre Francois challenge quarterback Sean Maguire for the starting job? On defense, the Seminoles will have to replace two starting linebackers and two starting defensive backs. FSU opens the 2016 season against Ole Miss in Orlando, Florida, and it will also play Clemson and North Carolina at home during ACC play.
For more on how the Seminoles will look in 2016, check out Florida State's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.7. LSU Tigers
2015 record: 9-3, 5-3 SECReturning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Vadal Alexander, LB Lamar Louis, LB Deion Jones, FS Jalen Mills, OT Jerald Hawkins
Outlook: After surviving an attempted coup, Tigers coach Les Miles probably knows his team is going to have to challenge Alabama in the SEC West if he's going to keep his job. He took a big step in doing that by hiring Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Miles also seems intent on keeping offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, even after the Tigers ranked 111th in the FBS in passing yards (173.1) and 57th in scoring (30.7). Of course, having Leonard Fournette gives LSU a chance to beat anybody it plays. The Tigers will open 2016 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, and they'll play home games against Ole Miss and Alabama.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2016, check out LSU's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.8. Stanford Cardinal
2015 record: 12-2, 8-1 Pac-12Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Kevin Hogan, OT Kyle Murphy, G Joshua Garnett, TE Austin Hooper, LB Blake Martinez, DE Aziz Shittu, FS Kodi Whitfield
Outlook: What more does Stanford's David Shaw need to do to be considered among the most elite coaches in the country? He has led the Cardinal to three Rose Bowls and one Fiesta Bowl in his first five seasons as coach. The Cardinal will have to replace a couple of key offensive linemen and quarterback Kevin Hogan this coming season, but Heisman Trophy runner-up Christian McCaffrey will be back to make fans' jaws drop again. Defensively, the Cardinal will have to replace leading tackler Blake Martinez and two starters in the secondary. The Pac-12 schedule includes road trips to UCLA, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Cal, as well as a nonconference trip to Notre Dame.
For more on how the Cardinal will look in 2016, check out Stanford's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2015 record: 10-3Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: OT Ronnie Stanley, C Nick Martin, WR Will Fuller, RB C.J. Prosise, WR Amir Carlisle, DL Sheldon Day, LB Joe Schmidt, LB Jaylon Smith, CB KeiVarae Russell
Outlook: The Fighting Irish must replace some key skill players on offense, especially after receiver Fuller and tailback Prosise left early for the NFL draft. The good news: A boatload of players are coming back from injuries that forced them to miss most of 2015, including quarterback Malik Zaire, tailback Tarean Folston and tight end Durham Smythe. There are also heavy personnel losses on a defense that needs to improve, including Russell and Smith, who have both declared for the draft.
Notre Dame will play only three true road games (at Texas, NC State and USC) in 2016, along with neutral-site games against Syracuse, Navy and Army.
For more on how the Fighting Irish will look in 2016, check out Notre Dame's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.10. Houston Cougars
2015 record: 13-1, 7-1 AACReturning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: OT Alex Cooper, OT Carter Wall, WR Demarcus Ayers, RB Kenneth Farrow, LB Elandon Roberts, SS Adrian McDonald, FS Trevon Stewart, CB William Jackson III, CB Lee Hightower
Outlook: The Cougars stunned Florida State 38-24 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to cap a remarkable season in 2015, but their biggest upset might have been keeping first-year coach Tom Herman. With Herman and quarterback Greg Ward Jr. coming back, the Cougars might be on the verge of even bigger things this coming season. Top receiver Demarcus Ayers is leaving early for the NFL draft, and both starting offensive tackles and top tailback Kenneth Farrow are also departing.
The UH defense will have to replace three starters in the secondary and three of its top four tacklers. The Cougars will open the season against Oklahoma at NRG Stadium in Houston, and they'll play AAC road games at Cincinnati, Memphis and Navy.
For more on how the Cougars will look in 2015, check out Houston's recruiting profile
and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.------
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