What’s the logical thing to do right after a new college football champion is crowned? Look ahead to next year, of course. The cycle never stops, and even Ed Orgeron is straight back out on the road recruiting to keep LSU’s momentum going into next season. If Coach O is still grinding and looking ahead to the 2020 season, there’s no reason we can’t, either.
Who stands out as a possible title contender in 2020? Here are the five early favorites ranked.
5. Georgia
As has typically been the case under Kirby Smart, Georgia will be in the mix. Most of the defense returns, though they will have to adequately replace NFL-bound quarterback Jake Fromm, and may have a favorite in transfer Jamie Newman. They have a trip to Alabama to contend with in September, and in the SEC, they can only afford one loss. The good news is Georgia is expected to turn in another elite recruiting class, keeping a steady stream of talented players coming in and ensuring title contention for at least a few more years.
4. LSU
It would be a major mistake to count out the newly-crowned champions, though Ed Orgeron has some serious challenges awaiting him this offseason. The biggest one is replacing Heisman winner Joe Burrow at quarterback, a role that will likely go to Myles Brennan. LSU’s schedule is tough with road games against Florida and Auburn, but they’re bringing in a top-five recruiting class. The other issue is their offensive scheme may need some tweaks with Joe Brady leaving for the NFL.
3. Ohio State
Still peerless in the Big Ten, Ohio State brings in another solid recruiting class. Plus, crucially, they are one of only two teams on this list who can say they will be bringing back their quarterback. Justin Fields will be back, and that alone makes the Buckeyes contenders. If they can replace the numerous losses their defense will suffer, they’ll be tough to beat. Expect them to do just that — Ohio State always manages to do so.
2. Alabama
Every time Alabama’s dynasty looks to be on the verge of crumbling, Nick Saban finds a way to resuscitate it. We’re betting he’ll do so again in 2020, and we already saw a hint of it in the team’s bowl game. Still, there are questions here. Mac Jones, Taulia Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young will battle for the right to succeed Tua Tagovailoa as Alabama’s starting quarterback. But key defenders, chiefly Dylan Moses, are set to return. Alabama always has NFL talent and recruits at a very high level. Those two factors have not changed, ensuring that, like it or not, the Tide will be back in the title picture next year.
1. Clemson
Dabo Swinney’s program is built to last. Trevor Lawrence will be the most accomplished quarterback left in the college ranks next season, and he’ll be joined by the country’s top recruiting class. Clemson has work to do replacing a lot of key players, but Swinney has shown a Saban-like ability to do that in recent seasons. Add in a rather forgiving schedule — their toughest game is likely to be on the road to Notre Dame — and there’s no reason Clemson can’t get back to the top of the pile in 2020. With Lawrence at the helm, they’ll be tough to dislodge.
