Seven Southeastern Conference teams are in NCAA.com’s Preseason Top 25 for the 2020 college football season.
Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Florida and Auburn are all in the top 10. Texas A&M is also in the top 20.
Kentucky did no make the cut.
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Here’s a look at the top 5:
1. Clemson (14-1 in 2019)
This was set regardless of what happened in New Orleans. QB Trevor Lawrence could be the clear Heisman favorite going into 2020, plus he’ll get to throw to Justyn Ross. And in big news, RB Travis Etienne, the Tigers’ all-time leading rusher, said he’s coming back for 2020. There will also be turnover on the offensive line and with losing key defensive standouts, but DC Brent Venables will keep this a powerful unit. The incredible recruiting class will help.
2. Ohio State (13-1)
The Buckeyes won’t have J.K. Dobbins anymore, but OSU will continue to have a potent ground game (Master Teague) and a dynamic QB in Justin Fields (51 total touchdowns in 2019). The defense will lose star Chase Young and others, but CB Shaun Wade is among those returning. Circle Sept. 12: Ohio State goes to Oregon.
3. Alabama (11-2)
Tua Tagovailoa is gone, but the offense should still be among the nation’s best — no matter which player lines up at QB. Mac Jones passed for 327 yards and three touchdowns in the bowl win vs. Michigan, plus there’s 5-star QB Bryce Young. On defense, linebacker Dylan Moses returns after missing last season with a torn ACL.
4. LSU (15-0)
Yes, Heisman winner Joe Burrow is headed to the NFL after a historic senior season, with Myles Brennan possibly taking over for head coach Ed Orgeron. Plus Biletnikoff winner Ja’Marr Chase will be back in Death Valley. However, LSU will lose DC Dave Aranda, who’s left to become the Baylor head coach.
5. Georgia (12-2)
UGA loses a bunch of stars, from QB Jake Fromm and RB D’Andre Swift to its experienced offensive linemen. But when it comes to talent, Georgia will again be up there among Clemson, Alabama and Ohio State. The Bulldogs got a boost with Wake Forest transfer QB Jamie Newman picking UGA. The Dawgs will also again have one of the top defenses in the country.
