2010 Preseason College Football Rankings
It is that time of year again, where everyone is speculating about the 2010 preseason college football rankings. Just like we did for the 2009 preseason rankings, we are doing again this year for the college football preseason rankings 2010. I found nine different places posting what they think the rankings should be this year, and have once again added them up to get a good sense for what they will be this year when they are released in August by the AP Poll and USA Today Poll.
So here are the different rankings I could find this year:
National Champions
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Oregon
5. Texas
6. Florida
7. TCU
8. Iowa
9. Nebraska
10. Wisconsin
11. Georgia Tech
12. Southern California
13. Penn State
14. Virginia Tech
15. Miami FL
16. Oklahoma
17. Oregon State
18. Cincinnati
19. North Carolina
20. Arkansas
21. Louisiana State
22. Utah
23. Florida State
24. West Virginia
25. Georgia
Rivals
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Oregon
4. Boise State
5. USC
6. TCU
7. Nebraska
8. Texas
9. Wisconsin
10. Florida
11. Virginia Tech
12. Oklahoma
13. Pittsburgh
14. Iowa
15. Georgia Tech
16. LSU
17. North Carolina
18. Miami
19. Connecticut
20. Oregon State
21. Houston
22. Utah
23. Arkansas
24. Penn State
25. Cincinnati
Bleacher Report
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Iowa
5. Oregon
6. Florida
7. Virginia Tech
8. LSU
9. Texas
10. Nebraska
11. Georgia Tech
12. Cincinnati
13. Penn State
14. Oklahoma
15. Wisconsin
16. Uconn
17. Miami (FL)
18. Arkansas
19. Oregon State
20. Texas Tech
21. TCU
22. Georgia
23. Stanford
24. North Carolina
25. Utah
Mark Schlabach
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Oregon
5. Texas
6. Virginia Tech
7. TCU
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Wisconsin
11. Florida
12. Oklahoma
13. Georgia Tech
14. Cincinnati
15. Pittsburgh
16. Arkansas
17. Miami (FL)
18. LSU
19. Penn State
20. USC
21. Florida State
22. Oregon State
23. Georgia
24. Stanford
25. Navy
Mercury News
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Oregon
5. Miami
6. Virginia Tech
7. Texas Christian
8. Iowa
9. Nebraska
10. USC
11. Georgia Tech
12. Arkansas
13. Wisconsin
14. Texas
15. Florida
16. Houston
17. Oklahoma
18. Tennessee
19. Oregon State
20. Missouri
21. South Carolina
22. North Carolina
23. Arizona
24. Michigan
25. West Virginia
College Football Saturday
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Oregon
4. Boise State
5. Florida
6. TCU
7. Texas
8. Iowa
9. Virginia Tech
10. Miami
11. USC
12. Georgia Tech
13. LSU
14. Wisconsin
15. Oklahoma
16. Nebraska
17. Oregon State
18. South Carolina
19. Arkansas
20. West Virginia
21. Pitt
22. Georgia
23. Cincy
24. Auburn
25. Nevada
Scout
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Ohio State
5. Nebraska
6. Oklahoma
7. Virginia Tech
8. Boise State
9. Wisconsin
10. LSU
11. Oregon
12. Iowa
13. Penn State
14. North Carolina
15. USC
16. Georgia Tech
17. Miami
18. TCU
19. Auburn
20. Georgia
21. West Virginia
22. Florida State
23. Utah
24. Arkansas
25. BYU
Sports Illustrated
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Texas
5. Iowa
6. Oregon
7. TCU
8. Georgia Tech
9. Virginia Tech
10. Wisconsin
11. Florida
12. Penn State
13. Oklahoma
14. Miami (FL)
15. Nebraska
16. Pitt
17. Oregon State
18. North Carolina
19. Cincy
20. Cal
21. Houston
22. Georgia
23. LSU
24. BYU
25. Utah
670 the Score
1. Alabama
2. Boise State
3. Ohio State
4. Oregon
5. Texas
6. TCU
7. Virginia Tech
8. Florida
9. Iowa
10. Nebraska
11. USC
12. Wisconsin
13. Oregon State
14. Oklahoma
15. Arkansas
16. LSU
17. Miami
18. Georgia Tech
19. Pittsburgh
20. North Carolina
21. Penn State
22. California
23. Utah
24. Houston
25. Uconn
Not a bad list. So how did it turn out? Well, as you can guess, Alabama will be all but a unanimous number one pick. I’m a bit surprised Ohio State will be ahead of Boise State, but that is what seems to be the case here. So after combining all of those rankings from independents sources, our actual 2010 college football preseason rankings should look something like this:
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Oregon
5. Texas
6. Florida
7. Virginia Tech
8. Iowa
9. TCU
10. Nebraska
11. Wisconsin
12. Georgia Tech
13. Oklahoma
14. Miami
15. USC
16. LSU
17. Penn State
18. Oregon State
19. Arkansas
20. North Carolina
21. Pitt
22. Cincinnati
23. Georgia
24. Houston
25. Uconn
Others receiving votes: Utah, West Virginia, South Carolina, Florida State, Cal, Auburn, Tennessee, Missouri, Texas Tech, Stanford, Arizona, BYU, Michigan, Navy Midshipmen, Nevada
And there you have it, the future preseason rankings for the 2010 season of college football. Don’t believe me? We nailed 23 out of 25 last year with this formula. Our 22 and 25 turned out to be 28 and 31. So not bad at all. The two we missed we predicted to be 26 and 28. We got the top 5 exactly right and 14 out of the top 15. So you can pretty much take this to the bank, those teams will be ranked within one or two spots of where you see them.
So what do I think about this? There are some overrated and underrated teams for sure. The three most overrated teams are for sure Wisconsin, USC and Cincinnati. I would even say Virginia Tech, Florida and Arkansas are pretty overrated as well. Heck, I would say South Carolina is overrated and I have them at 28. The most underrated teams this year are definitely Uconn, North Carolina and Oregon State (check out our updated post on underrated teams). Uconn lost all of their games last year by 6 or less points. They might have the edge this year to be a 9 or 10 win team, especially with the Big East being a bit down.
I would expect North Carolina to end up being the pride of the ACC. They return pretty much the entire defense of last year, the defense that beat Miami and Virginia Tech. BYU doesn’t look like they will start the season ranked, but they picked up the top quarterback prospect this year in Jake Heaps. If he wins the starting job, the offense will probably only be better considering Max Hall was not good at all. They can prove it on the road at Florida State early.
It will be exciting to see how things turn out. I’m already not a fan of preseason rankings in college football, but they exist so we have to deal with them. This is my best guess as to how they will turn out in August when the real 2010 preseason college football rankings are released.
Comments
So just answer me this? why is it that Texas A&M is not even getting mentioned? they have the best QB arguable in the college football nation in Jerrod Johnson and on of the best LB as well… their defense is stacked with talent and with tailback Cristine Micheals they have solid offense. Now I say Jerrod for Heisman he should of been nominated last year instead of crybaby McCoy however because he doesnt play for a national title or conference championship each year he wasnt. stop going with most liked schools and go with actual talent you all know he deserves the nomination.
Correction, not sure why I though UM got .500 last season, they didn’t … 2008 3-9, 2009 5-7 … oh I see, linear extrapolation, they are sure to be 7-5 next year, definitely a team worthy of preseason top 25 in some polls. Here’s the way their season will go, they will lose 2-3 or the first 6, and at least 4 of the last 6, ouch … another bowl-less season.
Once gain, MSU gets no respect and people actually give UM a preseason ranking while barely getting .500 last season and sub .500 the previous. I am sure they had a nice recruiting class being UM, but they lost significant personnel as well. Maybe MSU beating them for the 3rd straight year and 2nd straight time in the Bigger House will get some respect. LOCHGELLY is right, this offense is going to be very productive and is sure to set at least some MSU records along the way. Def looks to be solid too; if you have a very good off and even a decent def, you tend to win some games. Of course a great def is always the goal, but with our revitalized running attack, they help the def out. UM, you can have your typical preseason over-hype, we’ll talk after the season when you are on our per-bowl board again (since your season will be done with no bowl game again), talking about how good you will be next year.
I agree with Big Ed. Michigan State is WAY underrated. They will be in the top ten by the end of the season.
if iowa rebuilds they’re offensive line they’re gonna win every game and beat alabama in the title game
Russell I can tell you are from Alabama. How do you spell defense? Spelling may not be your strong point, but I bet you can decipher.
My Dearest Bob,
The name calling improves everything, we are men and this is sports not just any sport but college football where we play, debate and defend our turf with passion and hurtful name calling.
Sloppy Joe is the authority of this site- the chief, head-hancho and Alpha male of this cafeteria and anyone who can’t feel that authority pulsing through these pages is with out doubt the epitome of IDIOCY.
So until you are ready to take some pride in your posts I suggest you head back to Canada with your tail between your legs, and maybe when your done playing with dolls think about returning to the most LEGIT site on the web.
yours always,
the rane maker
I’m not sure why everyone has Alabama at ir near No. 1….they lose too much on defense.
Probably Ohio State should be No. 1. Boise? Well, until they play a real schedule they should only be ranked about 10 tops. Seriously…they maybe good but they only play one team all season. Oregon? Not without Masoli.
The real National Champion will probably end up being one of the following….
Virginia Tech, Texas, Wisconsin (yes…believe it or not they’re gonna possibly be THAT good this year)or Florida…
Three teams that are either not ranked or are ranked WAY too low are Florida State West Virgina and Michigan State
With Florida State…with Ponder and everyone back on the offensive line, a new system a new coach, it’s easy to underestimate them. Thomas could rush for 1800 yards this season. I have a feeling that the Seminoles could recapture the old magic.
West Virginia 19 out of 22 starters areback including Devine and Jock Saunders…those two could have 1500 yards a piece this year…and if you haven’t heard of Tavon Austin, Chris Neild and/or J.T. Thomas … then, you will by the end of the year. I think WVU can roll through the Big East…the question is can they beat LSU at LSU? If they do…LOOK OUT!
Michigan State…they have the most explosive offense in the Big Ten. Kirk Cousins has a slew of wideouts and tight ends…so many weapons you can’t name them all. The offensive line will be solid. The RBs Caper and Baker started slow last year but really came on at the end. The surprise though for the Spartans will be their defense. Led by All World Greg Jones, the Spartans D will be tremedously improved as the secondary has been revamped. The D line will be improved and led by last years All Big ten rookie Jerel Worthy. Johnny Adams was redshirted his sophomore year last year and will be back. He’s a lock down corner, and with faster and bigger safteies, last years woes will turn into strengths. (This was fault of Dantonio last year…he stuck with senior Safeties evethough they probably should have sat and been replaced by these RS freshman…oh well that is over and juding from the Spring Game…these guys a REALLy ready to play)Still, it goes back to the offense…anybody who underestimates the Spartans offense is a fool. I expect them to be Top 5 in the country…if so, the Spartans favorable schedule (no Ohio State) could lead to a 10-2 season.
if alabama has a deffence remotly close to last year,then its a repeat, hands down! bama will have one of the best offense, in the country. it will be up to the deffence, which has never been a problem for the tide. Its time for a repeat, and our battle will be within the SEC. roll tide
South Carolina Gamecocks win the SEC East and then edges Arkansas in the Atlanta championship game…….it can happen.
Some of you really should do your research on BSU. They have tried and tried to schedule BCS teams, but no one will take them. Oregon is the only one in the last two years to have the balls to do it, now they never will again.. Oregon State and Virginia Tech will take a shot at it, but no one else wants to play!! Imagine Florida losing to BSU in the first game!! Bye Bye National Championship game!! I think BSU has done everything it can to try and prove they are a worthy opponent. Now it is time for some of the “Big Boys” to play them and test it out. You big schools have nothing to lose if you win right?? Are you afraid if you lose it is over?? Why not play and settle it??
Penn st under estimated again I do thnk they will beat Ohio st and Alabama and will deseerve a higher ranking. We shall see 2nd game of season just how good or bad they are.. JOE Pa can get these guys motivated and they have a great defense as always specila teams will keep them close..
Apparently it appears that once again we will have to endure yet another season of Boise St. being ranked at or near the top. This team mostly plays local high school caliber teams throughout the season which allows them to stay healthy and then only has to play one real game against a worthly opponent. The Oklahoma game was awesome but again proves my point as it was a rare time when we got to see B.S. against a good team. I actually like this team but give me a break; they need to step up and get a real schedule against proven teams – in other words earn it! As always, Ohio State is ranked way too high. Why do the writers like them so much? What have they done lately to earn a top 3 ranking??? Looks like once again we will have to wait for an SEC team to spank them and send them back to “Luck-Eye” land crying…
Arkansas will win 10 games and will go to at least the cotton bowl. Don’t say that Ohio State will be better than the HOGS. That isn’t gonna happen this year. Hogs are the Dark Horse for BCS championship.
I just want to know one thing. Although your formula is a solid one and it all looks good, how can you not put a Solid AUBURN team in the top 25. We have a great offense coming back with a more energetic, athletic QB to run a high powered spread offense master minded by one of todays most high profile OC. Defense is yet to be unseen but stands to be so much better. I definately see a 9-3, 10-2 season ahead with slip ups to propably Alabama, and possibly Arkansas and or Clemson. I think you have made a huge mistake with not projecting them in your list.
I almost thought this site was legit until I read this:
“you are the epitome of IDIOCY when it comes to IDIOTIC fans.”
What does the name calling prove? I don’t get the point of bashing
people on your own forum. Guess you must really feel like you
need to be the authority on all that is said here.
CF fanatic You are proud of the fact that Texas overlooks great players? How many top 5 draft picks did Texas have last year? Oklahoma had 3! Oklahoma has more talent then Texas. Oklahoma was just picked to win the big 12 south. Guess all the big 12 sportswriters agree with me! Nebraska, who was down and out just 3 years ago, beat you guys in the big 12 championship game. Of course, you had the officials add some time to the clock so you could kick a field goal and pretend to win the game. Texas also had the home field advantage(Jerry Jones stadium). Then you got your behind kicked by Alabama! I will bet you a Nebraska cow paddy that you lose to Nebraska in October. I predict Oklahoma-Nebraska in the big 12 championship game.
CF fanatic I meant Texas will never win the national championship until they find another Vince Young.
Navy should be between 25-30 and should break into the top 25 within the first couple of weeks. I would say they are the most underrated on the list, but I am probably biased. I just see them having as good chance of anyone at going undefeated this year…Their toughest game is probably Notre Dame, which is very winnable.



lets all just agree that the (SEC) is the best in college football! and can i get a (GO DAWGS)