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10
Boise State Broncos
2010 record: 12-1 (7-1 WAC)
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)
Key returnees: QB Kellen Moore, RB Doug Martin, S George Iloka, DE Shea McClellin, DT Billy Winn
Spring star: WR Geraldo Hiwat
Spring recap: Last year seemed like Boise State's best chance to crack the national title game, but it's easy to forget how many of the Broncos contributed as freshmen. It feels as if quarterback Kellen Moore and defensive tackle Billy Winn have been in college long enough to be doctors, but they still have one year to go. The Broncos bring back their entire front seven except for defensive end Ryan Winterswyk, and Moore and tailback Doug Martin will lead an offense that must find a way to replace receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis. Boise State will need an undefeated record plus chaos to reach the BCS title game, but the core of this group has won enough games to know that remains a possibility.
11
Ohio State Buckeyes
2010 record: 12-1 (7-1 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 13 (eight offense, five defense)
Key returnees: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Boom Herron, WR DeVier Posey, OT Mike Adams, C Mike Brewster, DE Nathan Williams, LB Tyler Moeller
Spring star: LB Etienne Sabino
Spring recap: Surprised the Buckeyes didn't drop more? With everything swirling around the program now, it's difficult at first blush to believe Ohio State could compete for the Big Ten title. But ask yourself this: Which Big Ten program is better? If Ohio State had a settled coaching situation and if five of its best players weren't suspended for the first five games, it wouldn't be a stretch to rank the Buckeyes No. 1. The decision to make linebackers coach Luke Fickell the interim coach during Jim Tressel's five-game suspension was a wise one. Fickell, an up-and-comer who probably should already be a head coach, has the respect of the team. If things get bumpy early -- on-field because of a depleted lineup or off-field because of Tressel's NCAA trouble -- Fickell won't lose the locker room. This team has plenty of talent. Mike Brewster might be the best center in the country. Tight end Jake Stoneburner is an intriguing weapon as a pass-catcher. Redshirt freshman tailback Rod Smith could be a breakout star with starter Boom Herron suspended. Even if Tressel doesn't return to the sidelines -- a distinct possibility, given the history of the NCAA violation of which Tressel stands accused -- the Buckeyes are in good hands in 2011.
12
Nebraska Cornhuskers
2010 record: 10-4 (6-2 Big 12)
Returning starters: 13 (six offense, seven defense)
Key returnees: QB Taylor Martinez, RB Rex Burkhead, DT Jared Crick, DE Cameron Meredith, LB Lavonte David, CB Alfonzo Dennard
Spring star: WR Jamal Turner
Spring recap: Welcome to the Big Ten, Cornhuskers. For your first conference game, you get to visit Camp Randall Stadium for a night game. For your second, you get to face an Ohio State team returning some of its best players from suspension. But the folks in Big Red country probably aren't worried about that right now. The Bubba Starling watch is on. Will the star quarterback from Gardner, Kan., come to Lincoln to play football, or will he take a fat signing bonus and hit the diamond after he gets selected in the first round of next month's Major League Baseball draft? I'm rooting for Nebraska here, because, frankly, I enjoy typing the name Bubba. If they want to remain optimistic, Nebraska fans probably should avoid watching Boston Red Sox games. The last time a Huskers quarterback recruit faced this scenario, Carl Crawford picked baseball.
Bubba Starling Profile
Source: SI
Bubba Starling, a top baseball and football prospect, talks to SI.com about choosing between the two sports he loves.
13
Arkansas Razorbacks
2010 record: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)
Returning starters: 13 (six offense, seven defense)
Key returnees: RB Knile Davis, WR Greg Childs, WR Joe Adams, WR Jarius Wright, DE Jake Bequette, LB Jerry Franklin, S Tramain Thomas
Spring star: DT Robert Thomas
Spring recap: Though it seems as if Tyler Wilson has the inside track, Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino has yet to name a starting quarterback. Wilson will compete with Brandon Mitchell throughout the summer for the privilege of throwing to perhaps the nation's most talented group of receivers. With Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Jarius Wright catching the ball and Knile Davis running it, Arkansas should challenge the elite defenses it will see in the SEC West. The Hogs should be better on defense, too. Unfortunately, they face a brutal schedule. They play at Alabama and face Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas, in consecutive weeks, and they close the regular season with a Black Friday visit to Baton Rouge.
14
Michigan State Spartans
2010 record: 11-2 (7-1 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 12 (six offense, six defense)
Key returnees: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Edwin Baker, G Joel Foreman, DT Jerel Worthy, CB Johnny Adams
Spring star: WR/CB Tony Lippett
Spring recap: The Spartans were last seen curled in the fetal position as Alabama rolled over them in the Capital One Bowl, but hopefully that loss provided some lessons for a group that could once again compete for the Big Ten title. Kirk Cousins is back at quarterback, and linemen William Gholston and Jerel Worthy will help lead a defense that must replace ballcarrier magnet Greg Jones at linebacker. Perhaps most intriguing is redshirt freshman Tony Lippett, who impressed coaches as a receiver and as a cornerback in the spring.
15
TCU Horned Frogs
2010 record: 13-0 (8-0 Mountain West)
Returning starters: 11 (five offense, six defense)
Key returnees: WR Josh Boyce, RB Ed Wesley, LB Tank Carder, LB Tanner Brock
Spring star: QB Casey Pachall
Spring recap: Looking back at the Top 25 I put out in January, I felt I was expecting too much of a TCU team that lost 26 seniors. But while I think it would be presumptuous to start the Horned Frogs in the top 10, I also have faith in their ability to reload. Coach Gary Patterson went 6-6 when he took over the program in 2001. He then won double-digit games in seven of the next nine seasons. He has earned the benefit of the doubt.
16
Wisconsin Badgers
2010 record: 11-2 (7-1 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 11 (five offense, six defense)
Key returnees: RB Montee Ball, RB James White, C Peter Konz, LB Mike Taylor, CB Antonio Fenelus, S Aaron Henry
Spring star: CB Devin Smith
Spring recap: Back in January, I wrote that the most painful loss for a Wisconsin team that produced two first-round draft picks (Gabe Carimi and J.J. Watt) might be quarterback Scott Tolzien. This spring, that certainly seemed to be the case. But last week, news leaked that former N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson -- who might be the most sought-after free agent in college football history -- might be interested in playing his final year of eligibility for the Badgers. That would be an instant aerial upgrade for an offense that should already be great on the ground with backs James White and Montee Ball. Of course, Wilson -- who is playing minor league baseball this summer -- is also looking at several other schools. One is South Carolina, which has its own quarterback issues.
17
Missouri Tigers
2010 record: 10-3 (6-2 Big 12)
Returning starters: 15 (nine offense, six defense)
Key returnees: WR T.J. Moe, TE Michael Egnew, DE Brad Madison, LB Zaviar Gooden, S Kenji Jackson
Spring star: DE Kony Ealy
Spring recap: The Tigers have been consistently good for a while now, and even the loss of quarterback Blaine Gabbert and defensive end Aldon Smith shouldn't produce a huge drop-off. James Franklin won the starting quarterback job in spring practice, and he'll have two reliable targets in receiver T.J. Moe and tight end Michael Egnew. Even without Smith, Missouri should be able to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Brad Madison and Jacquies Smith are a formidable tandem, and redshirt freshman Kony Ealy adds even more speed off the edge.
18
Auburn Tigers
2010 record: 14-0 (8-0 SEC)
Returning starters: Six (three offense, three defense)
Key returnees: RB Michael Dyer, TE Phillip Lutzenkirchen, OT Brandon Mosley, DE Nose Eguae, CB Neiko Thorpe
Spring star: WR Trovon Reed
Spring recap: The defending national champs lost their game-changing quarterback, their unblockable defensive tackle and most of their offensive line. The other powers in the SEC West lost far less. That doesn't mean the cupboard is bare on the Plains. Last season was so outrageous -- in every aspect -- that it didn't even seem like a big deal that Michael Dyer broke Bo Jackson's school record for rushing yards by a freshman. That is a big deal. The return of Dyer, change-of-pace speedster Onterio McCalebb and tight end/fullback Philip Lutzenkirchen should give offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn some ammunition. The question for the Tigers is whether the defense will be good enough to give them a chance against some of the monsters on their schedule.
Boise State Broncos
2010 record: 12-1 (7-1 WAC)
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)
Key returnees: QB Kellen Moore, RB Doug Martin, S George Iloka, DE Shea McClellin, DT Billy Winn
Spring star: WR Geraldo Hiwat
Spring recap: Last year seemed like Boise State's best chance to crack the national title game, but it's easy to forget how many of the Broncos contributed as freshmen. It feels as if quarterback Kellen Moore and defensive tackle Billy Winn have been in college long enough to be doctors, but they still have one year to go. The Broncos bring back their entire front seven except for defensive end Ryan Winterswyk, and Moore and tailback Doug Martin will lead an offense that must find a way to replace receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis. Boise State will need an undefeated record plus chaos to reach the BCS title game, but the core of this group has won enough games to know that remains a possibility.
11
Ohio State Buckeyes
2010 record: 12-1 (7-1 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 13 (eight offense, five defense)
Key returnees: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Boom Herron, WR DeVier Posey, OT Mike Adams, C Mike Brewster, DE Nathan Williams, LB Tyler Moeller
Spring star: LB Etienne Sabino
Spring recap: Surprised the Buckeyes didn't drop more? With everything swirling around the program now, it's difficult at first blush to believe Ohio State could compete for the Big Ten title. But ask yourself this: Which Big Ten program is better? If Ohio State had a settled coaching situation and if five of its best players weren't suspended for the first five games, it wouldn't be a stretch to rank the Buckeyes No. 1. The decision to make linebackers coach Luke Fickell the interim coach during Jim Tressel's five-game suspension was a wise one. Fickell, an up-and-comer who probably should already be a head coach, has the respect of the team. If things get bumpy early -- on-field because of a depleted lineup or off-field because of Tressel's NCAA trouble -- Fickell won't lose the locker room. This team has plenty of talent. Mike Brewster might be the best center in the country. Tight end Jake Stoneburner is an intriguing weapon as a pass-catcher. Redshirt freshman tailback Rod Smith could be a breakout star with starter Boom Herron suspended. Even if Tressel doesn't return to the sidelines -- a distinct possibility, given the history of the NCAA violation of which Tressel stands accused -- the Buckeyes are in good hands in 2011.
12
Nebraska Cornhuskers
2010 record: 10-4 (6-2 Big 12)
Returning starters: 13 (six offense, seven defense)
Key returnees: QB Taylor Martinez, RB Rex Burkhead, DT Jared Crick, DE Cameron Meredith, LB Lavonte David, CB Alfonzo Dennard
Spring star: WR Jamal Turner
Spring recap: Welcome to the Big Ten, Cornhuskers. For your first conference game, you get to visit Camp Randall Stadium for a night game. For your second, you get to face an Ohio State team returning some of its best players from suspension. But the folks in Big Red country probably aren't worried about that right now. The Bubba Starling watch is on. Will the star quarterback from Gardner, Kan., come to Lincoln to play football, or will he take a fat signing bonus and hit the diamond after he gets selected in the first round of next month's Major League Baseball draft? I'm rooting for Nebraska here, because, frankly, I enjoy typing the name Bubba. If they want to remain optimistic, Nebraska fans probably should avoid watching Boston Red Sox games. The last time a Huskers quarterback recruit faced this scenario, Carl Crawford picked baseball.
Bubba Starling Profile
Source: SI
Bubba Starling, a top baseball and football prospect, talks to SI.com about choosing between the two sports he loves.
13
Arkansas Razorbacks
2010 record: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)
Returning starters: 13 (six offense, seven defense)
Key returnees: RB Knile Davis, WR Greg Childs, WR Joe Adams, WR Jarius Wright, DE Jake Bequette, LB Jerry Franklin, S Tramain Thomas
Spring star: DT Robert Thomas
Spring recap: Though it seems as if Tyler Wilson has the inside track, Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino has yet to name a starting quarterback. Wilson will compete with Brandon Mitchell throughout the summer for the privilege of throwing to perhaps the nation's most talented group of receivers. With Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Jarius Wright catching the ball and Knile Davis running it, Arkansas should challenge the elite defenses it will see in the SEC West. The Hogs should be better on defense, too. Unfortunately, they face a brutal schedule. They play at Alabama and face Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas, in consecutive weeks, and they close the regular season with a Black Friday visit to Baton Rouge.
14
Michigan State Spartans
2010 record: 11-2 (7-1 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 12 (six offense, six defense)
Key returnees: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Edwin Baker, G Joel Foreman, DT Jerel Worthy, CB Johnny Adams
Spring star: WR/CB Tony Lippett
Spring recap: The Spartans were last seen curled in the fetal position as Alabama rolled over them in the Capital One Bowl, but hopefully that loss provided some lessons for a group that could once again compete for the Big Ten title. Kirk Cousins is back at quarterback, and linemen William Gholston and Jerel Worthy will help lead a defense that must replace ballcarrier magnet Greg Jones at linebacker. Perhaps most intriguing is redshirt freshman Tony Lippett, who impressed coaches as a receiver and as a cornerback in the spring.
15
TCU Horned Frogs
2010 record: 13-0 (8-0 Mountain West)
Returning starters: 11 (five offense, six defense)
Key returnees: WR Josh Boyce, RB Ed Wesley, LB Tank Carder, LB Tanner Brock
Spring star: QB Casey Pachall
Spring recap: Looking back at the Top 25 I put out in January, I felt I was expecting too much of a TCU team that lost 26 seniors. But while I think it would be presumptuous to start the Horned Frogs in the top 10, I also have faith in their ability to reload. Coach Gary Patterson went 6-6 when he took over the program in 2001. He then won double-digit games in seven of the next nine seasons. He has earned the benefit of the doubt.
16
Wisconsin Badgers
2010 record: 11-2 (7-1 Big Ten)
Returning starters: 11 (five offense, six defense)
Key returnees: RB Montee Ball, RB James White, C Peter Konz, LB Mike Taylor, CB Antonio Fenelus, S Aaron Henry
Spring star: CB Devin Smith
Spring recap: Back in January, I wrote that the most painful loss for a Wisconsin team that produced two first-round draft picks (Gabe Carimi and J.J. Watt) might be quarterback Scott Tolzien. This spring, that certainly seemed to be the case. But last week, news leaked that former N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson -- who might be the most sought-after free agent in college football history -- might be interested in playing his final year of eligibility for the Badgers. That would be an instant aerial upgrade for an offense that should already be great on the ground with backs James White and Montee Ball. Of course, Wilson -- who is playing minor league baseball this summer -- is also looking at several other schools. One is South Carolina, which has its own quarterback issues.
17
Missouri Tigers
2010 record: 10-3 (6-2 Big 12)
Returning starters: 15 (nine offense, six defense)
Key returnees: WR T.J. Moe, TE Michael Egnew, DE Brad Madison, LB Zaviar Gooden, S Kenji Jackson
Spring star: DE Kony Ealy
Spring recap: The Tigers have been consistently good for a while now, and even the loss of quarterback Blaine Gabbert and defensive end Aldon Smith shouldn't produce a huge drop-off. James Franklin won the starting quarterback job in spring practice, and he'll have two reliable targets in receiver T.J. Moe and tight end Michael Egnew. Even without Smith, Missouri should be able to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Brad Madison and Jacquies Smith are a formidable tandem, and redshirt freshman Kony Ealy adds even more speed off the edge.
18
Auburn Tigers
2010 record: 14-0 (8-0 SEC)
Returning starters: Six (three offense, three defense)
Key returnees: RB Michael Dyer, TE Phillip Lutzenkirchen, OT Brandon Mosley, DE Nose Eguae, CB Neiko Thorpe
Spring star: WR Trovon Reed
Spring recap: The defending national champs lost their game-changing quarterback, their unblockable defensive tackle and most of their offensive line. The other powers in the SEC West lost far less. That doesn't mean the cupboard is bare on the Plains. Last season was so outrageous -- in every aspect -- that it didn't even seem like a big deal that Michael Dyer broke Bo Jackson's school record for rushing yards by a freshman. That is a big deal. The return of Dyer, change-of-pace speedster Onterio McCalebb and tight end/fullback Philip Lutzenkirchen should give offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn some ammunition. The question for the Tigers is whether the defense will be good enough to give them a chance against some of the monsters on their schedule.
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