20. Texas A&M Aggies
247Sports post-spring ranking: No. 19
Conner Weigman has talent around him at quarterback and Purdue edge rusher Nic Scourton softened the blow of a couple defensive line departures that had left a sizable hole in the plan up front. Ahead of Mike Elko’s first season, this portal-laden roster is in the top-half of the SEC we expect in terms of talent.
21. Oklahoma State Cowboys
247Sports post-spring ranking:Â No. 23
Equipped with the most returning starters of any team in the Big 12 this season, Oklahoma State expects to be a tough out in the expanded league with Doak Walker winner Ollie Gordon returning in the backfield with his sights set on a 2,000-yard campaign.
22. NC State Wolfpack
247Sports post-spring ranking:Â No. 20
Dave Doeren knows his Wolfpack team is capable of another finish inside the national rankings, perhaps this time getting to the program’s first playoff appearance if NC State’s defenses remains elite despite a couple departures. Few teams checked every box in the transfer portal like the Wolfpack, whose headline addition was Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall.
23. Iowa Hawkeyes
247Sports post-spring ranking:Â N/A
Phil Parker’s defense should be one of the Big Ten’s best and Iowa’s shot at getting to the Big Ten Championship have steadily improved the closer we get to the opener according to oddsmakers. Perhaps it’s the favorable schedule compared to other league titans or maybe there’s a belief that the Hawkeyes’ offense will take a major step forward.
24. Virginia Tech Hokies
247Sports post-spring ranking:Â No. 24
Virginia Tech ended as one of the hottest teams in the country and nearly all of those starters (21) return under coach Brent Pry, including dynamic dual-threat quarterback Kyron Drones.
25. Arizona Wildcats
247Sports post-spring ranking:Â N/A
Previously unranked, this Big 12 newcomer found the final spot at No. 25 this time around, much of that due to the promised high-end production that should come from returning star signal caller Noah Fifita.
Other teams receiving votes: Auburn, Louisville, Kentucky, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Liberty