20. Oklahoma State Cowboys
No team in college football returns more impactful starters than the Cowboys, who bring back Doak Walker winner Ollie Gordon II in the backfield.
21. NC State Wolfpack
Another preseason ACC darling, NC State’s impressive transfer portal class after a nine-win season means the Wolfpack believe they’re a legitimate playoff hopeful.
22. USC Trojans
USC is one of several Big Ten newcomers who could feel the effects of a challenging schedule in a negative way — or perhaps the Trojans use it as motivation to disprove the non-believers.
23. Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech was inexplicably left out of the Coaches Poll, but should be included in the AP rankings with 20 starters returning.
24. Arizona Wildcats
Thanks to quarterback Noah Fifita’s return, Arizona isn’t expecting any drop-off despite coach Jedd Fisch leaving for Washington this offseason.
25. Iowa Hawkeyes
Don’t forget about Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes, who have a solid shot at getting to the Big Ten title game due to schedule strengths.