College Football 2017: Preseason Ranking Predictions For Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Texas And Others

GettyImages-630928190 — Ohio State will rely on quarterback J.T. Barrett in 2017. Getty

The 2017 College Football Season kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 26, with six games. But the season may not truly feel like it's underway until the following week when the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida State Seminoles meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic.

While the Associated Press preseason rankings have yet to be released, there is a strong possibility that Alabama and Florida State will both be ranked somewhere within the top three. Most experts have listed the Crimson Tide as the top team in the nation, but the Seminoles could be as high as No. 2.

Alabama, coming off a devastating last-second defeat to the Clemson Tigers in the National Championship, have a strong shot at being a preseason No. 1 for the fourth time under head coach Nick Saban. Last year Alabama was the preseason No. 1 and Clemson was the preseason No. 2.

After Alabama, it gets a bit more unclear. Ohio State, Florida State and USC could all be in the running for No. 2.

In 2016, Ohio State began and ended the season at No. 6 after being dominated by Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal. The Buckeyes' offense will be led by quarterback J.T. Barrett, along with running back Demario McCall and receiver Johnnie Dixon.

Head coach Urban Meyer called Barrett "the toughest guy out there."

Florida State fell short of expectations in 2016. They entered the season at No. 4 and finished No. 8, despite finishing with five consecutive victories including a tight win over Michigan in the Orange Bowl.

USC overachieved behind burgeoning quarterback Sam Darnold. The Trojans entered 2016 at No. 20, but a dramatic win over Penn State in the Rose Bowl propelled Clay Helton's squad to No. 3. Many consider Darnold to be the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.

Clemson, meanwhile, is expected to slip outside the top five after losing quarterback Deshaun Watson to the NFL. The defending champions still boast one of the best defenses in the nation.

After the top teams, some familiar programs should be back in the rankings. The Texas Longhorns, who have not made the preseason rankings since 2013, are expected to be ranked close to No. 20 this year.

Michigan might be the most intriguing team in the nation. Despite a talented roster that includes one of the best recruiting classes in the country, Jim Harbaugh returns just five starters to a team that ended the season with two tight losses. The Wolverines will be tested in their season opener when they face Florida on Sept. 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the Advocare Classic.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, is not expected to be ranked. The Fighting Irish are coming off a 4-8 season.

Predicted College Football Rankings

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Florida State

4. USC

5. Oklahoma

6. Penn State

7. Clemson

8. Washington

9. Georgia

10. Wisconsin