Louisville
Ceiling: 12-3 (Conference Title and CFP Semi final)
Reality: 11-4 (Bowl win)
Floor: 8-5 (Bowl win)
O/U 8.5 Wins
Year 3 under Brohm. With the third best odds to win the ACC, Louisville’s expectations are high this year. Although the schedule isn’t as favorable as it usually is, it’s still in Louisville’s favor, with eight home games. They have been close to the playoff before, but are looking to finally reach that goal for the program. Returning the offensive production and core on defense should definitely help.
Offense
Stars: Duke Watson, Caulin Lacy, Miller Moss
Keys: Balanced attack with an elite RB room, proven QB, and upgraded offensive line to control tempo.
Defense
Stars: T.J. Quinn, Jordan Guerad, Stanquan Clark, Clev Lubin, D’Angelo Hutchinson
Keys: Dominant front seven with returning linebackers. With experience returning at both levels, the big question is the secondary as they only have one returning starter. The weakest link, let’s just hope Ron English can get this secondary into form.
Key Additions
Kendrick Gilbert (DL)
Treyshun Hurry (WR)
Dacari Collins (WR)
Clev Lubin (EDGE)
Jojo Evans (SS)
Miller Moss (QB)
Mahamane Moussa (OL)
Final Ranking #7
#6 Notre Dame
National Championship runner-up. The Irish are looking to reload and make another National Championship run. The Irish have a manageable schedule with a few hard games. Notre Dame will be dominant, but will lose a game they shouldn’t, as always.
Offense
Stars: Jeremiyah Love, Jaden Greathouse, CJ Carr
Keys: Ground game, dominant offensive line and running back.
Defense
Stars: Leonard Moore, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Christian Gray
Keys: A top secondary in the nation followed by dominant linebackers.
Key Additions
Jared Dawson (DT)
Elijah Hughes (DL)
Malachi Fields (WR)
Devonta Smith (CB)
Jalen Stroman (SS)
Ceiling: 16-0 (National champions)
Reality: 13-2 (Semifinalists)
Floor: 10-3 (Bowl win)
Final Ranking #3
Kentucky
It’s a bowl-or-go for Mark Stoops. Coming off a 4-8 season (1-7 SEC), Stoops and the Wildcats have something to prove this season. Kentucky has one of the toughest schedules in the country; in return, they have a few fun home games. Winning just two of these games would be an accomplishment. It’s hard to be high on the Wildcats after losing their lead offensive production. Kentucky will have some games they should win but don’t, and maybe a game they shouldn’t win but do. This season will be full of ups and downs, but that’s just Kentucky football.
Offense
Stars: Zach Calzada, Dante Dowdell, Jamarion Wilcox
Keys: Revamped offensive line needs to fix pass-block and run-block issues from last year. Great run game with a deep RB room.
Defense
Stars: Dante Jackson, David Gusta, Mi’Quise Grace, Alex Afari Jr.
Keys: Pressure on experienced quarterbacks and control the line of scrimmage.
Key Additions
Zach Calzada (QB)
Kendrick Law (WR)
Dante Dowdell (RB)
Elijah Brown (TE)
Mi’Quise Grace (DE)
Ceiling: 6-7 (Bowl loss)
Reality: 4-8
Floor: 3-9
O/U: 4.5 Wins
Final Ranking UNRANKED
#20 Indiana
WOW. A College Football Playoff appearance in Curt Cignetti’s first season. This only makes Indiana’s expectations even higher. The Hoosiers come in at No. 11 nationally and are known as a CFP dark horse. With a tough Big Ten schedule, it won’t be easy. But with a decent amount of returners, Indiana aims to recreate its success from last season.
Offense
Stars: Fernando Mendoza, Roman Hemby, Elijah Sarratt
Keys: Strong passing attack, fast-paced offense.
Defense
Stars: Andre Carter Kamara, Aaron Fisher, Amare Ferrell
Keys: Strong pass rush with a veteran front seven. Some question marks remain in the secondary.
Key Additions
Tyler Morris (WR)
Jonathan Brady (WR)
Roman Hemby (RB)
Fernando Mendoza (QB)
Ta’Darius Collins (EDGE)
Jamari Farmer (LB)
Ceiling: 12-3 (CFP Game 1 & 2 win)
Reality: 10-3 (Bowl win)
Floor: 8-5 (Bowl win)
O/U: 8.5 Wins
FINAL RANKING #20
