College Football Preview 2021: 6. Oregon Ducks

C.J. Verdell, Oregon

 6. Oregon Ducks

There is elite talent throughout the roster, but will the QB situation keep them from realizing their full potential?

2020 Review

Even before Oregon's shortened 2020 season got rolling, the Ducks were hit by a host of opt-outs, including All-American tackle Penei Sewell and several key defenders. The result was an Oregon team that was very inconsistent throughout a seven-game season, beginning 3-0 but fading down the stretch. With Washington unable to play in the Pac-12 Championship Game due to COVID, the Ducks then took their spot and proceeded to overcome USC for a second consecutive Pac-12 Title. Winning a third straight is a tough task as things shift back to normal, but the program has been elevated under head coach Mario Cristobal, and there's enough talent to do so.

2021 Outlook

Offense: Much like their entire team, Oregon's offense had a hot start to 2020, but were less effective as the season moved on. Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead will enjoy his first full season running the show, but figuring out the quarterback situation will be his top priority.

Tyler Shough took hold of the QB spot following the abbreviated fall camp and had a productive campaign. He finished with 1,559 yards and 13 touchdowns, while completing nearly 64% of his passes. However, his struggles over the final few weeks of the fall forced the Ducks to essentially platoon the position, with former Boston College transfer Anthony Brown seeing an increase in action. This off-season, Shough transferred to Texas Tech, meaning that Brown will get the first crack at running the show in 2021.

Brown has proven to be a capable Power Five quarterback who has made 28 starts over his college career, but there are many around the program that think incoming freshman Ty Thompson is good enough to push him. Thompson has a huge arm that would be a great fit in this Moorhead offense, but forcing in a true freshman at the game's most important position is always worrisome. How both Moorhead and Cristobal handle the situation may determine just how high their ceiling is this year.

No matter what happens at QB, Oregon has plenty of other weapons at the skill positions. They have a two-headed monster in the backfield, with both C.J. Verdell and Travis Dye returning. Dye finished as the team's top rusher in 2020 with 443 yards, but Verdell is fully healthy and was a 1,000-yard back in 2019. The Ducks also have a rising star in redshirt freshman Sean Dollars, who saw plenty of action in the Pac-12 Championship Game but was otherwise limited. Dollars won't seriously push either Verdell or Dye for snaps but as the team's most explosive option, he will be a nice change-of-pace.

Oregon returns just about every receiver from last year's group, giving this team one of the best receiver corps in the Pac-12. After just one reception in 2019, Devon Williams emerged as a serious big-play threat who averaged 19.1 yards per reception and finished as their top receiver in terms of yardage. Steady veterans Jaylon Redd and Johnny Johnson finished with similar numbers, as Redd went for 25-281 and Johnson 19-267. While Williams is a well-built, 6'5" wide out who can make incredible contested catches, Redd and Johnson are smaller, but more effective in heavy traffic. Redd in particular is useful in screens and extremely versatile, giving Moorhead and this staff plenty of options. One more name to watch is sophomore Mycah Pittman, who is a breakout candidate. The younger brother of former USC star and current Indianapolis Colt Michael Pittman, Mycah has displayed serious potential over the last two years, but is still working to put it altogether. He may be the most purely talented receiver on the entire roster.

The tight end spot will have to break in a new starter now that Hunter Kampmoyer has moved on, but it has rarely been a heavily featured position in Moorhead offenses. Junior D.J. Johnson originally began his career as a defensive linemen but has been very capable as a pass-catcher, while sophomore Spencer Webb offers loads of upside.

Penei Sewell's decision to opt-out further crippled an Oregon offensive line that was already rebuilding in 2020. After some understandable struggles a season ago, this unit now appears to be a strength, as Cristobal and this staff have focused heavily at recruiting this position group. Junior center Alex Forsyth is the headliner, earning All-Conference honors in 2020. He'll anchor the unit, but names like T.J. Bass, George Moore, and Steven Jones are sure to be key contributors. There's a bunch of depth throughout the O-Line, as six players returning made at least one start last fall and there are numerous freshmen who could play right away.

While the quarterback competition will dominate the headlines throughout fall camp and into the regular season, the rest of this Duck offense should be really strong. It's rare for an offense to return this much talent and depth at both the skill positions and offensive line, not to mention the wide variety of highly touted newcomers coming in. This should be one of the best groups in the Pac-12.

Defense: Coordinator Andy Avalos was a Broyles Award finalist back in 2019 but had ups-and-downs leading the Duck offense last fall. He was still able to parlay his success into the Boise State head coaching job, where he once was a star linebacker.

As a result, Cristobal turned to former Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter to run this defense. DeRuyter has spent the last four seasons as California DC, helping turn the Golden Bears into one of the conference's stingiest groups. 

Luckily for DeRuyter, he just happens to have one of college football's premier stars playing on the defensive line in sophomore Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux was considered by many to be the nation's top recruit when he came out of high school, and he has not disappointed in his Duck career. He had nine sacks in five starts as a true freshman and then three in 2020, earning him Second Team All-American honors. He's likely to face double teams all season long but don't be surprised if he continues to dominate, and possibly line himself up as the No. 1 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. All the attention paid to Thibodeaux should open up opportunities for other linemen on this team, including sophomore Brandon Dorlus and freshman Bradyn Swinson. Oregon is thinner at defensive tackle than in year's past, but Dorlus is a breakout candidate after making one start a season ago.

There's plenty of star power at the linebacker position as well, with former five-star recruits Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe leading the way. Sewell came in and played key snaps right away, as he made five starts at the MLB spot. He finished second on the team with 45 tackles, but could be in store for much greater things this fall. Flowe missed all of last season with injury but he was so impressive in the spring that returning linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia transferred to SMU. Slade-Matautia is actually a fairly notable loss, as he was the Ducks top returning tackler, but Flowe is good enough that he may actually upgrade the position. Rounding out the starting linebackers is Mase Funa, who plays the "Stud" position as a hybrid end/outside linebacker. Funa will get after opposing quarterbacks all game long, but he was to hold off a challenge for the starting job from rising sophomore Adrian Jackson.

The secondary was the position group hit the hardest by opt-outs, as Brady Breeze, Thomas Graham, and Deommodore Lenoir decided not to play in 2020. Lenoir ended up changing his mind and coming back, but Oregon still had growing pains, as young pieces were forced into larger roles. One of those names was sophomore Mykael Wright, who was picked on all last season. Wright did have some struggles but handled things well, finishing with 25 tackles and nine pass deflections. Wright becomes the top corner on the roster, but it's unclear who will start alongside him. Boundary corner D.J. James and nickelback Jamal Hill were recently arrested, plunging their 2021 seasons into doubt. Instead, highly touted Dontae Manning, who arrived as part of the 2020 Class, could be in line for an opportunity. 

Sophomore Verone McKinley has quickly become one of the top defenders on this roster, and he will once again handle free safety duties. The starter at the other safety spot is probably going to end up being senior Jordan Happle, a former Boise State transfer. Happle made three starts for the Ducks last season and proved to be serviceable. Sophomore Steve Stephens is the other likely contender for the starting gig.

Even as Avalos moves on, Oregon has more than enough to be an elite defense. Every position group has several players who will soon be NFL defenders, and there are a few that should have breakout campaigns. Expect better numbers in 2021, with a stabilized roster and loads of experience.

Special Teams: Oregon has to get better production from their special teams if they want to win another Pac-12 Title. The kicking game was horrible in 2020, with the original starter, Camden Lewis, losing his job to Henry Katleman, who also struggled. Punter Tom Snee is at least solid, and Mykael Wright offers dazzling playmaking potential in the return game.

Bottom Line: Mario Cristobal and his staff have done a tremendous job in Eugene. They're recruiting at an elite level, have won a pair of Pac-12 Titles, and came extremely close to a Playoff berth back in 2019. Is 2021 the year they take the proverbial "next step" and compete not just for a Playoff appearance, but a National Championship? There's a bunch of stability throughout the coaching staff and the entire roster, with proven pieces on both sides of the ball. The schedule may be difficult, but it does give the Ducks an opportunity to build a strong enough resume for the Selection Committee. In addition to a road test in early September, the Ducks also face off with UCLA, Washington, and Utah all away from Autzen Stadium. On paper, this Oregon team is not only good enough to win the league, they're good enough to challenge for even more. It's just a matter of going out and proving it on the gridiron.

Further Breakdown

Team Projections

Projected Record: 11-2 (9-1 Pac-12, Win Pac-12 Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: RB C.J. Verdell

Defensive MVP: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux

Breakout Player of the Year: WR Mycah Pittman

Impact Freshman: QB Ty Thompson

Recruiting Breakdown

With a bunch of Nike money flowing through the program and unlimited resources, Oregon should always be a school recruiting at a high level. Cristobal and staff have taken that to another level, landing the No. 6 group in the Class of 2021, including 19 four-star prospects. There are future contributors in just about every position group including O-Line, receiver, quarterback, linebacker, and defensive back. QB Ty Thompson has gotten the most attention given his possible chance to start this fall, but he's far from the only name to watch. Offensive linemen Kingsley Suamataia and Bram Walden should compete for snaps in 2021, even with how loaded Oregon is in the trenches. Suamataia is best at tackle, while Walden can slide along and play on the interior. On defense, linebacker Keith Brown and corner Jaylin Davies were both in during the spring and will see chances. Brown is a top candidate to backup Justin Flowe at outside linebacker. One more name to watch is defensive back Avante Dickerson, a one-time Minnesota commit who played both ways at Westside in Omaha. With the upheaval occurring at corner right now, he may force his way into a larger role.

Five-Year Trend

College Football Preview 2021: 7. Iowa State Cyclones

Brock Purdy, Iowa State

 7. Iowa State Cyclones

With a Heisman candidate at RB and an elite defense, ISU will go toe-to-toe with OU in the Big 12 race

2020 Review

Iowa State opened up their 2020 campaign with a frustrating 17-point loss to Louisiana-Lafayette, a wake up call for a team that began the year ranked 23rd nationally. The loss proved to be an effective motivator the rest of the way, with the Cyclones losing just one more time en route to an 8-2 regular season. They had an opportunity to win their first Big 12 Title in school history in a rematch against Oklahoma, but came up just short in a 27-21 loss. However, the Cyclones responded by beating Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl, a game they controlled the entire way. The victory moved ISU to 9-3 on the 2020 season, their most victories in the Matt Campbell era, even with a shortened schedule.

2021 Outlook

Offense: Offensive coordinator Tom Manning has been a longtime assistant with Matt Campbell, going back to their time with Toledo. This may be the best offense the pair have coached together, with just about everybody returning from last year's group.

It all begins with quarterback Brock Purdy, who enters his third full season as starter. He was highly productive in 2020 after a poor showing in the opener, finishing with 2,750 yards and 19 touchdowns, while earning All-Big 12 honors. The next step for the veteran is continuing to cut down on his turnovers, which are still an occasional problem, as well as playing his best in the big games. If he can do that, Purdy could remain the best QB in the league, even with Spencer Rattler at Oklahoma.

Purdy is joined in the backfield by All-American tailback Breece Hall. After a nice debut season in 2019, Hall truly broke out last fall, as he led all Power Five running backs with 1,572 yards, while adding 21 touchdowns. Hall is the type of hard-nosed, bell-cow back that Campbell covets, but he showed improved vision and decision-making last year. He could get even better this season, if he can improve as a receiver out of the backfield, which would put him in Heisman consideration. Hall is supported by a quality backup in redshirt freshman Jirehl Brock and true freshman Eli Sanders may get some looks as a change-of-pace option.

Iowa State's receiver corps isn't as flashy or well-known as other groups in the Big 12, but it may still be the best in the league. Former junior college transfer Xavier Hutchinson had a stellar 2020, leading the team with 64 catches for 771 yards and also earning All-Conference recognition. He's helped out by a group that includes junior Tarique Milton, sophomore Sean Shaw, and highly touted newcomer Jaylin Noel. Milton could be in store for a resurgent 2021, as he was never fully healthy a year ago.

In addition to the true wide receivers, ISU boasts a great 1-2 punch at tight end in Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen. Kolar managed 591 yards and seven touchdowns and likely would've been a fairly high NFL Draft selection, but instead decided to stay put for one more year. Allen's not quite as lethal of a weapon in the passing game as Kolar, but he was Second Team All-Big 12 in 2020. Allen's a stronger blocker than Kolar and also very effective in the red zone.

The Cyclone offensive line is light on big names, but is loaded with experience. Seven different players made starts on this O-Line last fall and every single one is returning. That includes guard Trevor Downing, who had a huge 2019, but was out for pretty much the entirety of 2020. Both tackle spots are in good hands with Jake Remsburg and Sean Foster, and there's plenty of depth on the perimeter.

There's obviously plenty of reasons for ISU fans to be excited about what this offense can do in 2021. There's proven star power at the skill positions, but also depth and experience throughout the unit. Even though this offense hasn't been traditionally explosive under Campbell, it could be a Top 10 group this season.

Defense: Defense has consistently been the strength of this program throughout most of the Campbell era and even though the offense is loaded, it likely will be again in 2021. The Cyclones boast a defense loaded with talent, one that could have as many as five or six All-Big 12 selections this fall.

Sophomore defensive end Will McDonald had a breakout 2020, leading the conference with 10.5 sacks. More teams will be dialed in on him with double and even triple teams this season, but McDonald is still growing as a pass rusher, and likely to put up strong numbers once again. He'll be flanked by nose guard Eyioma Uwazurike, who started all 12 games a season ago. Uwazurike fits the position description to a tee as a hard-nosed, physical run stuffer in the heart of the defense. It's unclear who will round out the D-Line in this 3-4 scheme. Redshirt freshman Corey Suttle played in seven games in 2020 and could be in line for a starting job, while junior Zach Peterson will also battle for snaps. Peterson has an edge in experience over most of the competition, likely making him the favorite. 

The Cyclones have the best linebacker corps in the Big 12, and I'm not sure it's even particularly close. Not only do they have Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Mike Rose returning, but also back is Fiesta Bowl MVP O'Rien Vance and senior Jake Hummel. Rose is the heart and soul of the defense, an intelligent defender with a limitless motor. It will be tough to replace as the DPOY, but expect him to be near the top of the league in tackles after notching 96 in 2020. Vance will handle middle linebacker duties, but blitzes more than most that play his position. Hummel has been considered more of a complementary piece to Rose than anything else, but he's more than that. He finished with 77 tackles and also proved his worth in coverage, with three interceptions. With this trio in the fold, Iowa State has no reason not to have one of the best rush defenses anywhere in the country.

Iowa State's pass defense was solid last year, but could be in store for an even better 2021. Every big name is returning, namely safety Greg Eisworth, who took advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to COVID. He can play either safety or nickelback at a high level, and finished with 47 tackles last season, earning him All-Conference honors. He is joined by a pair of proven corners in Anthony Johnson and Datrone Young. Neither are going to be elite playmakers, but they're well-rounded defenders who love to come up and play a role in run support. 

If there is a question on this defense, it may be the free safety spot, where Lawrence White moves on after finishing fourth on the team in tackles. Sophomore Kym-Mani King has played in 21 games over the last two seasons and may be able to step into a larger role, but ISU did bring in a fairly big-name transfer in Jaquan Amos. Amos made 107 tackles over the last two seasons with Villanova and also earned a reputation as a ball hawk. It's hard to think he would be an upgrade over White, but the production shouldn't drop off either.

With nine starters returning from a group that was particularly stout in 2020, Iowa State's defense has no reason not to be terrific this fall. Don't be surprised if coordinator Jon Heacock, who also followed Campbell from Toledo, becomes a name to watch in line for a promotion.

Special Teams: The placekicker position will be interesting to watch in 2021. Veteran Connor Assalley returns, but he was just okay in 2020, hitting 13 of 19 field goals. It wouldn't be surprising if he's overtaken by Fordham transplant Andrew Mevis, who was 27-38 in three seasons with the Rams. Mevis can also handle punting duties if needed, but senior Corey Dunn is the likely starter there.

Bottom Line: Iowa State enters 2021 with the highest expectations the program has ever had, and for good reason. There's legitimate All-American talent at multiple spots on both sides of the ball, plus plenty of experience and stability. The question is whether the Cyclones can truly take the next step and go from New Year's Six Bowl levels to a true CFB Playoff contender. In order to do so, they'll have to show an improved ability to avoid the off-weeks that have plagued the team in the past, when they've lost to less talented teams (like Louisiana last fall). Additionally, the return of the Cy-Hawk rivalry with Iowa raises the stakes, as Campbell is yet to beat the in-state rivals. This team has the chance to go down as the best in program history and while I still have them just a step below Oklahoma in the league, it wouldn't surprise me if they stay alive in the Playoff conversation deep into the fall and winter months.

Further Breakdown

Team Projections

Projected Record: 11-2 (8-2 Big 12, Lose Big 12 Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: RB Breece Hall

Defensive MVP: LB Mike Rose

Breakout Player of the Year: S Jaquan Amos

Impact Freshman: WR Jaylin Noel

Recruiting Breakdown

Even with their recent success, Iowa State is never going to be a program that recruits at an elite level on the national stage. Campbell and his staff instead focus on guys who fit the culture and scheme they're looking to run, and the Class of 2021 reflects that. They did a great job recruiting the trenches, with offensive linemen Tyler Maro and defensive linemen Howard Brown leading the group. Brown in particular is a really fascinating prospect, as a former two-way player who played quarterback in high school, yet is currently a shade below 290 pounds. There is skill position talent coming in, namely athlete Eli Sanders and wide out Jaylin Noel. Sanders is best at tailback but could theoretically move around, while Noel caught some eyes during spring. 

Five-Year Trend

College Football Preview 2021: 8. Cincinnati Bearcats

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

 8. Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincy is the best of the best in the Group of Five, but they're a step below "Playoff" good

2020 Review

Even as they battled through the chaos that was 2020, Cincinnati proved to be one of the most consistent teams anywhere in the country. They regularly dominated opposing foes, and put together an 8-0 regular season before beating a tough Tulsa team in the AAC Championship Game. A heartbreaking loss to Georgia in the Peach Bowl cast a shadow over an otherwise tremendous season, but the game still proved the Bearcats would compete with the college football elites for an entire sixty minutes. As they prep for 2021, the goal isn't just getting to a New Year's Six Bowl, but winning one.

2021 Outlook

Offense: The Bearcats don't play a flashy brand of offense, but it's one that has proven to be effective. Last year, they averaged over 450 yards per game and 37 points per game, putting up some of the best efficiency numbers anywhere in college football. Even as they lose their top rusher from last fall, expect the numbers to be similar once more in 2021.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder likely would have been a first round selection in this spring's NFL Draft, but he instead opted to stay one more year in Cincinnati. Ridder has grown into a reliable passer and great leader, and he's always been an elite athlete for the position. Currently second on Cincinnati's all-time passing list, the veteran is hoping to smash even more records in 2021.

Ridder's backup, Ben Bryant, hit the transfer portal over the off-season, but the Bearcats have a replacement ready to step up in Evan Prater. Prater was the big name in the 2020 recruiting class, and while he didn't see the field last fall, Cincy will likely use him in some packages this year. As the former Mr. Football for the state of Ohio, Prater has a proven pedigree, and he has the look of a future star at the position.

Tailback Gerrid Doaks is now playing for the Miami Dolphins, meaning that Alabama transfer Jerome Ford is likely to step into a larger role. Ford made just one start in 2020 but still saw a healthy amount of action, finishing with 483 yards. He's got a little bit more shiftiness and burst than Doaks, which could help this offense become even more explosive. Charles McClelland tore his ACL for the second time a year ago, but the Bearcats are hopeful he can stay healthy this fall. He totaled 485 yards in 2018 but injuries have crippled his promising career.

Cincinnati under head coach Luke Fickell is not a school known for producing elite wide receivers, but they might have their most complete group in a long time this season. Former Notre Dame transfer Michael Young impressed in his first season with the team, while Alec Pierce proved to be productive, even after missing several weeks. Sophomore Tre Tucker is likely to slide into the No. 3 role now that Jayshon Jackson is gone, but he should still see an abundance of targets after managing 236 yards in 2020. Then there's tight end Josh Whyle, who was an All-AAC performer last fall. Tight ends have been a valued part of Cincy's offense over the years, and Whyle has great hands and decent athleticism for the position.

While Ridder's continued growth has been huge for this offense, the real reason for the jump in 2020 was the offensive line. It was one of the better groups in the AAC last year and even as several starters move on, it should still be a quality unit. It should be particularly strong in the middle, as center Jake Renfro and guards Vincent McConnell and Jeremy Cooper are back. The competition is at the tackle spots, where Cincy has some experience, but not clear starters. Sophomore Dylan O'Quinn is the favorite at right tackle, but the LT spot is up for grabs. John Williams played in four games last season and is the early leader, but Stony Brook transfer James Tunstall may challenge. Expect 6'9" behemoth Lorenz Metz to fill in somewhere; he started 13 games in 2019 but was relegated to a supporting role in 2020. Metz can play either tackle or guard, providing the Bearcats with nice options.

Cincinnati may have the best offense in the American this year, with a veteran quarterback slinging the ball to a host of different weapons. The only possible questions may be at those tackle spots, but Fickell and staff have proven they can develop the position. 

Defense: The immense success of Cincinnati's defense was enough for defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to become a hot name on the coaching carousel. Freeman flirted with the LSU DC job before instead taking a detour and ending up at Notre Dame. His departure was a tough pill to swallow for Fickell and the Bearcats, but they responded by poaching former Michigan State DC Mike Tressel. Tressel should keep the defense firing on all cylinders, and there's stars at every level.

The Bearcats' pass rush has been significantly improved over the last three years and the prognosis for 2021 looks excellent. Junior defensive end Myjai Sanders has become one of the best pass rushers anywhere in college football and returns, hoping to build on his seven sack 2020. It's unclear who will start opposite him at the other end spot, but there are a few candidates. Junior Malik Vann has seen a solid amount of playing time over the years and may be in line for a transition to a starting role, but Virginia transfer Jowon Briggs may beat him out. Briggs made 14 starts during his time with the Cavaliers and proved to be a solid contributor. Up the middle, proven senior Curtis Brooks will handle nose guard duties. 

The linebacker corps loses a key piece in Jarrell White, an All-AAC defender who led the Bearcats in tackles. However, the unit should still be a strength, with Darrian Beavers and Joel Dublanko leading the way. Beavers, a former UConn transfer, finished just behind White in tackles, compiling 58, with five of them going for a loss. He's the type of intelligent, hard-nosed linebacker that perfectly fits the culture Fickell and staff have developed on defense. Dublanko, who will handle middle linebacker duties, is a proven veteran who can make an impact as a blitzer. At the linebacker spot left open by White, sophomore Ty Van Fossen and freshman Deshawn Pace are the top contenders. Van Fossen has proven experience and is the favorite, but Pace impressed in eight games a season ago.

As strong as Cincinnati is in the front seven, the secondary may be the strength of the entire defense. They boast one of the best cornerback combos in the entire country, with sophomore Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and senior Coby Bryant. Gardner is one of the best corners anywhere and the accolades have rolled in. He is a two-time All-AAC defender and last year made the All-American team. Don't be surprised if he contends for the Jim Thorpe Award this fall. Bryant isn't quite as dominant, but he's certainly no slouch. He's made 36 starts in his Cincy career and last season, he totaled 11 pass deflections. The cornerback spots also have a nice amount of depth, with names like Taj Ward an Ja'Quan Sheppard sticking around.

Safety isn't as strong of a position group right now, with Darrick Forest and James Wiggins both moving on to the NFL. There is still experience here, as senior Bryan Cook was a regular starter in 2017 and 2018 before losing his job, and junior Ja'Von Hicks has seen playing time. Neither are quite as rangy as the combo of Forrest and Wiggins, but they'll still find ways to contribute.

Even with Freeman moving on, Cincinnati's defense should keep on rolling. This is a deep, experienced group that has personified the program's mantra of toughness and discipline. They have everything you could want in a defense, with skilled pass rushers, proven linebackers, and elite defensive backs. This should be a Top 5 - Top 10 group nationally.

Special Teams: Junior kicker Cole Smith is hoping that 2021 is the year he puts it altogether after several rollercoaster campaigns. He was decent in '20, knocking down seven of ten field goals, but the Bearcats would still like more. At punter, All-Conference specialist James Smith moves on, meaning the position is a real question. Redshirt freshman Alex Bales has some experience, but he is likely to be pushed by Australian newcomer Mason Fletcher. 

Bottom Line: After coming agonizingly close to a perfect season in 2020, Cincinnati has plenty of motivation for the fall. They've proven that they are the elite of the elite in the Group of Five, with 29 victories over the last three years, but can they take the next step and seriously contend for a Playoff berth? The system is obviously working against them, but there's reasons to believe this team could be the first Group of Five team to do it. For one, they have stability throughout the program, headlined by a star quarterback. Secondly, there's nobody in their conference that can seriously push them, even with UCF looking dangerous now that Gus Malzahn is on the sidelines. And then lastly, the schedule actually works out in their favor. With road tilts against Indiana and Notre Dame, the Bearcats might have a chance to build a resume strong enough for the Playoff Committee. It's still a tough road ahead to try and make the four-team Playoff, but the Bearcats have a serious chance to do it. At the least, a New Year's Six Bowl would be an awfully nice consolation prize.

Further Breakdown

Team Projections

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-1 AAC, Win AAC Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: QB Desmond Ridder

Defensive MVP: CB Ahmad Gardner

Breakout Player of the Year: RB Jerome Ford

Impact Freshman: OL Luke Collinsworth

Recruiting Breakdown

Not only is Cincinnati out-pacing their Group of Five foes on the field, they're also doing so on the recruiting trail. They finished the 2021 cycle with the best group in the G05, edging out AAC rival Memphis. A pair of athletes lead the Class, in Chamon Metayer from Florida and Byron Threats from inside the state of Ohio. Metayer can play a wide variety of different positions, but most scouts believe he'll end up at either wide or tight end at the next level. The Bearcats did a fine job landing offensive linemen who will contribute in the future, including Luke Collinsworth, Mao Glynn, and Luke Fickell's son, Landon. Collinsworth may compete for playing time right away, considering the Bearcats are fairly thin at tackle.

Five-Year Trend

College Football Preview 2021: 9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Kyren Williams, Notre Dame

 

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

A shift back to a normal independent schedule won't be a breeze, but another Playoff run isn't out of the question

2020 Review

For the first time in their long history as a football program, Notre Dame played a full conference schedule, joining the ACC in a one-year run. It was an awfully successful stint, as the Irish defeated the Trevor Lawrence-less Clemson Tigers and entered the ACC Championship Game undefeated. The Tigers would get vengeance on them with a dominant 34-10 victory, but Notre Dame had a strong enough resume to still gain entry into the four-team CFB Playoff field. They were no match for the eventual National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide, but a 10-2 mark was still a notable success for a program that has become among the most consistent anywhere in the nation. 

2021 Outlook

Offense: Quarterback Ian Book leaves South Bend as one of, if not the, most accomplished quarterbacks in Notre Dame history. He ranks second on the all-time passing list and finishes with the most victories in school history, while gaining entry to a pair of CFB Playoffs during his tenure. 

The race to replace Book got even more interesting early on in the off-season when Wisconsin's Jack Coan announced he would transfer to Notre Dame. Coan had a solid 2019 leading the Badger offense, throwing for 2,727 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing nearly 70 percent of his throws, but missed all of 2020 with injury. He's the type of quarterback that is a superb fit in this offense, as a methodical signal-caller who doesn't turn the ball over. The addition won't put ND over the top, but it will be good enough to keep the offense chugging along.

There's still a chance one of the other quarterbacks on the roster could pass Coan for the starting job, although it appears unlikely. Redshirt freshman Brendon Clark threw just three passes last fall but remains a factor, but it's true freshman Tyler Buchner who has many Irish fans interested. Buchner's one of the highest rated QB recruits head coach Brian Kelly has ever signed and he enrolled in the spring. This appears to be a "bridging the gap" situation, where Coan starts for a year before Buchner is handed the keys to the program.

The Irish may have one of the nation's best 1-2 combinations at tailback. Kyren Williams emerged out of fall camp as the feature guy and never looked back, rushing for 1,125 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was ACC Rookie of the Year and a Freshman All-American, but doesn't appear to be receiving as much hype as many other young running backs around the country. He's good enough to build on those numbers, but backup Chris Tyree is also likely to command a larger role. Tyree is the perfect complement to Williams, an explosive speed demon who plays a massive role in opening up this offense. He notched 496 yards as a true freshman, while averaging nearly seven yards per rush. Veteran C'Bo Flemister is also back in town and could be used as a third-down weapon.

Even with quarterback unsettled and the offensive line retooling, the greatest question mark on ND's roster in 2021 is at receiver. This position just has not gotten the type of production you'd like the last several seasons, and that was before two key options, Javon McKinley and Ben Skowronek, departed. There is certainly potential here, but who steps up as the top guy? Junior Avery Davis is the best bet, coming off a 2020 in which he went for 322 yards and came on strong down the stretch. Sophomores Lawrence Keys and Braden Lenzy have gotten plenty of attention the last few years as high-upside youngsters, but neither has been able to cash in on that potential just yet. Don't be surprised if they end up being passed up by some of the true freshmen that this staff brought in over the off-season, namely Lorenzo Styles and Deion Colzie. Styles enrolled over the spring and has received plenty of hype, while Colzie is considered the higher rated prospect by most services.

Although receiver may be settled, Notre Dame has a star at tight end in Michael Mayer. Even though he entered 2020 in a backup role behind the now-gone Tommy Tremble, Mayer made his presence felt, as he totaled 450 yards on 42 receptions. Now that he's clearly one of the go-to guys in this offense, don't be surprised if he garners John Mackey Award consideration as the nation's top tight end. Sophomore George Takacs is also likely to feature in an offense that often runs two tight end sets.

No school in the country is developing elite offensive linemen at the pace that Notre Dame is. It seems like every single year they send a new wave of blockers to the pros, including three players who were drafted (Liam Eichenberg, Aaron Banks, and Robert Hainsey) in the 2021 NFL Draft. Those departures do leave the group rebuilding a bit, but you trust that this staff will be able to figure it out. Sophomore Jarrett Patterson is the lone returning starter and will anchor the unit, but there's a bunch of potential out at the tackle spots. Tosh Baker, who played in one game as a true freshman last season, will likely battle newcomer Blake Fisher at left tackle, while junior Josh Lugg is the favorite on the right side. The addition of Cain Madden, who made 31 starts during his time with Marshall, was one of the more underrated transfers of the off-season. 

The Irish offense does lose some key pieces, but the program has recruited well enough over the past half-decade to keep things rolling. There's still plenty of star power, with Williams, Tyree and Mayer, and Jack Coan is a solid, if rather underwhelming, signal-caller. The O-Line and receivers are questions, but that gives added opportunity for some of the youth to step up early on.

Defense: Brian Kelly's promotion of Clark Lea to defensive coordinator following the departure of Mike Elko to Texas A&M proved to be an elite coaching decision, as Lea put together some of the nation's best defenses over the last few seasons. Lea himself parlayed the success into the head coaching position at his alma mater, Vanderbilt.

How did Kelly respond to Lea's departure? Only by grabbing one of the hottest coordinator names on the market in Cincinnati's Marcus Freeman. Freeman put together tremendous defenses during his stint with the Bearcats and openly flirted with the LSU DC job before coming to South Bend. He takes over a defense that was hit hard by attrition in some spots, but still loaded with talent.

The Irish defense got a major boost when defensive linemen Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa announced he would be returning for a fifth season, headlining a group that brings back most of their key contributors from 2020. Tagovailoa-Amosa, the cousin of Tua and Taulia, made nine starts last season and was All-ACC but is likely to make the shift from defensive tackle to end. He'll be complemented on the other end by redshirt frosh Isaiah Foskey, who managed 4.5 sacks in a rotational role a year ago. Up the middle, powerful nose guard Kurt Hinish fits the Notre Dame mold, while Jayson Ademilola is expected to step into a starting role after making a pair of starts last season. 

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah evolved from a low-rated recruit into the eventual Butkus Award winner in 2020, finishing with 62 tackles and 9.5 TFL. His absence will leave a massive hole for Freeman and staff to fill, but the linebacker corps still has ample experience. Juniors Drew White and Shayne Simon both return and while neither have All-American talent, they've proven they can play at a high level. White, who will start at middle linebacker, has demonstrated an increased ability to get downhill and make plays in opposing backfields. There are several candidates aiming to take over for Owusu-Koramoah, who played in a hybrid role last fall. Former Ohio State transfer Isaiah Pryor didn't make a major impact here last year but could be in store for bigger things, while redshirt freshman Jack Kiser will also feature in. 

The Notre Dame secondary is a really interesting mix, with some massive holes but also legit superstar talent. That talent is led by free safety Kyle Hamilton, who should be a top candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award this fall. After showing flashes as a true freshman, Hamilton built on it with a huge 2020 campaign, where he led the team in tackles, totaled 4.5 tackles for loss, and had seven pass deflections. His size (6'4") and closing speed make him a major factor in pass defense, but he can also come up and defend the run. The Irish will also lean on the services of Clarence Lewis, who came out of nowhere to put together a surprisingly strong freshman season. He had 33 tackles in six starts a year ago and played particularly well down the stretch. 

The questions in the secondary are at the other corner spot, as well as strong safety, where Nick McCloud and Shaun Crawford move on. Houston Griffith is expected to slide into Crawford's spot at strong safety, but corner is a real concern. Redshirt freshman K.J. Wallace has seen some playing time there the last two seasons and may be able to handle it, while Cam Hart should also compete. Hart began his career at receiver before moving to the defensive side of the ball, but doesn't have a ton of experience to show for it. Junior TaRiq Bracy should also factor in, as he split time with Lewis for most of last season.

Even with the reigning Butkus Award winner now playing on Sundays and two notable losses in the defensive backfield, Freeman walks into a nice situation. There's proven experience at every level, and Hamilton is good enough to be the MVP of the defense. 

Special Teams: Kicker Jonathan Doerer and punter Jay Bramblett are both returning for special teams coordinator Brian Polian, giving the Irish two weapons in the field position battle. ND is hoping Doerer can become slightly more consistent, as his numbers were just mediocre in 2020. In the return game, Chris Tyree flashed potential, and ND will give him even more excuses to see the field this year.

Bottom Line: Although people love to hate on them, Notre Dame has clearly cemented themselves as one of the most consistent programs in major college football. They've now had four straight seasons of at least 10 victories after the shocking 4-8 2016 season, and they've gone to the Playoff twice in that span. Another entry into the four-team field seems unlikely considering the losses this team suffered, but I don't envision a steep drop-off either. Coan will play a stabilizing role for the offense as they move on from Book at quarterback and Freeman's defense should once again be a top-tier group. Additionally, the schedule should lighten up slightly, as the Irish move back to independent status. A slate that includes Wisconsin, Cincinnati, UNC, and USC isn't easy by any means, but ND happens to get every single one of those games at home, with the lone exception being Wisconsin, which will be played at Soldier Field. There's enough here for another double-digit season to be in the cards, although much more than that may be a stretch.

Further Breakdown

Team Projections

Projected Record: 10-2

Offensive MVP: RB Kyren Williams

Defensive MVP: S Kyle Hamilton

Breakout Player of the Year: TE Michael Mayer

Impact Freshman: WR Deion Colzie

Recruiting Breakdown

Notre Dame landed a Top 10 class nationally, with a nice mix of skill position talent, as well as linemen. Offensive linemen Blake Fisher and Rocco Spindler may get an opportunity to start right away, especially Fisher, who is the top player from inside the state of Indiana. Wide outs Deion Colzie and Lorenzo Styles should also see snaps as they are at need positions, with Colzie being quite the big recruiting get. The Irish went into the state of Georgia to land the 6'4", 190 pound weapon. Farther down the list, Notre Dame landed a few players that aren't likely to see the field much in 2021, but have upside in the long term. Corner Phillip Riley was a nice pickup from Florida who was once committed to USC, while tight end Cane Berrong is also a get from SEC territory. With this group, Kelly and staff have proven that even though ND is not recruiting comparable to the Alabamas and Ohio States of the world, they're still a national brand that can move into the Southeast and land big names.

Five-Year Trend

College Football Preview 2021: 10. North Carolina Tar Heels

Sam Howell, UNC

 10. North Carolina Tar Heels

The talent level has elevated and a Heisman contender at QB leads the way, but are they good enough to go toe-to-toe with Clemson?

2020 Review

After a strong 7-6 debut in Mack Brown's return to Chapel Hill, UNC entered 2020 with fairly high expectations. They had success, rising to as high as No. 5 in the nation and squaring off against Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl. However, they also lost two head-stratchers to Florida State and Virginia, both on the road, then came out flat in the second half against Notre Dame, which was their third regular season loss. At the end of the day, an 8-4 record is still something to be proud of in such a weird year, but you got the feeling this team was even better than their record may have indicated. The goal for UNC in 2021 is not only to push towards ACC Title contention, but find a way to avoid the weird losses that occurred last fall.

2021 Outlook

Offense: Quarterback Sam Howell returns as one of the faces of college football and a serious threat to be the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was tremendous as a true freshman back in 2019 but showed even more growth last year, becoming more efficient and forcing less throws. He may have a slight learning curve to begin 2021 as he operates without most of his top receivers from 2020, but expect him to still put up huge numbers and be a factor in the Heisman conversation.

The Tar Heels will be breaking in a new tailback after both Javonte Williams and Michael Carter moved on to the NFL. Carter finished as the top rusher in terms of yardage, with 1,245, but Williams was the touchdown machine, totaling 19 on the ground and three through the air. The coaching staff did bring in a possible replacement through the transfer portal in former Tennessee back Ty Chandler. Chandler ran for over 2,000 yards during a long career in Knoxville and at the very least, can be serviceable. It's likely that he'll split time with some of the younger options on the roster, namely sophomore Josh Henderson and junior British Brooks. It will be incredibly difficult for this group to replicate the 1-2 punch of Williams and Carter but even if it's just okay, that might be enough for this offense to succeed.

Losing receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome might end up being more significant than Carter or Williams. They not only ended up being taken in the NFL Draft but were great leaders in the locker room whose departure will be felt. The good news is that there is still a bunch of potential in this receiver corps, and I wouldn't be shocked if one or two guys really emerge quickly. The top candidates are Josh Downs and Khafre Brown, who is the younger brother of Dyami. Brown finished third on the team with 337 receiving yards in 2020 and much like his brother, is a dynamic deep threat. Downs didn't see the field very much but had 91 yards in their bowl game and can be used in a wide variety of ways. 

In addition to Brown and Downs, senior Beau Corrales is a crucial returnee. He was considered part of a "Big Three" trio with Dyami Brown and Newsome, but couldn't stay healthy last fall. Not only will he have to aid Downs and Brown on the perimeter, but will also have to take up more of a leadership role with the youth in this group. Behind him, keep an eye on a few other names, including sophomore Emery Simmons and true freshman Gavin Blackwell. Blackwell played with Howell in high school and enrolled early, giving him a chance to make a quick impression with this staff.

UNC's offensive line has been just about average over the last two seasons protecting Sam Howell, but that could change in 2021. All five starters from last season return and they combine for over 100 starts in total. Guards Marcus McKethan and Joshua Ezedu earned All-League recognition for their performance last year and are the "stars" of the group, but the Heels want better play from their tackles, Jordan Tucker and Asim Richards. 

It's not often at a place like UNC that you can lose four NFL Draft selections on offense and still potentially get even better the year after. But having a QB like Howell leading the charge changes things, as does an experienced offensive line. There will likely still be growing pains at running back and receiver but the upside at those spots speaks to the way Mack Brown and this staff have been recruiting.

Defense: Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman arrived with Brown prior to 2019 and has had his work cut out improving a defense that was terrible in the final years of the Larry Fedora tenure. The Heels have already made steady progress here, and with ten starters back for 2021, this should be a real strength.

The defensive line is still young in some areas but has the potential to be strong. Junior Raymond Vohasek is a tone-setter in the heart of the unit, racking up 29 tackles and 3.5 TFL last season. He's even good at getting hands in opposing passing lanes, with a pair of pass deflections to his credit in the shortened season. Likely to pair with him is Myles Murphy, who was a big-name recruit that played in all 12 games last season and notched a pair of TFL. The final starting spot in this 3-4 scheme is up for grabs, likely to come down to Tomari Fox or true freshman Jahvaree Ritzie. Fox wasn't a very hyped recruit but acclimated quickly to Chapel Hill and made 46 tackles and four sacks. Ritzie was tremendous in the spring after enrolling early and could fight for the starting job.

The depth along the D-Line is important to note. There's a bunch of guys who can rotate in, including Kaimon Rucker, Jahlil Taylor, Kendrick Bingley-Jones, and Keeshawn Silver. Silver in particular is a name to watch, as he is one of the major gems of the 2021 recruiting class. Simply put, these defensive linemen are not the same as the ones 'NC trotted out for the better part of the 2010s; there are guys second and third on this depth chart who will have a chance to play on Sundays.

At linebacker, the Tar Heels lose a key contributor in Chazz Surratt. Surratt was a great story, a guy who began his UNC career as a quarterback before making the switch to LB and developing into one of the best anywhere in the nation. He had impeccable instincts, unlimited range, and superb athleticism that allowed him to compile 91 tackles and six sacks in 2020. The good news is that UNC still has several veterans returning at linebacker. Junior MLB Jeremiah Gemmel is very important, coming in just behind Surratt with 76 tackles. He has started every single game the last two seasons and while he isn't flashy, he's incredibly productive. Joining Gemmel is senior Tomon Fox (Tomari's older brother) and sophomore Chris Collins. Fox was once exclusively a pass rusher with the Heels, but has grown other areas of his game. He still gets after the QB quite a bit, leading the team with seven sacks a year ago.

The Tar Heel secondary is loaded with talent, but injuries forced the group to be one of the worst pass defenses in the ACC in 2020. Expect a resurgent campaign, as the Tar Heels return just about every key piece, with the lone exception being Patrick Rene, who transferred to Rutgers. UNC has numerous cornerbacks with starting experience, including Tony Grimes, Storm Duck, and former Clemson transfer Kyler McMichael. Duck looked well on his way to becoming a star before missing the final ten games of 2020, which forced McMichael into an even larger role. Grimes on the other hand reclassified from the Class of 2021 and enrolled a year early, essentially beginning his career as a high school senior. There were growing pains, but you can see the talent and upside. Don't be surprised if he takes a big leap in his second season on Chapel Hill and establishes himself as one of the household names on this defense.

At safety, Trey Morrison, Ja'Qurious Conley and Cam'Ron Kelly also offer proven starting experience. Kelly was third on the team in tackles a season ago and is a proven commodity in run support as well as pass coverage. Conley is the projected starter at strong safety and is built for the position (6'1", 220 pounds) but has to become more consistent.

It has been understandable that UNC's defense has suffered through growing pains in the first two years of the Mack Brown era. This group was in a bad spot coming out of the Fedora era and even though this staff has recruited incredibly well, it always takes some time for that talent to come through. Expect some real progress this fall, with more experience and depth throughout the roster. Losing Surratt is significant but there's enough elsewhere that the Heels will be able to move on.

Special Teams: Kicker Grayson Atkins transferred from Furman prior to last season but struggled more than expected, going 12 for 18 on field goal attempts. He is likely to enter the season as the returning starter, but there's some question whether sophomore Jonathan Kim could push him, even though he's been used almost exclusively as a kickoff specialist. Punter Ben Kiernan is solid, but the Heels need some new faces to step up in the return game.

Bottom Line: Mack Brown has done an excellent job since his return to Chapel Hill, taking a program that was dead in the water from 2017-2018 and creating a legitimate ACC Title contender. They check off a lot of boxes you like to see, with a superstar at quarterback and intriguing skill position talent, plus a rapidly improving, veteran defense. The ultimate question is whether all this talent that's been amassed can start equating into not just wins, but program-defining victories. This program has the pieces to go toe-to-toe with teams like Notre Dame, Miami, and even possibly Clemson. It's just a matter of developing more consistency week-to-week and finishing off games more effectively. If they can do that, they represent the greatest threat to Clemson inside the ACC, even though they don't play them in the regular season. A Playoff run seems like a tall task this year, but a second straight New Year's Six bowl is a real possibility.

Further Breakdown

Team Projections

Projected Record: 10-3 (8-2 ACC, Lose ACC Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: QB Sam Howell

Defensive MVP: LB Jeremiah Gemmel

Breakout Player of the Year: WR Josh Downs

Impact Freshman: WR Gavin Blackwell

Recruiting Breakdown

The Tar Heels landed a Top 15 group nationally and the third best in the ACC. They continue to do a much better job at locking down the talent-rich state of North Carolina than previous UNC staffs, with nearly all their big names coming from the pipeline. Defensive linemen Keeshawn Silver and Jahvaree Ritzie are studs who will see snaps right away. Silver was the No. 1 player in the state in the Class of '21, while Ritzie's big spring has fans and staff thrilled about his future. Another player who could vie for immediate playing time is linebacker Power Echols, who is a Charlotte product. He was in the for the spring and although he plays primarily inside linebacker, his ability to blitz and get after opposing quarterbacks could be valuable in a wide variety of packages. Another player to highlight is high four-star QB Drake Maye, who is the brother of former UNC basketball player Luke. He didn't play football in the fall and will obviously have to wait his turn behind Howell, but could fight for the backup job with Jacolby Criswell.

Five-Year Trend

College Football Preview 2021: 11. Texas A&M Aggies

Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M

11. Texas A&M Aggies 

With depth and talent throughout the roster, plus a star tailback, last season's breakthrough was just the beginning

2020 Review

Entering the ultra-important Year 3 of the Jimbo Fisher era, Texas A&M had high expectations in 2020. However, their first two weeks of the campaign left a lot to be desired. They entered their opener against Vanderbilt as 30 point favorites and won an ugly 17-12 game before heading into Tuscaloosca and being run out of the stadium by eventual champion Alabama. The Aggies impressed in their ability to weather the slow start and their season turned around when they upset fourth-ranked Florida in College Station. It have them the momentum needed to run the table over the coming seven games to finish 9-1 and fifth in the nation. With a Top 10 ranking and New Year's Six bowl win under his belt, the next goal for Jimbo and A&M become even more lofty: winning the SEC West, winning the league, and making the CFB Playoff. 

2021 Outlook

Offense: After starting four seasons for the Aggies, Kellen Mond departed to the NFL as the program's all-time passing leader. It's difficult to quantify just how large of a loss this is for Texas A&M. Mond was a rock-solid, steady quarterback but he never was quite able to get the offense over the top. His absence leaves a three-man quarterback competition brewing.

The three players set to compete are freshman Haynes King, redshirt freshman Zach Calzada, and newcomer Eli Stowers. None of the trio have much in-game experience, but all three have their own skill sets. King has natural arm talent and is surprisingly fast for his size, while Calzada is a big QB who is very accurate. Stowers is more of a wild card as a superb athlete who may be the future at the position, but will need time to adjust. Early on, King is the favorite as a former high-profile recruit who seems to fit Fisher's offense. He played in two games in 2020 and threw a total of four times, one of which went for a touchdown.

While quarterback remains somewhat up in the air, the Aggies have the luxury of a loaded running back room. The headliner is certainly Isaiah Spiller, who went for 946 yards as a freshman in 2019 then built on it with a 1,036-yard 2020. Spiller is known as a hard-nosed runner, but last season he showed an improved ability to make opponents miss. He has All-American talent and the Aggies are likely to lean on him early on in 2021, considering the mystery in the passing game.

Spiller will operate as the workhorse tailback, but Devon Achane showed that he could add a nice change of pace option. He played in eight games last fall, finishing with 364 rushing yards and four scores, while averaging 8.5 yards per carry. At 5'9" with blazing fast speed, he's obviously quite different than Spiller, but adds much-needed versatility to the offense. Other names to watch in the backfield include sophomore Earnest Crownover, a former JUCO transfer, and big-name true frosh L.J. Johnson.

Perhaps no position group on the roster has undergone as much turnover and transition as A&M's receivers. Jahmon Ausbon was their top pass-catcher in 2019 and was looking for a major 2020, but he opted out. Then Cameron Buckley and Caleb Chapman were both lost for the season, leaving them very thin. Ausbon is long gone and Buckley has transferred, but Chapman returns to a unit that should be much more stable this year. He is joined by a group that includes Ainias Smith, Hezekiah Jones, Chase Lane, and Demond Demas. Smith is the top returning option after he totaled 43 receptions and 564 yards. The RB/WR hybrid is one of the funnest players to watch anywhere in college football, but you get the feeling the Aggies want a more traditional wide out to step up. That could be Demas, who came to A&M with loads of hype, but didn't make a catch in 2020. Demas has athletic abilities that are almost super-human, but needs to polish off other elements of his game to be truly effective.

Jimbo Fisher has always been known as a head coach that loves to utilize his tight ends, and he has an elite 1-2 punch in Jalen Wydermyer and Baylor Cupp. Cupp was a five-star recruit who was supposed to be the ideal fit for Jimbo's offense, but he has missed both of the last two years with injury. Those injuries gave Wydermyer a chance and he has flourished into a John Mackey Award favorite. Wydermyer snagged 46 passes for 506 yards in 2020 and will once again operate as the security blanket for this offense. Cupp will have to play a supporting role to begin, but he has serious upside if he's able to stay healthy.

A&M's offensive line was the unsung strength of the 9-1 team, but they were hit hard by losses over the off-season. Tackles Carson Green and Dan Moore were All-League players who will need to be replaced, while anchor Ryan McCollum also moves on. The good news is that sophomore Kenyon Green remains and will be the star of the unit. Green has started 23 games at guard over the last two seasons and was an All-American last fall but is likely to move outside to one of the vacated tackle spots. The only other player with much starting experience is former Tennessee transfer Jahmir Johnson, who made 17 starts in Knoxville. Johnson has played most of his time as a guard as well, but does have some starting experience. Beyond those two, this unit is full of question marks, although there is talent to be found. Names like center Luke Matthews, who played in 11 games in 2019 before losing last year to injury, will have to play larger roles.

A&M's offensive outlook for 2021 is really a mixed bag. They're well-stocked at running back, receiver, and tight end, and the QB room has loads of potential. With that being said, replacing any longtime QB, even a guy like Mond, is often a tall task in the SEC. Growing pains are to be expected, which is why the relatively easy non-conference schedule is good news.

Defense: Once the overwhelming Achilles Heel of Texas A&M as a program, the defense has turned into one of the SEC's best. Coordinator Mike Elko has been a huge help in turning the group around, as has a defensive staff that has upped the recruiting on this side of the ball. This unit has the potential to be the SEC's best in 2021, and one of the best anywhere in the nation.

The defensive line has a nice mix of star power and depth. After flashing potential as a true freshman, defensive end DeMarvin Leal evolved into an All-SEC pass rusher last year. His blend of explosiveness and size is a nightmare for opposing blockers on the edge, and he has already caught the attention of NFL scouts. He is joined on the outside by veterans Michael Clemons and Tyree Johnson, who bring a proven pedigree to the unit. Both notched four sacks in 2020 and will play important roles. On the inside, senior Jayden Peevy earned All-SEC attention in 2020 and returns, as does freshman McKinley Jackson, who made one start last year. Keep an eye on a few of the youngsters that joined the group over the spring, including Tunmise Adeleye and Elijah Jeudy. Adeyele is a former Ohio State commit who was a major recruiting win for this staff.

At linebacker, Texas A&M must find a way to replace hard-hitting Buddy Johnson, who finished as the team leader in tackles, with 86. Not only was he a crucial asset in run support, Johnson also set the tone as a leader of the defense. It isn't clear who will take over his spot at middle linebacker, although Edgerrin Cooper appears to be the favorite. Cooper played in all ten games a season ago and flashed impressive closing speed, but he'll have to battle out several others for the starting MLB job. Senior Aaron Hansford returns to man the outside linebacker role in this 4-2-5 defense. Hansford made just one start in 2019 but emerged as a key contributor last season, starting all ten. 

The secondary should be the strength of the defense, with every starter returning and plenty of depth. At corner, the Aggies have a proven veteran in Myles Jones, as well as a rising youngster in Jaylon Jones. Myles Jones is a long-armed, intelligent defender who finds a way to get into passing lanes, while Jaylon Jones had 30 tackles and seven pass deflections as a true freshman. Junior Brian George also offers a healthy amount of experience and was a big name JUCO transfer.

The safety spots are to be manned by junior Leon O'Neal at strong safety and Demani Richardson at free safety. O'Neal had entered his name into the transfer portal prior to 2020 but then decided to stay, ensuring the Aggies a skilled and technical safety on the back-end. He earned a spot on the Fourth Team All-SEC in 2020, but he has potential to do even more. Richardson is still acclimating to the ever-important free safety role, but he did have 36 tackles a season ago.

The growth that A&M's defense has shown over the past half-decade has been one of the more underrated stories in the SEC. They're not only a stronger, better-coached group but also one loaded with guys that are going to be playing on Sundays. As long as they can find somebody to take over for Buddy Johnson, it should be an elite group.

Special Teams: The Aggies bring back both their punter and kicker for the 2021 season, with Seth Small handling placekicking and Nik Constantinou at punter. Small has 64 field goal attempts in his A&M career and is among the best in the SEC, while Constantinou had a 40.5 punt average last fall.

Bottom Line: A&M checked off a bunch of boxes in 2020, but there's still plenty of motivation for '21. Jimbo Fisher and the staff have upgraded the talent level on both sides of the ball and there's future NFL stars throughout the roster. Can that talent take the next step and topple Alabama for an SEC West Title? It will be difficult to do so in 2021 as they replace a proven veteran at quarterback, but playmakers at running back and receiver should keep the offense chugging along. The schedule works out favorably enough that 10-11 regular season wins should be the goal. Their cross-division matchups are against Missouri and South Carolina, two teams that are fringe bowl teams entering the fall. Even so, I still think A&M is a step below 'Bama in the division and Georgia in the broader league. With that being said, the gap is closing, and another jump this season wouldn't be a shock.

Further Breakdown

Team Projections

Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 SEC)

Offensive MVP: RB Isaiah Spiller

Defensive MVP: DL DeMarvin Leal

Breakout Player of the Year: WR Demond Demas

Impact Freshman: DL Tunmise Adeleye

Recruiting Breakdown

Texas A&M continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail, notching a Top 10 class in the 2021 Cycle. They brought in a haul of future NFL defensive linemen, including Tunmise Adeleye, Shemar Turner, Marcus Burris, and Elijah Jeudy. Adeyele and Turner in particular could see plenty of playing time in 2021, even with a fairly deep defensive line. Offensively, quarterback Eli Stowers and tailback L.J. Johnson should be the backfield pairing of the future. Stowers is likely too raw to seriously challenge for the QB job this season, but Johnson may see some action, even with Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane in front of him. A player to watch that hasn't received much fanfare just yet is offensive linemen Jordan Spasojevic-Moko, who comes from Snow College in Utah. He has a chance to push for action at one of the tackle spots, although Kenyon Green and Jahmir Johnson will be difficult to unseat.

Five-Year Trend

College Football Preview 2021: 12. USC Trojans

Kedon Slovis, USC

 12. USC Trojans

They're the most talented team in the division, but will need more consistency from the QB and staff to take the Pac-12

2020 Review

Even by 2020 standards, USC's season was a strange one. They began their schedule in November with a 9 a.m. local time kickoff, coming from behind to beat Arizona State in a thriller. In fact, they were forced to come from behind in multiple games during the shortened campaign, but still earned entry to the Pac-12 Championship Game with a perfect 5-0 record. A loss to Oregon in that game, a team that technically didn't even win its division, showed that the Trojans still have work to do as they prep for 2021. 

2021 Outlook

Offense: Offensive coordinator Graham Harrell has been a tremendous addition to the coaching staff over the last two years, re-energizing an offense that had lagged during a 5-7 2018 season. Despite the fact he received some interest from other schools and even the NFL, he returns to lead what should be his most talented 'SC offense yet.

Quarterback Kedon Slovis came on in 2019 in a huge way, winning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year after beginning the year as a backup. Even greater things were expected in 2020 and while Slovis had strong numbers, he struggled to maintain consistency. He finished with 1,921 yards, 17 touchdowns, and a 67% completion percentage, but left a little to be desired. Slovis has the natural arm talent and confidence to be a true Heisman-caliber QB, and the hope is that a normal off-season will work wonders for him. He's the unquestioned starter moving forward, but the Trojans did upgrade the quarterback room around him, bringing in highly touted freshmen Miller Moss and Jaxson Dart.

The Trojan ground game has lagged behind what it could be over the last several years, but the staff is hoping that changes in 2021. Former five-star prospect Stephen Carr might have transferred, but steady veteran Vavae Malepeai returns, and former Texas transfer Keontay Ingram arrives. Ingram was forced out of Austin due to the talent of youngster Bijan Robinson, but he's still an awfully talented tailback. He notched over 1,500 yards in his first two seasons with Texas, but wasn't healthy last fall.

Even though Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns move on from this receiver group, it still has the chance to be one of the country's best. There's plenty of talent and depth, with a clear headliner in sophomore Drake London. London is built more like a tight end than traditional wide out, but still has the burst in the open field to be a difference-maker. He finished with 502 yards in just six games last season, but even greater things should be in store now that St. Brown and Vaughns are gone.

Joining London are an abundance of intriguing options. Freshman Gary Bryant didn't see the field a ton in his first year on campus, but is a big-name recruit who has the versatility to do damage in a variety of ways. Colorado transfer K.D. Nixon doesn't have the ceiling of others in the receiver room, but he was productive while in Boulder, with 23 starters under his belt over his four years there. Then there's redshirt freshman Bru McCoy, who became somewhat of a household name for his wild recruitment back prior to 2019. He missed all of 2019 with a mysterious illness but returned for 2020 and finished fourth on the team in receptions and yardage. McCoy has superstar potential, even if his recruitment process probably earned him some detractors.

The USC offensive line remains mostly intact, although the lone loss is a big one. Tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker was an All-Pac-12 performer and went in the first round to the New York Jets. His departure leaves the Trojans very thin at left tackle. The rest of the unit returns with a healthy amount of experience, namely guard Andrew Vorhees. He's made 25 starts throughout his 'SC career, including five last fall after missing most of 2019.

This has potential to be one of the best offenses USC has had in awhile, even though there are several notable losses. Slovis is more talented than the edition we saw last fall, and the other skill positions should be strong. Expect this to be a fun and potentially explosive bunch, but cutting down on turnovers will be key.

Defense: Much like he did with his offense following the disappointing 2018, head coach Clay Helton shuffled the defensive coaching staff following 2019. The result was a new coordinator in former Texas DC Todd Orlando, as well as several new assistants. Although it's difficult to take too much away from 2020, it appears as though the move has paid off, as the Trojan defense improved statistically and also seemed to play with more edge.

The defensive line may be the most interesting position group on the roster. There's plenty of experience returning, but it's the newcomers that are sure to catch eyes. Alabama transfer Ishmael Sopher was, unsurprisingly, a high-profile recruit who found himself pushed out of the DT spot in Tuscaloosca. He's talented enough to come in and start right away, likely to pair next to Tuli Tuipulotu in the middle. Off the edge, there's freshman Korey Foreman, the top player in the 2021 Class. Although he will need time to acclimate to Power Five football, it's going to be difficult to keep Foreman off the field. He might have a chance to leapfrog former JUCO transfer Nick Figueroa, who had seven tackles for loss in his first season with the Trojans.

USC has always been a school that produces elite linebackers and next in line is sophomore Drake Jackson. Jackson makes the move to outside linebacker from defensive end, freeing him up to do even more for this Trojan defense. He had six tackles for loss in 2019 as a true freshman and would've built on that last season if not for the shortened schedule. Jackson was an All-League performer in 2020 and is the star of the defense, at least for now. However, the Trojans do still have several other linebackers with experience, even if they may not be recognizable stars. Sophomore Ralen Goforth notched 38 tackles last season, while junior outside 'backer Kana'i Mauga is the top returning tackler. There's also Hunter Echols, who provides valuable depth to the unit.

The Trojan secondary suffered through an injury-plagued 2019 season but displayed solid progress in the shortened 2020 season. They did suffer a big loss over the off-season when Talanoa Hufanga, the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, moved on. His absence will put more pressure on the returnees, namely corner Chris Steele and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao. Steele began his career at Florida before traveling west, and he's developed into a quality cover corner. He was an All-League performer a year ago and has the talent to be even better. Sophomore Isaac Taylor-Stuart is the favorite to start alongside him, mainly because there aren't many proven options beyond him. Fellow sophomore Jayden Williams played some a season ago and has a chance to push for more snaps, but will have to battle of numerous freshmen. Don't be surprised if Ceyair Wright seriously pushes for the starting job in 2021.

Pola-Mao finished third on the team in tackles last fall and his limitless range at free safety will be critical for this defense. Depth at the safety spots will be aided by the addition of two big-name transfers, Chris Thompson and Xavion Alford. Thompson played in six games as a true frosh at Auburn, but it's Alford that has earned significant attention. He arrived at Texas with plenty of fanfare and while he didn't see the field much his first year on campus, he was in for the spring and flashed serious upside.

Orlando seemed to be a great fit with the USC defense during a pandemic year, which bodes well as things shift back to normal. There are pieces that will need to be replaced, but the Trojans added several transfers and freshmen who should immediately make an impact. They're still probably not going to be one of the Pac-12's elite defenses, but should be good enough to keep this team as a conference title contender.

Special Teams: Kicker Parker Lewis had a decent first season with the Trojans in 2020, but they're hoping for even more after he went 9-13 on field goals. He has massive range, but will have to develop consistency in 2021. Punter Ben Griffiths could be one of the best in the league, giving new special teams coordinator Sean Snyder a weapon to work with.

Bottom Line: USC remains perpetually on the quest back to national prominence and while they've flashed potential under Clay Helton, the perennial hot-seat head man is still waiting to get them over the top. The 2021 team has the potential to do so, with a talented quarterback leading a fun offense, and an improved defense likely to play better in a more-normal season. It also helps that this team has a generally favorable schedule, and the Pac-12 South as a whole is full of mystery. Their biggest threat is Arizona State, whose future is completely uncertain due to an ongoing NCAA investigation. Beyond that, Utah, Colorado, and UCLA could all be dangerous, but all are still unproven commodities right now. With that in mind, the Trojans are not just a division favorite, but should seriously challenge for a Pac-12 crown. The ultimate question remains: can USC finally live up to their vast potential? They haven't in recent years, but the blueprint is in place.

Further Breakdown

Team Projections

Projected Record: 10-3 (7-3 Pac-12, Lose Pac-12 Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: QB Kedon Slovis

Defensive MVP: LB Drake Jackson

Breakout Player of the Year: WR Gary Bryant

Impact Freshman: DE Korey Foreman

Recruiting Breakdown

After a down year on the recruiting trail in 2020, this staff responded in a big way when loading up for the 2021 Class. They finished seventh in the country and came just behind Oregon inside the conference. The obvious headliner is defensive end Korey Foreman, the nation's No. 1 recruit, who was once committed to Clemson. He has the chance to be the best pass rusher USC has had in years and years. Behind him, the staff also hauled in two highly-touted QB recruits in Jaxson Dart and Miller Moss. Moss hails from inside the state, but Dart is slightly higher rated, and the Trojans took him away from the state of Utah. Other names to watch include linebacker Raesjon Davis and tight end Michael Trigg. Davis is a former LSU commit who can be used in a wide variety of ways, while Trigg was a nice get from the Southeast. The tight end position has been down for 'SC in recent years, but Trigg may be able to change that. 

Five-Year Trend

NBA Mock Draft 2021: Edition 3 (Final Edition)

Scottie Barnes, No. 5 to Orlando

With the unique sports calendar this year, it's easy to forget that the 2021 NBA Draft wraps up this Thursday, with sixty prospects set to complete a lifelong dream of making the NBA. This year doesn't seem to have much intrigue around the No. 1 selection, but the rest of the first round could be awfully chaotic, with several huge trades possibly taking place. I never predict trades in my mocks, but I wouldn't be surprised if the draft order is shaken up quite a bit by the time both rounds conclude late Thursday night.

1. Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State

Barring some major change late in the process, Cade Cunningham will be the top selection in the 2021 NBA Draft. Cunningham stuck it out with an Oklahoma State team that was originally going to be ineligible for the NCAA Tournament and helped put together one of their best regular seasons in school history. He's the type of difference maker any team at the top of the lottery covets, and he immediately becomes the face of a Pistons franchise that has been floundering over the last several years.

2. Houston Rockets

Jalen Green, G/F, G League

Things get very interesting at the second spot, but rumors are swirling that Jalen Green is likely to be the selection. Green was one of the first big names to make the jump to the G League instead of college and while he had growing pains playing against professionals, he has already displayed rapid improvement. Green gives the Rockets a dynamic scorer who will guide them through the post-James Harden era.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Evan Mobley, F/C, USC

An athletic big who can both run the floor and space it, Evan Mobley will be able to fit in just about any NBA offense. While Cleveland does still have Kevin Love on the roster, it appears time to move on in the frontcourt. Mobley should be able to pair nicely with Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, who have flashed serious upside.

4. Toronto Raptors

Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga

The Raptors had a frustrating 2020-21 season, but the roster can still contend, even with Kyle Lowry likely on his way out. Trading out may be a possibility, but with Jalen Suggs still available on the board, Toronto takes a chance. He's already an elite playmaker and clutch shot-maker, and if the jump shot is more consistent, he can be the best player in this class.

5. Orlando Magic

Scottie Barnes, G/F, Florida State

Although there remains a drop-off at pick No. 5, Scottie Barnes looks more and more like the selection here. The Florida State product flashed impressive versatility and scoring potential, even if his college production doesn't necessarily jump off the page at you. He's well worth the risk for an Orlando team that doesn't look like they will be contending any time soon.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

James Bouknight, G, UConn

Few players in this Draft have had a meteoric rise quite like James Bouknight, who has gone from a late lottery selection to a possible Top 5 pick. He brings a proven scoring punch to an Oklahoma City roster that lacks much proven playmaking beyond Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 

7. Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga, G/F, G League

With Klay Thompson back healthy next season, the Warriors are likely to return to serious contention in the Western Conference. With that in mind, this Top 10 pick may be better used adding a developmental piece, such as Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga is a jaw-dropping athlete and has raw offensive tools but at just 18 years old, he will need time to figure things out in the NBA.

8. Orlando Magic

Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor

Davion Mitchell is one of my favorite players in this Draft, but he has an interesting range of where he could land. Some mocks have him as high as fifth to the Magic, while others have him dropping out of the lottery. My bet is somewhere in between, as Orlando picks him up with their second selection of the first round. Even if his playmaking ability isn't there right away as he transitions to the pros, Mitchell's on-ball defense are worthy of a lottery pick.

9. Sacramento Kings

Franz Wagner, F, Michigan

The Kings are going to be fascinating players on Draft Night, with rumors of a possible Buddy Hield trade circulating. If they do stay put at nine, Franz Wagner has been linked to Sacramento for some time. He offers a combo forward who could defend multiple positions and immediately bring spot-up shooting to a team that has lacked shooters for some time.

10. Memphis Grizzlies

Moses Moody, G, Arkansas

Moses Moody might not have the ceiling of others in this cycle, but he's a rock-solid NBA prospect. In his one season with Arkansas, he proved to be a capable defender, quality shooter, and natural athlete. He also offers ideal size for an off-guard, especially considering his massive, seven-foot wingspan. The Grizzlies would love a quality guard to pair up with Ja Morant, particularly when you consider the newly-acquired Eric Bledsoe is unlikely to remain in town long.

11. Charlotte Hornets

Alperen Sengun, F/C, Turkey

In a Draft that is underwhelming in terms of international prospects, Turkish big Alperen Sengun may take the cake as the best option from overseas. Despite being slightly undersized at 6'9", Sengun is a ferocious rebounder and solid defender who also shoots at a nice clip from the free throw line. He has been playing against professional competition in Europe for years, so the adjustment to the NBA should be smooth.

12. San Antonio Spurs

Josh Giddey, G/F, Australia

Josh Giddey, who spent this past season playing for the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL, is very much a Spurs-esque prospect. He's already an elite playmaker and intelligent basketball player for his age, and he has the chance to continue to grow as a scorer. Giddey is seeing his stock rise, to the point where he may be gone by the time the Spurs are on the board, but he'd be a nice get if he is available at this spot.

13. Indiana Pacers

Corey Kispert, F, Gonzaga

Corey Kispert may take a backseat to former teammate Jalen Suggs as a prospect, but he proved that he was a key cog on a Gonzaga team that came one win away from a perfect season. Kispert grew from a limited, questionable athlete into a dominating offensive force with genuine power around the rim. He's older than most prospects in this Draft, but that shouldn't scare away teams in the late lottery.

14. Golden State Warriors

Chris Duarte, G, Oregon

After taking a chance on Jonathan Kuminga earlier, Golden State rolls with a safer, rather unexciting, selection in Oregon's Chris Duarte. Duarte may be a flashy athlete or lockdown defender, but he's an incredibly efficient scorer who hits the three ball at a quality rate. He's the type of winning basketball player an organization like the Warriors is always looking to add on the bench.

15. Washington Wizards

Trey Murphy, G/F, Virginia

It's unclear whether the Wizards will move forward with their core of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal but either way, they're going to need to add shooters to this roster. Enter Trey Murphy, a well-built wing with a smooth stroke. Murphy's offensive numbers aren't overly impressive while at Virginia, but that is never a program that is going to churn out high-scoring players.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder

Ziaire Williams, F, Stanford

Despite being a huge recruit, Ziaire Williams is a project at this point in his career. He has a lot of the offensive tools to be an elite scorer and impactful defender, but he still has serious holes in his game right now. Oklahoma City still has years before they are looking to seriously contend, meaning they can take a chance on a piece like this in the mid-first.

17. New Orleans Pelicans

Keon Johnson, G, Tennessee

One of the most intriguing players to watch on Thursday night is Tennessee's Keon Johnson. Some projections have him going comfortably in the Top 10, while others seem to think he'll drop to the late first. My guess again lands somewhere in between, offering New Orleans a high upside, two-way contributor with the pick they acquired in the recent deal with Memphis.

18. Oklahoma City Thunder

Kai Jones, F/C, Texas

Another player that is seeing his stock rise at the right time, Kai Jones certainly could be a lottery selection. Jones still has a fairly limited offensive game, but he offers a lot of things modern NBA teams are looking for: size, rim running potential, and rim protection. If he can polish his post game and perhaps grow a more effective mid-range shot, Jones could be a great pick here.

19. New York Knicks

Jared Butler, G/F, Baylor

Along with Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler was the fuel that helped guide Baylor to their first National Title in school history in 2020-21. He's not quite as flashy as Mitchell, but Butler is a deadeye shooter and tremendous leader on the court. Too often the Knicks have gone with the "flash" over the substance, but that should change with Butler here.

20. Atlanta Hawks

Cam Thomas, G/F, LSU

With a logjam of young players already on the wing, rumor is that Atlanta has looked into trading away Cam Reddish or other pieces. That should open up the door for Cam Thomas, who had a tremendous one-year run with LSU. Thomas has a proven scoring pedigree and lives for the big moment, but he'll have to become a better distributor if he is to pair with Trae Young.

21. New York Knicks

Usman Garuba, F, Spain

Already adding Jared Butler a little bit earlier, the Knicks go with a developmental frontcourt piece in Usman Garuba. Garuba reminds me a lot of a smaller Clint Capela; a beast on the glass, powerful offensive player, and decent on-ball defender. He'll add froncourt depth to a roster that desperately needs it if they want to contend in the East next year.

22. Los Angeles Lakers

Jalen Johnson, F, Duke

Kyle Kuzma could be on the move this off-season, but the Lakers could immediately find his replacement in the form of Jalen Johnson. Johnson has loads of offensive upside and had flashes during his short run at Duke, but he has plenty of room for growth. Who better to learn under than LeBron James and Anthony Davis?

23. Houston Rockets

Isaiah Jackson, F/C, Kentucky

With Kentucky coming over one of their worst seasons in program history, big man Isaiah Jackson is the best prospect set to come out of Lexington. Jackson is still a bit of a project on offense, but he's extremely active around the rim and already an elite shot-blocker. He's well worth a slight risk for a Rockets team with three first-round selections.

24. Houston Rockets

Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee

Don't be surprised if this selection becomes trade bait for a Houston team that will be very active, but if they stick firm, Jaden Springer makes plenty of sense. Springer is an elite defender who can play next to just about anyone in the backcourt. He's exceptional from mid-range and can occasionally create his own shot, but there's work to be done.

25. Los Angeles Clippers

Tre Mann, G, Florida

With Kawhi Leonard's status unclear for the 2021-22 season, Los Angeles is stuck in a weird sort of limbo as far as Western Conference contention goes. Either way, they'll need more scoring punch off the bench if they want to compete for an NBA Title. Tre Mann certainly fits that billing, as an explosive scorer out of Florida. He'll have to be more selective to survive in the NBA, but he has the talent.

26. Denver Nuggets

Nah'Shon Hyland, PG, VCU

Denver has traditionally been an organization that's able to find great value in the late first round and they have a potential steal here in the form of Nah'Shon Hyland. The VCU product isn't super well-known but is an impressive athlete with a 6'9" wingspan. Hyland's shooting numbers dropped slightly this season, but that was likely more of a result of him being the vocal point of the Ram attack than anything else.

27. Brooklyn Nets

Isaiah Todd, F/C, G League

Another team that should be willing to take a chance on a boom-or-bust prospect is Brooklyn, who is clearly a Finals favorite when fully healthy. Isaiah Todd offers great value in the late first as a tremendous athlete who has some wiggle to him. Todd was once a Michigan commit but like Green and Kuminga, instead chose the G League route.

28. Philadelphia Sixers

Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois

Will Ben Simmons be a Sixer next season? There's plenty of talk about him being traded elsewhere, but I wouldn't be surprised if Philadelphia trots him out for at least one more season. No matter what happens there, I like them adding a savvy playmaker like Dosunmu. Dosunmu was overshadowed by Luka Garza in the Big Ten this year, but was the best all-around player in the league.

29. Phoenix Suns

Quentin Grimes, G, Houston

Even though they ultimately came up short in the Finals, Phoenix had a marvelous postseason run this year. However, there's a chance that both Chris Paul and Cam Payne could move on over the summer, meaning the Suns will need to find some new faces to complement Devin Booker. Quentin Grimes has been rising up boards late and offers proven scoring punch.

30. Utah Jazz

Day'Ron Sharpe, F/C, UNC

Even though his one season in Chapel Hill was full of ups-and-downs, Day'Ron Sharpe is likely to land somewhere in the late first round. He's an active big around the rim who has the tools to become even more of a factor offensively, but he's still raw in many areas. Sharpe would definitely benefit from backing up Rudy Gobert for a season or two in Utah.