Alabama Crimson Tide

College Football Rankings: Post-spring 2017 Top 25

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:40 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Connor Muldowney/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Hootie Jones (6) as he scores during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Which teams stood out during spring ball and should be ranked near the top of college football when the 2017 season begins?

Spring football is finally in the books and there's reason to be excited. Why should we be excited if we have to wait about three and a half months for college football to start back up? Well, the only thing that stands between fans and college football is a relaxing summer.

Questions have been answered by many programs while others have raised even more with spring performances. Some teams are due for a big bounce-back season while others might just continue to dwindle.

Let's take a look at our complete post-spring Top 25 college football rankings.

Apr 22, 2017; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches warmups before the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Independent, Last season: 4-8

Not often can a team finish a season 4-8 and still have high expectations for the following year. Notre Dame will always be expected to have an 8-9 win season, no matter the previous campaign's result. The Fighting Irish are losing DeShone Kizer, but bring in talented junior quarterback Brandon Wimbush who many expect to be a stud. If he can play well in 2017 with an improved defense, the Fighting Irish could be looking at a nice season.

South Florida Bulls

AAC, Last season: 11-2 (7-1)

Hiring Charlie Strong may not seem like the best move for a team looking to sneak into the Top 25, but you have to remember he led Louisville to 23 wins in his final two seasons. His tenure as the Texas Longhorns' head coach never really stood a chance since he was handed a program in dismay. Could he prove the doubters wrong by taking over a South Florida team chocked full of talent, including dual-threat star Quinton Flowers? It seems likely.

Tennessee Volunteers

SEC, Last season: 9-4 (4-4)

The 2016 season was supposed to be Tennessee's to shine in the SEC. The Volunteers were expected to challenge teams like Alabama for the conference title, but Joshua Dobbs and Co. didn't quite live up to the hype. Following the spring game, it's clear that this team could be even better in 2017, especially if Quinten Dormady plays like he did — 10-for-10 with two touchdowns.

Texas Longhorns

Big 12, Last season: 5-7 (3-6)

Tom Herman is a magician. He turned Houston into one of the powers of the AAC and now he's headed to Texas to turn the Longhorns around. If any program needed a change, it was Texas despite Charlie Strong being a solid coach in a bad situation. The culture will no longer be geared toward mediocrity and with talented QB Shane Buechele entering his second season, this team has an even higher ceiling.

West Virginia Mountaineers

Big 12, Last season: 10-3 (7-2)

Skyler Howard isn't an easy guy to replace under center, but luckily for the Mountaineers, they have Florida transfer Will Grier, who led the Gators to 6-0 record a couple of years ago before testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs and getting suspended. He looked solid in the spring game and will have plenty of weapons surrounding him — although many are unproven.

Apr 22, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs black team quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes against the red team during the second half during the Georgia Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. Red defeated Black 25-22. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin Badgers

Big Ten, Last season: 11-3 (7-2)

Will Alex Hornibrook be able to answer the call as the team's starting quarterback? If he can continue to improve and utilize guys like Jazz Peavy and Bradrick Shaw, the Badgers' offense can take a step forward. However, the defense will likely be the strength of this team once again as Wisconsin has been known for its hard-nosed attitude.

Oregon Ducks

Pac-12, Last season: 4-8 (2-7)

It's not easy having such high hopes for a team that went just 4-8 last year, but Willie Taggart comes in with a new system and considerable amount of talent returning. The Ducks didn't go 4-8 for lack of talent, but rather because of injuries and inconsistencies, including from the coaching staff. Royce Freeman returns at running back as a Heisman candidate and Justin Herbert could be the solution at quarterback. The defense also looked better in the spring game.

Kansas State Wildcats

Big 12, Last season: 9-4 (6-3)

Another spring for Bill Snyder is in the books and this one has been tough as his health has been brought into question. If he can remain on the sidelines for 2017 and rely on Jesse Ertz to carry the load effectively, the Wildcats will be in good shape. There are some unanswered questions on the defensive side of the ball, but a nine-win team with a returning quarterback who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season should be highly-regarded.

Miami Hurricanes

ACC, Last season: 9-4 (5-3)

Mark Richt took over the Hurricanes prior to the 2016 season, turning his dream of coaching his alma mater into a reality after 15 years with Georgia. He turned Brad Kaaya into an NFL Draft pick and led the Hurricanes to a 9-4 season. Although there may be questions at quarterback, the Hurricanes are returning 18 starters. Without a spring game, though, it's impossible to guess who will win the starting job under center.

Georgia Bulldogs

SEC, Last season: 8-4 (4-4)

Conversely, in the first season without Mark Richt in 15 years, the Georgia Bulldogs finished 8-4, a normal season for the program lately. However, Kirby Smart is piecing together a talented team in Athens and it starts with Jacob Eason. The talented freshman had an up-and-down 2016 season, but he looks to return as one of the top SEC gunslingers in 2017. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel will be one of the best one-two running back punches in college football.

Apr 7, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) throws a pass during the orange and blue debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford Cardinal

Pac-12, Last season: 10-3 (6-3)

Christian McCaffrey is gone and quarterback Keller Chryst is coming off an ACL injury during the team's bowl game. However, Stanford should return one of the best defenses in the country, especially the secondary, even with Solomon Thomas gone. Bryce Love should be just fine in the backfield in place of McCaffrey. He had 779 yards and three touchdowns (7.0 yards per carry) in 2016.

Louisville Cardinals

ACC, Last season: 9-4 (7-1)

Louisville tailed off near the end of the season, but one thing remained constant: Lamar Jackson's ability to create offense. The Heisman-winning quarterback had one heck of a sophomore season and he returns as a junior, looking to put Louisville back on the college football map. Freshman receiver Dez Fitzpatrick had a breakout spring game and should be Jackson's top target. This offense, pending the offensive line's progression, should be elite once again.

Auburn Tigers

SEC, Last season: 8-5 (5-3)

Landing Baylor quarterback transfer Jarrett Stidham could make all the difference, especially if his spring game performance was any indication of what Tigers fans should expect. He will be the dynamic passer that Auburn has been lacking and Johnahan Franklin III was a highly-regarded dual-threat JUCO QB transfer, but he might be making a move to receiver. The backfield is also loaded and the defense should be strong once again, despite key losses.

Florida Gators

SEC, Last season: 9-4 (6-2)

Jim McElwain has turned the Florida Gators into defense-first annual SEC contenders. However, the Gators have to be sick of finishing as runner-ups, losing the last two SEC Championship to Alabama. The offense has been an area of concern for the past couple of years, but if Feleipe Franks can live up to his blue-chip status out of high school, the Gators may finally have their answer under center. This team could be destined for another SEC title appearance.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Big 12, Last season: 10-3 (7-2)

There is a lot of hype surrounding Oklahoma State, specifically Mason Rudolph, heading into the 2017 season and the Cowboys deserve it. Many believe this could be Mike Gundy's best team yet and this might be the year the Cowboys steal a conference title from in-state foe Oklahoma. As long as the Rudolph to James Washington connection is going strong, this team will be tough to beat.

Apr 22, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) passes the ball during the second quarter of the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team won 26-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Huskies

Pac-12, Last season: 12-2 (8-1)

Jake Browning is a generational talent for the Washington Huskies. He did his fair share to lead the Huskies to their first-ever College Football Playoff berth in 2016, losing to Alabama. Chris Petersen's squad loses some key players on defense, but many offensive weapons return. Dante Pettis and Myles Gaskin are back as lethal offensive options, but like most teams in limbo, the defense will be key.

Michigan Wolverines

Big Ten, Last season: 10-3 (7-2)

Jim Harbaugh has turned Michigan into a perennial powerhouse and he's done it with a fiery attitude, top recruiting classes and finally tapping into potential from stars already on the roster. He loses about 40 players from his 2016 team, which might cause a slight step back, but the Wolverines have high hopes. Brandon Peters is being hyped as the next great quarterback, but can Wilton Speight hold him off? The defense will once again be elite with Rashan Gary entering his second year.

LSU Tigers

SEC, Last season: 8-4 (5-3)

Ed Orgeron is taking over for his first full season as head coach of the Tigers and the expectations are fairly high. Gone is Leonard Fournette and a number of key players from the secondary, including Jamal Adams, but returning are guys like Derrius Guice, Arden Key and a hopefully-improved Danny Etling. The quarterback situation has raised some questions, but if it can be resolved, the Tigers should have a special season.

Oklahoma Sooners

Big 12, Last season: 11-2 (9-0)

If Baker Mayfield can stay out of trouble for the rest of the offseason, the Sooners will have no doubts heading into 2017. Although his top receiver has moved on to the NFL for the second straight year, the former Texas Tech walk-on has proven himself more than capable of creating a new No. 1. Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine are gone from the backfield, but this offseason is reloading and returning all five starters on the offensive line. Will the defense be better than the mediocrity that was 2016, though?

Penn State Nittany Lions

Big Ten, Last season: 11-3 (8-1)

Talk about the Big Ten's most surprising team from 2016. Penn State went from recruiting top classes and underachieving under James Franklin for a couple of years to finally putting everything together to excel in 2016. Penn State finished the season strong, winning the Big Ten title and making a trip to the Rose Bowl, only to lose in a thriller to USC. Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley return as a nice QB/RB duo and Juwan Johnson might be a breakout receiver star. The defense returns plenty.

Apr 8, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) prior to the snap during the first half of the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State Buckeyes

Big Ten, Last season: 11-2 (8-1)

What's a preseason Top 25 these days without Ohio State in the top five range? The Buckeyes have become a staple of the top five since Urban Meyer took over and 2017 will be no exception. Ohio State will once again be in the playoff conversation, especially with a reloading defense, more receiver weapons, a veteran returning quarterback and second-year star Mike Weber in the backfield.

Clemson Tigers

ACC, Last season: 14-1 (7-1)

Coming off a national title, the Clemson Tigers look to get back to that No. 1 overall spot, but after spring ball, they look like the second-best team in their own conference. Deshaun Watson, Mike Williams, Carlos Watkins and Cordrea Tankersley are all gone, but the defense might just be better than it was in 2016. Kelly Bryant might be more than capable of replacing Watson as well. This team is just as talented moving forward.

Florida State Seminoles

ACC, Last season: 10-3 (5-3)

Cam Akers opened some eyes during Florida State's spring game and the early enrollee running back will have no issue teaming up with Jacques Patrick to carry the load in place of departing Dalvin Cook. Deondre Francois impressed as a freshman in 2016, but he will be even better under center in 2017. Florida State is bringing in a ton of talent, the sixth-best recruiting class, and returning plenty, too. Derwin James should be gearing up for a monster year at safety.

USC Trojans

Pac-12, Last season: 10-3 (7-2)

Like Penn State, USC had a lackluster start to its 2016 season before catching fire and burning a path all the way to the Rose Bowl. Sam Darnold broke out as a freshman quarterback and filled a major need for the Trojans. He is considered the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft next spring. Clay Helton also brings in the fourth-best recruiting class in the country. This team will be stacked in 2017.

Alabama Crimson Tide

SEC, Last season: 14-1 (8-0)

Honestly, it's nearly impossible to pick against Alabama for as long as Nick Saban is in charge in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide may have fallen short in 2016, but they will be back in 2017 better than ever. Jalen Hurts returns at quarterback, the defense will be stout once again, the Tide bring in the top recruiting class (again) and Bo Scarbrough might be the best running back in the SEC. This team will be scary in 2017.

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