With the hot weather upon us and the season drawing closer, here is an early top-10. The top two Alabama and Clemson have faced off against one another in the College Football Playoff the last four years in a row. Ohio State-Michigan and Oklahoma-Texas could once again determine the two “Bigs.” The SEC is stacked with power at the top and depth.

1. Alabama – Until they “slump” to 10-2 or worse, it’s hard not to predict Alabama way high. Over the last 11 seasons, the Crimson Tide has gone 11-1 or 12-0 ten times. Staggering. Their out of conference schedule is an embarrassment.
2. Clemson – This program was a non-factor revolving door of coaches until Dabo Swinney built the Tigers into a power. Now Clemson has won two of the last three national titles, and no one in their league appears a legitimate challenger.
3. Georgia – Excruciatingly close to the national championship in 2017 and a return to the SEC Championship a year ago, Georgia has a tough schedule to negotiate to have a shot. But Kirby Smart has quickly elevated his alma mater into of the country’s elite programs.
4. Ohio State – There is no doubt who the kings of the Big Ten were with Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer in the 2000s. Ryan Day inherits a talented roster, and the Buckeyes are the team to beat.
5. Texas – Hopes are high in Austin, as the Longhorns picked up a couple of impressive wins last year. Tom Herman has the Texas faithful feeling its collective most optimistic since Colt McCoy was under center. This year’s schedule is strong.
6. Oregon – The return of Justin Herbert at quarterback makes the Ducks the favorites in the PAC-12 this season. Washington and Stanford are the primary challengers. The season-opener against Auburn in Arlington is big for the PAC-12.
7. Oklahoma – With back-to-back No. 1 overall pick Heisman winning quarterbacks, the one-time kings of the wishbone welcome in Jalen Hurts under center. Lincoln Riley has built quite the reputation as an offensive guru. The schedule is more than manageable.
8. Florida – Dan Mullen has been doing a lot of talking in the off-season, and the Gator faithful are expecting a big season. Back-to-back October games with Auburn and at LSU will determine if it’s a championship caliber season.
9. Notre Dame – The Fighting Irish had things fall their way, and won them all in the regular season in ’18. They were then crushed by Clemson. A September road trip to Athens and October Ann Arbor date lurk as the two biggest challenges.
10. Texas A&M – The schedule is brutal with trips to Clemson, Georgia and LSU and a home date with Alabama. Jimbo Fisher is heading into his second season and the Aggies are aiming to make the jump to SEC prominence.