The Farrell Five: Texas Overrated, Clemson Slept on, and Harold Perkins vs Everybody

2. USC

3. Florida State

4. Penn State

5. LSU

Overview:

You have to start with Texas every season, right? They are projected to win the Big 12 and have a ton of talent, but they always seem to disappoint, and I’m not sold on the defense. USC has Caleb Williams, and he’s an elite talent, but the trenches are still a weakness, and they could lose more games than expected.

I like Florida State on paper quite a bit, and they should be the favorites to win the ACC, but Clemson isn’t going to just roll over, and there are some potential upsets on the schedule. Penn State depends on QB Drew Allar, and they have Ohio State and Michigan to get past, so double-digit wins again will be hard. And finally, LSU needs to establish a running game, or Jayden Daniels will wear down and get hurt, and I’m not sure they’ve solved that.

The most underrated teams headed into this season

1. Utah

2. Clemson

3. Texas Tech

4. Wisconsin

5. North Carolina

Overview:

I went with Utah last year, and they didn’t disappoint, although the loss to Florida set them back early. If Cade Klubnik puts it together and is the solution behind center, this roster is loaded and should be top 10 nationally.

Texas Tech is ranked, but are they high enough? Tyler Shough can be deadly if he stays healthy, and they know how to win close games. As for the Badgers, I love Tanner Mordecai in the new offense, and Braelon Allen will be even better against lighter boxes. UNC will be dangerous if they can improve the defense just a little bit.

The best defensive players in college football next season.

1. LB Harold Perkins, LSU

2. EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State

3. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

4. Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

5. Dallas Turner, Alabama

Overview:

Perkins is a rare talent and could be LSU’s version of Will Anderson Jr.. Verse came back on a mission and should be the top EDGE in the country, while Newton at Illinois is an absolute monster with Jalen Carter-like potential. 

Alabama has two on here, and that’s no surprise as McKinstry is the best cover guy in the country, and Turner will do his best Anderson Jr. impression as well.