A lot can changed over the next couple of months leading up to the 2016 college football season but projections are a big part of the intrigue leading up to the actual games and now is the time for optimism for the fan bases that feel their team has a legitimate shot to win a championship. We took the time to break down everything we have learned this offseason in order to break down the most likely champion in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and the SEC. Here is a look at the best bet to win each of the five power conferences this season.
ACC: Clemson Tigers
The defending ACC champion Clemson will not have an easy time repeating with Florida State taking another step forward while Miami and Louisville emerge as a pair of programs on the rise within the conference this season. However, the return of star quarterback Deshaun Watson and a talented supporting cast on offense should be enough to help them stay on top while the defense should progressively improve as the season goes on. The Tigers have a ton of talent on both sides of the football so look for them to remain atop the ACC in 2016.
Big Ten: Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State is dealing with substantial turnover following the loss of its star quarterback Connor Cook so repeating as Big Ten champions will be a difficult challenge. Meanwhile, Ohio State lost a ton of talent as well including a ridiculous nine underclassmen. That should open the door just enough for Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines to bust through as they enter this season poised to take another step forward after going from five wins to 10 wins a year ago.
Big 12: Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners have a very good chance to repeat this year based not just on the considerable talent they will return this season but on the fact that Oklahoma State, Baylor and TCU could both take steps back. The Cowboys faded down the stretch a year ago while the Horned Frogs lost some considerable talent from last year’s roster. As for how Kenny Hill turns out, that’s still to be seen. While Baylor could be a sleeper pick to challenge for a Big 12 title with Seth Russell back and plenty of weapons on offense, but remember that they just went through a disastrous offseason. Head coach Art Briles is gone as is the school president. With Baker Mayfield back, Oklahoma looks like the steadiest, soundest team in the Big 12. Expect the Sooners to successfully defend their title.
Pac-12: Stanford Cardinal
USC might be the best team in the Pac-12 heading in to this season but they also have the most difficult schedule and that will keep them from reaching their goal of winning a Pac-12 championship. We also haven’t seen them put it all together in one season in a long time, so why have faith in them now? UCLA and Oregon should both be improved but it might not be enough to knock Stanford off at the top. The Cardinal will be in tough to replace longtime starting quarterback Kevin Hogan at quarterback but star running back Christian McCaffrey should help bridge the gap along with a defense that is expected to be among the best in the Pac-12 once again this season.
SEC: Alabama Crimson Tide
The two-time defending SEC champion Crimson Tide will face an even tougher challenge this year after losing some notable talent on both sides of the football. However, Nick Saban and his staff have done a phenomenal job both recruiting and developing talent over the years and there are a number of young players that appear to be ready for much bigger roles. LSU and Ole Miss will both be threats in the SEC West while Tennessee has the potential to be very good out of the SEC East, and even Georgia has plenty of hype in Kirby Smart’s first season, but right now, it’s impossible to bet against Saban and Alabama in the SEC.
