SI Vault
 
THE TOP 25 FOR 2012
ANDY STAPLES
January 16, 2012
Who says you have to wait till next year? Here's a look right now at the top teams for next season, and there's a familiar name at No. 1
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font
January 16, 2012

The Top 25 For 2012

Who says you have to wait till next year? Here's a look right now at the top teams for next season, and there's a familiar name at No. 1

View CoverRead All Articles
1 2 3

21. TEXAS (8--5) Running backs Joe Bergeron, Malcolm Brown and '12 commit Johnathan Gray will give the Longhorns a smashmouth offense.

22. NOTRE DAME (8--5) Linebacker Manti Te'o (team-high 128 tackles) anchors a D that will also have experienced ends Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt—both freshmen in '11.

23. AUBURN (8--5) A young defense that allowed the most yards in school history (5,304) will be much more experienced with nine starters back.

24. BAYLOR (10--3) With Heisman winner Robert Griffin III most likely gone, coach Art Briles will have to prove his mettle as a quarterback mentor with the unheralded Nick Florence.

25. GEORGIA TECH (8--5) The Yellow Jackets bring back all five linemen and top running backs David Sims and Orwin Smith, from the nation's No. 2 rushing offense.

1 2 3