NCAAF

What to like about the preseason top 25 college football teams

Paul Myerberg
USA TODAY Sports
Nyquan Murray might be the most dynamic player on what may be college football's best team in 2017.

The last time we saw actual college football competition, Clemson was winning the College Football Playoff national championship against Alabama on the game's final offensive snap. Both the Tigers and Crimson Tide figure to be top-10 teams again in 2017, but there are numerous contenders rising to challenge them.

Each week leading up to kickoff of the 2017 college football season, USA TODAY Sports is providing a more detailed look at the teams listed in our early top 25.

The team-by-team breakdowns so far:

No. 6 Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield will be among the Heisman favorites in 2017.

No. 7 Washington

Washington linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven celebrates after a stop against Alabama during their College Football Playoff semifinal at the Peach Bowl.

No. 8 Penn State

Penn State's Saquon Barkley out runs Southern California defensive back Adoree' Jackson during the 2017 Rose Bowl.

No. 9 Clemson

Christian Wilkins is back to give Clemson a kind of athleticism rarely found in college football.

No. 10 Oklahoma State

When combined with quarterback Mason Rudolph, James Washington (28) gives Oklahoma State perhaps the best pass-and-catch combo in college football.

No. 11 LSU

Though frequently overshadowed by Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice (5) might be college football's best running back in 2017.

No. 12 Wisconsin

Jazz Peavy is back after leading the Badgers in receiving in 2016.

No. 13 Virginia Tech

Caleb Farley (13) catches a pass from Ryan Willis in front of defender Brandon Facyson (31) during Virginia Tech's spring game on April 22.

No. 14 Auburn

Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham during the spring game.

No. 15 Stanford

Stanford is counting on wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (19) in 2017.

No. 16 Boise State

Brett Rypien has the ability to bring Boise State back to the top of the Mountain West.

No. 17 Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason.

No. 18 Tennessee

Will defensive tackle Shy Tuttle and Tennessee have more to celebrate in 2017?

No. 19 Louisville

Louisville's Lamar Jackson is the reigning Heisman winner as a junior but is not the favorite this time.

No. 20 South Florida

New South Florida coach Charlie Strong has to be ecstatic to inherit Quinton Flowers (9).

No. 21 Utah

Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams.

No. 22 Florida

Florida may be uncertain at quarterback, but Jordan Scarlett can be counted on at running back.

No. 23 West Virginia

Justin Crawford (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown for West Virginia last October against Kansas State.

No. 24 Texas

Tom Herman has what rightly constitutes his dream job at Texas, but the hard work is only beginning.

No. 25 UCLA

UCLA's Josh Rosen is not thought of a great running QB, but he has speed and elusiveness.