13. Memphis Tigers
As my pick to win the AAC, Memphis has the talent and experience to be the top non-Power Five team for the second season in a row. QB Brady White is one of the most productive passers in the country, and WR Damonte Coxie is expected to be a top-100 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. On defense, TJ Carter is one of the most under-appreciated cornerbacks in the AAC.
14. Cincinnati Bearcats
Maybe the best secondary in the nation, the Bearcats will win games by suffocating opponents defensively. Offensively, the talent is underwhelming, but Redshirt Junior QB Desmond Ridder is smart with the football and can make plays with his arm and his legs. Expect Cincinnati to be Memphis’ most prominent challenger for the AAC title.
15. Pittsburgh Panthers
The Panthers have one of the top defenses in the country. Despite losing star interior pass rusher Jaylen Twyman, Pitt still possesses an elite pass rusher in Patrick Jones II. They also have Paris Ford, who some believe might be the top safety in the country. On offense, the team will be hoping senior quarterback Kenny Pickett can find more consistency this season.
16. UCF Knights
UCF isn’t the same dominant team they were when they dubbed themselves national champions, but they still boast a cohesive football team that can score points in a hurry and play tough defense. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel impressed as a freshman, and will likely be the team’s signal-caller for the foreseeable future. UCF doesn’t possess the same elite talent that Memphis and Cincinnati do, but overlooking them could be costly.
17. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mike Leach and KJ Costello are going to be a fun pair this season. That Mississippi State offense is going to be one of the most productive passing units in the nation, if not the most productive. Kylin Hill is quietly a very good receiver out of the backfield, but, unfortunately, he might be the best receiving threat on the team. The defense is led by strong linebacker duo Eroll Thompson and Jordan Davis.
18. Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech seems uncertain as to who the starting quarterback will be. Hendon Hooker is expected to start their first game, but it sounds as if former Oregon transfer Braxton Burmeister will take over if Hooker struggles. On the bright side, VT will still be home to a great defense. Jermaine Waller is the most underrated cornerback in the nation, and he takes over as the team’s number one cover-man after expected first-round pick Caleb Farley elected to opt-out of the season.
19. TCU Horned Frogs
An elite defensive trio of Ar’Darius Washington, Trevon Moehrig, and Garrett Wallow will make it difficult to move the ball through the air against TCU. On offense, there are some major questions at quarterback and running back, but players like JD Spielman and Pro Wells have NFL futures and can make plays with the ball in their hands.
20. Baylor Bears
Baylor must recover from a massive exodus of talent. Not only did they lose elite head coach Matt Rhule to the NFL, but they lost their two best defensive players and their best offensive weapon. I’m also bearish on the idea that Charlie Brewer is returning as the starting quarterback. Can new head coach Dave Aranda right the ship and build on what Rhule created?
21. Boise State Broncos
Sophomore QB Hank Bachmeier came out guns blazing as a true freshman last year when he threw for 400 yards against Florida State in his first career game. The Broncos are uber-experienced along the offensive line and across the secondary, expect them to consistently play quality football. Boise State’s ceiling really depends on the continued development of Bachmeier.
22. Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers lost their best weapon in quarterback Bryce Perkins, but their defense managed to stay together for the most part. Charles Snowden is one of the most physically gifted players in the nation, and teammates Zane Zandier and Joey Blount will likely both play on Sundays. How will Brennan Armstrong fair as the teams starting quarterback?
23. Miami Hurricanes
Miami brought in former Houston QB D’Eriq King to bring an explosive aspect to the offense. Pairing Miami with star tight-end Brevin Jordan means Miami should be able to score points, something they struggled to do last year. On defense, another transfer leads the unit. Former Temple pass rusher Quincy Roche will look to boost his draft stock by dominated the ACC.
24. SMU Mustangs
One of the most exciting teams to watch, SMU’s version of the Air-Raid offense has been very effective over the past two seasons. QB Shane Buechele has some fans among NFL scouts, and WR Reggie Roberson is one of the top deep threats in the NFL. Kylen Granson is another elite weapon for this explosive offense thanks to his dynamic athletic ability. Major questions on defense limit their ceiling.
25. Army Black Knights
Jeff Monken has done wonders since arriving at West Point. The Black Knights have become one of the top non-Power Five teams and someone top teams don’t want to see on their schedule. After nearly defeating Michigan last season, Army has gotten off to a strong start this season winning their first two games by a total score of 79-7. #GoArmy is alive and well, and their game against Cincinnati will be one to watch.