AP top 25: Overrated, underrated teams in preseason college football rankings

Alabama's ranking: No. 4

The lowdown: If the last 15 years have taught us anything, it's that you don't bet against Nick Saban and his recruiting machine. But there are major questions around his current roster, especially at quarterback, where there isn't a sure thing by far, and the Crimson Tide still has to figure out its wide receiver rotation, how to better protect the QB consistently, and work on the penalty issues from a year ago.

South Carolina's ranking: None

The lowdown: Once again, it looks like the top 25 voters are overlooking the Gamecocks, which finished last season with huge statement wins over Tennessee and Clemson. Plus they return Spencer Rattler at quarterback and Antwane Wells at wide receiver, and scored a major transfer in former Arkansas tight end Trey Knox, who scored nine times last season. Carolina should have earned more votes to make the top 25.

Tennessee's ranking: No. 12

The lowdown: The Vols' magical run last season came down to Hendon Hooker at quarterback and his primary target, Jalin Hyatt. But both are gone and their replacements are unproven in this offense. Joe Milton looked good to close out last year and while he has a big arm, there are questions around his long-term accuracy. Not to mention a pass defense that ranked 122nd nationally last season. There are pieces to work with, but not enough evidence that they can right now.

Oregon's ranking: No. 15

The lowdown: AP voters put three other Pac-12 teams ahead of the Ducks, despite their returning dual threat quarterback Bo Nix, the engine behind an offense that posted over 40 points during an eight-game stretch last season. Oregon also has two proven pieces running the ball and a front seven that has a lot of experience and scored 5-star transfer edge rusher Jordan Burch to boot.

Wisconsin's ranking: No. 19

The lowdown: There's a lot of positive talk around the Badgers this preseason and for good reason. Luke Fickell is on board as head coach and he tagged Phil Longo to call offensive plays. Wisconsin's offense will open up with Tanner Mordecai at quarterback and two transfer wideouts in Bryson Green and C.J. Williams, all of whom should help take the load off tailback Braelon Allen. But it's too early to include this team in the top 25.

Notre Dame's ranking: No. 13

The lowdown: The big question around the Irish improving from last season's nine-win effort was the quarterback position and they more than answered it by acquiring transfer Sam Hartman, the ACC's all-time leader in touchdown passes. He's playing behind one of college football's best offensive lines and balanced by some of the nation's better tailbacks. ND has games against Ohio State, USC, and Clemson, huge opportunities to show it belongs in the CFP race.

Penn State's ranking: No. 7

The lowdown: Make no mistake, Penn State belongs around the top 10, returning two gifted running backs and a defensive front seven that has the potential to be the Big Ten's best pass rushing unit. But when comparing pure athleticism and speed on a neutral field, both No. 8 Florida State and No. 9 Clemson belong ranked ahead of PSU, not behind it, where they are.