College Football Way-Too-Early Top 25 Rankings Analysis | Josh Pate Show

The Nature of Preseason Rankings

• 🎯 Preseason rankings are a blend of contributors' opinions, not a definitive prediction, as demonstrated by the 'On3' approach.
• 💡 The goal of a top 25 list needs clarification: are we assessing power ratings (neutral field favorability) or making rankings as an AP voter would?
• ❓ Rankings should also establish whether they are real-time (how teams will start) or projected (potential championship matchups).

Justifying Preseason Rankings

• 🚫 There should be no carryover from previous seasons in preseason rankings, as rosters change and no team has earned anything before the season starts.
• 🧠 Teams like Texas and Notre Dame might be placed high due to strong rosters and coaching, not past performance, as no one has played a game yet.
• ⚠️ The argument that preseason rankings are unfair due to bias and the transfer portal is valid, but only if rankings are not adjusted on the fly based on actual game results.

Analyzing Specific Teams and Rankings

• 🧐 Penn State at number 14 is understandable, despite some viewing them as overrated, due to a workable schedule and key additions.
• 📈 USC at 19 appears low, with a strong coaching hire in Gary Patterson and a potentially favorable early schedule, making them a playoff contender.
• ❓ Washington at 18 presents an unknown dynamic, especially with potential quarterback uncertainty after player departures.
• 🏈 The Auburn Tigers are highlighted as a potential wildcard team that might deserve a top 25 spot, even if not explicitly ranked there by the show.

Schedule Release Frustrations

• 🗓️ There's frustration with the schedule release process, with some Big 12 schedules appearing without much fanfare.
• 🥶 The uncertainty around game dates and conditions, like USC potentially playing in Wisconsin in varying temperatures, adds complexity to preseason evaluations.