The Crimson Tide won’t have history on its side as Alabama enters the 2021 college football season ranked No. 1 in the country in the Associated Press preseason poll.
"Only 3 teams ranked No. 1 in the Preseason AP Poll have won the National Championship over the last 25 years,” Fox College Football recently posted on Twitter. “Will Alabama do it again this season?"
In seeking to become the first back-to-back national champions since it pulled off the feat during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, the Alabama offense revolves around emerging quarterback Bryce Young, according to Athlon Sports.
With Clemson, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Georgia rounding out the Athlon Sports Top 5, noting figures to come easy for the Tide.
At No.2 Clemson, quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is being counted on for a breakout season as Trevor Lawrence’s replacement, according to Athlon Sports. The Tigers have led the SEC in scoring in each of the last three seasons and aren’t expected to skip a beat this year with the return of star wideout Justyn Ross.
At No.3 Oklahoma, Athlon Sports reports, quarterback Spencer Rattler is poised to lead an offense that has averaged upwards of 40 points a game for each of the last six seasons. Running back Kennedy Brooks also returns to team with transfers Eric Gray (RB) and Mike Woods (WR) in again assuring the Sooners have having one of the explosives offenses in the country.
Ohio State and Georgia round out the preseason Top 5, at No. 4 and No.5, respectively.
Locally, New Mexico is ranked No. 110 in the country, with Athlon Sports predicting the Lobos could contend for a bowl berth this fall provided they’re able to build on the progress they showed late last season. Transfer quarterback Terry Wilson and running back Bobby Cole are expected to lead the offense, while the defense is led by defensive end Joey Noble and safety Jerrick Reed II.
Closer to home, New Mexico State failed to crack the Athlon Top 130, but is hoping to make its mark on the arm-strength of former JUCO quarterback transfer Jonah Johnson, according to College Football News. The 6-3, 235 pound signal-caller also displayed mobility in the team’s two preseason games, a 43-17 loss to Tarleton State and a 36-29 win over Dixie State.
On defense, NMSU is led by linebacker Trevor Brohard, who registered 15 tackles in the two preseason games.
Now the longest running poll of its kind, the AP poll has been around since 1936, according to AP itself. The preseason poll was started in 1950. The weekly poll is a result of votes from 62 sports writers and broadcasters.