College Football AP Top 25 Reveals Surprising Ranking For First Time In Over A Decade

The Associated Press has announced its preseason top 25 ranking just weeks ahead of the college football season.

AP's top 10 went as follows:

1. Georgia Bulldogs
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
3. Oregon Ducks
4. Texas Longhorns
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
6. Ole Miss Rebels
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
9. Michigan Wolverines
10. Florida State Seminoles

The team with the most intriguing ranking is the Michigan Wolverines at No. 9. This is not because the Wolverines should be ranked lower or higher but because, according to AP's Ralph Russo , it's the lowest a defending champion has been ranked since 2011 when the Auburn Tigers were No. 23.

The Tigers ended the season with an 8-5 record after losing their star quarterback, Cam Newton, to the NFL after the 2010 season. The Wolverines not only have to find a replacement for a quarterback who was an NFL draft first-round pick, but they also need to fill other positions.

The Wolverines are ranked No. 17 out of 18 teams in the Big Ten regarding returning production. Interestingly, the only team they outrank is the Washington Huskies, their opponent in the national championship game. According to 247Sports, Michigan is bringing back six starters on offense, defense, and special teams.

Michigan returns one starter on offense and only four members of its defense. Additionally, head coach Jim Harbaugh and several other key staff members have departed. Defensive tackle Mason Graham is the lone returning starter among the Wolverines' front six. Although the secondary is the most experienced, Michigan suffered a significant setback with safety Rod Moore's injury during the spring.

There is no question that the new head coach, Sherrone Moore, has his work cut out for him in Year 1.

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