Very Early 2021 Top 25 Expectations

[JRE1975]

You forget how the AP poll works, there is a requirement that at least 8 Big 10 teams have to be on the list, with 3 or 4 in the top 10.

I will not be surprised if the AP ranks Iowa above us.

 

[AuH2O]

Texas will be ranked to start the year. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they were ranked higher or within a couple of ISU. It's just how the game is played. It isn't like Texas completely laid an egg like Penn State in 2020. They were very close to beating ou and ISU.

They will be ranked and should be. They will finish top 20 this year. But it’s become cool in the media to trash Texas. Lose a multi year QB starter. Change coach to a guy that was mediocre as a head coach.

My guess is ISU is 10. Texas is around 15.

 

[CychiatricWard]

I think people are tentative in our rankings due to our lack of history but the narrative is changing on us. Going out and dominating the fiesta bowl will be huge going into next year. We also return offensive and defensive players of the year. 1st team QB for his senior season, and most of our offensive line which is getting better. Should be too 10.

 

[AuH2O]

I think the media darling team that gets ranked higher than they probably should will be UNC. Personnel evaluation in preseason rankings goes as far as coach and QB.

UNC had serious opt outs on offense and Howell just balled out.

 

[CychiatricWard]

You forget how the AP poll works, there is a requirement that at least 8 Big 10 teams have to be on the list, with 3 or 4 in the top 10.

I will not be surprised if the AP ranks Iowa above us.

Outside of Ohio State there should be anyone ranked ahead of us from the big 10, and that includes Michigan and Penn State.

 

[Die4Cy]

I think people are tentative in our rankings due to our lack of history but the narrative is changing on us. Going out and dominating the fiesta bowl will be huge going into next year. We also return offensive and defensive players of the year. 1st team QB for his senior season, and most of our offensive line which is getting better. Should be too 10.

ISU will actually be a trendy pick in media next year. It will be weird.

 

[bozclone]

I expect us all to be pissed off. I'm guessing something like #15. Several schools that don't deserve it will be above us. Maybe even a school that we all really hate. We still have a ton of doubters nationally.

 

[clonedude]

Where we deserve to be ranked and where we're actually ranked are two very different things.

 

[CychiatricWard]

I think the media darling team that gets ranked higher than they probably should will be UNC. Personnel evaluation in preseason rankings goes as far as coach and QB.

UNC had serious opt outs on offense and Howell just balled out.

UNC will be right there with us and have a great coach, good QB/RB combo. I like watching them play. We are similar teams with us being the better defensive team. Wouldn’t mind a semifinal matchup with them!

 

[Buzzer68]

I expect a lot of Juicy Wiggle

Dude that’s funny ****

 

[Cyforce]

Hopefully behind Iowa, will make the ass kicking we'll be dishing out that sweeter.

 

[exCyDing]

We should be ranked in the 7-9 range, we will be ranked in the 11-13 range. OU will be ranked ahead of us (justifiably) and Texas will be +/- 2 of us.

I would hope the Big XII gets some love coming off an undefeated bowl season and the top 3 teams all dominating their matchups.

 

[Aclone]

Texas will be ranked to start the year. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they were ranked higher or within a couple of ISU. It's just how the game is played. It isn't like Texas completely laid an egg like Penn State in 2020. They were very close to beating ou and ISU.

Even pollsters aren’t dumb enough to rate a team with a brand new head coach (let alone missing their QB) very high in that first year. Too much transition.

(I think)

 

[jdoggivjc]

I have us 10-15. I think we're a top 10 team, but I think the media will be hesitant to start us there.

 

[Brandon]

I can see college gameday for the iowa game in Ames. (Only because Iowa is a blue blood)

 

[Peter]

The AP poll does not like ISU. Would be shocked to see us any higher than 12. Probably 15-20 range. Lower than Texas, Iowa, and some other pretenders.

 

[Scruff]

ISU will actually be a trendy pick in media next year. It will be weird.

This^ Iowa State should end the season Top 10 and be preseason Top 10 next year. Having a chance in the final minutes of winning the Big12 title and winning a NY6, while returning most of our players including most of the big names should secure our spot.... and yes it will be weird.

 

[Rural]

This is the first of thousands of threads on this subject.

 

[Aclone]

The AP poll does not like ISU.

Have you noticed the current AP All American Team?

 

[CyCloned]

Even pollsters aren’t dumb enough to rate a team with a brand new head coach (let alone missing their QB) very high in that first year. Too much transition.

(I think)

The backup for TX played really well in the bowl game. That is enough sample size for the people that vote in polls. Every year it is the same; Texas is back. I expect more of the same. Time will tell.