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Every major website is releasing its way too early top-25 college football rankings. There's near consensus at the top, with Ohio State and TCU, both of which return an enormous portion of their squads, but where are the Seminoles?
Florida State is an incredible 58-11 under Jimbo Fisher, but loses half of its starters. Opinions on FSU are mixed.
7. Florida State (13-1)
Why No. 7? Because the Seminoles will be too young to win the national championship. But Florida State will still be considered the preseason favorites in the Atlantic Coast Conference. There will be new starters across the board, from quarterback to cornerback, and an overwhelming and defining sense of youth on both sides of the ball. FSU will have enough talent to notch double-digit wins during the regular season, but this team seems to have a brighter future in 2016 than in 2015. This year's group needs to identify a new leadership core during the offseason.
FSU 2015 opponents ranked: Clemson (12), Georgia Tech (23)
5) Florida State Seminoles (13-1)
Jameis Winston is gone, but likely successor Sean Maguire beat Clemson this season. He'll benefit from more experience around him, as running back Dalvin Cook and receivers Travis Rudolph and Ermon Lane enter their second seasons. The defense will need to reload, with at least three starters declaring for the draft, but S Jalen Ramsey returns as the anchor.
FSU 2015 opponents ranked: Georgia Tech (18), Clemson (20)
2014 record: 13-1, 8-0 ACC
Returning starters: 3 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key personnel losses: QB Jameis Winston, WR Rashad Greene, G Josue Matias, C Cameron Erving, G Tre' Jackson, OT Bobby Hart, TE Nick O'Leary, DE Mario Edwards, CB P.J. Williams, CB Ronald Darby
Why they might finish higher: Few teams have recruited and reloaded better than Florida State the past few seasons, and coach Jimbo Fisher might be counting on a bunch of underclassmen this season. Winston, Edwards and Williams have already announced they're leaving for the NFL draft, and defensive tackle Eddie Goldman might do the same. FSU is expected to bring back a few proven playmakers on offense, including tailback Dalvin Cook and receivers Jesus Wilson and Travis Rudolph.
Why they might finish lower: With Winston leaving, the Seminoles are going to have an unproven player under center. Sophomore Sean Maguire started against Clemson this past season, when Winston was suspended, and completed 51 percent of his passes for 339 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in three games. He'll battle freshmen John Franklin III and J.J. Cosentino for the job, along with three incoming freshmen. The Seminoles will also have to replace four of five starters on the offensive line and myriad playmakers on defense.
FSU 2015 opponents ranked: Clemson (9), Georgia Tech (19)
6. Florida State
Jameis Winston was one of four underclassmen to declare for the draft, but the Seminoles will be extremely strong at running back and receiver while the the defense, led by safety Jalen Ramsey and budding defensive end Lorenzo Featherston, should be salty. To make another push for an ACC title in an improving conference, the Seminoles will would likely need to acquire an immediately-eligible quarterback.
FSU 2015 opponents ranked: Clemson (9), Georgia Tech (19)