By: Horns
Season 21 is finally upon us! The air is thick with anticipation, and the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable season. As always, my predictions are rooted in over six years of CFSL experience and 20 thrilling seasons. So, let’s dive right in—where do we begin?
1. USC TROJANS
The champs are back, and the question on everyone’s mind is—can anyone stop them? With their new additions, this team is not just looking to defend their title; they’re looking to dominate. Not much was lost in the off-season besides the USC championship gifs, but they did add a couple of 5-star players and some depth pieces. There should be no reason why this team cannot contend and attempt to go back-to-back.
2. AUBURN TIGERS
After coming so close, the Tigers are fueled by last season’s heartbreak. The hunger to lift the trophy once more is palpable in Auburn. With new talent on board, this team is determined to rewrite the narrative and win it all for the first time since Season 6. They added four 5-star players, including impact transfer Lance Lyde. While his numbers didn’t show much at Cincinnati, he should be better utilized in this offense.
3. TEXAS LONGHORNS
Texas fans, brace yourselves! The Longhorns are not just back—they’re here to reclaim their throne. Undefeated in conference play last season and suffering a heartbreaking loss to Alabama in the playoffs, these Horns are hungry. After a few years of being “mid,” they’re finally here. With three wins this season, and likely three losses by Notre Dame, Texas will finally be the all-time wins leader in the CFSL—a rightful place for such a prestigious program.
4. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
A tough loss to Auburn in the semis saw the Nittany Lions reload with some fresh faces on offense, while returning the majority of their defense that led them to seven wins last season. JK Matthews takes over at quarterback and brings back a familiar target in wideout Trenell Scott. Led by Smitty, this team should contend for another deep playoff run.
5. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
No one believed Alabama could beat Texas, and they nearly came close against USC. Was it luck or the roll of the Tide? This team should easily contend for a top spot in the SEC. Anthony Grant takes over at defensive tackle after two seasons with the Longhorns.
6. KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Always a threat to go deep, Kentucky returns after what many consider a “down year” in Lexington. The defense will be this team’s bread and butter. The lack of recruits should be concerning, as they only added one 3-star in Drew Curtis.
7. OREGON DUCKS
I would love to rank Oregon higher after what they did last season, but it’s difficult to place them. This team is brimming with talent and took Auburn to the distance during their playoff loss. Quarterback Claude DuBois returns after passing for over 3,100 yards last season.
8. NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS
It felt like UNC should have had a better playoff run after going undefeated in the ACC, but they got burned against Penn State in round one. The ACC will be better this season, but UNC should place in the top two. The first big test? Week one against Texas.
9. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Ohio State looks like a squad ready to contend. They did beat the national champions last season but finished with two wins and tied for last in the Big 10. There will be no gimmies in that conference this season, but adding wideout Lincoln Martin will help.
10. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Will Michigan be upset that I put them below Ohio State? Maybe. They did win the Big 10 last season and added elite wideout CJ Jones. They will need to break in a new QB in Windham Carter, but I have a feeling Michigan will finish higher than 10th this season.
Now it’s your turn! What do you think of these rankings? Which team will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? The debate starts now—let’s get the conversation going in #league-chat!
