Top 5 for next year 1. Texas-assuming Young returns 2. Ohio State 3. Penn State 4. Notre Dame 5. USC LSU should check in at 6 next year. Next 4 will be some form of VTech, Auburn, Florida, WV. I can't help but think that Michigan will find a way into a spot with Henne/Hart returning. I wouldn't be surprised to see Oklahoma return either. The top 7 should be set though.
And oh yea, Texas/Ohio State in Austin is early next year, so 1/2 could occur during the regular season.
I think the Top 5 will be Texas - if it wins NC and if Young returns USC - #1 if it wins, #2 even with the loss of Leinart and likely Bush Ohio State - Tedd Ginn, Jr. will be among top Heisman candidates Penn State - talented freshman and it's JoePa Va Tech - media loves Vick and Beamer Ball Top 6-10 LSU - lose 12 starters, QB battle, tough road schedule next year W. Virginia - world of offensive talent back next year in a weak conference Auburn - QB & RBs return, lose all WRs, but LSU & UGA at home Notre Dame - Weis has good talent returning but still there is a lack of speed Georgia - SEC Champs will break in new QB Florida - Leak likely to return plus media still in love with Urban Meyer or Louisville - Petrino has a lot of talent returning including QB Brohm
With either a win over USC or a close loss, Texas is a top 2 team, along with Ohio St., assuming VY stays put in Austin (I think he will). Wow, what a game that'll be in Austin next year! USC comes in at #3, with LSU possibly as high as #4. You just can't make a logical case for anyone other than LSU ranking that high next year, though Auburn may be close. I really don't know about the other teams, but I feel very confident about a Texas-OSU top two to start the year. Both have a ridiculous amount of talent returning.
This is how I think they'll be ranked - not how good they will be. 1) Texas (with V. Young) regardless of the Rose Bowl outcome. 2) Ohio St (hit their stride late) 3) USC (won't drop any lower, media will say how Pete reloads) 4) Notre Dame 5) LSU 6) Penn St 7) Auburn 8) Florida 9) Virginia Tech 10) Miami