Buckeyes Lead Way-Too-Early Top 25

National signing day came and went, unless you're one of those highly regarded recruits who can't seem to make up your mind.

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College football's rich continued to get richer, as three of the four teams that played in the inaugural College Football Playoff landed top-10 recruiting classes. Alabama signed the No. 1 class in the country, while Florida State's was No. 2 and Ohio State's was No. 6. Oregon had the No. 15 recruiting class.

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With national signing day behind us, and most of the coaching moves complete, it's the perfect time for the second edition of the 2015 Way-Too-Early Preseason Top 25.

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Ohio State is the new No. 1 (we heard you loud and clear, Buckeyes fans), and Alabama now joins OSU, TCU and USC in the top four.

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Say goodbye to Utah, Oklahoma State and Minnesota. Say hello to Texas, Missouri and Louisville.

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Here's the rest of the 2015 Way-Too-Early Top 25:

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1. Ohio State Buckeyes

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2014 record: 14-1, 8-0 Big Ten

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Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR Devin Smith, DT Michael Bennett, DE Steve Miller, MLB Curtis Grant, CB Doran Grant

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The skinny: The Buckeyes followed up their national championship with a fourth straight top-10 recruiting class, and they might have put even more distance between themselves and the rest of the Big Ten in the process. Ohio State signed a class that included 12 ESPN 300 prospects, including quarterback Torrance Gibson (No. 16 overall), outside linebacker Justin Hilliard (No. 17) and defensive end Jashon Cornell (No. 33). But coach Urban Meyer's best recruiting job might have been keeping quarterback Braxton Miller on campus. At this point, Miller, who missed this past season after undergoing a second shoulder surgery, is expected back for his senior season. He'll battle Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett for the starting job. Former Nebraska assistant Tim Beck is OSU's new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, replacing Tom Herman, who left to become Houston's coach.

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2. TCU Horned Frogs

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2014 record: 12-1, 8-1 Big 12

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Returning starters: 10 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: LB Paul Dawson, LB Marcus Mallet, SS Sam Carter, DT Chucky Hunter, CB Kevin White, OT Tayo Fabuluje

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The skinny: It was a relatively quiet national signing day for the Horned Frogs, which doesn't mean much because coach Gary Patterson always seems to do more with less. The Horned Frogs might get some help from speedy receivers Darrion Flowers of Arlington, Texas, the state's Class 5A 100-meter champion, and Tony James. With 10 starters coming back from a high-powered offense, the Horned Frogs won't need much help on that side of the ball. On Thursday, the Horned Frogs announced that longtime defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas was retiring after 11 seasons with the program. Under Bumpas' direction, TCU ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 in scoring and total defense in 2014. His replacement will have to rebuild the heart and soul of the defense, with Dawson and Mallet departing.

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3. USC Trojans

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2014 record: 9-4, 6-3 Pac-12

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Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: RB Javorius "Buck" Allen, WR Nelson Agholor, DE Leonard Williams, DE J.R. Tavai, LB Hayes Pullard, FS Gerald Bowman

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The skinny: USC coach Steve Sarkisian's first full recruiting effort was a rousing success, as the Trojans signed 16 players ranked in the ESPN 300, including No. 1 cornerback Iman Marshall, No. 1 running back Ronald Jones II and No. 1 inside linebacker John Houston Jr. After being hampered by NCAA probation, the Trojans were able to sign a full class of 24 prospects for the first time in four years. They were already starting to build depth and now there's plenty of help on the way. Junior college transfers Isaac Whitney and De'Quan Hampton might give quarterback Cody Kessler a couple more weapons on the perimeter, after Agholor left early for the NFL draft.

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4. Alabama Crimson Tide

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2014 record: 12-2, 7-1 SEC

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Returning starters: 2 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: QB Blake Sims, WR Amari Cooper, RB T.J. Yeldon, WR DeAndrew White, G Arie Kouandjio, LB Trey DePriest, SS Landon Collins

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The skinny: Alabama fell short in the semifinals of the inaugural College Football Playoff, but it finished No. 1 in recruiting for the fourth straight year. Alabama signed 18 players from the ESPN 300, including much-needed cornerbacks Kendall Sheffield and Minkah Fitzpatrick (Nos. 3 and 4 at the position, respectively) and No. 1 pocket-passing quarterback Blake Barnett. Much of the attention this spring will be on the quarterback battle, where FSU transfer Jake Coker will battle sophomore Cooper Bateman, redshirt freshman David Cornwell and Barnett for the starting job. The Crimson Tide dodged a bullet by keeping offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who was a candidate for the same job with the San Francisco 49ers. Coach Nick Saban hired former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker as his new secondary coach, which allows defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to return to coaching inside linebackers. Former Washington assistant Tosh Lupoi was promoted to outside linebackers coach.

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5. Baylor Bears

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2014 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big 12

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Returning starters: 8 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: QB Bryce Petty, WR Antwan Goodley, WR Levi Norwood, MLB Bryce Hager, DB Collin Brence

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The skinny: Like TCU, the Bears are rarely going to finish in the top 20 of the recruiting rankings, but they always seem to finish in the top 25 polls under coach Art Briles. The Bears signed the No. 3 recruiting class in the Big 12, according to ESPN's rankings, and junior college offensive tackles Maurice Porter and Dominic Desouza might provide some immediate depth in the trenches. Cornerback Jordan Tolbert and safety J.W. Ketchum might provide some help in the secondary. Sophomore Seth Russell is the favorite to take over at quarterback this spring, but signee Jarrett Stidham, the nation's No. 2 dual-threat QB and No. 37 prospect overall, is one of the top passers the Bears have ever signed. Briles' son, Kendal, is the team's new offensive coordinator, replacing Philip Montgomery, who left to become Tulsa's new coach.

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6. Oregon Ducks

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2014 record: 13-2, 8-1 Pac-12

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Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: QB Marcus Mariota, OT Jake Fisher, C Hroniss Grasu, G Hamani Stevens, CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, LB Tony Washington, S Erick Dargan

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The skinny: After losing to Ohio State 42-20 in the national championship, the Ducks signed the nation's No. 15 recruiting class, adding several playmakers on offense and some much-needed beef on the offensive line. Running back Taj Griffin, receiver Alex Ofodile and athlete Kirk Merritt were ranked in the top 10 at their respective positions, as was No. 4 defensive end Canton Kaumatule of Honolulu. The Ducks will have to replace Mariota, the Heisman Trophy winner, and three starters on the offensive line. Receiver Bralon Addison and left tackle Tyler Johnstone are coming back after missing the 2014 season with injuries. Jeff Lockie is expected to battle redshirt freshman Morgan Mahalak, Georgia Tech transfer Ty Griffin and incoming freshman Travis Waller for the starting quarterback job. But the Ducks are still trying to land Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams, who threw for more than 10,000 passing yards with 121 total touchdowns in his first three seasons. Adams is scheduled to graduate in June and would be eligible to play at Oregon this coming season.

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7. Michigan State Spartans

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2014 record: 11-2, 7-1 Big Ten

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Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: RB Jeremy Langford, G Travis Jackson, WR/CB Tony Lippett, WR Keith Mumphery, FS Kurtis Drummond, LB Taiwan Jones, CB Trae Waynes

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The skinny: Coming off back-to-back top-five finishes for the first time since 1965-66, the Spartans used their recruiting class to rebuild their secondary and add another workhorse tailback. L.J. Scott of Hubbard, Ohio, is the nation's No. 7 running back. The Spartans added four players who might be able to help at cornerback: Josh Butler, Kaleel Gaines, Tyson Smith and David Dowell. After losing defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, who was named Pittsburgh's head coach, coach Mark Dantonio promoted secondary coach Harlon Barnett and linebackers coach Mike Tressel to co-defensive coordinators. Former Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mark Snyder was hired as linebackers coach and special-teams coordinator.

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8. Georgia Bulldogs

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2014 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC

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Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR Michael Bennett, WR Chris Conley, C David Andrews, QB Hutson Mason, LB Ramik Wilson, LB Amarlo Herrera, CB Damian Swann

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The skinny: The Bulldogs continued to rebuild their defense under coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, signing six defensive linemen who were ranked in the ESPN 300, the most by any school in a single class since 2013. Trenton Thompson of Albany, Georgia, and Jonathan Ledbetter were ranked the Nos. 2 and 11 defensive tackles nationally, and Natrez Patrick and Chauncey Rivers were ranked in the top 15 defensive ends. Safeties Rashad Roundtree and Rico McGraw might see early action in Georgia's rebuilt secondary. The Bulldogs also added some much-needed depth for the offensive line and receiver corps. New coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's first order of business will be settling on a starting quarterback this spring, when Brice Ramsey, Jacob Park and Faton Bauta will battle for the starting job.

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9. UCLA Bruins

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2014 record: 10-3, 6-3 Pac-12

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Returning starters: 10 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: QB Brett Hundley, DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, LB Eric Kendricks, S Anthony Jefferson

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The skinny: The Bruins were one of the biggest surprises of the recruiting season, securing commitments from nine players in the ESPN 300, including four signatures on national signing day. The class is highlighted by Keisean Lucier-South (No. 5 defensive end), Soso Jamabo (No. 4 athlete), Josh Rosen (No. 2 quarterback) and Fred Ulu-Perry Jr. (No. 1 guard). The Bruins are still waiting for Roquan Smith of Montezuma, Georgia, the country's No. 2 outside linebacker, who committed to the Bruins on Wednesday, but then failed to fax in his national letter of intent. Smith, who also considered Georgia, Michigan and Texas A&M, was apparently upset that Bruins defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich might leave to take a job with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Either way, UCLA figures to bring back a boatload of talent, after 50 freshmen and sophomores were on the roster this past season.

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10. Clemson Tigers

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2014 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC

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Returning starters: 7 offense, 3 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: DE Vic Beasley, DT DeShawn Williams, DT Grady Jarrett, OT Kalon Davis, G David Beasley, LB Stephone Anthony, S Robert Smith, LB Tony Steward

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The skinny: After losing three starters on the offensive line and its entire defensive front, Clemson's biggest priority in recruiting was rebuilding both of its lines. The Tigers filled those needs in a big, big way. The Tigers were able to land three of the country's top 11 offensive tackles (Mitch Hyatt, Jake Fruhmorgen and Noah Green) and two of the top 15 defensive tackles (Christian Wilkins and Sterling Johnson). They also landed two highly coveted skill players in receiver Deon Cain and tight end Garrett Williams. A lot of eyes will be on Clemson's offense this spring, as it begins to move on without former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who is now SMU's head coach. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who underwent surgery in mid-December to repair a torn ACL, isn't expected to participate in spring practice.

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11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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2014 record: 8-5

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Returning starters: 9 offense, 10 defense, 0 special teams

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Key personnel losses: OT Christian Lombard, TE Ben Koyack, CB Cody Riggs, P/PK Kyle Brindza

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The skinny: The Fighting Irish were one of the country's youngest teams in 2014, and they have all but three starters on offense and defense returning this coming season. Notre Dame landed a top-15 recruiting class, which included six players ranked in the top 10 at their respective positions: quarterback Brandon Wimbush, tight end Alize Jones, receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, running back Dexter Williams, center Tristen Hoge and inside linebacker Josh Barajas. Irish coach Brian Kelly will have to replace two of his assistant coaches, with secondary coach Kerry Cooks leaving for Oklahoma and quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur departing for the Atlanta Falcons. Kelly also announced that cornerback KeiVarae Russell and defensive end Ishaq Williams, who served season-long academic suspensions in 2014, are on track to return to the team for this coming season.

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12. Auburn Tigers

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2014 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC

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Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR Sammie Coates, C Reese Dismukes, QB Nick Marshall, TB Cameron Artis-Payne, LB Robenson Therezie, CB Jonathon Mincy

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The skinny: The addition of former Florida coach Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator paid off in a big way on national signing day, as the Tigers were able to land DE Byron Cowart, the No. 1 player in the ESPN 300. The Tigers also landed three of the country's top outside linebackers (Jeffery Holland, Richard McBryde and Jordan Colbert) and intriguing defensive end Prince Tega Wanogho Jr., who might provide immediate help to a defense that needs a face-lift. Jovon Robinson, the No. 1 junior college tailback, and Kerryon Johnson, named "Mr. Football" in Alabama, might see early playing time in the Tigers' backfield. Muschamp will start rebuilding Auburn's defense in the spring, and his immediate focus might be shoring up its porous secondary. Defensive end Carl Lawson, who missed the 2014 season with a torn ACL in his left knee, is expected back for spring practice.

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13. Arizona Wildcats

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2014 record: 10-4, 7-2 Pac-12

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Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR Austin Hill, OT Mickey Baucus, C Steven Gurrola, RB Terris Jones-Grigsby, S Jared Tevis, CB Jourdon Grandon, S Tra'Mayne Bondurant

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The skinny: There wasn't much excitement surrounding Arizona's recruiting class, which was ranked in the middle of the pack in the Pac-12, after the Wildcats finalized their class in mid-December and welcomed nine midyear transfers. Offensive tackle Keenan Walker is the highest-rated signee, but he's expected to miss the 2015 season with a torn ACL. Junior college defensive tackle Anthony Fotu might be able to provide some immediate help. The Wildcats are expected to bring back 12 starters on offense and defense, including quarterback Anu Solomon and All-American linebacker Scooby Wright. They'll spend the spring trying to replace three starters each on the offensive line and in the secondary.

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14. Ole Miss Rebels

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2014 record:9-4, 5-3 SEC

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Returning starters:10 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: QB Bo Wallace, S Cody Prewitt, CB Senquez Golson, LB Serderius Bryant, LB Deterrian Shackelford

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The skinny: What looked like a magical season for Ole Miss in 2014 ended up fizzling at the end, and then the Rebels struggled to close on several high-profile prospects on national signing day. The Rebels were still able to land two top-20 receivers (DaMarkus Lodge and Van Jefferson) and the No. 3-rated guard (Javon Patterson). D.J. Jones, the No. 1 junior college defensive tackle, also was an important addition. After losing offensive tackle prospect Drew Richmond to Tennessee, Rebels coach Hugh Freeze announced that 296-pound quarterback/tight end Jeremy Liggins will move to offensive tackle in the spring. Quarterback Chad Kelly, who was dismissed from Clemson last season and then pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in January, has enrolled at Ole Miss and is expected to compete for the starting job this spring.

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15. Florida State Seminoles

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2014 record: 13-1, 8-0 ACC

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Returning starters: 3 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams

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The skinny: The Seminoles started rebuilding their roster by signing the country's No. 2 recruiting class. After losing a boatload of underclassmen to the NFL draft the past two seasons, Florida State has to rebuild its offense. Winston, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, is gone, along with four starters on the offensive line. The Seminoles signed three five-star recruits, the most of any FBS team: George Campbell (No. 1 athlete), Derwin James (No. 1 safety) and Josh Sweat (No. 3 defensive end). Quarterback De'Andre Johnson, a midyear enrollee, and incoming freshman Deondre Francois (the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback) might be part of a battle that will include sophomore Sean Maguire and freshmen John Franklin III and J.J. Cosentino.

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16. LSU Tigers

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2014 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC

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Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: OT La'el Collins, C Elliott Porter, DE Jermauria Rasco, S Ronald Martin, DE Danielle Hunter, LB Kwon Alexander, RB Terrence Magee, CB Jalen Collins

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The skinny: No FBS program has lost as many underclassmen as LSU the past three seasons, and the Tigers finally felt the effects of the early departures last season. LSU coach Les Miles was able to put together another top-10 recruiting class to refill the cupboard. The Tigers signed nine players who were ranked in the top 10 at their respective positions, including No. 2 cornerback Kevin Toliver II, No. 3 receiver Tyron Johnson and No. 2 guard Maea Teuhema. LSU signed 17 players who are expected to play on offense, including five offensive linemen and four running backs. The Tigers will have new leadership on defense this spring, after former Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele was hired as defensive coordinator and former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron was hired as defensive line coach.

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17. Wisconsin Badgers

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2014 record: 11-3, 7-1 Big Ten

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Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: RB Melvin Gordon, G Dallas Lewallen, G Kyle Costigan, T Rob Havenstein, LB Marcus Trotter, LB Derek Landisch

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The skinny: Given the late start, new Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst put together a pretty good recruiting effort, as the Badgers' class was ranked fifth-best in the Big Ten. The Badgers landed safety Arrington Farrar of College Park, Georgia, on signing day, and he might be able to help in the secondary right away. Running backs Bradrick Shaw and Jordan Stevenson and tight end Kyle Penniston were four-star recruits. Quarterbacks Austin Kafentzis, another four-star recruit, and Alex Hornibrook have already enrolled at Wisconsin and will participate in spring practice. Returning starter Joel Stave is coming back, and he'll have to hold off redshirt freshman D.J. Gillins and the new freshmen. Upgrading Wisconsin's passing attack will be a priority this spring, after it ranked 116th among FBS teams (148.7 yards per game) last season.

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18. Arizona State Sun Devils

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2014 record: 10-3, 6-3 Pac-12

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Returning starters: 7 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR Jaelen Strong, OT Jamil Douglas, QB Taylor Kelly, DE Marcus Hardison, S Damarious Randall

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The skinny: The Sun Devils just missed putting together back-to-back top-25 recruiting classes, finishing 26th this year, but they were able to address big needs on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Junior college transfer DeOnte Reynolds and incoming freshman Joseph Wicker will have a chance to help at defensive tackle, and junior college transfer Davon Durant will have an opportunity to start at one of the linebacker spots. Brady White of Newhall, California, the nation's No. 4 pocket passer, certainly looks to be Arizona State's quarterback of the future. Coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 1970-73, the Sun Devils certainly seem to be heading in the right direction under coach Todd Graham. They'll spend the spring trying to replace two starting offensive tackles and Hardison, who had 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2014.

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19. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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2014 record: 11-3, 6-2 ACC

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Returning starters: 5 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR Darren Waller, WR DeAndre Smelter, RB Synjyn Days, RB Zach Laskey, RB Charles Perkins, LB Quayshawn Nealy, SS Isaiah Johnson

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The skinny: Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson puts about as much weight in recruiting rankings as he does in passing statistics. The Yellow Jackets signed a recruiting class that once again was filled with three-star recruits and ranked in the middle of the ACC. Now watch Johnson and his staff win 10 games again with them. The Yellow Jackets signed three four-star prospects: athlete Jaylend Ratliffe, defensive end Anree Saint-Amour and receiver Christian Philpott. Linebacker Victor Alexander, who flipped from UCLA, and Brant Mitchell, a two-time Mr. Football selection in Tennessee, also were important signees. The Yellow Jackets will spend the spring trying to replace almost everybody in the backfield, except star quarterback Justin Thomas.

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20. Tennessee Volunteers

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2014 record: 7-6, 3-5 SEC

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Returning starters: 10 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams

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The skinny: Most SEC opponents might have enjoyed playing the Volunteers the past few seasons, but it might not be so much fun in the future. Tennessee coach Butch Jones landed a top-five recruiting class for the second year in a row by signing 13 players from the ESPN 300. After allowing 43 sacks in 2014, the Volunteers signed three offensive tackles who were ranked in the ESPN 300: Drew Richmond, Jack Jones and Venzell Boulware. Defensive tackles Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle, receiver Preston Williams, ends Kyle Phillips and Andrew Butcher, and cornerback Micah Abernathy also were ranked in the top 10 at their respective positions. Now, after going 12-13 in his first two seasons, Jones has to start turning the recruiting success into on-field results. With quarterback Joshua Dobbs, tailback Jalen Hurd and four starters returning on the offensive line, the pieces seem to be in place for a breakthrough season in 2015.

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21. Boise State Broncos

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2014 record: 12-2, 7-1 Mountain West

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Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: RB Jay Ajayi, QB Grant Hedrick, WR Matt Miller, WR Dallas Burroughs, S Corey Bell, DE Beau Martin, S Jeremy Ioane

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The skinny: After winning the Fiesta Bowl in coach Bryan Harsin's first season, the Broncos signed what was widely regarded as the best recruiting class in the Mountain West. Headlining the class was highly regarded quarterback Brett Rypien, who enrolled at Boise State in January. Rypien, from Spokane, Washington, chose the Broncos over scholarship offers from Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Arizona State and Mississippi State. The nephew of former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien, he might be in the mix to replace Hedrick this spring. The Broncos also added Kameron Miles, one of the top junior college safeties in the country, and cornerback Tyler Horton of Fresno, California, who turned down offers from California, Miami and Florida. Other than replacing Hedrick, the Broncos don't have a lot of questions going into the spring. They're expected to bring back all but five starters from last season, including their entire offensive line.

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22. Arkansas Razorbacks

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2014 record: 7-6, 2-6 SEC

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Returning starters: 10 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: OT Brey Cook, DE Trey Flowers, LB Braylon Mitchell, LB Martrell Spaight, FS Alan Turner

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The skinny: The Razorbacks continued to build momentum from last season's turnaround, bringing in a top-25 recruiting class that included five players from the ESPN 300. After losing Flowers and two top linebackers, Hogs coach Bret Bielema targeted defensive linemen and was able to land ESPN 300 signees Hjalte Froholdt and Jamario Bell, as well as junior college defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter. Quarterback Ty Storey and tight end Will Gragg were also coveted prospects. After losing offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, who left for the same position at Pittsburgh, Bielema replaced him with former Central Michigan coach Dan Enos. He'll be charged with improving the Hogs' passing game, which ranked 11th in the SEC with 188.0 yards per game in 2014.

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23. Texas Longhorns

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2014 record: 6-7, 5-4 Big 12

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Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR Jaxon Shipley, RB Malcolm Brown, DE Cedric Reed, DT Malcom Brown, LB Steve Edmond, LB Jordan Hicks, CB Quandre Diggs, S Mykkele Thompson

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The skinny: Somebody get Longhorns coach Charlie Strong a cup of Sumatra. Can the man close a recruiting class or what? After hearing all kinds of concerns about the Longhorns' recruiting efforts, Strong landed a top-10 class that included 14 ESPN 300 players. Texas signed two of the country's best linebackers (Malik Jefferson and Anthony Wheeler), two of the best defensive backs (DeShon Elliott and Holton Hill), a top-10 running back (Chris Warren III) and the No. 1 tight end (Devonaire Clarington). Kai Locksley, the son of Maryland offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, flipped from Florida State and might be the Longhorns' quarterback of the future. Strong still has a long way to go in getting Texas back to the upper echelon of the sport, particularly on offense, but his recruiting efforts should at least give UT fans some hope.

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24. Missouri Tigers

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2014 record: 11-3, 7-1 SEC

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Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: DE Markus Golden, DE Shane Ray, SS Braylon Webb, WR Bud Sasser, WR Darius White, WR Jimmie Hunt, OT Mitch Morse, RB Marcus Murphy

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The skinny: The two-time defending SEC East champions once again face a major rebuilding job on the defensive line and in the receiver corps, but they went a long way in addressing their needs with a top-20 recruiting class. Headlining the class is five-star defensive tackle Terry Beckner Jr. of East St. Louis, Illinois, who chose the Tigers over Florida State, Auburn and Ohio State. He was ranked the No. 2 player in the ESPN 300. Four junior college transfers -- offensive tackles Tyler Howell and Malik Cuellar, running back Chase Abbington and defensive end Marcell Frazier -- also might be able to provide some immediate help. Missouri signed four players who might be able to help restock the receiver corps, after the Tigers lost most of their perimeter weapons for the second season in a row.

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25. Louisville Cardinals

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2014 record: 9-4, 5-3 ACC

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Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense, 1 special teams

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Key personnel losses: WR DeVante Parker, WR Eli Rogers, OT Jamon Brown, TE Gerald Christian, RB Michael Dyer, LB Lorenzo Mauldin, FS Gerod Holliman, CB Charles Gaines, CB Terell Floyd, SS James Sample

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The skinny: The Cardinals lost a plethora of playmakers on both sides of the football, but coach Bobby Petrino went the junior college route to rebuild his roster. Also, Louisville already had a handful of FBS transfers ready to step in. Former TCU star DeVonte' Fields signed with the Cardinals and could become a premier pass-rusher. UAB transfer Jamari Staples and Texas A&M transfer JaQuay Williams should help on the perimeter, after the Cardinals lost three of their top four receivers. Running back Jeremy Smith is one of seven junior college transfers expected to join the team. Georgia transfers Josh Harvey-Clemons and Shaq Wiggins should help in the secondary, after Louisville lost all four starting defensive backs, including Gaines, Holliman and Sample, who left early for the NFL draft. Petrino was able to keep defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who turned down a job with the Oakland Raiders, and offensive coordinator Garrick McGee, who turned down an interview with Oklahoma.

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