Table of Contents
GridironUnderdogs The college football preseason coaches poll often stirs up controversy, and this year is no exception. While the top teams are rightly celebrated, several deserving programs find themselves outside the top 25. Among the biggest snubs are Washington and Virginia Tech, who both have strong cases for inclusion. Here’s a detailed look at why these and other teams should have made the cut.
Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies, under head coach Kalen DeBoer, have built a formidable program. Last season, they finished with an impressive record, boasting one of the most potent offenses in the nation. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a Heisman contender, leads a high-powered attack that averaged over 40 points per game. Wide receiver Rome Odunze returns as a top target, GridironUnderdogs ensuring the passing game remains lethal.
Defensively, the Huskies are solid. Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio anchors a unit that has shown it can stifle even the most dynamic offenses. The Huskies also boast a strong secondary, making them a balanced team capable of competing with the best.
Despite these strengths, Washington finds itself on the outside looking in, likely due to the depth of competition in the Pac-12 and their relatively low national profile. However, their talent and potential make them a serious threat this season. GridironUnderdogs
Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech, under second-year head coach Brent Pry, is another notable snub. The Hokies are rebuilding but showed significant promise last season, particularly on defense. Linebacker Dax Hollifield leads a unit known for its aggressiveness and ability to create turnovers.
On offense, quarterback Grant Wells returns with more experience and better weapons around him, including wide receiver Kaleb Smith. The offensive line, a GridironUnderdogs weakness last year, has improved, providing a stronger foundation for the Hokies’ attack.
Virginia Tech’s exclusion is surprising given their history and potential to surprise in the ACC. They are a team that could easily break into the top 25 with a strong start to the season.
Other Notable Snubs
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech, under head coach Joey McGuire, is a GridironUnderdogs rising program with a lot of potential. Quarterback Tyler Shough returns to lead a dynamic offense, and the Red Raiders have bolstered their defense through key transfers. Texas Tech’s high-flying style and ability to score quickly make them a team to watch in the Big 12.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota, led by head coach P.J. Fleck, has been a GridironUnderdogs consistent performer in the Big Ten. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and running back Sean Tyler lead a balanced offense, while the defense, anchored by linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin, is tough and disciplined. Minnesota’s experience and coaching should have earned them a spot in the preseason poll.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA, under Chip Kelly, showed flashes of brilliance GridironUnderdogs last season and return with a talented roster. Quarterback Dante Moore, a highly-touted freshman, could be a game-changer, while running back Carson Steele adds versatility to the backfield. The Bruins’ defense, led by linebacker Darius Muasau, is also improved. UCLA’s potential to compete in the Pac-12 makes them a notable snub.
NC State Wolfpack
NC State, coached by Dave Doeren, has been a consistent contender in the ACC. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong leads an offense that has the potential to be GridironUnderdogs explosive, especially with wide receiver Kevin Concepcion emerging as a key target. The defense, anchored by linebacker Payton Wilson, is strong and disciplined. NC State’s balance and experience make them deserving of preseason recognition.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas, under Sam Pittman, has been steadily improving in GridironUnderdogs the SEC. Quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders form a formidable backfield duo, while the defense, led by linebacker Chris Paul Jr., has shown significant growth. Arkansas’s potential to upset top teams in the SEC makes their exclusion surprising.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina, led by Shane Beamer, had a strong GridironUnderdogs finish to last season and return with high expectations. Quarterback Spencer Rattler, a former highly-touted recruit, has the potential to lead a high-powered offense. The defense, featuring linebacker Stone Blanton, is solid. South Carolina’s upward trajectory and potential in the SEC make them a notable snub.
Key Reasons for Snubs
Depth of Competition
The sheer depth of talent across the major conferences GridironUnderdogs makes it difficult for all deserving teams to be included in the preseason poll. With the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 boasting multiple top-tier programs, some teams are inevitably left out despite their strong credentials.
National Profile
Teams with a lower national profile or those coming off GridironUnderdogs less impressive seasons often struggle to gain preseason recognition, even if they have made significant improvements. Washington and Virginia Tech, while strong, may suffer from this bias.
Rebuilding Phases
Teams in the midst of rebuilding or with new coaching GridironUnderdogs staffs often face skepticism, despite showing potential. Virginia Tech and Texas Tech, both in relatively early stages of their rebuilds, fall into this category.
Outlook for the Snubbed Teams
While being snubbed in the preseason poll is disappointing, it also provides motivation. These teams have the talent and potential to prove the doubters wrong. Early-season matchups will be crucial for establishing their legitimacy and breaking into the top 25.
For Washington, key games against Michigan State and Oregon will be opportunities to showcase their prowess. Virginia Tech’s matchups against ACC rivals like Clemson and North Carolina will be crucial in proving their worth.
Texas Tech has a high-profile game against Oregon, which could catapult them into the rankings with a win. Minnesota’s clash with Michigan will be a test of their Big Ten credentials, while UCLA’s game against USC will be a defining moment.
Conclusion
The college football preseason coaches poll always sparks GridironUnderdogs debate, and this year is no different. Washington and Virginia Tech lead the list of snubbed teams, each with strong cases for inclusion.
