USA TODAY Flags 25 Preseason Questions for Top College Football Teams

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 5

Ohio State, ranked No. 1 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, tops USA TODAY Sports’ list of 25 lingering questions with whether new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith can elevate the Buckeyes’ title push.
The preseason scan argues even elite teams carry one potential weak link, from Oregon’s three new offensive-line starters and Georgia’s thin receiver room to Texas needing three new starters in the secondary.
Several contenders face quarterback or health uncertainty, including Michigan’s need for Bryce Underwood to improve, Tennessee’s battle that could stretch into September, and Texas Tech’s hope Will Hammond is ready after a knee injury.
Schedule and roster transitions also shape the outlook: Penn State benefits from missing Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana in Big Ten play, while Missouri faces a much tougher SEC slate than in the past two seasons.
The roundup frames those unresolved issues as the factors most likely to decide playoff bids and national-title chances once the regular season begins.