2008 Top 10

SI.com senior writer Stewart Mandel ranks the elite teams for next fall

1. GEORGIA
QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno are among 17 starters expected back on a team that closed with seven strong wins.

2. OHIO STATE
The Buckeyes lose only two senior starters, though LB James Laurinaitis and others could declare for the NFL draft.

3. OKLAHOMA
While the Sooners have almost their entire offense returning, their Fiesta Bowl showing raises questions about the defense.

4. USC
The Trojans are loaded with young talent, and Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain will battle for the quarterback job.

5. MISSOURI
Heisman finalist Chase Daniel and all-purpose burner Jeremy Maclin lead a 12-win team with 16 returning starters.

6. WEST VIRGINIA
QB Pat White and RB Noel Devine ensure another explosive attack, but new coach Bill Stewart is a wild card.

7. FLORIDA
USC transfer RB Emmanuel Moody joins Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin in the backfield, but the defense must improve.

8. KANSAS
The 12--1 Orange Bowl champs are no flash in the pan—nearly the whole defense returns, as does savvy QB Todd Reesing .

9. LSU
Eleven senior starters must be replaced, but the Tigers are set at quarterback with Ryan Perrilloux running the attack.