FlurrySports College Football Power Rankings for Week 1

I am more than ready for college football to return to its normal self this weekend. Yes, there were a couple of games played last weekend, during “week zero,” but tonight’s Ohio State vs Minnesota matchup marks the return of teams who have a chance to be featured in our weekly college football rankings.

Let’s take a look at the FlurrySports College Football Power Rankings for Week 1!

FlurrySports Week 1 College Football Rankings

(Just something to note: I will usually be handing out the college football rankings every Tuesday, but with basically no games being played last weekend, our first power rankings will come out today. The next and newest power rankings will come on Tuesday, September 7th)

1) Alabama

Alabama is you’re reigning national champion, so until they lose, they will stay in the pole position. However, this may be the first actual down year the Crimson Tide has had in about a decade. Mac Jones is the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. DeVonta Smith is a starter for the Eagles and Najee Harris is primed to have a great season with the Steelers. However, as we say often with Saban and Alabama, they don’t rebuild, they reload. Bryce Young, a five-star quarterback recruit from the class of 2020. He will be very good eventually, but his issue is the talent around him isn’t up to an Alabama level. On defense, however, Saban’s guys will be able to stop anyone in the country. Young will have his struggles on offense, as would any new starter, but the defense will win games for them all year.

Week 1: vs (14) Miami in Atlanta

2) Oklahoma

This very well could be the best overall team Lincoln Riley has had in his tenure with the Sooners. On offense, Spencer Rattler returns to lead an explosive offense. However, the defense is what might be able to take the Sooners over the top. Linebacker Nik Bonitto is a solidified stud who could easily win Big-12 Defensive Player of The Year. On top of him, defensive tackles Perrion Winfrey and Isaiah Thomas are players who love to disrupt plays in the backfield. If Rattler can play up to his lofty expectations, and the defense is as good as it looks on paper, the national title should be the goal for the Sooners.

Week 1: Hosting Tulane

3) Ohio State

The Buckeyes are in the same position as the Crimson Tide. Head coach Ryan Day needs to replace superstar Justin Fields, and he seems to have made his decision on who will start the season under center. CJ Stroud, the 6-3 gun-slinging quarterback was named the starter and is looking to set the tone early. It’s nearly impossible to replace Fields, but if anyone can it’s Ryan Day. The defense was an issue last year for the Buckeyes, and it could be problematic again. They are starting three new linebackers this year and some great edge players. However, be on the lookout for Jack Sawyer, the true freshman from Columbus who will be in the defensive line rotation early on.

Week 1: At Minnesota (On Thursday)

4) Clemson

Unlike the two other teams in front of them who don’t know what to expect out of the quarterback positions, Dabo Swinney knows what he has in D.J. Uiagalelei. The big quarterback was very good in his one start versus Notre Dame. The Tigers didn’t leave South Bend with a win, but we saw what we can expect from the young quarterback. Replacing Travis Etienne will be tough, but Swinney should be fine with that. On defense, Brian Bresee is a legitimate contender for Defensive Player of the Year in the ACC. He had a great freshman season and will only be better this season. All in all, if the Tigers come out of week one with a win, they will likely jump at least one of the teams ahead of them.

Week 1: Hosting (5) Georgia in Charlotte

5) Georgia

Could this realistically be the best chance Kirby Smart will ever have to win a national championship? It’s possible. The Bulldogs are loaded on offense. JT Daniels was a star at the end of the season last year and should be a Heisman contender. They also bring back Zamir White, who is a force in the running game. The defense did lose a lot of their production from last season, but Smart recruits at such a high level that the guys on that side of the ball are still very very good. If Georgia can get by Clemson in Week 1, they would have the inside track to the College Football Playoff.

Week 1: At (4) Clemson in Charlotte

6) Texas A&M

Make no mistake about it, the Aggies were not happy barely missing out on the College Football Playoff last year. However, they bring back a lot of production from last year, so Jimbo Fisher has a lot to work with. Fisher announced earlier this week that redshirt freshman Haynes King would be the starter for the Aggies this season. He’s a young player with a lot of upside. Not to mention he has a lot of skill around him, including running back Isaiah Spiller who is a very good under-the-radar choice to win the Heisman. He will get a ton of touches and opportunities to score. On defense, this unit is as solid as any in the SEC. DeMarvin Leal anchors the defensive line. He’s the best defensive lineman the Aggies have had since Myles Garrett. Safety Demani Richardson is back as well, and he will lead a talented secondary group.

Week 1: Hosting Kent State

7) Cincinnati

Luke Fickell did an amazing job with the Bearcats last year. They finished the season 9-1, with their only loss coming to Georgia in the Peach Bowl. Desmond Ridder is back under center and is another guy who is a sneaky good under-the-radar Heisman contender. Replacing defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to Notre Dame was a big blow, but Mike Tressel should be able to ease into the season. The Bearcats also brought in Alabama transfer Jerome Ford at running back. On the outside, the solid receiver duo of Michael young and Alec Pierce is one of the best in the AAC.

Week 1: Hosting Miami (OH)

8) Iowa State

It’s honestly almost a miracle that Matt Campbell is still at the helm at Iowa State. Every offseason it seems like he’s going to take a huge leap to one of the major powerhouses, but he’s still doing great things in Ames. On offense, Brock Purdy is back. It seems like he’s been there forever, but his experience will help the offense in the end. Charlie Kolar has a case to be the best tight end in college football, so he will be one of Purdy’s favorite targets. Finally, on the ground, Breece Hall is back and is a real threat to win the Heisman Trophy. If he can guide the Cyclones to 10-11 wins, he’ll be in New York at the end of the year.

Week 1: Hosting Northern Iowa

9) North Carolina

Another coach who will have his best team yet at a new school. That man in Chapel Hill is Mack Brown. Somehow, I know Longhorn fans are out there kicking themselves, but alas, he’s doing big things for the Tar Heels. The offense will be led by Heisman Candidate and future first-round quarterback Sam Howell. He has lived up to his lofty expectations since his freshman year but needs to have a strong season to solidify his legacy in Chapel Hill. On defense, just about everyone is back for the Heels, other than linebacker Chazz Surratt. Linebacker Eugene Asante will be a force to be reckoned with this season. The Heels also need to limit opposing teams’ big plays. They got gashed last year more than once.

Week 1: At Virginia Tech On Friday

10) Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers are an odd team to put your finger on. Graham Mertz is back at quarterback for the Badgers. He was incredible on opening night for the Badgers last season. He threw 20-21 passing for six touchdowns. However, after getting COVID, he completely fell off. This season, Wisconsin is going to be just fine. They will always have a good offensive line and will be able to wear teams out. Right now, I have Wisconsin and Notre Dame as basically on the same level. So sticking with the Big Ten, I went with the Badgers.

Week 1: Hosting (19) Penn State

First Two Out of College Football Rankings: Notre Dame & Oregon