The Top 25 For 2012

1. LSU (2011 record: 13--1) With possibly seven starters back on both offense and defense, this young Tigers team will be even more dangerous next year.

2. USC (10--2) The return of quarterback Matt Barkley (right) makes the Trojans the team most likely to end the SEC's six-year BCS national title reign.

3. OREGON (12--2) Even with LaMichael James leaving, the Ducks' offense won't slow down behind the Thomases: QB Darron and RB De'Anthony.

4. ARKANSAS (11--2) QB Tyler Wilson (if he returns) and a healthy RB Knile Davis (missed all of '11 with a broken left ankle) give the Hogs a spectacular offense.

5. ALABAMA (12--1) The defending champs will have to replace at least five defensive starters and probably RB Trent Richardson, but the Tide has a stockpile of talent.

6. MICHIGAN STATE (11--3) Defensive tackle Jerel Worthy is gone, but defensive end Will Gholston (16 tackles for loss in '11) will continue to terrorize Big Ten QBs.

7. SOUTH CAROLINA (11--2) RB Marcus Lattimore, out since Oct. 15 with a knee injury, and pass-rushing freak Jadeveon Clowney will anchor the offense and defense, respectively.

8. OKLAHOMA (10--3) Quarterback Landry Jones returns, and so does his backup with a nose for the end zone, Blake (the Belldozer) Bell.

9. GEORGIA (10--4) All-America outside linebacker Jarvis Jones will be the SEC's—and perhaps the country's—best defender.

10. TCU (11--2) Behind quarterback Casey Pachall (25 passing TDs in '11), the Horned Frogs will be in the hunt for the conference title in their first year in the Big 12.