The 2021 college football season is scheduled to officially begin on Saturday, Aug. 28, but it's never too early to start thinking about top 25 rankings and projecting what might transpire this fall. Each FBS season brings plenty of surprises, disappointments and unexpected teams emerging in the national title picture. However, that’s not the case at the top, as the list of favorites for this year starts with familiar contenders: Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Georgia.
Alabama is Athlon Sports' projected national champion, with Clemson at No. 2, followed by Oklahoma at No. 3. Ohio State is the last projected playoff team at No.