GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Alabama and Clemson played in the College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T on Monday night, and the Crimson Tide and Tigers will be favorites to return to the playoff this coming season.
The Tigers, who were the only unbeaten FBS team during the regular season, are No. 1 in the first edition of the 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25, followed by Alabama, Baylor and Michigan.
The Tigers could bring back as many as 17 starters on offense and defense, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, a Heisman Trophy finalist this past season. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide will have to replace a lot of the key players who helped them reach the playoff two seasons in a row, including perhaps Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.