Alabama, Florida State lead Way-Too-Early 2017 Top 25
Alabama loses the bulk of its menacing defense, but there's plenty of talent waiting in the wings. Expect Florida State to return to the ACC summit, but Michigan might slide in the Big Ten.
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How 2017 recruiting favors top teams in Way-Too-Early Top 25
One reason for optimism for the teams in Mark Schlabach's Way-Too-Early Top 25 is the talent on the way in 2017. Here's a look at how next season's best teams are faring in recruiting.
Party in the Valley: Clemson fans celebrate win
Fresh off Clemson's win over Alabama on Monday night, thousands of fans came out to celebrate the team's first national championship in 35 years.
Wilcox named Cal coach; 5-year deal, source says
Cal officially announced the hiring of Wisconsin defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox as its new head coach Saturday. The deal is for five years, according to a source.
WMU hires Purdue assistant Lester as new coach
Western Michigan has hired former Purdue assistant Tim Lester as its football head coach. Lester, a star quarterback at WMU, will take over for newly minted Minnesota coach, P.J. Fleck.
Ex-UConn coach Diaco hired as Nebraska DC
Bob Diaco, fired as UConn's head coach last month, was hired as the new defensive coordinator at Nebraska on Saturday.
Kaler: Players struggle with sexual assault issues
Minnesota president Eric Kaler says his school needs to do a better job of training its student-athletes on sexual assault issues because something isn't getting through, according to a report.
Source: Cristobal, Reaves to be Ducks' co-OCs
The Ducks will have co-offensive coordinators in 2017, hiring Mario Cristobal and David Reaves to share the duties.
Can USC, Helton close strong with 2017 class?
Unlike predecessors, Clay Helton has a quiet recruiting style. USC closed strong last year, but to keep momentum going, he needs to do it again.
Player loses shirt during Clemson celebration (0:22)
Clemson's final drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 1 'Orange Crush'
Clemson stunned Alabama on Monday with a 68-yard masterpiece drive against the Tide's vaunted defense. The most stunning part? That the Tigers say they had the Tide right where they wanted them.
Clemson blows the lid off what the program can accomplish
For years, Clemson was a classic underachiever -- a team with tons of potential it couldn't reach -- but Dabo Swinney went all-in to change that.
The 2016-17 All-Bowl team
From Deshaun Watson to Jonathan Allen to Dalvin Cook, it was a bowl season filled with spectacular performances. Here are the best of the best.
Let the countdown to 2017 opening weekend begin
Are we there yet? The confetti has barely been cleared from Clemson's championship celebration, but we're already excited about the opening weekend of 2017. Florida State vs. Alabama, anyone?
CFB roundtable: Which conference will be No. 1 in 2017?
Will the SEC be able to catch up to Alabama? Can the ACC match this season's success? Will the Big Ten step up? Let the 2017 conference debate begin.
Ranking all 42 college football postseason games
So maybe there isn't much debate over which game is No. 1. But a look back at all 42 games this postseason reminded us again why the bowl season truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
ACC has finally reached mountaintop, but trick is staying there
Now that the ACC has finally and fully arrived with Clemson's title win over Alabama, there must be consistency in the success.
Clemson flies home a champion (3:04)
If Bo didn't know football (0:33)
Dabo: ACC 'best conference in college football'
The ACC is "the best conference in college football," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said after his team's victory over SEC power Alabama in the national championship game.
Final 2016-17 Power Rankings settle all the debates
Bowl season produced some enticing matchups and definitive results, leading to a lot of movement in our final Power Rankings of the 2016-17 season.
College coaches come out in favor of December early signing period
With proposed measures for early recruiting signing days, top college coaches now in favor of December change.
Clemson's Swinney wins coaching honor again
Clemson's Dabo Swinney says winning his second straight Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award caps what has already been a great week.
Sources: Ohio State AD to join CFP committee
Gene Smith, who has been the Buckeyes' athletic director since 2005, will be joining the CFP selection committee, sources told ESPN.
Reliving the frantic final three drives from Clemson's magical win (1:00)
Was Clemson-Alabama the most exciting championship game in recent memory?
Where did Clemson-Alabama rank on the metrics-based "excitement index" of recent college football title games? The Texas-USC Rose Bowl still earns the title, but Tigers-Tide isn't far behind.
Clemson stirred by fans' welcome-home party
The national champion Clemson Tigers spilled from buses Tuesday and were quickly enveloped by a mass of humanity that had begun assembling outside the stadium hours in advance.
Dabo Swinney's most magical night
After midnight, amid the confetti and chaos of Clemson's national championship, there was magic, some guts (which he brought), his family and a whole lot of magic for Tigers coach Dabo Swinney.
Clemson's national title win a big hit on social media
Plenty of Clemson alumni -- and plenty of other notables in the sports world -- were buzzing on Twitter during and after Monday's wild national championship game.
The question that will haunt Alabama: Sark or Kiffin?
The decision to have Steve Sarkisian take over for Lane Kiffin the week before the CFP title game will be endlessly debated after the Tide's loss to Clemson, but maybe it shouldn't be.
Swinney: 'This is not the pinnacle for us' (3:39)
Why Texas is a 2017 CFP darkhorse
The Longhorns haven't cracked the double-digit win mark in since 2009 and that's way too long by Texas standards. The good news? New coach Tom Herman has all the ingredients to end that streak.
Clemson WRs Williams, Scott will enter NFL draft
Clemson wide receivers Mike Williams and Artavis Scott said they will enter the NFL draft.
Ohio State names Wilson offensive coordinator
Kevin Wilson, who resigned from Indiana last month after being accused of mistreating players, was named offensive coordinator at Ohio State.
Kansas hires TCU's Meacham as OC
Kansas hired Doug Meacham as offensive coordinator. Meacham had the same role at TCU and led an offense that was explosive in 2014 and 2015 but struggled in 2016.
Deshaun Watson cements legacy with legendary drive
He was already the best player in program history, but after coming up short in one title game and missing out on two Heismans, Deshaun Watson sealed the deal with an epic game-winning drive.
Clemson beats Bama by being Bama
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney, who played for Alabama, based his model for being a national contender on the Crimson Tide's program.
How Clemson got its revenge on Alabama, frame by frame
The sequel was even better than the original. Legends were born as Clemson scored in the final seconds of the 2017 CFP National Championship, stunning Alabama with a thrilling victory.
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Watson hits Renfrow for game-winning TD in title game
Watson hits Renfrow for game-winning TD in title game
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Williams rises up for another great catch
Williams rises up for another great catch
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Alabama reclaims lead on Hurts' TD run
Alabama reclaims lead on Hurts' TD run
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Watson takes big hit trying to get first down
Watson takes big hit trying to get first down
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
O.J. Howard burns Clemson D for 68-yard TD
O.J. Howard burns Clemson D for 68-yard TD
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Williams makes great leaping catch
Williams makes great leaping catch
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Tigers keeping it close in Tampa
Tigers keeping it close in Tampa
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Renfrow's TD keeps Clemson in the game
Renfrow's TD keeps Clemson in the game
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Watson scampers for 8-yard TD run
Watson scampers for 8-yard TD run
Top plays from the College Football Playoff title game
Scarbrough does it to Clemson again
Scarbrough does it to Clemson again
Historic title game loss leaves Alabama locker room in shock
Alabama saw its hopes of a fifth national championship in eight seasons float away amongst the purple-and-orange confetti of Clemson's victory.
Les Miles had no issue with Alabama's offensive game plan (1:59)
Champ. Drive: Recapping A Classic Championship
Matt Schick, Adam Rittenberg & Brad Edwards recap the epic National Championship between Clemson and Alabama and delve into what the game means for the programs & the sport.
Kiper has second-round grade for Watson (2:07)
Draft prospects for Deshaun Watson and Clemson stars
Deshaun Watson was just one of the draft-eligible stars in Clemson's upset over Alabama. Here's where Watson -- and three teammates -- could be picked in April.
Tebow thinks Watson is 'pro-ready' (1:42)
Using memories of last year's anguish, Clemson writes a new fairy-tale ending
Rarely is a sequel as good as the original, but Clemson rewrote the ending in its national championship story against Alabama. It was a triumph savored by Tigers players past and present.
Sequel bests the original: Alabama-Clemson rematch one of 10 best title games
It wasn't quite Texas-USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl, but the Clemson-Alabama rematch is in the conversation for best title game. What other classics rank among history's top 10 championship battles?
Watson game winner joins championship moment pantheon (2:39)
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Championship a special moment for Swinney, Clemson
Championship a special moment for Swinney, Clemson
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Saban proud of team after loss
Saban proud of team after loss
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Boulware amped after winning national title
Boulware amped after winning national title
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Booger: Saban's OC decision will be most controversial of his career
Booger: Saban's OC decision will be most controversial of his career
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Clemson has finally climbed the mountain
Clemson has finally climbed the mountain
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Watson knew Renfrow would be wide open on winning TD
Watson knew Renfrow would be wide open on winning TD
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Mike Williams left it all on the field
Mike Williams left it all on the field
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Renfrow breaks down Clemson's game-winning TD
Renfrow breaks down Clemson's game-winning TD
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Watson emotional after Clemson's championship win
Watson emotional after Clemson's championship win
Reaction to Clemson dethroning Alabama 35-31
Swinney: It's a blessing to win championship
Swinney: It's a blessing to win championship
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Championship Drive
Now
Max Olson ESPN Staff Writer
Baylor WR Ishmael Zamora has made the surprising decision to enter the NFL draft. Zamora served a 3-game suspension in 2016 after a video emerged of him abusing his dog. He recorded 809 receiving yards and 8 TDs in 10 games as a redshirt sophomore.
Max Olson ESPN Staff Writer
West Virginia has officially hired Jake Spavital as its new offensive coordinator. The former Cal OC is reuniting with Dana Holgorsen, whom he worked with from 2009-12. Spavital was the Mountaineers' quarterbacks coach from 2011-12.
Tom VanHaaren ESPN Staff Writer
ESPN 300 wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey has committed to Nebraska. Lindsey, the No. 77 ranked prospect overall, had recently and abruptly decommitted from Ohio State without much explanation as to why. The loss for the Buckeyes turned into a big gain for the Huskers, as Lindsey fills a big need at receiver.
Kevin Van Valkenburg @KVanValkenburg
Interesting to open mail & learn I'm part of a concussion lawsuit against NCAA (unless I opt out) as former CFB ply… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
Brett McMurphy College football reporter
Florida offensive line coach Mike Summers is the new offensive line coach at Louisville, sources told ESPN. A 36-year coaching veteran, Summers had been at Florida since 2014. He returns to Louisville, where he was the Cardinals' offensive line coach from 2003-06. After Florida's victory against Iowa in the Outback Bowl, UF coach Jim McElwain said the Gators wanted to be more physical. "The one thing I will tell you, going through this offseason we'll become a lot more physical up front than we were this year," McElwain said on Jan. 2. Summers' move to Louisville gives the Gators' two openings among their nine full-time assistants. The addition of Summers completes UL's assistant staff.
Mitch Sherman ESPN Staff Writer
Nebraska has made official the hire of former UConn coach Bob Diaco as defensive coordinator, replacing Mark Banker, whose firing was announced on Wednesday. "When we began looking for a new defensive coordinator, Bob Diaco quickly rose to the top of the list," Nebraska coach Mike Riley said. Diaco, an Iowa graduate, won the Broyles Award in 2012 as the nation's top assistant coach while coordinating the Notre Dame defense.
ESPN CollegeFootball @ESPNCFB
When you realize there's no college football this weekend 😭 pic.twitter.com/S5qCN8pcHC
ESPN CollegeFootball @ESPNCFB
Are we there yet? The opening weekend slate for the 2017 season may be the best one yet. es.pn/2jh4STh
ESPN Stats and Information
New Cal football coach Justin Wilcox was defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, where the Badgers defense ranked 4th in FBS in points allowed per game allowed and 7th in yards allowed per game.Cal ranked 127th in points allowed per game and 125th in yards allowed per game this season.
ESPN CollegeFootball @ESPNCFB
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox has reached a verbal agreement to become the next Cal coach.… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
ESPN CollegeFootball @ESPNCFB
Alabama trio CB Marlon Humphrey, OT Cam Robinson and WR ArDarius Stewart announce they will enter the 2017 NFL Draf… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
Alex Scarborough ESPN Staff Writer
Alabama LT Cam Robinson, upon declaring for the draft, said it's bittersweet because "we didn't finish it the way we wanted to and that will always be tough."
Alex Scarborough ESPN Staff Writer
Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey seems awfully relaxed after making the decision to turn pro. He said he hasn't looked at his draft grade but thinks first or second round.
Alex Scarborough ESPN Staff Writer
Alabama WR ArDarius Stewart said he received a second round grade but hopes to improve that with a good combine.
Alex Scarborough ESPN Staff Writer
Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey is leaving for the NFL draft: "I thought a lot the past couple of days. It was tough after losing the championship, but I had to make the decision."
Alex Scarborough ESPN Staff Writer
Nick Saban stands alongside WR Ardarius Stewart, LT Cam Robinson and CB Marlon Humphrey as they declare for the NFL draft.
Andrea Adelson ESPN Staff Writer
Florida State must replace its top running back and top receiver headed into 2017 as both Dalvin Cook and Travis Rudolph are headed to the NFL draft. The two combined for just over half of the team's total offense. There are options: Jacques Patrick and early enrollee Cam Akers at RB and Noonie Murray at WR are three players to watch.
Tom VanHaaren ESPN Staff Writer
ESPN 300 wide receiver Jaylen Harris has committed to Ohio State. Harris' commitment gives the Buckeyes 16 ESPN300 commitments in 2017?.
RecruitingNation @ESPNRNFball
Recruiting reform up for passage include lengthy summer dead period and no June signing period, via @jeremycrabtree es.pn/2jrhX9I
RecruitingNation @ESPNRNFball
How Matt Rhule plans to rebuild Baylor recruiting, from @TomVH es.pn/2jEcmvO
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
If Cal finalizes this deal with Justin Wilcox, the Bears would move from an exclusively offensive-minded head coach in Sonny Dykes to a former defensive coordinator.