College Football

College football elite looking up at Clemson to start next season

An early, early look at The Post’s 2016 Top 10:

1. Clemson

Deshaun Watson, college football’s most dynamic player, returns, as does nearly the rest of his potent offense.

2. Alabama

The losses are significant, but the Crimson Tide have backups who would start for almost anyone.

Baker MayfieldGetty Images

3. Oklahoma

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is back for an encore in Norman. So are running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, which should scare the daylights out of the Big 12.

4. Michigan

After a five-win improvement in Jim Harbaugh’s first season, expectations are high in Ann Arbor — Big Ten-championship high.

5. Baylor

Just a reminder the Bears won 10 games without starting quarterback Seth Russell the second half of the season, and he’s returning.

6. Florida State
Running back Dalvin Cook, a future star on Sundays, gives the Seminoles a shot at unseating Clemson and regaining their throne atop the ACC.

7. Stanford

There are a lot of holes to fill, so good thing do-it-all Heisman Trophy runner-up Christian McCaffrey plays so many positions.

8. LSU

Whether it’s Brandon Harris or Purdue transfer Danny Etling, LSU will need better quarterback play to avoid another late-season letdown.

9. Ohio State

The talent level will decline, but the chemistry should improve — especially with quarterback J.T. Barrett under center from the outset.

10. Houston

The regular-season opener against Oklahoma would be the kind of non-conference victory that could give the non-Power Five conference Cougars a shot at the playoff.