There's always next year, right? Even with the College Football Playoff selection committee's Top 25 still battling for semifinal and New Year's Six bowl positions, it's never too early to look ahead to next season. Here are the biggest reasons for optimism in 2019.
No. 1 Alabama
Tua Tagovailoa has at least one more season in Tuscaloosa, as do all four of his top four receivers, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III and Jaylen Waddle. The defense might take a hit with Quinnen Williams looking more and more like a top-10 NFL draft pick, but much of the secondary will return, along with inside linebacker Dylan Moses.