When compiling preseason predictions, the first thing a college football prognosticator looks at is the name. Name brands carry significant weight. Yes, Alabama and LSU typically have great players, but that’s not why they will make up about half of the media’s preseason All-SEC selections. Inherent bias plays a part in making predictions.
Once pundits put on their reading glasses, one stat will primarily form the basis of their opinion: returning production. What did they do last year? Who is returning and is one of them a quarterback? From that point forward, arguments can become more nuanced based on schedule and strengths of certain positions, but at its heart all preseason predictions are modeled off of returning production and quarterback play.