ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25 breaks down each team's biggest strength and weakness as spring football rolls on. With no spring transfer portal available this year, teams must address gaps through internal development rather than roster additions. Ohio State boasts the nation's most potent offensive trio—quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson, and receiver Jeremiah Smith—but the Buckeyes' offensive line struggled badly in key games against Indiana and Miami last season.

Oregon's defensive front could be the country's best, returning all four starters including A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander. However, the Ducks face psychological barriers after two consecutive playoff eliminations by national champions. Georgia reloads at linebacker with Raylen Wilson and top recruits Chris Cole and Zayden Walker, but the Bulldogs lost four of their top five receivers including Zachariah Branch, who had 81 catches last fall.

Notre Dame returns nine of its top tacklers and added key transfers on the defensive line, yet a relatively weak schedule offers minimal margin for error under the new CFP format. Texas added Arkansas transfer Ian Geffrard to strengthen its defensive line but must rebuild an offensive line that lost multiple starters. Indiana's offensive line remains solid with Carter Smith and Wisconsin transfer Joe Brunner, though the departure of cornerback D'Angelo Ponds leaves a significant coverage gap.

Miami returns its top four running backs, including Mark Fletcher Jr. who amassed 1,192 yards with 507 coming in playoff games, but the linebacker position lacks depth beyond Mo Toure. Texas Tech's running back trio of Cameron Dickey and J'Koby Williams combined for nearly 2,900 yards last season, yet offensive guard remains a concern heading into the season.