Where the NCAA is concerned, a good offense is now more important than a good defense, with coaches now prioritizing attacking play. The Alabama Crimson Tide fashioned one of the best offenses most have probably ever seen when they led the nation in efficiency with 96.4 on the way to a title in 2020. It’s also worth noting that the last five national champions have all ranked in the top four in offensive efficiency.
With that, we take a look at some of the top projected offenses heading into next term.
Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners are brimming in attack and will likely keep boasting such as long as Lincoln Riley sticks around. While they aren’t expected to have the best offense a few years down the line, it’s looking pretty great this year and they should head into the campaign as favorites. Fans could also check out this Pointsbet review on that note.
The offense will be led by quarterback Spencer Rattler for at least another year – could be two. Spencer passed 3,000 passing yards with 28 touchdowns in his first season as a starter but the team has another stellar option in Caleb Williams.
Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, and Austin Stogner are coming back after going for a combined 1,562 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. The trio has years of eligibility left, while the team has also added another impressive receiver in Mario Williams.
OU is also loaded in the running back department, having brought Tennessee transfer, Eric Gray, in. Gray was responsible for 772 rushing yards last year. Kennedy Brooks, Seth McGowan, and Marcus Major are all part and parcel but they will still rue losing Creed Humphrey.
In spite of the latter, the Sooners still head into the year with the most formidable-looking offense in the NCAA.
Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers will have to move on from running back Travis Etienne and a few other players but will still be a major threat in 2021. The Tigers still have Tony Elliot as a play caller – Elliot stuck around for a lot longer than he was expected to but will probably be gone by 2023 although he signed a contract that should keep him around until 2025.
Meanwhile, QB D.J. Uiagalelei should be in charge of things on the offensive end for at least another two campaigns following 781 passing yards and two touchdowns in two starts. Justin Ross should be available for at least another term after coming back from a spinal injury and will highlight an impressive catching cast also boasting non-seniors E.J. Williams, Frank Ladson Jr., and Joseph Ngata.
Ngata is also coming off a season encumbered by injury.
The Tigers are also well off in the tight end department with Braden Galloway and Davis Allen. Lyn-J Dixon will also have the opportunity to establish himself as the No.1 option at running back and has two years of eligibility left. There’s depth in the form of Chez Mellusi and Darien Rencher while Will Shipley is already enrolled.
The team will have to find a replacement for the departed Jackson Carman but should find things are more than comfortable this year.
Alabama Crimson Tide
As mentioned above, Crimson Tide boasted the best offense last term, with their program changing to a more attacking one. The team has undergone changes at both QB and play caller and lost a number of top players like Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, as well as Mac Jones, Najee Harris, Jaylen Waddle, and a number of linemen. Despite the drain, the team’s offense isn’t expected to suffer.
QB Bryce Young is considered to be the future and he should thrive under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Harris’ departure will likely be felt yet the unit will be able to put its depth at running back on show.
Brain Robinson Jr. is coming back, as is top-20 recruit Trey Sanders. Second-year players Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams are also coming back and the team has added Camar Wheaton too. Emmanuel Henderson has also committed to the school.
The offense can also boast sophomore John Metchie, who looks set to usher in a new era of wide receivers at Alabama; junior Slade Bolden is also expected to show his mettle, and tight end Jahleel Billingsley could have a breakout campaign.
While things might not get off to an explosive start, Alabama could come close to the efficiency numbers they put up last year.