Top 5 College Football Programs

I don't know, and that's not the question I asked. What do you mean by "overall program"? In order to defend or denounce people's selections, there has to be a formula to base and grade what an "overall program" is.

I don't have time to look back at recruiting classes for the Cooper era, but if my memory is correct, they were right up there every year, so the answer to your question would be "yes". I recall quite a few making it to the NFL from Cooper's era, too.

 

Is this based on average over a certain time period? If so, how long?

I didn't say "I don't know". I said if "my memory is correct...". It might not be, and that's fine, but my choices have nothing to do with being a "die hard fan". If this were the case, I would not have chosen Michigan. My choices were based on who I believe to have the top 5 "overall programs" in college football, this year, and in recent years. Rivalries, NFL players, recruiting, High School backgrounds, State, facilities, TV exposure, merchandising, head coach, system all play into it, IMO.

 

This isn't as cut and dried as it might seem if you bring the "Top recruit" equation into play. A top recruit who is a QB is going to have a different decision making process than a DL. Some schools not mentioned have offensive gurus that would make their school more palatable. Some schools would be more attractive because of a lack of competition for playing time.

I prefer to just look at it this way, the way it was originally asked: Right now, who are the top five programs in the nation? Some subjectivity is involved, but some facts just play in.

Let's not make this too hard, but let's not get surprised when there are difficulties because so many variables come into play.

 

Trust me...I'm not as big of an OSU fan as you think. It's easy to be a fan of a team that always win. I'm a Browns fan. Much harder to be a fan of a team that always loses. I like the challenge...

I agree with Tom that it's actually more complicated than it is presented. Certain schools specialize in certain positions and offenses / defenses to make recruiting not as clear cut as may seem. That's why I was thinking you would have to look at track record over a period of time...and not one year...to choose the top five "overall" programs today.

 

There's alot of subjectivity based on what you if a recruit would look for.

I'd look for the things I listed along with coaching staff character and stability. I have no particular insights on that even with the Vols. I'm sure Tom knows alot more than I about how they conduct themselves in every day life.

 

Here's my list of the top 5 programs over the last few years:

1. USC
2. OSU
3. Texas
4. Florida
5. TIE (Auburn, Oklahoma, LSU, Michigan)

 

Here are my top 5 Programs

1. USC
2. Ohio State
3......USC
4......Ohio State

5. Texas

I think that those 2 schools are miles above everyone else with Texas a distant 3rd. About 10 other schools being right in the mix with Texas, such as: Tennessee & Florida.

If you're a Midwestern recruit- Ohio State
If you're a Southern Recruit- Florida, Tennesee
If you're a Western recruit- USC, Texas
If you're an Eastern recruit- Anywhere away from the East

 

No order, just my thoughts

Norte Dame - coined as the University of Football in America rightfully so - who else gets a BCS game because of how well they travel?

Florida State - rough year, but so much money it makes God blush and talent pool that is seemingly endless, even made Rutgers a good team this year - gosh darnit we're going to get this thing turned around

Texas - again with the money and talent pool

Ohio State - great program that gets the whole Mid-western mindset

USC - great coach, note: have you ever been to USC, not the easiest place to LIVE much less recuit players to come too. Much, much nicer at UCLA

You also have to consider Nebraska now returning to glory and Oklahoma great program caught some tough breaks

Michigan gets a mention as well

 

Ohio State
Michigan
USC
Florida
Oklahoma