Alabama No. 1 in preseason coaches’ poll

New season, same expectations for Alabama.

The Crimson Tide received 63 out of 65 first place votes in the preseason USA Today Amway Coaches Poll. Oklahoma received the other 2, but is ranked 3rd.

Clemson, the 5-time defending ACC champions, comes in at No. 2.

Clemson and Alabama are heavy favorites to return to the College Football Playoffs, with Oklahoma, Ohio State and Georgia rounding out the top 5.

1. Alabama (63)
2. Clemson
3. Oklahoma (2)
4. Ohio State
5. Georgia
6. Texas A&M
7. Notre Dame
8. Iowa State
9. North Carolina
10. Cincinnati
11. Florida
12. Oregon
13. LSU
14. USC
15. Wisconsin
16. Miami (FL)
17. Indiana
18. Iowa
19. Texas
20. Penn State
21. Washington
22. Oklahoma State
23. Louisiana
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Ole MIss