Per SI.com, Sports Illustrated college football analyst Andy Staples turned out an early Top 25 poll after many schools' played their annual Spring games.
Defending national champion Florida -- whose 2007 Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow returns for his senior season -- tops the poll. Rounding out the top 5 are Texas, Oklahoma, USC and Virginia Tech.
The SEC and Big 12 conferences have the most teams on the poll with five each, followed by the Pac 10 with four.
Additionally, there are four teams from non-BCS conferences ranked -- #11 TCU, #12 Boise State, #17 East Carolina and #19 Utah. The Utes caused controversy within the BCS by remaining undefeated in the regular season in 2008 without playing in the national title game. The poll's release comes as Congress plans to meet on Friday to discuss whether the BCS system for determining a national champion is fair.
College football fans tweeted their thoughts and excitement for their favorite teams:
CrysDawn Longhorns behind the gators? That's crap!
kdierking I talked 2010, but how about 2009. It will be the best year yet for Sooner State football schools. OU and OSU top 10 -- TU can crack top 25.
j_nunn According to SI bama is preseason #10 and va tech is #5.. Can't wait to roll the hokies opening week in the Georgia dome
EVILLAGE Nebraska makes SI top 25, Thank Bo Pelini! http://tinyurl.com/cxw89u
IBGPN @SECLiveNews Surely that is a joke. Ole Miss #7. I spit Stella Beer on my monitor when I saw that. Good one Sports Illustrated!
ned_c Who is ready for 2009 college football rankings? I am when my Gators are on top! http://bit.ly/hUnqE
