Jarvis Benjamin Variety Hour

Hello Friends. We are officially back for Year 3 here at Jarvis Benjamin Enterprises, and I could not be more excited. As always, the best way to keep tabs on me is on X @JBV60SHOW. I am expecting to clear my 60% Mendoza Line that I have set for myself in years past. This year my goal is to handicap college football games at 70%. I understand that is probably a bit ambitious. But as they say: shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will end up amongst the stars. With that being said, let’s get into it:

1. Georgia Bulldogs: The ‘Dogs will undoubtedly have their omission from last year’s College Football Playoff on their minds all summer. Kirby returns Carson Beck who figures to be in the Heisman conversation from Day 1. In addition to Beck, many weapons are back on defense including Malaki Starks and stud (and 1st-Team All Name member) Jamon Dumas-Johnson. Georgia opens the season against Clemson which won’t be a walk in the park; but for my money, this team is the class of the SEC. 
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: It’s now or never for (close personal friend) Ryan Day, right? With the Team Up North taking the National Championship home for the Big 10, the previous question may (finally) not be an overreaction. Ohio State has beaten every Big 10 opponent in the regular season, except for one. Is this the year Columbus? It certainly feels like it. With Coach Harbaugh heading to the NFL and the incoming portal class (Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins, Caleb Downs, and so forth), it feels like the time is now for the Buckeyes. ON PAPER this is the best team in the Big 10 (by a decent bit) AND the big game is at the Shoe this year. S/o to Coach Diebler and Buckeye Beans.     
3. Texas Longhorns: I was very close to having Texas one spot higher, in the spirit of full transparency. I like quarterbacks. I REALLY like good quarterbacks. Quinn Ewers is a good quarterback who will eventually be playing on Sundays. So Jarv, why is Ohio State higher?  Here’s the easy answer: CFP letdown. I don’t expect Texas to follow up their best season in quite some time with another, if that makes sense. Another reason? The rigors of the SEC schedule. No, I don’t think Texas will lose @ Vanderbilt. But I do think that a full season playing in the SEC (compared to the Big 12) will be visible. #Think about it. I still expect Texas to make the (newly expanded) Playoff. (No, I haven’t really figured it out yet.)
4. Oregon Ducks: To keep it in the spirit of full transparency, conference realignment has definitely not fully set in yet for Jarvis. I’d imagine by our next rankings (or the time NCAAF 25 comes out) I’ll have a better handle on things. For now? I’m buying all of the stock Dan Lanning is selling. If you are a longtime Jarv-head you know that I have been beating the drum yelling about Dillon Gabriel for quite some time. He is quite a player and is in line to be in the Heisman conversation. I am a tad weary of the transition to the Big 10 and how the schedule/travel will affect the Ducks. However, I am just a tad weary. The Ducks will have many more tough games than they had last year, but I think they will be up for the challenge. Quack.    
5. Ole Miss Rebels: It seems like Lane Train and the Rebs are going to be everybody and their mother’s dark horse SEC contender this year: and I do not blame them. As they typically do, the Rebs hit the portal hard bringing in many impact players on the defensive side of the ball (many of which from other SEC programs (s/o A&M)). Jaxson Dart and co. (minus Judkins) are back on offense and figure to be high-flying once again. As previously stated, the new landscape in college football (realignment/expanded playoff) is still rather new to Jarvis. I’m more of a traditionalist. But, I do imagine Ole Miss finds their way into the expanded field. HYDR. 
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: “‘To be or not to be’ is the question Notre Dame faithful ask every year. Despite routinely winning 10+ games (6/7 seasons) the Fighting Irish continue to be disrespected. Well, I have news: with the departure of Nick Saban the college football landscape is craving a new dynasty and I know the perfect candidate. If you haven’t been paying attention, Marcus Freeman has been building recruiting depth from the start of his tenure, and dividends are about to be paid. There will be challenges as Notre Dame transitions into an NFL factory. But when you have a young stud with a skin fade on the recruiting trail, those gaps get filled quickly. Most would start with STAR QB Riley Leonard but Mike Denbrock is the name that transforms this offense. Yes, the same Mike Denbrock who turned Jayden Daniels into a Heisman trophy winner. Yes, the same Mike Denbrock that left that shitbag murderer Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge for an opportunity to win a natty at the most prestigious university in all the land. I don’t have the stats, but would Denbrock be the first OC to coach back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners after Riley Leonard leads the Irish to an undefeated season? Whether or not that’s the case, Leonard is a perfect fit for this offense, and the talent around him is formidable. Losing both tackles in the first and second rounds of the NFL Draft would scare most programs, but at OLU, we reload. Soon, ND can claim RBU as well. Despite losing Audric Estime to the draft (noticing a theme?) the running back room is somehow stronger currently going 5 deep. The wide receiver room has undergone a complete overhaul, bringing speed never before seen in South Bend, Indiana. And don’t you worry about the defense…as we’ve come to expect in recent years the defense will be fast and full of playmakers with the likes of BenMo Island and X Man returning. Oh, and when all those “join a conference” dweebs come out in December let’s just remember Notre Dame went on the road to beat the big bad SEC week one, while Oregon battled Idaho, Ohio St played Akron, and Bama prepared for a tough Western Kentucky ballclub. So, Sit Down, Shut Up, and Appreciate The Rise of College Football’s Next Dynasty… God. Country. Notre Dame.” – Jarvis Benjamin Enterprises’ Notre Dame Correspondent
7. Alabama Crimson Tide: There are about a million questions that could be asked heading into year one of the post-Saban era at Alabama. I am not (really) here to ask them. No, I don’t think it is going to be a seamless transition for Kalen Deboer. However; no, I also don’t think it is going to be incredibly difficult. Deboer was able to build the program at Washington up to heights it had rarely seen, and that is nothing to be looked past. Jalen Milroe is a great building block for Coach Kalen in Year 1. I expect Milroe to have another strong year on the ground and to majorly improve his bag in the air. The Tide will be strong again. 
8. Michigan Wolverines: THE reigning National Champions! Although last season was out of a fairy tale for the Wolverines; I’m not sure that Michigan’s chances to repeat are very high. Along with all of the weapons lost to the NFL (JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, Mikie Saintrisil, etc.) Michigan also lost their longstanding Head Coach. (Who was really damn good at his job.) Yes, this is still a blue-blood college football program. No, I don’t really know how high the ceiling is for a team that will be trotting out either Alex Origi or Jack Tuttle (yes that Jack Tuttle from Indiana); but I can’t imagine it’s in the area code of another national championship. After last year, I’m not sure it much matters. Who’s got it better than us? 
9. Penn State Nittany Lions: The way I see it, Penn State is about net-nothing in terms of transfer portal #1 wide receivers: Julian Fleming = Key Lambert-Smith. It would certainly have been nice for Drew Allar to have both as weapons heading into next year, but beggars can’t be choosers. Penn State was incredibly fortunate to retain the services of Nic Singleton and Kayton Allen (the one backfield SGP (patent pending)). Losing Kalen King to the NFL will hurt (duh) but I’d imagine James Franklin will have another solid defense. The tricky part is this: Penn State is usually a lock for the third-best team in the Big 10. With the influx of new blood in the Big 10, are the Nittany Lions a lock for that this year? 
10. Utah Utes: Yes, this publication is probably the only one where you will find the Utes in the Top 10. No, I will not back off that take. After playing the game-time decision game for most of last year, it became clear that Cam Rising was going to stick around for #TheLastDance at Utah. Money Parks (1st-team all name) stayed and Dorian Singer (monster portal addition) will be awesome pieces for Rising. In addition, Brant Kuithe is back from injury and looking to follow in the footsteps of Dalton Kincaid as the next great Utah TE. Defensively? 8 starters return. I’ll see you in the Playoff Coach Whittingham (+280). (J-Nation will be playing #Cam4Heisman 50-1) 
11. Missouri Tigers: Mizzou will be strong this year. Brady Cook is going to end up as a first-rounder when all is said and done. I expect him to be in the Heisman conversation (Luther Burden is in it too if you’re REALLY crazy). I am admittedly not the biggest fan of Coach Drinkwitz, and maybe that is why the Tigers couldn’t crack the Top 10. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this team ended up in the Top 5 (yes, that’s right) at some point this year. Here’s semi-bold: Mizzou starts the season 7-0 before their matchup against Alabama. 
12. Florida State Seminoles: I imagine this team is pretty much a lock to get into the Playoff after what happened last year. DJ aside. FSU did lose a ton of production; but that’s the thing with these blue bloods, they just keep reloading. This is a recycled take at this point, but Patrick Payton is going to fill some of the shoes left empty by Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. That kid is going to be a DAWG. Mike Norvell and the ‘Noles are going to be full of piss and vinegar on this year’s Revenge Tour.  
13. Tennessee Volunteers: I have been a fan of Nico since I first heard of the young man. No, he probably won’t be rocket-arm Joe Milton right away. But there is a non-zero chance of that. #Think About It. Returning Bru McCoy and Squirrel White will help keep the Volunteers flying high. The schedule early is relatively tough, so we will find out quickly what young Nico is as a quarterback.  
14. LSU Tigers: Brian Kelly and co. certainly have their work cut out for themselves on the offensive side of the ball. Losing two stud wide receivers and the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is not going to be easy to overcome. Garrett Nussmeier is going to be the starter Day 1, and many people are very high on him. He and the Tigers are climbing uphill for sure. Kelly brought in a new defensive coordinator to try and help combat the issues they had last year paired with their NFL Draft subtractions. It’s very possible that this is the highest the Tigers are ranked this year. Geaux get ‘em.
15. Kansas State Wildcats: By my estimation, this is probably the 2nd best team in the new Big 12, I think? Again: conference realignment not quite my thing yet. You know what is my thing? Avery Johnson. That kid can play. I don’t expect the drop-off from Howard to him to be as steep as many think, and the ‘Cats strong backfield will help take some of the pressure off. Dyland Edwards had enough of Coach Prime after one year and hit the portal! Paired with DJ Giddens? Sheesh, that is scary. 
16. Oklahoma Sooners: If you know me, you know how big of a loss I think Dillon Gabriel is for the Sooners. Jackson Arnold is supposed to be the next great Oklahoma quarterback of the future! So maybe, just maybe, he can pick right up where Gabriel left off. Otherwise? The only major reason for optimism in my opinion is the Year 3 jump for Coach Venables. We are officially at the point where he SHOULD have a culture established and is starting to see some of his recruits come through the doors. 
17. Clemson Tigers: *Ranked above Miami due to every previous Miami team of my lifetime’s track records* Clemson joins Army, Navy and Air Force as the only four teams in the country to not take in a transfer. That is laugh out loud funny. Phil Mafah is back as an (pretty close to) elite security blanket for Cade Klubnik. You have to assume a jump is going to come eventually for this guy; right? Time will tell. 
18. Miami Hurricanes: The way that Danny Boy Cane alpha’ed Dave Portnoy in their Pizza Review should tell you all you need to know about the ‘Canes outlook this season. Mario Christobal continues to add dawgs via the portal and standard recruiting. Cam Ward and Damien Martinez make this offense almost instantly a must-watch. I believe I have siad this before, but college football is better when Miami is good. I think this year they should be quite good. 
19. Oklahoma State Cowboys: 20 starters return. INCLUDING Ollie Gordon. Alan Bowman is back for Year 7. He’s a guy who needs a job. If he can’t steer this team to a Top 20 finish this year, there’s a good chance his job will not be playing football when the time comes. #TheTruthHurtsButLiesKill 
20. North Carolina State Wolfpack: Wolfpack Nation! On your feet! It is entirely possible that Grayson McCall (another longtime Jarv favorite) is the greatest quarterback to ever play for NCST without taking a snap. That makes for some high expectations in Raleigh! I was thrilled to see Payton Wilson have his name called in the draft, although I can’t imagine the Pack defense feels the same way. NCST seemed to find their groove towards the end of last season and Dave Doeren certainly has a (semi) believer in Jarvis. If DJ Burns can lose all that weight #noozempic, this team can surely start (and finish) the season in the Top 20. 
21. Kansas Jayhawks: Jayhawk Nation is riding high coming off the program’s first bowl win in almost 20 years. Jalon Daniels and most of the main offensive weapons, and this team is high on my ‘Teams to Play With in NCAAF25 List’. Kansas will be able to score and should be in line for another bowl game. Editor’s Note: Kansas plays UNLV this year, who they played in their bowl game. I’d like someone to pull the stats on how many times that has happened and get back to me. 
22. Arizona Wildcats: What Jedd Fisch did this offseason is the ultimate better yourself move. I kind of respect it but it truly shows how big of a dog eat dog world it is out there. Brent Brennan replaced Fisch after a good run at San Jose State and they managed to retain Noah Fifita and his favorite target Tetairoa McMillan so I’d imagine the Wildcats will be alright this season. It will be tough to replicate the culture that Fisch instilled though. 
23. USC Trojans: The Trojans have to play @ Michigan and Washington along with against Notre Dame and LSU in a year where Lincoln Riley replaced his Defensive Coordinator and MANY starters. Godspeed. 
24. Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa has finally moved on from Brian Ferentz. The funniest result here would be for the offense to somehow get worse. 
25. Texas A&M Aggies: Year #1 of the post-Jimbo era will get started this year and it will be most noticeably without Walter Nolen. That is a sizable loss for the Aggies. A&M also hosts Notre Dame for their first game of the season. That should also be a sizable loss. 
26. Wisconsin Badgers: I’m not certain, but Luke Fickell may be building a monster. 
27. Kentucky Wildcats: Kentucky’s biggest question seems to be: who replaces Ray Davis? With 4 offensive linemen returning, this is not a bad question to have. 
28. Louisville Cardinals: You gotta be one sick individual to pray on Jeff Brohm’s inevitable downfall. Achoo. 
29. West Virginia Mountaineers: I am a fan of Steel Neal Brown. I’m not sure why; but it feels like the new Big 12 is geared toward success in Morgantown. 
30. Nebraska Cornhuskers: GBR. There’s not a ton of merit behind this aside from the fact that Dylan Raiola chose this program over Georgia??????? #LetMattRhuleCook 

Rest in Peace Bill Walton. Few people on this Earth are as passionate about the things they care about as Bill was. I have been a fan of his since the first day I was able to figure out who the older gentleman offering commentary on nature, music, and of course, Pac-12 basketball was. A true legend of the game we call life. 

All I have wanted for some time now was my swagger back. I am inclined to believe I am close. See you soon Jarv-heads. 

“Thank you for my life” – Bill Walton

200 years too late.

Be Well.

JB