NCAA Football

5 College Football Teams That Will Challenge Ohio State for 2016 Championship

5 College Football Teams That Will Challenge Ohio State for 2016 Championship

5 CFB Teams That Will Challenge Ohio State for 2016 Championship
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The inaugural season of the College Football Playoffs was a huge success, as the Ohio State Buckeyes took home the championship trophy. The Buckeyes are favorites to repeat next year due to a number of young and talented players returning. But there will be plenty of hungry teams hoping to dethrone OSU and be crowned king of college football. Here are five of the most likely candidates to win it all in 2016.

5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Tech had a superb season in 2015, winning 11 games and defeating Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl. Quarterback Justin Thomas operates the triple-option to perfection and gives it an added dimension with his ability to throw down the field. The Yellow Jackets might be a surprise contender next year and emerge in the ACC.

4. Arizona Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

4. Arizona Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

With Oregon's Marcus Mariota departing for the NFL, the Wildcats have a legitimate shot to win the Pac 12 next year. Arizona returns a plethora of underclassmen from an offense that averaged 463 yards per game in 2015, including freshman QB Anu Solomon and running back Nick Wilson. Defensive Player of the Year Scooby Wright will also be back to lead the Wildcats' D in 2016.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama Crimson Tide
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

3. Alabama Crimson Tide
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State dismantled Alabama on its way to the national title, but Nick Saban's boys will be back next season. Quarterback Blake Sims returns to lead a high-powered offense and running back Derrick Henry has the potential to have a breakout year. The Tide will reload at other key positions and continue to roll in 2016.

2. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State Spartans
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

2. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State Spartans
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Spartans are one of the only teams to have defeated the Buckeyes in the past two years, and will get a shot at redemption in Columbus next season. Quarterback Connor Cook will be back to lead the offense and challenge Ohio State for the Big 10 title. The defense should also be strong in 2016, even without longtime coordinator Pat Narduzzi.

1. TCU Horned Frogs

TCU Horned Frogs
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. TCU Horned Frogs

TCU Horned Frogs
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

TCU is arguably the hungriest team heading into the 2016 season after just being left out of the playoffs. Gary Patterson's group will be loaded next year with the return of dynamic quarterback Trevone Boykin at the helm. Boykin is an early Heisman candidate heading into next season. The Horned Frogs are a legitimate team with plenty to prove in 2016.

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