Spring football is here, and that means we're one step closer to the 2018 college football season.
Several College Football Playoff contenders have intrigue heading into spring practices, including three teams from the 2017 Playoff field. March is a long way from the regular season, and there's only so much you can glean from spring games across the FBS, but it's still going to generate excitement.
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Just remember, September will be here before you know it. In the meantime, here are 10 spring games we'll be locked in on.
10. Florida Gators (April 14)
Dan Mullen's arrival coincides with the next quarterback battle in Gainesville. A lot of eyes will be on early enrollee Emory Jones; can he challenge Feleipe Franks for the starting job and ignite a Gators' offense that ranked 109th nationally with 22.1 points per game last season? How will a talented defense evolve under new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham?
9. Georgia Bulldogs (April 21)
We'll get a first look at five-star freshman Justin Fields. Jake Fromm pushed Jacob Eason at quarterback last spring, but can Fields do the same? Listen to Kirby Smart throughout the spring to find out which players he think can fill the leadership void left by star players such as Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and Roquan Smith. That will be the key for last year's national runner-up.
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (April 21)
Brian Kelly last year made it clear Brandon Wimbush was the starting quarterback throughout the spring. It's a different story this year as Ian Book makes a concerted push for the job. How will the offensive line re-tool with the loss of All-Americans Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey? The Irish have talent up front, but will the running game be dominant again?
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7. Texas A&M Aggies (April 14)
Jimbo Fisher's arrival created over-the-top excitement in College Station, and it will be interesting to see how the schemes changes on both sides of the ball. Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond are fighting for the starting job, but pay close attention to running back Trayveon Williams. Will he be a star in this system?
6. Michigan Wolverines (April 14)
All eyes will be on transfer quarterback Shea Patterson, especially if he's granted immediate eligibility for the 2018 season. That will intensify the quarterback battle with Brandon Peters and Dylan McCaffrey. Jim Harbaugh is under the the spotlight in Year 4, and that quarterback battle will dominate the headlines. On the other side, watch Aubrey Solomon develop into a dominating player on a defensive line that already features Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich.
5. UCLA Bruins (April 21)
Chip Kelly is back in college football, but there will be bumps along the road as he helps UCLA transition to that patented up-tempo offense. The quarterback battle features Devon Modster, Matt Lynch, K.J. Carta-Samuels and incoming freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Kelly's system could mean big numbers for running backs Bolu Olorunfunmi and Soso Jamabo.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes (April 14)
The three-way quarterback race among Dwayne Haskins, Joe Burrow and Tate Martell will be the headliner, but Ohio State spring games are a good place to spot the next big stud. For the Buckeyes, that could be cornerback Jeffrey Okudah or defensive end Chase Young. Ohio State also announced Malcolm Jenkins and Ryan Shazier will be honorary coaches for the game. Shazier's presence is sure to be an inspiration that extends beyond Columbus.
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3. Clemson Tigers (April 14)
Tigers fans will get a look at five-star freshmen in quarterback Trevor Lawrence, defensive ends Xavier Thomas and KJ Henry, offensive tackle Jackson Carman and receiver Derion Kendrick. They're part of the next wave of elite talent who joins a loaded team looking for a fourth straight ACC championship. Clemson should have intriguing competitions all over the place, none bigger than quarterback, where Kelly Bryant will have to hold off Hunter Johnson and Lawrence.
2. Nebraska Cornhuskers (April 21)
Nebraska sold out the spring game in fewer than 24 hours, and re-sale tickets are through the roof. Why? Scott Frost is back, and that alone has generated excitement not seen in Lincoln since the '90s. The game itself will show there's work to be done, but Frost's dynamic presence, coupled with a sellout crowd, will draw a lot of attention. Big Red is on the way back.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (April 21)
Nick Saban will do his best to combat the "rat poison," but the Tide have a young, exciting, loaded team that will be ranked No. 1 in most preseason polls. Tua Tagovailoa fever is here, and it will be interesting to see how he manages the quarterback situation with Jalen Hurts this spring. New offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi and quarterbacks coach Dan Enos will be scrutinized as well.
