USA Today released preseason Amway Coaches Poll, Alabama ranked No. 1

Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey (No. 26) with others on defense in 2015: Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports

College football is back in the air again.

With numerous teams starting fall practice and USA Today unveiling its preseason Coaches Poll on Thursday, 28 days separate fans from what should be an entertaining season. Alabama and Clemson, which was the match-up for the 2016 College Football Playoff national championship, both topped the poll at Nos. 1 and 2. The Crimson Tide ultimately won the contest 45-40 at University of Phoenix Stadium back on Jan. 11, and kicked off its first fall camp session on Thursday at Thomas-Drew Field.

Coach Nick Saban and company return much talent on offense and defense, despite losing Jacob Coker, Derrick Henry, Kenyan Drake, Ryan Kelly, Reggie Ragland, A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed to the National Football League. Alabama is expected once again to have a solid defense and be in contention for a national title. Listed below is the complete top 25 Coaches Poll, per USA Today.

1. Alabama

2. Clemson

3. Oklahoma

4. Florida State

5. Ohio State

6. Louisiana State (LSU)

7. Stanford

8. Michigan

9. Notre Dame

10. Tennessee

11. Michigan State

12. Mississippi (Ole Miss)

13. Houston

14. Texas Christian (TCU)

15. Southern Calfornia

16. Georgia

17. Iowa

18. Washington

19. Oklahoma State

20. North Carolina

21. Baylor

22. Oregon

23. Louisville

24. UCLA

25. Florida

*All SEC programs in bold

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.