The 2012 college football season is still months away, but that has not prevented SB Nation's Bill Connelly from publishing his first top 25. His poll is based on returning players as of right now before the deadline to announce for the 2012 NFL Draft, so it can change before the season starts in September. Still, he thinks very highly of the Michigan Wolverines, who are rated ninth according to him:
9. Michigan Wolverines. A good number of this year's stars return -- Denard Robinson, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Jake Ryan, Craig Roh, Jordan Kovacs -- but I'm getting queasy giving them a single-digit ranking. We'll see.
Michigan has a major early season test against No. 2 Alabama, as well as No. 16 Notre Dame both before Big Ten play begins.
Michigan State lost several seniors from a memorable class, but Mark Dantonio's squad is still expected to be solid with a No. 20 ranking according to Connelly. Wisconsin and Ohio State are also ranked from the Big Ten.
For more on the Michigan State Spartans, go to The Only Colors. For more on the Michigan Wolverines, check out Maize n Brew.You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Football hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Football.