I do believe that this team will end up in the top 25 at some point during the season, and it may end up being a great season. There's a ton of talent and potential on the team, and the coaching has proven to be good.

However, BYU did lose both Averette and Haarms who were both starters on last year's team. They also no longer have Connor Harding, Kolby Lee, or Wyatt Lowell on the team. Both Harding and Lee were key depth pieces.

But there are a lot of questions about this year's team. How much can you expect from some of the talented freshmen? What about the transfers? And what about Baxter's health? Lots of questions, despite a ton of talent and potential, will always result in a lower ranking, especially when no games have been played yet.

Once Pope has a few more years in as HC and a clear track record of success BYU will begin to get better pre-season recognition. But now they've still got to show it first.