The end of May has arrived, and College Sports Feed’s Preseason Top 5 is finally here. The five teams listed here are 2012’s best of the best, the toughest and most talented, and the greatest in the game. They came a long way in 2011, but even more will be expected of them in the fall. Kicking off our final week:

5. Oregon

“Oh, Oregon. If you ask most people, they have no clue where Oregon even is on a map, but they can tell you that they have a damn good football team. Oregon has been working hard these past few years to get where they are today, and they won’t give that up. My prediction is that they are determined to prove that they are the best and are going after that number one spot. I don’t think that they will get it this year, but if they can continue to do better over the next few years, it could end up being theirs.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The loss of LaMichael James will be difficult, but Oregon is persistent. They are strong recruiters and look for the best newcomers, and they promise wins and are pretty consistent in their claims. Plus, Oregon has the potential to have one of the best defenses in the Pac 12. Look for them to place in one of the top bowl games in January.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

4. Oklahoma

“The Sooners’ high-powered offense will dominate once again in 2012. Senior QB Landry Jones will have a shot at following in Sam Bradford’s footsteps as a Heisman winner. The loss of WR Ryan Broyles, Jones’ favorite target, will hurt, but four returning wideouts and a standout recruiting class will help fill the void. The defensive side of the ball will carry more question marks into the season, but solid play coupled with an explosive offense will carry Oklahoma to the Big 12 title in 2012.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Sooners will yet again dominate on offense as Landry Jones, and a solid receiving core is returning. The loss of playmaker Ryan Broyles will hurt, but they should be able to overcome his departure. The defense had a number of questions last year and they are hoping to be answered by the arrival of Mike Stoops, Bob Stoops’ brother, as the defensive coordinator. Okalahoma is the easy favorite in the Big 12 this season with Texas still trying to figure itself out and Oklahoma State losing its two biggest playmakers in Weeden and Blackmon.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

3. LSU

“Les Miles’ squad had by far the toughest schedule in the nation. Their only loss came against a loaded Alabama team that had six full weeks to prepare. The Tigers lose some stars on defense, most notably Jim Thorpe award winner Morris Claiborne, but they are still absolutely loaded. Tyrann Mathieu could be the most dynamic playmaker in college football, and he returns with another LSU defense that will be one of the best in the country. The only knock on LSU last season was the lack of production on offense, but former Georgia QB Zach Mettenberger is a much better passer than Jordan Jefferson. Look for the Tigers to win their second straight SEC West title.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The LSU Tigers will try and rebound from getting blown out by Alabama in the BCS National Championship in January. It will not be an easy road for them with star receiver Rueben Randle and 6th overall pick Mo Claiborne going to the NFL.  With enough talent returning on offense and the returning stellar defense, the LSU Tigers should be near the top of the SEC and national ranks again this coming season.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

2. Alabama

“Bama, Bama, Bama. There’s not much to really say about it. They have always been good and they probably always will be good. Look at their players – they’re huge. They’re the southern boys that have been playing football since they could walk and have always known that they would play in college. Bama is definitely not a team to think you can beat easily. They will make you fight for a victory over them – hard. They are a team to watch out for this season, they do have the potential to take the #1 spot.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“Coach Nick Saban has transformed Alabama into arguably to most consistently great team since his arrival in Tuscaloosa, with two BCS titles in five years. Expect the same this year, even with the high number of losses on both sides of the ball.  QB AJ McCarron will shoulder more of the offensive load, and RB Eddie Lacy should provide a more than acceptable replacement for Trent Richardson. The defensive will benefit greatly from the top recruiting class in the country, and will be tough enough for the Crimson Tide to compete for another National Championship in 2012.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

1. USC

“Matt Barkley’s decision to return for his senior season took USC from a top 20 team to the team to beat in 2012.  Barkley’s favorite targets, Robert Woods and Marqise Lee combined for an astounding 2,435 yards receiving and hauled in 26 touchdowns.  Oregon and Stanford lost a lot of talent to the NFL, but the major playmakers (excluding LT Matt Kalil) all came back for the Trojans.  Expect Barkley to make a run at the Heisman, but more importantly, expect him finish what he started, by hoisting the crystal football at season’s end.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The Trojans may not have snagged Su’A Cravens yet, but they have multiple other factors that have contributed to their #1 spot in CSF’s Top 25. QB Matt Barkley is still there, and he has enough skill to lead the offense even with the loss of LT Matt Kalil. And with an experienced defensive line, USC is double the trouble. They could very easily snag a spot in the BCS title game, mainly because they have a handful of talented returnees while many other Pac 12 teams do not. This could very well be the year for the Trojans.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

The Preseason Top 25 is winding down, and we have finally reached the Top 10 in College Sports Feed’s countdown. Some teams will come as a surprise this week, but all of them have the ability to reach a bowl game and fight for that BCS title. Capping us off this week:

10. South Carolina

“The Gamecocks lost a hefty chunk of talent to the NFL this year, but they have a sufficient recovery plan. Victor Hampton will fulfill Stephon Gilmore, and Jadeveon Clowney will be a hearty defensive threat. South Carolina will come back swinging in 2012, and they will succeed in their march to the playoffs.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“South Carolina’s season will depend a lot on Marcus Lattimore and his health after sustaining a bad knee injury last season. The Gamecocks lost a number of players to the NFL including Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore, and All-American Melvin Ingram, who will all be hard to replace. However, if the Gamecocks can overcome those losses they should be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC East this coming season.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

9. West Virginia

“The Mountaineers have tons of momentum heading into their inaugural season in the Big 12 after hanging 70 points on Clemson in last year’s Orange Bowl. Geno Smith returns under center, after averaging just under 350 yards per game last season. Look for much of the same in the new conference. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey will be two of the best receivers in the Big 12, and with second-year head coach Dana Holgerson, West Virginia will be primed and ready to make a run at traditional powers.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The Mountaineers will have one of the top offenses in 2012. Quarterback Geno Smith will have the choice of two 1,000-yard receivers (Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin) to throw to, and sophomore RB Dustin Garrison is in line for a breakout year. The defense will suffer from the loss of pass-rushing LB Bruce Irvin, but has enough playmakers to compete with the high-powered Big 12 offenses.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

8. Michigan

Michigan is a football school. While it’s known for other things, a lot of what it is known for football. A big factor in that though is the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. While it’ not just a football rivalry, that’s what it’s best known for. It’s the biggest rivalry in all of sports, and even people that aren’t Ohio State or Michigan fans know about it and take sides. Michigan likes to prove how good they are, and with Denard Robinson returning this year as a senior, we all know that he is going to do everything in his power to make sure Michigan wins.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The Wolverines look to continue the success they have had under Brady Hoke.  After an 11-2 season in 2011 and a big Sugar Bowl victory of Virginia Tech the Wolverines return the high powered offense that they have shown lately with Denard Robinson at quarterback.  However, the Michigan defense struggled last season and they will have to build if they plan on having success this season.  The schedule for the Wolverines does not make things easy for them as they play at Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Nebraska. Although this shows to be a tough task, the Michigan Wolverines have the offense to potentially carry them to a big ten title and a major bowl game.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

7. Florida State

“Florida State is a good football team. They aren’t the best but they are still up there. I don’t think that this will be a team to be taken lightly this season. They know that they are good, but they also know that they could be better. I don’t think that they will go out of their way to prove that they are better but they will ensure that they stay as good as they are now and hopefully not drop in the rankings.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The ‘Noles were a decent offensive line away from being a 10 or 11-win football team last season. The ACC will once again be down, and West Virginia backed out of their game this fall in Tallahassee, which sent FSU scrambling to find another non-conference game. With no strong teams left to choose from, the Seminoles will instead play host to Savannah State. Expect the ‘Noles to win 11 games and an ACC title in ’12.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

6. Georgia

“Georgia’s coaching staff will serve as a hefty advantage in 2012, including Mike Bobo’s offensive position. He knows Georgia football well and can be very convincing on the field, and he will make the Bulldogs’ offense stand as a match to its high-caliber and long-awaited defense in 2012. Look for a powerhouse in Georgia football.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Bulldogs’ defense is stacked, and it should be even better than it was last year (ranked in the top 25 in the country.) Returning All-Americans Jarvis Jones and Bacarri Rambo will be joined by an exceptional recruiting class to create a menacing defense. On the offensive side, the majority of Georgia’s positional starters are returning and junior QB Aaron Murray will benefit from the addition of 5-star RB Keith Marshall to an already solid backfield.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

In the middle of the Top 25 are some legendary teams that are looking for their return to glory. They may have had successful seasons in the past, but 2011 proved to not be their best. Starting off the weekend:

15. Wisconsin

“We all know that Wisconsin has always been good at sports, so it’s no surprise to see them being in the polls. I don’t see them being anywhere high up but I also don’t see them being anywhere towards the bottom. They will most likely hold their place around the middle of the polls for the entire season because they don’t have the players to take them to the top right now.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The Wisconsin Badgers have a lot to replace this season. The loss of Russell Wilson, Nick Toon, and the entire right side of their offensive line will be a lot to overcome. However, after scoring 39 touchdowns and rushing for nearly 2,000 yards last season Montee Ball decided to come back for his last season. He will provide most of the offense for Wisconsin as they seem to be in a bit of rebuilding this year.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

14. Michigan State

“Michigan State is out to prove how good they are in more than just basketball. They are slowly becoming one of those schools that schools don’t want to play because they are determined. Michigan State doesn’t like to lose in anything and that they will do their best to ensure that they are ranked well in this season’s polls. It’s just a matter of how good their players are this season that will be the final factor.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“Michigan State is looking to go undefeated at home this year, but they can only do that if they put forth everything they have. They will require speed and defense to get past teams like Michigan and Iowa. Mark Dantonio has a tough schedule ahead of him and the Spartans, but they just need to remember to keep up the effort.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

13. Arkansas

“Unfortunately for Arkansas, Bobby Petrino was a much better play-caller than he was motorcyclist. The Razorbacks already had an uphill battle, trying to knock off LSU and Bama in the SEC West, but Petrino’s abrupt firing has all but knocked them out of the picture. Still, quarterback Tyler Wilson will post big numbers and will have the Razorbacks in the Top 25.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“A rocky offseason saw the dismissal of Bobby Petrino and the loss of playmakers on both sides of the ball, but the Razorbacks have the talent to overcome the challenges created. QB Tyler Wilson, already pegged by some as the top pick in next year’s NFL Draft, will be even better in 2012. He’ll be joined by a group of unproven, but skilled players on offense and defense who look to make an impact in the SEC.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

12. Kansas State

“Kansas State is racking up a bunch of preseason awards for student-athletes and all-Americans, but if they are looking to be a top contender, they need to keep that up when the fall arrives. Collin Klein already has made his mark for the Wildcats, so as long as he can encourage the rest of the offense to do the same, Kansas State is on its way to redeem glory.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Wildcats surprised some last year, going 10-3 and losing to high-powered Arkansas in the AT&T. That will not be the case this year, however. Amassing over 3,000 combined yards and 40 touchdowns, QB Collin Klein enters the 2012 season a legitimate Heisman contender. Top WR Chris Harper and RB John Hubert return and will join Klein to create a dangerous offense.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

11. TCU

“The Horned Frogs finally have their shot playing with the big boys. A depleted Big 12 Conference got a huge shot in the arm when TCU and West Virginia joined the fold. Head coach Gary Patterson has shown that his teams fear no one and can perform on the big stage. The big test now is if they have the depth to make through a tough conference schedule. With a Texas program still trying to fight its way back to what it once was and a Baylor team minus RG3, look for TCU to show that they belong in their inaugural season in their new conference.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The Horned Frogs are a very interesting case this season as they are now part of the Big 12. TCU will be returning most of their high powered offense, but they did lose 3 starting offensive lineman. The question will linger all season as to if TCU will be able to handle the Big 12.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

The votes have been tallied throughout collegesportsfeed.com, and now it’s time to present our combined Preseason Top 25. For the next five weeks, we have five sections of our top 25 teams, starting from the end. These statistics were compiled using incoming players, remaining talent, old and new coaches, and a few previous games from last season. This week we present:

25. Florida

“Even though they didn’t have an amazing season last year and Ohio State has their former coach, Florida is going to surprise people this year. They have always had the passion for the game, and this year they are really going to show it. They beat Ohio State in the Gator Bowl this past season, and now that Ohio State has their coach, it’s more of a fight for them to prove they are good and that they could beat Ohio State and their former coach again if the opportunity presented itself.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“After a 7-6 season, which included a rough 3-5 SEC record last season, Will Muschamp will be coaching for his job in 2012. Expect that sense of urgency, along with another down year in the SEC East to get the Gators back in the Top 25.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

24. Notre Dame

“Notre Dame only lost 5 games last season, the last game they lost being a bowl game. Granted most of the teams they beat weren’t ranked teams, they still managed to beat a few ranked ones. Their record from last year shows that they can do well this year and most likely will be determined to do so. They used to be one of the best teams in college football, and while they don’t have the players to make them great, they still have the potential to be great. It’s just time to sit back and watch the underdogs show their true colors.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“Recent quarterback controversy aside, Notre Dame has a chance to be very solid this year. With a strong backfield, led by 1,000-yard rusher Cierre Wood, and one of college football’s best returning TE’s in Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame should be competitive in every game of their tough 2012 schedule. Add this year’s impressive freshman class, and the Fighting Irish could make a run into a top bowl game.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

23. Oklahoma State

“Losing both Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon will be a major blow to the high-powered Oklahoma State offense. However, Coach Gundy will have them revved up for this season despite the losses and compete for a Big 12 championship.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

“Freshman Wes Lunt is the answer Cowboy fans are all looking for, thanks to Coach Gundy. Gundy has a history of training quarterbacks well, and there’s no doubt he can do the same this year. Plus Lunt is enormous and has a fiery arm. Look for OSU to have a great game against Texas.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

22. Boise State

“Even with the losses of QB Kellen Moore and RB Doug Martin to the NFL, head coach Chris Peterson will have the Broncos ready to compete. A solid recruiting class will help fill the losses on both sides of the ball, and the return of sixth-year RB D.J. Harper will give the Broncos a reliable option in the backfield. Look for the Broncos to remain in the top 25 during their last season before a move to the Big East.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

“With 16 sophomore Broncos, it should be easy for the new freshman class to adjust to the routine they have already set. Dallas Burroughs is one of the fastest players on Boise State, and Matt Miller, although red-shirted last season, is back and ready for more action, filled with awards. If they keep up their luck and skill like last season, they may be nearly unstoppable.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

21. Virginia Tech

“Look for Virginia Tech to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Clemson in the ACC championship. Losing David Wilson to the NFL will be a major hole and a big replacement, but quarterback Logan Thomas seems ready to handle the major load and can carry this team to the top of the ACC again.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Hokies have been the only constant in the ACC, since joining the conference in 2004. Second year starting QB Logan Thomas will be more consistent in 2012, and you know that the defensive coordinator Bud Foster will have the VA Tech defense on point again this fall.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor