Winners and losers following the NFL draft declaration deadline
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft has passed, and programs must now regroup after losing players to the professional ranks.
The formation of the 2018 draft class hit some schools harder than others, while some were even handed a big-time advantage with star players deciding their best course of action would be to remain in college for one more year.
Here are three winners and three losers following the NFL draft declaration deadline.
Winner - Clemson
Clemson is the undisputed winner following Monday's deadline with not one, not two, but three top defensive prospects announcing they will be back for 2018.
All three of Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, and Austin Bryant would likely have heard their names called prior to the end of the second round in April's draft, and, with Dexter Lawrence added into the mix, their returns make them arguably the most dominant unit in the country. The Tigers are set for a massive turnover next season, but right now, they may just be the biggest force to be reckoned with.
Loser - Alabama
It's strange to think of the reigning national champions as a loser, but it comes with the territory. At this point, Alabama should be used to losing players to the NFL.
The Crimson Tide's pattern of churning out elite talent continued this year, as Minkah Fitzpatrick, Calvin Ridley, Da'Ron Payne, Bo Scarbrough, and Ronnie Harrison all opted out of their senior seasons in favor of turning pro. Their departures create a litany of holes for Nick Saban to fill on his depth chart, but Damien Harris' return will stem the tide at running back, and remaining competitive has never once been a problem for the six-time national champion head coach.
Winner - Stanford
Bryce Love took Stanford to the next level essentially all by himself this season, and his return stands to keep the Cardinal competing at a high level in 2018.
Love's decision to return is somewhat surprising considering he was projected as a first-round talent, but he may feel he has some unfinished business after his junior campaign. Stanford came up one win shy of a Pac-12 championship, and Love finished just short in his quest for a Heisman Trophy. If the Cardinal can provide him with a supporting cast reminiscent of this past season, he stands to be a favorite to find himself back in that select group of nominees again.
Loser - Texas
Texas' first season under Tom Herman may not be a total failure given the program's recent underwhelming track record, but losing a number of key pieces that contributed to a lukewarm season doesn't bode well for the immediate future.
The Longhorns seem to be set at quarterback with both Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele, but losing the likes of Connor Williams, Malik Jefferson, DeShon Elliott, Holton Hill, and Michael Dickson has set the program back all over the field. Herman's recruiting savvy is regarded as one of the best in the country, and it will be put to the test when he is forced to call upon youngsters to shoulder the workload left behind by the departed.
Winner - Washington
Numerous Pac-12 programs are facing the daunting task of replacing on-field leaders, but Washington largely avoided that setback.
Not only do the Huskies have quarterback Jake Browning back in the purple and white, but running back Myles Gaskin recently decided to join him for one more year in Seattle. The Huskies will have to come to grips with the loss of stud defensive tackle Vita Vea, but Browning's 68.5 percent completion rate and Gaskin's 1,380 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns this season should give Washington fans a lot to be excited for in 2018.
Loser - Florida State
Florida State endured one of the most disappointing seasons of any Power 5 school this year, and it didn't get any better when the NFL draft pulled multiple cornerstone players from its roster.
The Seminoles' secondary was hit the hardest, as both Derwin James and Tarvarus McFadden elected to forgo their senior seasons along with defensive end Josh Sweat, while offensive cogs Auden Tate and Ryan Izzo also opted out of their collegiate careers. A saving grace for new head coach Willie Taggart may be the return of quarterback Deondre Francois from injury, but it might take a year or two before Taggart's recruiting efforts begin to raise Florida State back to a place of national prominence.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)