Running back Herschel Walker and tight end Brock Bowers made the first-team offense, while cornerback Champ Bailey was named to the second-team defense.

Three elite teams with a host of other potential contenders lurking give the conference an edge in trying to take back the CFP glory.

From Heisman hopefuls and stars-in-waiting to newcomers with CFP potential, talent -- and questions -- abound.

A lot of people never got a chance to see the man up under the helmet,” Pickens’ father said of his son’s Steelers tenure.