Despite the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 college football season is projected to get underway at the end of August — or in mid-September, as with most of the Power 5 conferences. With the season approaching the Amway Coaches Poll was released Thursday, and a familiar name was on top.

Clemson occupied the No. 1 spot in the poll for the second straight preseason after a season in which the Tigers reached the College Football Playoff championship game.

Iowa and Iowa State made the cut for the coaches, just two spots apart. Iowa sits 23rd after a 10-3 season and win over preseason No. 17 USC in the Holiday Bowl. Iowa State is 25th after going 7-6 in 2019, falling to Notre Dame in the Camping World Bowl.

Iowa State is ranked for the second-straight season, and despite losing some contributors on both sides of the ball the Cyclones have one of the highest-rated returning quarterbacks in the country in Brock Purdy.

Iowa returns most skill-position players apart from quarterback Nate Stanley, but will have replacing to do in the trenches with Tristan Wirfs and A.J. Epenesa off to the NFL.

Iowa begins its season Sept. 5 against Maryland while Iowa State’s start date is yet to be announced.