ESPN's Pre-Season Top 25

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18. California Bears Will quarterback Kevin Riley perform better without departed senior Nate Longshore breathing down his neck? Riley's performance in 2009 will go a long way toward determining whether the Bears build on the momentum from last season's 9-4 finish. He completed only 51 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2008. Riley doesn't have to throw for 3,000 yards, but he needs to play well enough to keep defenses honest. Opponents will continue to focus on running back Jahvid Best, who ran for 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Best, who will enter the 2009 season as a Heisman Trophy candidate, will miss spring practice after undergoing surgery on his left foot and left elbow. The Bears will have to replace two starting offensive linemen, including All-Pac-10 center Alex Mack, and tight end Cameron Morrah, who entered the NFL draft as a junior. Three very good linebackers will have to be replaced on defense, too.