In 2022 saw Alabama miss the playoffs for just the second time since their creation in 2014, the continued elevation of Michigan as a program, the unexpected prowess of schools like Kansas State, Tennessee, and most surprisingly, the shocking run of the TCU Horned Frogs to the National Championship game. With the dust having settled from the 2022 season, and 2023 recruiting well underway, let's take a look at some predictions for the top 25 for the upcoming College Football season.
Written by: Joseph Rothner
20 March, 2023
#1 Georgia Bulldogs (2022 record: 15-0, 8-0 in SEC)
After becoming the first back to back champions in 10 years, the bar has been set high for the Bulldogs. And with the loss of key components of their 2022 team, especially quarterback Stetson Bennett, one can be forgiven for expecting a regression for the team from Athens. The Bulldogs can count on contributions from transfer Dominic Lovett, who led Mizzou in receiving yards this past season. And although a quarterback as skilled as Stetson Bennett can be difficult to replace, sophomore Carson Beck seems up to the challenge, having recorded stellar numbers over the past 2 seasons in the backup role. On the defensive end, the young core seems poised to improve. In particular, safety Malaki Starks looks like a player to watch.
#2 Michigan Wolverines (2022 record: 13-1, 9-0 in Big 10)
The resurgence of the Michigan program under coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to continue in the 2023 season. Quarterback JJ Mccarthy returns after a breakout 2022 season, and RB Blake Corum returns from an injury that caused an early ending to his Heisman candidacy. The team has lost key offensive weapons like tight end Logan Schoonmaker, and WR Ronnie Bell, both of whom will be a challenge to replace, but if Coach Harbaugh can replicate the chemistry that the 2022 team had in abundance, the Wolverines could again be at the top of the Big Ten, and a threat to win the national championship.
#3 Ohio State Buckeyes (2022 record: 11-2, 8-1 in Big 10)
The Buckeyes got off to a bad start in 2023, losing the Chik-Fil-A bowl to eventual national champion Georgia on a missed field goal at the stroke of midnight. However, the fact that the Buckeyes were able to keep pace with the dominant Georgia offense shows just how much they improved since their blowout home loss to Michigan in November. Losing a phenom like C.J. Stroud is difficult for any team to make up for, and Ohio State will need to see strong performances from receivers Marvin Harrison Jr and freshman Brandon Inniss. The position of quarterback remains unfilled, and it looks like Devin Brown and Kyle McCord are the two leading candidates for the job. Ohio State is a powerhouse program, and their 2023 team looks as dangerous as past years, providing coach Ryan Day with the tools to win in a year which many have said could be his last after back to back losses to rival Michigan.
#4 Alabama Crimson Tide (2022 record: 11-2, 6-2 in SEC)
It was an uncharacteristically bad year for Coach Saban’s squad, as despite stellar play by Heisman Candidate Quarterback Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide lost 2 close games to Tennessee and LSU. One might think the team from Tuscaloosa would only regress further with the loss of Young to the draft, but with the number 1 recruiting class, Coach Saban is sure to have plenty of talent on his roster to work with. Once the Crimson Tide solve their issues at quarterback, where no clear starter exists yet, expect them to once again be at the forefront of playoff discussions.
#5 Penn State Nittany Lions (2022 record: 11-2, 7-2 in Big 10)
Although the Nittany Lions had a somewhat mediocre 2022 season, expect big things out of Happy Valley in 2023. Coach Franklin has much to be excited about in now-sophomore quarterback Drew Allar, who excelled as one of the best pocket passers in the nation last year. Allar will find a willing target in fellow sophomore KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who’s speed will certainly come in handy against the rough-and-tumble style of defense favored by Big Ten schools. Speaking of defense, the Nittany Lions will be anchored by linebacker Abdul Carter, along with cornerback Kalen King. Although the Big Ten looks to be the toughest conference going into 2023, expect Penn State to be in competition with OSU and Michigan.
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