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
18 March, 2023
#16 Clemson Tigers (2022 record: 11-3, 8-0 in ACC)
Clemson again was crowned ACC champion, but their embarrassing loss a week earlier to South Carolina took them out of CFP contention. In the Orange Bowl, they suffered a debilitating loss to Tennessee. But Dabo Swinney is not a man to be counted out. He has a strong recruitment class, and an amazing QB-WR duo in Cade Klubnik and Antonio Williams. Jeremiah Trotter Jr also looks exciting on the defensive end. In many ways, the Tigers can be expected to have a similar year to last year.
#17 Tulane Green Wave (2022 record: 12-2, 7-1 in AAC)
The Green Wave were on the come up in 2022. After coming off a miserable 2-10 season, in 2022 they upset Kansas State, and came back in dramatic fashion to beat USC in the Cotton Bowl en route to perhaps their best season in program history, and a 12-2 record. They keep QB Michael Pratt for 2023, and they look set for another good year in 2023.
#18 Kansas State Wildcats (2022 record: 10-4, 7-2 in Big 12)
The Wildcats beat TCU 2 times in 2022, and won the Big 12 championship. However, they lost star rusher Deuce Vaughn. Quarterback Will Howard looks set to keep his offensive line, and the Wildcats look set to challenge for another Big 12 crown.
#19 Iowa Hawkeyes (2022 record: 8-5, 5-4 in Big 10)
The biggest issue for the Hawkeyes all year in 2022 was offense. They were the 2nd worst offensive team in the nation, averaging just over 18 points a game. The solution to those offensive woes? Cade Mcnamara. Just one season shy of leading Michigan to the CFP, Mcnamara is a reliable passer who will work well in coach Ferentz’s system. On the defensive end, most of the spectacular 2022 group is returning, including DB Cooper DeJean. The Hawkeyes look to be the best team in the Big 10 West in 2023, especially since they aren’t playing the powerhouses of Michigan and Penn State. If Iowa gets their offensive woes figured out, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
#20 Ole Miss Rebels (2022 record: 8-5, 4-4 in SEC)
Ole Miss flamed out after a 7-0 start to their season in 2022, losing 5 out of their 6 final games. Going into 2023, the quarterback position seems wide open, as Jaxson Dart will have to compete with a plethora of transfer talent. But the star of this team is undoubtedly running back Quinshon Judkins, who had 16 touchdowns last year. The defense needs a lot of work, and a schedule with games against Bama and LSU doesn’t make Lane Kiffin’s job any easier.
#21 Oregon State Beavers (2022 record: 10-3, 6-3 in PAC12)
The Beavers had a great season last year, but lost a lot of their secondary talent. The good news is that Clemson transfer DJ Uiagalelei is now a beaver, and has 4 veteran linemen fronting him. Oregon State is a middle ranking team in the PAC-12, but the Beavers could really go either direction in 2023.
#22 UNC Tar Heels (2022 record: 9-5, 6-2 in ACC)
Drake Maye was an absolute stud last year, and if the sophomore quarterback plays like he did last year, the Tar Heels are a team to watch. Joining him on the offensive side are transfer receivers Devontez Walker and Nate Mccollum. The real issue for the Tar Heels last year was defense, and Gene Chizik will be certain to try some interesting plays this upcoming season.
#23 Texas Tech Red Raiders (2022 record: 8-5, 5-4 in Big12)
Texas Tech experienced a resurgence in 2022, winning 8 games, including an emotional bowl game tribute to former coach Mike Leach. Coach Joey Mcguire is locked up with a long-term deal, and quarterback Tyler Shough gains another weapon in receiver Drae Mccrae to add to his already talented group. Defensively, the team has 6 seniors starting, meaning they are a veteran group. The Red Raiders look set to grow on their successful 2022 season in 2023.
#24 Wisconsin Badgers (2022 record: 7-6, 4-5 in Big 10)
The Badgers are coming off of an abysmal year, but have a bright future under former Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell. The team will have the characteristically strong Badger defense, but the offense will be key, captained by… we don’t know yet. Until the Badgers figure out their quarterbacking woes, it remains uncertain as to if they can contend in what appears to be another open Big 10 West.
#25 UTSA Roadrunners (2022 record: 11-3, 8-0 in C-USA)
After an undefeated season in C-USA competition, the Roadrunners switch lanes to the more difficult AAC. Quarterback Frank Harris is returning, and he has a great target in Zakhari Franklin. Trey Moore is returning on the defensive end, and overall, the Roadrunners look like a team to watch in the AAC.
Honorable mentions: Mississippi State, South Carolina, UCLA, James Madison, BYU, Oklahoma
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