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
19 March 2023
#6 USC Trojans (2022 record: 11-3, 8-1 in PAC-12)
Lincoln Riley’s inaugural season in LA was a rollercoaster to say the least. Although the team was headlined by Heisman winner Caleb Williams, they suffered 2 losses to Utah, including the PAC-12 Championship. A late defensive meltdown against Tulane also cost the team the Cotton Bowl. The situation going into 2023 is all too familiar: A Lincoln Riley-lead team with an amazing offense, but a defense that was outside of the top 50. With Williams returning for another campaign, Riley has added defensive talent like LB Mason Cobb, who will need to show up in a big way. If the Trojans solve their defensive woes, they could be unstoppable next year.
#7 Florida State Seminoles (2022 record: 10-3, 5-3 in ACC)
After a 2022 season that many have said could be a turning point for coach Mike Norval, FSU is expected by many to step up in a big way going into 2023. Transfer TE Jaheim Bell will provide potential Heisman candidate Jordan Travis with an offensive weapon. The offensive line will also be bolstered by transfers like Braden Fiske. The Seminoles will have a chance to show that they are legitimate in contests with Clemson and LSU, along with the rivalry matchup against Florida.
#8 LSU Tigers (2022 record: 10-4, 6-2 in SEC)
Brian Kelly’s first year in Baton Rouge has shown his skills as a coach. A win against Alabama was the highlight of the Tigers’ 2022 season, and they look to build on the strong foundations laid by coach Kelly. Jayden Daniels will have a top-tier offensive line in front of him, and coach Kelly has made use of the transfer portal to land strong defensive talent that enables them to compete with the best teams in the SEC. The Tigers biggest enemy is their strong competition, with tough road games against Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Alabama. The ceiling for the Tigers could be as high as the SEC championship, but only time will tell.
#9 Utah Utes (2022 Record: 10-4, 7-2 in PAC-12)
Utah has unexpectedly become a powerhouse in the PAC-12, winning back to back championships over the past 2 years. The Utes have a reliable quarterback in Cam Rising, though it is unclear how long his injury recovery timeline will be. The Utes have lost leading rusher Tavion Thomas, but much of their core from the past two seasons remain. Expect the Utes to again contend in the PAC-12, continuing to be one of the most exciting programs to watch.
#10 Oregon Ducks (2022 record: 10-3, 7-2 in PAC-12)
Quarterback Bo Nix became one of the most exciting players to watch in 2022, leading the Ducks to a stellar 10-3 record, along with a bowl victory over North Carolina. Nix looks poised to continue his growth in the 2023 season. Coach Dan Lanning also will have to contend with the loss of 4 starting offensive linemen. The Oregon line was not particularly good, though, and Lanning has managed to claw his way to the 8th best recruiting class of 2023. If the defense comes together, the Ducks could be a contender for the PAC-12 title
#11 Tennessee Volunteers (2022 record: 11-2, 6-2 in SEC)
The Vols enjoyed their best season in years, enjoying a dramatic win against #3 Alabama that pushed them to the top of the AP poll for the first time since 1998. However, this was the highest the team would reach, as Hendon Hooker’s season ending injury would end any chances of the Vols making the playoffs. The Vols go into 2023 with much of both of their cores intact, and Michigan transfer Joe Milton looks likely to play well in Josh Heupul’s offense. Expect Tennessee to have a slight regression from last season’s performance.
#12 Washington Huskies (2022 record: 11-2, 7-2 in PAC-12)
After a dreadful 2021, the Huskies showed they had bite in 2022, winning both of their rivalry games, and beating 4 ranked teams en route to an 11-2 record. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr returns as a good fit in coach Kalen Deboer’s offense, and most of the offensive starters are returning. The one hole in the Huskies roster looks to be their offensive line, as most of the talent that left the team was previously in front of the quarterback.
#13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2022 record: 9-4)
Although the season got off to a slow start, rookie coach Marcus Freeman turned the season around, finishing with a strong record, and winning their bowl game against South Carolina. The Fighting Irish look to have Sam Hartman as their quarterback in 2023, who excelled last season at Wake Forest. The addition of Hartman, coupled with a strong offensive line, means the Fighting Irish have a dangerous offense that could put them as a dark horse CFP candidate.
#14 TCU Horned Frogs (2022 record: 13-2, 9-0 in Big 12)
TCU shocked the world with their stunning run all the way to the national championship game this past season, and now, the Horned Frogs have to prove that the 2022 season wasn’t just a fluke. However, losing quarterback phenom Max Duggan doesn’t make their road back to the playoffs easy. Joining Duggan in the NFL draft are top offensive weapons Kendre Miller and Quentin Johnson. Coach Sonny Dykes and Quarterback Chandler Morris still have a lot of talent though, and expect to see TCU at the top of the Big 12 in 2023.
#15 Texas Longhorns (2022 record: 8-5, 6-3 in Big 12)
Texas had an up and down year in 2022 in coach Steve Sarkisian’s sophomore season, but the dual quarterback threat of Quinn Ewers, and perhaps the most highly touted recruit in a generation, Arch Manning, make the Longhorns an intriguing prospect for 2023. The Longhorns boast the 3rd best recruiting class in the nation, so be on the lookout for them in 2023.
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