Pre-portal, way too early 2023 rankings
It is too early to know what the teams will look like next season. That said, we can have a good idea of which teams will be playing meaningful football at the end of the year.
Early in the season, Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State were safe bets to have strong seasons. Judging by the recent performances of each team, they are as good as we expected.
There have been some surprises in the 2022 season. No one I know had TCU playing for the national championship. You could argue that some are still underestimating the Horned Frogs heading into the championship game.
However, let’s attempt the silly task of projecting which teams will compete among college football’s best teams in 2023, starting with this year’s top team.
Georgia
Stetson Group Heisman
Stetson Bennett leaves, leaving questions about the quarterback position. Somehow the Bulldogs should be back on top.
Michigan
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Working with the assumption that Jim Harbaugh will return, JJ McCarthy should lead a dynamic Michigan offense in 2023.
USC
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I understand that they lost their last two games and took a free fall from the College Football Playoff to end the year. They will still have the best player in the country next year and could bring in a strong portal class.
Tennessee
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Josh Heupel deserves the benefit of the doubt after his first two years in Knoxville. Their dominant win over Clemson could continue into this season.
Ohio State
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Losing a host of talented players led by CJ Stroud hurts the Buckeyes. His replacement may be even better.
Washington
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Washington is a force to be reckoned with led by Michael Penix. They can contend for the playoffs next season.
Alabama
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Alabama is vulnerable without Bryce Young and could struggle mightily next season. Their winning record prevents them from falling further.
TCU
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The story continues
The Horned Frogs have a great chance to win a national championship in the coming days. It will still be difficult to replace Max Duggan next season.
LSU
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Brian Kelly had an impressive first season with the Tigers, including an upset win over Alabama. Look for them to build on that season next year.
State of Florida
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Mike Norvell’s team took an important step this year. They can compete for the ACC title.
Oregon
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Bo Nix returns for the Ducks along with a strong recruiting class. Look for Oregon to make some noise out west.
Clemson
Dabo Swinney 2021 Football Camp
The Tigers could have another shaky season. However, they have new life with Cade Klubnik at quarterback.
State of Oregon
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The Beavers embarrassed the Florida Gators in their bowl game, 30-3. They add Clemson transfer DJ Uigelelei, who could thrive in a new environment.
Tulane
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The Green Wave returns its starting quarterback, Michael Pratt. The team has unfinished business after the upset win over USC.
TEXAS
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We’ll learn a lot about the Longhorns in Week 2 against the Alabama Crimson Tide. If Quinn Ewers puts it all together, you could see a 10-win Texas team in 2023.
Notre Dame
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The Irish are a safe bet to compete every season. There are still questions about the team in attack.
Oklahoma
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The additions of Dasan McCullough, Austin Stogner and Trace Ford make Oklahoma a team to watch next season.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire wears a ‘swing your sword’ before the game against Ole Miss in the Texas Bowl, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Joey McGuire has no intention of wasting time in Lubbock. After upsetting the Ole Miss Rebels in their bowl game, Texas Tech could be dangerous this season.
Penn State
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James Franklin loses a lot of experience, but could have a strong team next season.
Kansas State
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Replacing Deuce Vaughn won’t be easy. Will Howard’s improvement should keep Kansas State in the Big 12 conversation.
Utah
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The Utes will have a hard time replacing Cam Rising, but the culture in place could continue to produce winning football for Kyle Whittingham.
Colorado
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The influx of talent that Deion Sanders brings to Colorado is undeniable. The Buffaloes could have a resurgence similar to that of Lincoln Riley in Southern California.
North Carolina
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Drake Maye and Mack Brown are staying in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels can wreak havoc in the ACC.
Ole Miss
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The Rebels didn’t finish the 2022 season strong, but they must find a way to produce offense in 2023.
UTSA
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Texas will be lucky not to play the UTSA Roadrunners next season. Rookie quarterback Frank Harris returns for Jeff Traylor’s team next year.
Story originally appeared on Longhorns Wire
