2022 College Football Preseason Top 25

I’m back!

I hope everyone had a phenomenal summer, as I did. We are less than two weeks away from the first college football games, so I think it’s time to begin our coverage for the season. I will start with my preseason top 25, with articles on each week’s best game and my preseason All-Americans coming out soon. Anyways, I worked really hard to get the rankings correct. They’re long but full of great previews on each team. So, here is my preseason top 25:

1. Alabama (13-2 last season) (PREV: 1)

Alabama had lots of players depart the team from last season, including offensive tackle Evan Neal, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis, linebacker Christian Harris, wide receivers Jameson Williams, John Metchie III, Slade Bolden, and Agiye Hall, cornerback Josh Jobe, and running back Brian Robinson Jr. However the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young returns in search to lead his time back to the National Championship game, with hopes of winning it this time around. Along with Young, four other offensive starters return, while seven defensive starters return. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who transferred from Georgia Tech, is set to be one of the SEC’s best at the position, along with Auburn’s Tank Bigsby. The Crimson Tide’s defense is loaded once again, powering them to #1 in my preseason rankings. The defense includes star linebackers Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To’oTo’o, who are some of the best linebackers in the country. Eli Ricks and Jordan Battle lead the defensive backs, while the defensive line features Byron Young. The Crimson Tide face many key opponents, including Texas, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss this season.

2. Ohio State (11-2 last season) (PREV: 8)

There may not be a better offense in college football than the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, they had top receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave depart for the NFL, along with offensive linemen Thayer Munford and Nicholas Petit-Frere. C.J. Stroud is one of the top Heisman Trophy candidates, going into a sophomore season after impressing many as a starting freshman quarterback. TreVeyon Henderson impressed many last year as a freshman running back, earning him a second-team All-Big Ten selection. After a historic performance in the classic Rose Bowl victory over Utah, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is considered to be one of the top wide receivers in the country, and his junior year may prove that that Rose Bowl performance was not a fluke. Don’t sleep on Marvin Harrison Jr. as well, who will be a huge contributor as the WR2. Along with some of the best at each skill position, the offensive line will be strong, led by Paris Johnson Jr. The defense took a hit, losing defensive tackle Haskell Garrett, defensive end Tyreke Smith, and cornerback Marcus Williamson. However, the defense should not be doubted, as it’s still one of college football’s best. Denzel Burke and Ronnie Hickman are some of the Big Ten’s best defensive backs, while Zach Harrison and Jack Sawyer are the top defensive linemen on the team. I love the role that Emeka Egbuka could play as the Buckeye’s returner, so watch out for that. Ohio State has quite a tough schedule this season, which includes Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Michigan.

3. Georgia (14-1 last season) (PREV: 3)

Georgia comes into this season as defending national champions for the first time since the early 1980s, with one of the best defenses I have seen in recent years. However, they lost many key players on that championship-winning defense. Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Devonte Wyatt, Channing Tindall, and Derion Kendrick all left. If the Bulldogs want to go back-to-back, they need to reload like Alabama does on defense every year. Nolan Smith is one of the best linebackers in the SEC, while defensive back Kelee Ringo, defensive lineman Jalen Carter, and defensive back Christopher Smith all earned preseason all-SEC selections. On the other side of the ball, Brock Bowers not only could be the SEC’s best tight end but could be the best in the country. With the loss of James Cook, Georgia looks to Kenny McIntosh as their top running back. The offensive line, like most years, is strong, with Warren McClendon, Sedrick Van Pran, and Broderick Jones the main linemen. The Bulldogs will have tests to prove they can run it back, facing Oregon, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

4. Texas A&M (8-4 last season) (PREV: 24)

Picking the 4th-best team was a difficult decision because every team I considered had its strengths and weaknesses. I also considered Clemson, Notre Dame, and Michigan, but I landed on Texas A&M for reasons you’ll find out when I talk about those teams. Texas A&M has lots of potential. However, they need to figure out their starting quarterback situation first. The Aggies weren’t the best team last year. They weren’t even close to where they are in this preseason ranking. The highlight of last season was Seth Small kicking the game-winning field goal as Texas A&M beat Alabama in a major upset in College Station. They won’t be with the quarterback they used the most last year, as Zach Calzada transferred to Auburn. It’s a QB battle between Haynes King and LSU transfer Max Johnson. Calzada was the backup that turned starter for Jimbo Fisher’s team, as King was injured with a broken leg in the Week 2 win over Colorado. Isaiah Spiller does not return, but Devin Achane fills a role as one of the SEC’s best running backs, rushing for 910 yards as the backup last year. Ainias Smith is looking for his breakout senior season, as he serves as Texas A&M’s WR1. The Aggies bring in one of the best 2022 recruiting classes in the nation, with five and four-stars ready to contribute including wide receiver Evan Stewart and tight end Jake Johnson. The defense is led by defensive back Antonio Johnson and defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson. The Aggies aren’t perfect, as they lost offensive lineman Kenyon Green, defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal, tight end Jalen Wydermyer, defensive ends Tyree Johnson and Micheal Clemons, and linebacker Aaron Hansford. Texas A&M will face Miami (FL), Arkansas, Alabama, and Ole Miss this season.

5. Michigan (12-2 last season) (PREV: 2)

Michigan was the top Big Ten team but fell short in the College Football Playoff Semifinal to Georgia, who went on to win the National Championship. Jim Harbaugh started the year on the hot seat but proved to keep his job, despite getting offers from various teams at the NFL and college level after last season. The Wolverines lose defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker David Ojabo, running back Hassan Haskins, and safety Daxton Hill, just to name a few. They also lost both of their coordinators: defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald went back to the Ravens, while offensive coordinator Josh Gattis took a job at Miami (FL). Despite Cade McNamara being the QB1 for the Wolverines last season, he still has a battle with sophomore J.J. McCarthy for the starting role. Running back Blake Corum being one of the best at his position in the Big Ten is a sure thing, unlike the starting QB job. Ryan Hayes, Olusegun Oluwatimi (transfer from Virginia), Zak Zinter, and Trevor Keegan are the featured players on the offensive line that should be strong this season. Defensive linemen Mazi Smith and Kris Jenkins (not to be confused with the Villanova legend) are the headline names on the defensive line, while linebacker Junior Colson, defensive back DJ Turner, and edge rusher Jaylen Harrell also contain lots of potential. Donovan Edwards could be a key second-string running back for Michigan, similar to how Blake Corum was for Hassan Haskins. Wide receiver Ronnie Bell is back after an ACL injury in the Week 1 victory over Western Michigan. The Wolverines face key opponents in Iowa, Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State this upcoming season.

6. Clemson (10-3 last season) (PREV: 23)

Clemson was a team with high expectations heading into last season. They have similar expectations this year, but I’m still not expecting them to be the team we’ve seen with Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence. D.J. Uiagalelei did not look as sharp last year and despite him finishing spring practice as the QB1, freshman Cade Klubnik could be the next best quarterback for the Tigers. I don’t trust their offense at all, but they had a couple of players make the preseason all-ACC team. Running back Will Shipley and offensive tackle Jordan McFadden. The defense was what helped Clemson make their mark late in the season and finish with a six-game winning streak, including the Cheez-It Bowl over Iowa State. They do lose some key players including cornerbacks Andrew Booth Jr. and Mario Goodrich, and wide receiver Justyn Ross. Defensive end Myles Murphy, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, and linebacker Trenton Simpson are the key players on defense, with defensive lineman Tyler Davis, safety Andrew Mukuba, and defensive lineman Xavier Thomas ready to shine. The Tigers have the best kicker in the ACC in B.T. Potter, who was also featured on the preseason All-ACC team. If the offense can get into a rhythm, and the defense continues to dominate, this ranking should hold up. Joseph Ngata plays the role of the team’s WR1. Clemson has a tougher schedule with the ACC on the rise. They face Wake Forest, NC State, Notre Dame, Miami (FL), and South Carolina this season.

7. Notre Dame (11-2 last season) (PREV: 5)

Notre Dame went under a bunch of changes this offseason. First off, the Brian Kelly era is over, with Marcus Freeman running the program in South Bend. They lost their starting quarterback in Jack Coan, so they will have to start fresh with either Tyler Buchner or Drew Pyne starting. Maybe even a mixture of both. Safety Kyle Hamilton and running back Kyren Williams departed for the NFL, shining at their positions last season. Joe Alt and Blake Fisher should play major roles in the Fighting Irish’s offensive line. I’m not buying their offense at all, especially with unproven quarterbacks and no Kyren Williams. The key defensive players for Notre Dame are defensive end Isaiah Foskey and defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola. It’s a tough road for the Irish to get back to the College Football Playoff. They face Ohio State, North Carolina, BYU, Clemson, and USC.

8. Baylor (12-2 last season) (PREV: 6)

Baylor not only beat Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl last season, but they also beat them by 14 despite the Rebels being a one-point favorite. The Bears do lose many key players, including safety Jalen Pitre, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, running back Abram Smith, and safety JT Woods. However, there is no doubt that Baylor will have the best offensive line in the Big 12, with Connor Galvin and Jacob Gall being named to the preseason all-Big 12 team. In addition, tight end Ben Sims also made the team. Defensive lineman Siaki Ika and linebacker Dillon Doyle were on the defense side of the team. Running back Taye McWilliams is set to replace Abram Smith and should be solid compared to a loaded conference of first-string running backs. Defensive lineman TJ Franklin was named to the All-Big 12 third team by Athlon Sports, joining offensive lineman Grant Miller. With Gerry Bohanon, last year’s starting quarterback, transferring to South Florida, Baylor looks at sophomore Blake Shapen, who seems to have won a quarterback battle in the spring. If you don’t remember, Shapen was the MVP of the 2021 Big 12 Championship Game, where the Bears stopped Oklahoma State at the one-yard line to seal a trip to the Sugar Bowl. That also closed out any opportunity Oklahoma State had of getting to the College Football Playoff. Their schedule includes BYU, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, and Texas.

9. Utah (10-4) (PREV: 10)

Utah played well in the Rose Bowl Game, despite losing to Ohio State in a classic battle. Utah seeks to repeat as Pac-12 Champions. However, they will have to do it without star linebacker Devin Lloyd. Cameron Rising, set to be one of the conference’s best quarterbacks, is back, with Tavion Thomas in the backfield. Kyle Whittingham is planning on running a 2 TE offense this year, with Brant Kuithe named the best tight end in the conference for the preseason poll. The other is Dalton Kincaid, who was named to the All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention list. The wide receiver group is nothing like USC, but Devaughn Vele is set to be the primary target. The Utes have a strong offensive line, with Braeden Daniels and Sataoa Laumea named to all-Pac-12 first and second teams respectively. On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Utah looks to have a strong defense in the Pac-12. Defensive linemen Van Fillinger and Junior Tafuna were named to the first and second teams respectively, while defensive backs Clark Phillips III and Cole Bishop both earned spots on the first team. Karene Reid will take over as the top linebacker, replacing Lloyd. Linebacker Lander Barton, who enrolled early, is set to be an immediate impact this upcoming season. Florida, San Diego State, UCLA, USC, and Oregon are set to be Utah’s most difficult challenges.

10. USC (4-8 last season) (PREV: N/A)

USC has completely revamped. First off, the Trojans hired Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma to become USC’s new head coach. With him came along Caleb Williams, set to be the best quarterback in the Pac-12. If Oklahoma fans didn’t hate USC and Lincoln Riley with those two moves, wide receiver Mario Williams joined the Trojans in Los Angeles. Biletnikoff Trophy receiver Jordan Addison transferred from Pittsburgh to lock himself in as the WR1. He looks to repeat as the best receiver in college football this season. USC also brought in running back Travis Dye, who transferred from Oregon. If you weren’t convinced that USC didn’t have one of the nation’s best offenses, offensive linemen Andrew Vorhees and Brett Neilon were named to All-Pac-12 first and second teams respectively. Gary Bryant Jr., who started for the Trojans at wide receiver last year, is back again this year but may see less attention due to a loaded wide receiver group. He will, however, be one of the Pac-12’s best returners on special teams. On defense, USC’s best player is defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu, who was named to the All-Pac-12 preseason first team. Defensive back Mekhi Blackmon was named to the second team. Many defensive players on USC made the Honorable Mention list in the conference: defensive linemen Nick Figueroa and Solomon Byrd, linebacker Korey Foreman (former No. 1 HS recruit), and defensive back Xavion Alford. With a loaded team, the Trojans still lost key players. Wide receiver Drake London was a first-round pick, with linebacker Drake Jackson also going to the NFL. They lost quarterback Kedon Slovis to Pittsburgh, but as long as Caleb Williams stays healthy, that shouldn’t be such a big problem for the Trojans. USC’s schedule includes Utah, UCLA, and Notre Dame.

11. Oklahoma (11-2 last season) (PREV: 13)

Oklahoma went through a lot of changes since last season. Lincoln Riley left for USC, so the new head coach is Brett Venables. Caleb Williams is gone and so is Spencer Rattler, so UCF transfer Dillon Gabriel is set to be the starting quarterback for the Sooners. Mario Williams is gone too, but Marvin Mims is back as the WR1 in an unproven offense. Oklahoma surprisingly had only one player named to the preseason All-Big 12 team. That player was their punter, Michael Turk. Their defense and weapons are better than what Oklahoma State has to offer, which is why I put Oklahoma over Oklahoma State in a tough decision. The defense includes linebackers Danny Stutsman and DaShaun White, defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, and defensive backs Woodi Washington and Key Lawrence. C.J. Coldon, who transferred from Wyoming, and Trey Morrison, from North Carolina, were added in an attempt to improve their secondary. Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu should be an instant impact on the Sooners’ defensive line. In Brett Venables’s first season as head coach, he will face tough battles against Nebraska, Texas, Iowa State, Baylor, and Oklahoma State.

12. Oklahoma State (12-2 last season) (PREV: 7)

Oklahoma State loses running back Jaylen Warren, who was very exciting to watch in what was one of Oklahoma State’s best seasons in their football program’s history. Their defense will look very different, with linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper gone. Along with them, defensive backs Kolby Harvell-Peel, Tanner McCalister, and Jarrick Bernard-Converse are all gone as well. However, the defense still includes bright spots. In the preseason All-Big 12 team, defensive lineman Collin Oliver and defensive back Jason Taylor II make the list. Former WR1 on the team Tay Martin is gone as well. Jim Knowles left his defensive coordinator job for a job in Columbus with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The defense will be significantly weaker, but that is all a part of reloading to be at the same level each year. Defensive lineman Tyler Lacy will also help the Cowboys on defense. On the offensive side, Spencer Sanders returns as the starting quarterback. Brennan Presley is set to be the key playmaker for Oklahoma State. The offensive line isn’t too bad either, with Hunter Woodard and Cole Birmingham. Kicker Alex Hale and punter Tom Hutton look to be some of the best in the Big 12 at their position. I’m not in love with this team, but it’s certainly a solid squad. Their schedule includes Baylor, Texas, Iowa State, and Oklahoma.

13. NC State (9-3 last season) (PREV: 22)

NC State has the preseason ACC Player of the Year in their quarterback Devin Leary. Mine was going to be Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman, but he was recently ruled out indefinitely. Leary’s top target looks to be wide receiver Thayer Thomas, while Emeka Emezie departed after last season. There are high expectations for the Wolfpack, despite top offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu getting drafted in the top 10. The running back duo Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person Jr. are both gone, which makes the running back depth weaker. Jordan Houston will serve as the first-string running back. On the offensive line, center Grant Gibson was the only one named to the preseason All-ACC team. NC State’s defense looks strong, with linebackers Drake Thomas and Payton Wilson making the preseason team. Safety Tanner Ingle rounds out the number of Wolfpack on that team. Don’t forget about linebacker Isaiah Moore, who was named to the Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team. Can NC State live up to its hype? They face Clemson, Wake Forest, and North Carolina this season.

14. Michigan State (11-2) (PREV: 14)

Michigan State gave me a pleasant surprise, with running back Kenneth Walker III showing off as the country’s best running back. Payton Thorne is back at quarterback but loses top receiver, Jalen Nailor. The Spartans are in luck, however, because they have Big Ten preseason honoree Jayden Reed looking to be one of the best receivers in the conference. With the loss of Walker, the Spartans will hand the ball off to Jarek Broussard, a transfer from Colorado. The offensive line includes two returning starters: Jarrett Horst and J.D. Duplain, the latter being named to the Athlon Sports Third Team All-Big Ten in their preseason issue. Tre Mosley is another returning starter at wide receiver, so Thorne certainly has options to throw to. The Spartans’ defense includes defensive linemen Jacob Slade and Simeon Barrow, two starters from last year’s team. Slade was named to the first team All-Big Ten for Athlon Sports’ preseason write-up. Other notable defensive players include linebacker Cal Haladay and defensive back Xavier Henderson. Mel Tucker put in a lot of work with the transfer portal. Along with Broussard, he acquired offensive lineman Brian Greene (Washington State), inside linebackers Jacoby Windmon (UNLV), and Aaron Brule (Mississippi State). One of the starting cornerbacks in the spring game was Ameer Speed, who transferred from Georgia. The Spartans’ schedule includes Washington, Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Penn State.

15. Oregon (10-4 last season) (PREV: 12)

One of my favorite players in college football last year was defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was picked 5th overall in April’s NFL Draft. Verone McKinley III, one of the better safeties in college football, also left for the NFL. Anthony Brown left, but they got a replacement quarterback in Auburn transfer Bo Nix. Nix never got the career he wanted at Auburn, so he’s searching for a better start in Eugene. Running back Travis Dye left for USC, so the carries will likely be split by three sophomores: Byron Cardwell, Seven McGee, and Sean Dollars. Kris Hutson is the only returning starter at wide receiver, but UCLA transfer Chase Cota could help Bo Nix’s offense. Their entire starting offensive line returns, with Alex Forsyth and T.J. Bass being named to the preseason All-Pac-12 First Team. The Ducks’ defense is certainly their bright spot. Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus made first-team All-Pac-12 for the preseason. Linebackers Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe made the first and second teams respectively. Defensive back Christian Gonzalez was named to the second team. Much like Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, I’m not sold on Oregon, but they do have potential. Their 2022 schedule is difficult, including Georgia, BYU, UCLA, and Utah.

16. Miami (FL) (7-5 last season) (PREV: N/A)

Miami looks to improve after going 7-5 last year. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke heads into his second season, where he shined. He only threw six interceptions in 2021, taking over the starting quarterback role when D’Eriq King went down. He got the third-most votes out of any player for Preseason ACC Player of the Year, behind quarterbacks Devin Leary and Sam Hartman. He certainly slides into the #2 spot now that Hartman is indefinitely out. There are bright spots besides Van Dyke. Zion Nelson was named to the Preseason All-ACC team as an offensive tackle, joining tight end Will Mallory on the offensive side. Even though there are no Hurricanes named on the defensive side, punter Lou Hedley made the team. Speaking of defense, Mario Cristobol got rid of the turnover chain, focusing on “playing football.” Notable defensive players include cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and defensive lineman Leonard Taylor. On offense, Jaylan Knighton leads in the backfield and will get most of the carries. Key’Shawn Smith will lead the wide receiver group in Miami Gardens. It’s not the strongest group, but it’s a team full of potential. With returning starters on defense including James Williams, linebacker Corey Flagg Jr., linebacker Waynmon Steed Jr., and defensive tackle Jared Harrison-Hunte, the Hurricanes bring lots of experience. Miami will face Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Pittsburgh. In a wide-open division, the Hurricanes may have the best chance of getting to the ACC Championship Game, with Pittsburgh right behind them in the division.

17. Tennessee (7-6 last year) (PREV: N/A)

I have higher expectations for Tennessee this season. Despite losing offensive lineman Cade Mays and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., the Vols could compete with Georgia in the SEC East. I’m not saying that will happen, I’m saying they have that kind of potential. The USA Today Coaches Poll did not rank Tennessee in their preseason top 25, which disappointed me with the potential they have. On offense, the Volunteers look solid. They have one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks in Hendon Hooker, who will be throwing the ball to wide receiver Cedric Tillman, who was named to the preseason all-SEC second team. The offensive line is strong, with the media considering Cooper Mays, Darnell Wright, and Jerome Carvin All-SEC talent. Their starting running back, junior Jabari Wright, is back in the backfield, rushing for nearly 800 yards last season. However, Hooker can scramble, as he did 166 times for 616 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive lineman Byron Young is said to be one of the SEC’s best defensive linemen. On the preseason all-SEC teams, he is joined by linebacker Jeremy Banks and defensive back Trevon Flowers. Defensive lineman Tyler Baron could be a force on the defensive line as well. To cap off Tennessee’s talented roster, punter Paxton Brooks is a top 3 player at his position in the conference. The Vols face Pittsburgh, Florida, LSU, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia this season.

18. Texas (5-7 last season) (PREV: N/A)

Texas underachieved yet again last season. They blew multiple leads, including a crucial rivalry game against Oklahoma. However, the Longhorns’ future looks bright. They don’t have Arch Manning yet, but Ohio State transfer quarterback Quinn Ewers looks to be Steve Sarkisian’s QB1 this upcoming season. He has to compete with Hudson Card for the role. Bijan Robinson is supposed to be this year’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, looking like this season’s best running back out of all FBS teams. Watch out for wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who could be a top 5 receiver in college football this season. Along with those three key offensive players, tight end Jahleel Billingsley is set to be one of the Big 12’s best tight ends. And while Isaiah Neyor looked to contribute as the Longhorns’ WR2, he suffered a season-ending knee injury on Saturday, according to Orangebloods owner Geoff Ketchum. The defense is headlined by preseason All-Big 12 linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Other notable defensive players include cornerback D’Shawn Jamison and defensive lineman Keondre Coburn. Jamison is also set to be one of the Big 12’s best returners. Jake Majors returns as the starting center. Junior Angilau, a senior offensive lineman who started last year, also suffered a season-ending knee injury. Senior cornerback Anthony Cook returns this season as well. Cameron Dicker is gone, so expect a downgrade this season at punter and kicker. While injuries begin to loom with the loss of Neyor and Angilau, the Longhorns still have the potential to do damage in the Big 12. Texas faces Alabama, Oklahoma, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Baylor.

19. Wisconsin (9-4 last season) (PREV: N/A)

Wisconsin has a solid team on paper. Their best offensive player is running back Braelon Allen, who rushed for over 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Graham Mertz is back as the starting quarterback, but I am awfully worried about his ability to improve. He threw 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Don’t forget about his four fumbles as well. That’s terrible. And to not pass for over 2000 yards shows that this year’s Wisconsin team may be more of a run-first offense. They do have the offensive line to do so, with Joe Tippmann and Tyler Beach as the top offensive linemen. Even though he got just 33 targets in 2021, junior wide receiver Chimere Dike looks to become a solid WR1 for Mertz. Despite losing eight starters on defense, Jim Leonhard looks to help reload the Badgers’ strong defense. Defensive lineman Keeanu Benton is one of the better players at his position in the Big Ten. Isaiah Mullens also returns as defensive end, along with junior linebacker Nick Herbig. They do lose linebackers Leo Chenal and Jack Sanborn, which means there’s an important role for the players next in line at that position. They also lost tight end Jake Ferguson, who was an underrated tight end in college football. If the Badgers’ defense can get back to where they want to be, along with much-needed improvement from Graham Mertz, Wisconsin could be in really good shape to win the Big Ten West. They face Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue, Iowa, and Minnesota.

20. Pittsburgh (11-3 last season) (PREV: 11)

Kenny Pickett took the college football world by storm as he led the Panthers to an ACC Championship, losing in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State. Pickett has gone to the NFL, while Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison transferred to USC. In return, Pitt brought in former USC quarterback Kedon Slovis. Linebacker Cam Bright transferred to Washington as one of the two starting linebackers to depart after the 2021 season. Their defensive line is strong, with defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey named to the preseason all-ACC team. For offense outside of Slovis, the Panthers look toward Akron transfer Konata Mumpfield, who had 751 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his freshman season. Other strong options include senior receiver Jared Wayne and tight end Gavin Bartholomew, who was responsible for four touchdowns last season as a freshman. He should see an increase in targets, especially with Addison gone. The offensive line looks solid, with every starter returning for their senior season. With the strong offensive line, the Panthers may look to running the ball a lot more. Israel Abanikanda, Vincent Davis, and Rodney Hammond Jr. all return as the top three rushers on the team. On the defensive side, they do return many starters, including linebacker SirVocea Dennis and safety Brandon Hill. They also bring back free safety Erick Hallett II, who tied for most interceptions on the team (3). To have your leaders in rushing yards, tackles, sacks, and interceptions mean this roster can compete in the Coastal Division for another trip to Charlotte for the ACC Championship. This season includes games against West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Miami (FL).

21. Arkansas (9-4 last season) (PREV: 25)

The Razorbacks are a team to watch this season. With KJ Jefferson as one of my top quarterbacks in the SEC, the offense could thrive. However, they did lose top receiver Treylon Burks, who was a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Nearly the entire starting offensive line returns, with center Ricky Stromberg and left guard Brady Latham being the standouts. The key to Jefferson’s success in the air will come from Jadon Haselwood, Warren Thompson, and Ketron Jackson Jr. With a strong offensive line, Arkansas’ running game should be just as strong this season. Jefferson led the team in rushing yards, but I would love to see the ball handed off to trusty running backs Raheim Sanders and Dominique Johnson. On the defensive side, defensive back Jalen Catalon and linebacker Bumper Pool were preseason all-SEC players. NB Myles Slusher and safety Simeon Blair return as starters. Arkansas’ schedule is not easy, with Cincinnati, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Alabama, Mississippi State, BYU, LSU, and Ole Miss as their toughest opponents.

22. BYU (10-3 last season) (PREV: 15)

In their final season as an independent, BYU returns 88% of its production (via ESPN’s Bill Connelly), including starting quarterback Jaren Hall, who returns for his junior year. Cal transfer Christopher Brooks impressed in the spring, but he has the shoes of former starting running back Tyler Allgeier to fill as he left for the NFL. Receiving yards leader Puka Nacua is back as the WR1 this season. With receptions leader Neil Pau’u gone, expect senior Gunner Romney to find more production this season as well. On the defensive side, they return many of their starters, including linebacker Ben Bywater (tackles leader), defensive end Tyler Batty (sacks leader), and safety Malik Moore (interceptions leader). With a strong defense, the Cougars could be a top 25 team all year long for the third consecutive year. They face a tough schedule, however, with Baylor, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Arkansas considered their toughest challenges.

23. Kentucky (10-3) (PREV: N/A)

Kentucky was a fringe top 25 team last time I released my rankings (which was December 5th of last year). They are the same this year but look improved. Quarterback Will Levis is back, along with running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., both considered some of the best at their position in the SEC. The Wildcats lost wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson to the NFL, which means big shoes to fill for Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson, who had 31 receptions or more in his three seasons in Blacksburg. Javon Baker could also be big in the Wildcats’ offense this year. Three starting offensive linemen departed, including offensive tackle Darian Kinnard. Kenneth Horsey looks like their best lineman, while Auburn transfer Tashawn Manning will start at guard. On the defensive side, linebacker J.J. Weaver (sacks leader) returns, along with middle linebacker Jacquez Jones (tackles leader). Weaver also tied for most interceptions on the team (2). The defensive line will need reworking, as three starters left. Deandre Square is set to be a key defensive player as well after using his extra year of eligibility. They should be the third-best team in the SEC East, behind Georgia and Tennessee. Their schedule includes Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Georgia, and Louisville.

24. Houston (12-2) (PREV: 17)

Despite Cincinnati coming off a College Football Playoff appearance, I view Houston as the best team in the American Athletic Conference by bit. Quarterback Clayton Tune is back and could be the best quarterback in the conference, with SMU’s Tanner Mordecai as his competition. They lost three of their starting offensive line, but add Lance Robinson (Middle Tennessee State) and Tyler Johnson (Texas) to the group. Patrick Paul should be one of their best offensive linemen as well. With starting running back Alton McCaskill tearing his ACL, expect Ta’Zhawn Henry and USC transfer Brandon Campbell to get the attention running the ball. Receiving leader Nathaniel Dell is back for his junior year, and is locked in as Houston’s WR1. Tight end Christian Trahan returns for his senior year, along with wide receiver KeSean Carter. On the defensive side, they are strong. Despite losing cornerback and returner Marcus Jones, the secondary still stands strong, with three starters returning including safety Gervarrius Owens. The defensive line is a brighter spot, with Derek Parish and D’Anthony Jones considered an all-AAC talent. Nose guard Chidozie Nwankwo returns for a sophomore season. The linebacker group is highlighted by returning senior middle linebacker Donavan Mutin. Much like their men’s basketball schedule, the football schedule is nothing exciting. They can’t wait to get to the Big 12.

25. Cincinnati (13-1) (PREV: 4)

Cincinnati lost a lot to the NFL, which is why I have them right behind Houston at 25. When I mean they lost a lot, I mean they lost many of what made the Bearcats make the College Football Playoff. That includes quarterback Desmond Ridder, cornerback Sauce Gardner, cornerback Coby Bryant, defensive end Myjai Sanders, wide receiver Alec Pierce, running back Jerome Ford, and linebacker Darrian Beavers. That’s a lot to lose. The good news for Cincinnati is Luke Fickell stayed and their entire offensive line is back. Losing Ridder makes the offense questionable, with Ben Bryant and Evan Prater battling for the starting quarterback role. Losing Ford wasn’t a huge deal, with LSU transfer Corey Kiner coming in. Wide receiver Tre Tucker and tight end Josh Whyle look to be the favorite targets on offense. Their defense still looks talented despite all the losses. The defensive line is highlighted by Malik Vann, Jowon Briggs, and Jabari Taylor. Linebackers Deshawn Pace and Ty Van Fossen look to be the best out of the group, while the secondary, which took the biggest hit, is highlighted by Arquon Bush and Ja’Von Hicks. I’m not impressed with Cincinnati, but they’re still a fringe top 25 team in my eyes. Their schedule is tougher than Houston’s, facing Arkansas, Indiana, and UCF this season.