College Football Top 25: Georgia on top again to begin 2023 season

With Week 0 approaching on Saturday, I think it is appropriate to release my first college football rankings heading into an exciting season.

After this season: Texas and Oklahoma will leave the Big 12 for the SEC; Washington, USC, Oregon, and UCLA will leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten; Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Arizona State will leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12.

This year the American Athletic Conference and Big 12 look very different. The AAC looks like the Conference USA under a different name, while the Big 12 added Houston, UCF, Cincinnati, and BYU.

Anyways, enough about the storylines. Here is my first top 25 of the season. If you want to see the Student Media Poll that I am a part of, click here.

  1. Georgia (15-0 last season) (PREV: 1)

Stetson Bennett may not be the starting quarterback in Athens this fall, but the Bulldogs seek the first three-peat since Minnesota in the mid-1930s. In order to do that, Carson Beck needs to fill in big shoes at quarterback. The receiving corps is strong, led by All-American tight end Brock Bowers. The reason why Georgia has won the last two national championships is because of their defense. This year’s key player will be edge rusher Mykel Williams, a true freshman last season. The most challenging tests this season will include Ole Miss and Tennessee on the road.

  1. Michigan (13-1 last season) (PREV: 3)

Michigan is seeking a third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance, in hopes of their first consensus national championship since 1948. Jim Harbaugh has arguably his best team coming in, with a talented offense led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The roadblock is winning a game in the College Football Playoff. They came up just short in the Fiesta Bowl last season against TCU, while the year before resulted in a crushing defeat. The team has quite an easy schedule on paper this season, but significant tasks await in the back half of the season with Penn State on the road and Ohio State at home.

  1. Ohio State (11-2 last season) (PREV: 4)

Replacing C.J. Stroud as quarterback will be difficult, but everyone thought the same thing when Stroud replaced Justin Fields. Next in line is most likely Kyle McCord. All-American wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is back this year. After years of being the big brother in the rivalry, the Buckeyes have been the little brother the past two years, dropping both games against Michigan. Their schedule is more difficult than Michigan’s, facing Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan.

  1. Alabama (11-2 last season) (PREV: 5)

Alabama going 11-2 is considered a bad season for their standard. Without Bryce Young at quarterback, Nick Saban brought in Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner to battle with Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien departed to fill the same role for the Patriots, and former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will run the offense. Their defense, led by Dallas Turner and Kool-Aid McKinstry, will be the key to their season. Their schedule is no cakewalk, with Texas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Tennessee, and LSU on their schedule.

  1. LSU (10-4 last season) (PREV: 17)

Brian Kelly exceeded expectations in his first season, winning the Citrus Bowl while beating Alabama, earning a spot in the SEC Championship Game. However, they were also met with four disappointing losses, including two blowout losses to Georgia and Tennessee. I’m more excited about the Tigers this season, with Jayden Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. leading the offense and defense respectively. Their schedule includes Florida State (in Orlando), Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

  1. Florida State (10-3 last season) (PREV: 10)

Florida State finally found itself in the national conversation again after two years of losing records, winning the Cheez-It Bowl thanks to the help of head coach Mike Norvell and quarterback Jordan Travis. Add in Jared Verse, one of the best edge rushers in college football, and the Seminoles could win the ACC. This year, Florida State will face LSU, Clemson, Miami (FL), and Florida.

  1. USC (11-3 last season) (PREV: 12)

Caleb Williams is back as the favorite to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies, blowing away the college football world last season. However, Lincoln Riley needs his defense to step up this season if the Trojans want to be national championship contenders. After being a Pac-12 Championship away from the College Football Playoff, their defense let them down. It was also the reason why they choked the Cotton Bowl against Tulane. It’s a good thing that safety Calen Bullock is a preseason All-American this season. USC will face Colorado, Notre Dame, Utah, Washington, Oregon, and UCLA this season.

  1. Penn State (11-2 last season) (PREV: 7)

Penn State won the Rose Bowl to end the long career of starting quarterback Sean Clifford. However, a new era is beginning in Happy Valley, with Drew Allar becoming the starter. Nick Singleton was one of the best running backs in the Big Ten last year and should continue to be this year. Cornerback Kalen King is one of the best defensive players in the country this season, leading Manny Diaz’s defense. Their difficult schedule includes Illinois, Iowa, Ohio State, and Michigan.

  1. Washington (11-2 last season) (PREV: 9)

Outside of the generational talent Caleb Williams is, Michael Penix Jr. would be the best quarterback in the Pac-12. He had his best season last year, passing for over 4600 yards. He will have one of the best wide receivers to throw to in Rome Odunze. Bralen Trice is one of the best edge rushers in college football, leading one of the better defenses in the conference. The Huskies will face Oregon, USC, and Utah this season.

  1. Tennessee (11-2 last season) (PREV: 6)

With Hendon Hooker gone, the Volunteers hope that Joe Milton III’s performance in the Orange Bowl win will transfer over to another great season in Knoxville. Milton has arguably the strongest arm in college football. Tennessee fans hope that last season was not just a one-year wonder in the Josh Heupel era. With the Vols’ top two receivers gone, the offense will look very different this year. The Volunteers will face South Carolina, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia this year.

  1. Clemson (11-3 last season) (PREV: 13)

The Tigers look to find something on offense again, and Cade Klubnik seems to be the guy after DJ Uiagalelei looked underwhelming. Clemson won the ACC last season but will not be the favorites this season. The star will be running back Will Shipley, who has already made many big plays on the ground in his career. Their defense should be among some of the best in college football, led by linebackers Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter. Dabo Swinney will lead his team against Florida State, Notre Dame, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

  1. Texas (8-5 last season) (PREV: 24)

The Longhorns had their moments last season but could not get them to the level the program has been in the past. Quinn Ewers will start at quarterback this season, but the newcomer is Arch Manning who will see the field at some point this season. With running back Bijan Robinson headed to the NFL, the most trusty target for Ewers will be wide receiver Xavier Worthy. In their final season in the Big 12, they will face Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas State, TCU, and Texas Tech.

  1. Notre Dame (9-4 last season) (PREV: 16)

The Fighting Irish won the Gator Bowl in their first season without Brian Kelly, but the team will look new in Marcus Freeman’s second season as head coach. Tyler Buchner transferred to Alabama, so Notre Dame will be led by Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman, who threw for 76 touchdowns in the last two seasons combined. The Irish have NC State, Ohio State, USC, and Clemson on their schedule this season.

  1. Utah (10-4 last season) (PREV: 11)

The reigning Pac-12 champions will have quarterback Cam Rising back after missing the Rose Bowl last season. With defensive back Clark Phillips III gone, the defense will not look the same as last season. However, Ole Miss transfer Miles Battle should fill in his shoes. Oregon State, USC, Oregon, and Washington will be on the Utes’ schedule this year.

  1. Oregon (10-3 last season) (PREV: 15)

Bo Nix is back at quarterback, but with a new offensive line, the Ducks could be hit or miss this season. They won the Holiday Bowl in an exciting finish last season but had to replace a lot last season. Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus will lead Oregon on defense. Dan Lanning will lead his team against Texas Tech, Washington, Utah, USC, and Oregon State this year.

  1. Kansas State (10-4 last season) (PREV: 14)

The reigning Big 12 champions will have quite a task on hand this season after losing star running back Deuce Vaughn. Will Howard being back at quarterback makes the Wildcats one of the better offenses in the conference. To defend their title, the Wildcats will face Texas Tech, TCU, and Texas as a part of their schedule.

  1. North Carolina (9-5 last season) (PREV: N/A)

North Carolina had a strong season with a sour ending, losing their final four games. Quarterback Drake Maye is back as one of the best in the country, earning a spot on the AP Preseason All-American second team. Maye should help lead the Tar Heels to being one of the more prolific offenses in college football. On the defensive side, Cedric Gray is one of the best linebackers in the country. Mack Brown’s team will face South Carolina (in Charlotte), Clemson, and NC State.

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

The Horned Frogs had a magical season, becoming the first Big 12 team to appear in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Max Duggan, Quentin Johnston, Kendre Miller, and Steve Avila are all gone from TCU’s offense. However, they return eight starters on defense, including cornerback Josh Newton. They will look to contend in the Big 12 with a schedule featuring Colorado, Kansas State, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma.

  1. Oregon State (10-3 last season) (PREV: 19)

Oregon State won their first bowl game since 2013, winning the Las Vegas Bowl. Clemson transfer DJ Uiagalelei has been named the starting quarterback this season, with Ben Gulbranson taking the backseat to start the year. Nearly the entire offensive line is back as well. Running back Damien Martinez is set to be the best at his position in the Pac-12, while Kitan Oladapo will be one of the best defensive backs in the conference. The Beavers’ schedule features Utah, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon.

  1. Texas Tech (8-5 last season) (PREV: N/A)

In Joey McGuire’s first season, Texas Tech won the last four games, including the Texas Bowl. Beating Texas and Oklahoma in the same season also makes expectations high heading into the 2023 season. Quarterback Tyler Shough is back, but Tyree Wilson is not. Eight seniors are starting on defense, while eight starters return to Lubbock from last year. Oregon, Kansas State, TCU, and Texas headline a loaded schedule for the Red Raiders.

  1. Ole Miss (8-4 last season) (PREV: N/A)

The Rebels were ranked as high as No. 7 last season in Jaxson Dart’s first season as starting quarterback. He is back this year with Quinshon Jenkins, one of the best running backs in the country. Add a solid offensive line, and you have one of the best offenses in the SEC. However, the Rebels only return five starters on defense, and the defense struggled in a division containing Alabama and LSU. Along with the two favorites to win the division, Ole Miss faces Tulane, Texas A&M, and Georgia.

  1. Tulane (12-2 last season) (PREV: 8)

Tulane being the best Group of Five team, in addition to, winning the Cotton Bowl over USC, surprised the college football world last season. They lost running back Tyjae Spears to the NFL Draft in April, but starting quarterback Michael Pratt is back. The Green Wave will be contenders again in the American Athletic Conference, with head coach Willie Fritz staying in New Orleans over Georgia Tech. Tulane will face Ole Miss and UTSA this season in a new era for the AAC.

  1. Wisconsin (7-6 last season) (PREV: N/A)

Braelon Allen is one of the best running backs in college football, and that is not the most exciting news in Madison this season. The Badgers hired former Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell after he led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff. The defense is usually strong, but the offense cannot rely solely on Allen this season. It has to be better than that. Wisconsin will face Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio State this year.

  1. South Carolina (8-5 last season) (PREV: 23)

The Gamecocks experienced heartbreak in the Sunshine State last year as Notre Dame beat them in the Gator Bowl. Spencer Rattler is back at quarterback and has Antwane Wells, one of the best wide receivers in the SEC, to throw to this season. Shane Beamer’s team will lean more on offense this season, but defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway and defensive back Marcellas Dial will lead the way on defense. This season’s schedule will be difficult, with North Carolina (in Charlotte), Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Clemson.

  1. Oklahoma (6-7 last season) (PREV: N/A)

Oklahoma saw its first losing season since 1998 last season, losing the Cheez-It Bowl to Florida State in Brett Venables’s first year as head coach. Dillon Gabriel is back at quarterback, while Ethan Downs should be one of the best line backers in the Big 12. In their final year in the conference, the Sooners will face Texas and TCU as a part of their schedule.

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