Saturday, August 13, 2022

The Color & Pageantry 2022 Preseason Top 25





Traditionalists that we are, while we have a tear in our eye when thinking about the current ever changing status of the game we hold so dear, college football, we are also extremely excited as within a few short weeks we will place toe to leather and begin another wild season of NCAA College Football.

With the NIL now playing a significant role, the transfer portal has made college football somewhat reminiscent of the wild, wild west; without a sheriff. The NCAA does not have anyone with any kind of authority ready to police the situation, and a statesman in this regard is desperately needed.

While the move Oklahoma and Texas made to the SEC last year, unfortunate in our mind, seemed to be a prelude to a bunch of movement, everything in the eye of the public sat still until another late summer bombshell occurred a few weeks back with USC and UCLA announcing their move to the B1G. This leaves the PAC 12 in a staggered state, and leaves one quickly out with their number two pencil wondering where the next move will be. It would appear some sort of a decision by Notre Dame is next on deck, and should they move, that can be the lynchpin for the breakup of the ACC.

We could certainly see the likes of Clemson, Florida State and Miami, owners of a number of college football titles over the last few decades, making a move, and that seems quite logical considering the gridiron. But what about the college basketball fortunes of blue blood programs in North Carolina and Duke? Where might they find footing?  We will soon find out.

Back to the upcoming college football season. Folks, the run Alabama has been on is historical, something we all should sit back and appreciate. In a rebuilding season, the Crimson Tide played for the National Title, almost winning it. They did beat National Champion Georgia in the SEC Championship.  In a rebuilding year.

The Crimson Tide is our pick to win the National Championship in 2022. The Tide houses the best coach in the game, and arguably the best players on both sides of the ball with the returning Heisman Trophy winner in quarterback Bryce Young and defensive stalwart Will Anderson, who from his linebacker position in our mind is the best defensive player we have seen since Ndamukong Suh.

Some of the same old characters are chasing Alabama, most notably Ohio State, Georgia and Clemson.  We really like Utah as the primary challenger to the Final Four. Is there a dark horse challenger our there? NC State is a veteran team with a talented signal caller and a favorable schedule, and you wonder what kind of damage USC can do with Lincoln Riley and a slew of high talent transfers.

We can’t wait to kick it off and with that. The Color & Pageantry proudly presents our Pre-season Top 25 and All America team.  


THE COLOR & PAGEANTRY PRESEASON TOP 25 



1.  ALABAMA

We really need to take a moment and appreciate the historic run Alabama has been on over the last decade or so. Few teams post WWII have had similar runs, so cheers to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Expect this dominance to continue in 2022. Last year, Bama was young on offense and lost to Texas A&M before squeaking by Auburn before upsetting Georgia in the SEC Championship game.  But the Dawgs bit back in the CFP Championship Game to win the title.  But Alabama is our preseason #1 team here in 2022 behind a veteran team full of 5* players, including what we consider among the best players in the nation on both sides of the ball in quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson. Alabama grew on offense down the stretch behind Bryce Young, who emerged to win the Heisman Trophy. Young is poised to continue to elevate his game, and he will have plenty of weapons to utilize. Enter Jahmyr Gibbs, an electric and versatile running back who we expect fireworks from as he transfers in from Georgia Tech.  Trey Sanders also returns, and Alabama has a slew of talented backs. At wide out, Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton is a national honors candidate, but the experienced depth is thin.  Louisville transfer Tyler Harrell, JoJo Earle and Ja’Corey Brooks will be emerging key contributors.  TE Cameron Latu, the leading returning reiver with 26 catches, is among the conference's best. All America candidate Emil Ekiyor anchors an offensive line that is a work in progress. Tyler Steen transfers in from Vanderbilt, while JC Latham, Javion Cohen and Darrien Dalcourt will be key contributors. Defensively, Alabama will be extremely challenging for opposing offensive coordinators. LB Will Anderson (17s) is as good a player on the stop side as we have seen in a decade of so.  Don’t count him out for the Heisman. Henry To’oto’o is an All America candidate as well at linebacker, and rising sophomore Dallas Turner (8.5s) could be the next superstar on the Crimson Tide defense. DE’s Byron Young and Justin Ebiogbe and nose man DJ Dale form a stout line.  The secondary is stacked, with a pair of All America players in transfer cornerback (LSU) Eli Ricks and standout safety Jordan Battle.  Kool-Aid Mckinstry is got one corner spot. Brian Branch is also back, as is STAR Malachi Moore, who is returning from injury.  Both K Will Reichard, who is outstanding, and punter James Burnip, return and Alabama always has a dangerous return game.  The schedule is not easy –it never is. But Alabama thrives on the competition. The Tide is at Texas week two, so that will be intriguing. October begins with four straight tests. First comes a challenging contest at Arkansas, who is much better than most think. In a much anticipated contest, top ten Texas A&M comes to Tuscaloosa. Bama then is in Knoxville versus up and coming Tennessee on the third Saturday in October before closing this stretch with a home game versus a veteran Mississippi State team. After a week off, a pair of road tilts at LSU and Ole Miss close a daunting stretch only Alabama could survive. That stretch is in advance of a tune with Austin Peay before hosting Auburn. Although that is a rough slate, we think Bama makes it and lands in the SEC Championship Game undefeated against Georgia, once again.  The Crimson Tide is our pick as the 2022 National Champions. 





2.  OHIO STATE

It was not the strongest season by Ohio State Buckeye standards in 2021, but there were plenty of positives that appear likely to set the groundwork for a potential championship run in 2022.  Quarterback CJ Stroud had some issues out of the gate in ’21 but finished strong ending the season as a Heisman finalist. Stroud, who threw for over 4400 yards while completing over 70% of his throws, connecting on 44 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions. Stroud could elevate his game, given the talent on hand; therefore, consider him a Heisman candidate once again.  At running back is the talented Treveyon Henderson, who ran for over 1200 yards as a freshman a year ago and enters 2022 as a national honors finalist.  Ohio State has perhaps the nation's top group of receivers, which is led by consensus preseason All America player Jaxson Smith-Njigba who led the Buckeyes in receiving in 2021 and had a career day in the Rose Bowl. Marvin Harrison is another honors candidate at the position for the Buckeyes, and Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming are quality players in the fold. The offensive line is outstanding, led by tackle Paris Johnson. Luke Wypler, Donovan Johnson and Dawand Jones are returning players with experience.  Expect this offense to score plenty.  Defensively, the group has chance to be strong as none of the top ten tacklers in 2021 return. Additionally, Jim Knowles comes over from Oklahoma State to take over the defense.  Zach Harrison, an All America candidate, leads the unit up front from his defensive end position. LB Tommy Eichenberg was second in stops in ’21 and is expected to challenge for conference honors. Steel Chambers at linebacker and Oklahoma State transfer Tanner McAlister at nickel support. The secondary is quite strong. Top ’21 tackler Ronnie Hickman is back at safety, joined by standout corner Denzel Burke. CB Cameron Brown excites the coaches with S Josh Proctor starting at the other safety spot.  With the offense potent, improvement from this unit be needed for the Buckeyes to win it all. Both specialists return with Emeka Egbuka handling the return game. The Buckeyes open at the Horseshoe hosting Notre Dame who is good but has a new coaching staff. Wisconsin comes to Columbus, so the first real road test will come at Michigan State in game six.  Iowa comes in after the bye and then Ohio State visits Happy Valley, a somewhat unfriendly spot for them in the past. A home game with Indiana is sandwiched with road games at Northwestern and Maryland before Ohio State hosts Michigan.  If Ohio State gets by Notre Dame, and we think they do, the Buckeyes should be undefeated hosting Michigan, who will be good once again.  With the offensive output expected, along with an improved defensive unit, we expect Ohio State to run the table, beating the west entrant in the B1G title game and securing a spot in the playoff.




3.   GEORGIA

The Bulldogs solved some early offensive issues at quarterback and receiver early on riding a nasty defensive unit to avenge a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game and win first National Championship since 1980. It was a great year Dawg Nation!  Much of that defensive unit is now in the National Football League, but the Dawgs will still bite! There are only three starters returning on the stop side, but included in that group are stars on each level of the unit; DT Jalen Carter, LB Nolan Smith and S Kelee Ringo-- all potential honors candidate defenders. Carter is the man inside, but watch the development of DE Mykel Williams and DT Nazir Stackhouse.  Jamon Dumas-Jackson is set to emerge at linebacker, where Robert Beal (23t) also returns. Corner Kelee Ringo emerged last year as one of the nation’s top corners, with the perfect combination of frame, speed and instincts. SS Christopher Smith, an outstanding player, returns with FS Dann Jackson (40t) and I look for West Virginia transfer Tyreke Smith, who redshirted last fall after injury, to be a force. The overall experience is lacking, but this talented group may end up being down right stingy.  Offensively, there is quite a bit to like.  Stetson Bennett, who continues to play very well, returns at signal caller. He completed almost 65% of his throws with 29 TD's versus only 7 INT’s against stellar competition as he demonstrated in last season’s CFP Final. Kenny McIntosh and Kendal Milton will fight it out at running back. Ladd McConkey is the top returning wide receiver in terms of catches, but there is talent around. Dominick Blaylock has great potential, returning from injury. Adonai Mitchell should shine.  TE Arik Gilbert, sometimes thought of really a wide receiver, is a mismatch for defenders and could really be a strong weapon. But more importantly, TE Brock Bowers, our first team All America Tight End, returns. Bowers had 13 scores in ’21, giving opposing defensive coordinators fits. G Warren Ericson, an honors candidate, leads a decent offensive line. Among the remaining projected starters, Broderick Jones, Sedrick Van Pran and Warren McClendon, are expected to ascend in performance. Georgia will look for a new punter, but returns K Jack Podlesny. WR Kearis Jackson excels in the return game. Georgia is finished opening with a border war with Clemson for now, but travels to Atlanta to face Oregon, now coached by former Georgia assistant Dan Lanning. The Ducks do not appear to have he sort of team to come across the fruited plain to take out the Dawgs in their back yard, so Georgia starts 1-0. A trip to an improving South Carolina has been a stumbling block in previous years, but we think the Dawgs handle that, sone easy home wins, a trip to Missouri and a home game with Auburn to start 7-0.  After a bye, they have cocktails in Jacksonville in handling the Gators, but then face a dangerous trio of games at home versus Tennessee and roadies at Mississippi State and Kentucky. Then Georgia closes at home versus Georgia Tech, who is struggling hard by this point.  Favored in every game, Georgia marches to the SEC Championship game undefeated to see about reaching the College Football Playoff!





4. UTAH

For 2022, Utah is a veteran team with fourteen returning starters that is a dark horse candidate to make the college football playoff. They served you notice by pummeling Oregon, twice, to close the regular season before losing a sizable lead, with quarterback knocked out of the game, in losing close to powerful Ohio State in The Rose Bowl. Utah has an honors candidate at quarterback in Cameron Rising, who took over after the Utes stumbled out of the gate last year at 1-2, before going 9-1 to close the season. Rising completed almost 64% of his throws, with 20 TD’s and 5 INT’s.  He can run as well.  Tavion Thomas, who led Utah in rushing last year with over 1100 yards, is back at running back, and he is All PAC 12. Watch Micah Bernard out of the backfield! Utah loses versatile WR-KR Britain Covey, but does return four of the top five pass catchers from a year ago, led by All PAC 12 TE Brant Kuithe. Devaughn Vee and Solomon Enis both has over 20 receptions from the wide receiver position, as did second TE Dalton Kincaid.  Utah is always strong in the trenches, and the offensive line is led this year by OT Braeden Daniels and G Sataoa Laumea. With Rising, Utah should score 30+ points per game. Defensively, the Utes lost the phenomenal linebacker Devin Lloyd, but although only four to the top ten tacklers from last year return, they are still stout. Junior Tafuna, who stared as a freshman in ’21, anchors the defensive line. DE Van Fillinger returns, while DT Devin Kafusi transfers over from BYU and DE Gabe Reid comes over from Stanford. Mohamoud Diabate, who transfers in after starring at Florida, assumes a linebacker spot.  Karene Reid has a spot in the lineup. CB Clark Phillips is a good one, and safety Cole Bishop is an honors candidate. CB JaTravis Broughton is returning from injury. The unit has quite a few settling pieces, but the talent is there. The loss of Covey in the return game hurts, so Utah has some work to do with regard to the specialists. Utah starts the season at Florida, so they better have the chin strap fastened. The Swamp will be hot, and physical conditioning will be critical.  This is a good time to catch Florida in transition, so we think Utah escapes with a win. Utah should be 4-0 before hosting a dangerous Oregon State ahead of a road trip to UCLA before coming back home to face the wildcard that we find in USC. The South should be decided there. From there, Utah is favored along the way with a home game with Stanford and a road tilt at Oregon.  We doubt if Utah remains healthy that they are an underdog anywhere along the schedule. Historically, they will stumble somewhere but they well could be a playoff team, so be advised.




5.  MICHIGAN

With almost everyone but the most faithful Michigan Man having given up on the Wolverines knocking off mighty Ohio State and winning the Big Ten Conference, all the pieces of the puzzle came together for a special season and Michigan smashed Ohio State going away, then thumped Iowa to win the B1G and secure a College Football Playoff spot. Even though the Wolverines were dominated in the semifinal by eventual National Champion Georgia, Michigan made the leap and the faithful were thrilled! Of course, Harbaugh flirted with the NFL, but in the end he remains in Ann Arbor, although both coordinators do not. Offensively, Michigan won’t miss a beat! Two outstanding quarterbacks give Michigan plenty of offensive opportunities.  Cade McNamara is the projected starter, and he is coming off a stellar campaign with 2500+ yards and 15 touchdowns. Five star JJ McCarthy, who as we have already seen has big plays with arsenal. Michigan is quite comfortable with either or both. Blake Corum ran for just under 1000 yards a year ago and returns ready to rock, but most can’t keep their eye off super sophomore Donavan Edwards.  The receiving core is really explosive. First, After leading the Wolverines in receiving for two seasons, WR Ronnie Bell was lost for 2021 in the opening game. He is back healthy and ready to make some noise. 2021 leading receiver Cornelius Johnson is also back, as is Andrel Anthony and Roman Wilson. A collection of standout newcomers, Darrius Clemons, Amorion Walker and Tyler Morris shined in spring work. TE Erik All returns at tight end. The offensive line is stellar! Ryan Hayes is a national honors candidate, and guards Trevor Keegen and Zach Zinter shoot for conference honors. It gets better, as in from the transfer portal from Virginia is Olusegun Oluwatimi, a Rimington finalist at center. Best wished stopping this group! It is on the defensive side where the deficiencies are, which is expectable after losing Heisman finalist edge rusher Adrian Hutchison and standouts in DE David Ojabo and DB Daxton Hill. Up front, we like the starters.  NT Mazi Smith is highly regarded, and Kris Jenkins and Mike Morris have big potential. Junior Colson, and All B1G player, anchors the linebacking core. Will backer Nikhai Hill-Green is ready to shine. Corner DJ Turner is the top returnee in the secondary, which is seemingly the weak spot of the unit. Germon Green is back and RJ Moten is ready, but the inexperience has led Michigan to move WR Mike Sainristill over to help.  Michigan has perhaps the top pair of specialists in the nation in K Jake Moody, and All America player, and P Brad Robbins. Michigan has quite a favorable schedule.  There appear to be seven somewhat easy wins.  Make it eight, as we think they revenge a loss last year to Sparty, who comes to Ann Arbor.  An early road tilt at Iowa in week five looms large. Penn State and Nebraska come to the Big House, and Michigan will be favored by over a touchdown over both.  Then there is the road finale at The Buckeyes. 11-1 looks like the best bet, but will Michigan revert back to the old ways? We will call it 10-2 for Harbaugh and the Wolverines.




6. TEXAS A&M

The powers that be in College Station hired Jimbo Fisher away from Florida State to bring Texas A&M to the level of Alabama and compete for National Championships.  The Aggies beat a visiting Crimson Tide last season, but somehow only finished the season 8-4 losing their final game at LSU.   That is not why Fisher was paid 75 million dollars in a record hire, so folks are getting fidgety with Fisher 34-14 in his four year tenure.  You bet, Jimbo Fisher is a quarterback guru and a well respected offensive mind, but when we think of this group from Aggieland, we are compelled to reflect back to the old days of the Wrecking Crew! This group is just that salty, with former Maryland coach DJ Durkin the coordinator! The secondary leads the unit, and we can start with safety Antonio Johnson, an All America candidate and the teams leading returning tackler, when discussing the group. Strong safety Demani Richardson returns as the teams second returning tackler from ’21. Speaking of returning, CB Myron Jones returns after missing ’21 and he could be an All SEC player. Jaylon Jones also returns at corner, along with Tyreek Chappell.  Firing aerials against this group will be a challenge. DT McKinley Jackson is primed to star leading the line, but experience is thin as most of those who rushed the passer gone. Tenmise Adeleye has potential, and the coaches surely like the potential of 5* Shemar Turner. The Aggies have great potential at the linebacker position. Edgerrin Cooper, a freshman All SEC player in ’21 is ready to go, as is Andre White. This pair was third and fourth among the teams retuning tacklers. A&M needs a quarterback, and transferring in from LSU is Max Johnson, who has FSU ties with Fisher through his dad, Brad Johnson. Johnson could excel under Fisher’s tutelage. RB Devin Achane shined as a freshman and looks ready to challenge for honors. Ainias Smith is a potential All America player at wide receiver. Joining him in the receiving core are highly regarded Evan Stewart.  Jalen Preston and Chase Lane are back, and watch FR Chris Marshall. The line is strong, with returning starters OG Layden Robinson and C Bryce Foster leading the way, both honors candidates to be sure. OT Rueben Fatheree is decent as well. While the defense is the calling card, factoring in the anticipated quarterback play, we think the offense will be quite productive. A&M needs a new placekicker, but is stout at punter with Nik Constantinou. Without question, WR Ainias Smith is among the nation’s best in the return game. With this strong team, can the Aggies reach the pinnacle? A&M get Sam Houston State and a dangerous Appalachian State to get the kinks out before hosting what is expected to be a very improved Miami team. A nemesis in Arkansas awaits in Arlington, and the Hogs are tough. But this stretch gets no easier, as A&M hits the road to face a very capable Mississippi State team. That is followed by a road game at mighty Alabama in a revenge game for the Tide.  Then, A&M hits the road against an improving South Carolina squad. Well, we gotta believe A&M has at least one loss at this point. After a bye, Ole Miss visits, and then Florida is at Aggieland, that both could be trouble. A roadie at Auburn and home finale versus LSU complete the slate.  Folks, we think A&M is quite good, but this slate portends one if not two losses.





7.   NORTH CAROLINA STATE

Just a few seasons ago, it appeared North Carolina State was treading water under head coach Dave Doren, with some speculating about his future with the school.  We wondered if internally measurable progress was being made, as we really did not see it materializing on the gridiron.  However, coming out of Covid we have seen strong signs of the Wolfpack resurgence, culminating with a win over Clemson last year.  NC State, with a favorable schedule and a veteran team returning, it is no stretch to strongly consider the Wolfpack as THE favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference.  After all, after a near miss due to a missed field goal at Clemson in 2020, the Wolfpack beat the Tiger last year. The time is now! Talented and versatile dual threat QB Devin Leary returns to direct the offense, and he will challenge for conference if not national honors. Leary threw for over 3400 yards and 35 TD’s in 21. Keeping Leary healthy is important, but although the Wolfpack lost their best offensive lineman in first round pick Ikem Ekwonu, three starters return led by center Grant Gibson.  The Pack will be strong here, certainly if the tackles emerge. Another big loss was Emeka Emezie at wide receiver, but the is top talent on the perimeter, led by senior Thayer Thomas, who hauled in 51C and 8 scores a year ago. Starter Devin Carter (31c) and senior Porter Rooks (23c) are also back, so there is plenty of targets available offensively. Now NC State does need a new starting running back, but although experience is thin, we like the group, led by Jordan Houston. We are interested to see if 4* recruit Michael Allen can make some noise; we think we hear him now! The Wolfpack defense appears salty, the kind of unit that could be the difference for NC State. The unit is led by an outstanding pair of national honors candidates at linebacker; Peyton Wilson on the inside and Drake Thomas on the outside.  All ACC is just the beginning for these two! Florida State transfer Cory Durden is a cat quick monster on the inside, flanked by DE Savion Jackson up front, both returning starters. The secondary returns quite a bit of experience, including all starters, and could be very strong. Tanner Ingle brings the wood from his safety spot while Derrick Pitts and Shyheim Battle are very solid corners. Christopher Dunn is an outstanding place kicker but a new punter will be in action. The return game offers extensive opportunity.  Now, the schedule is favorable, particularly out of conference save perhaps the opener at pesky East Carolina. The season is on the line next with the Pack on the road at Death Valley. The Pack did beat the Tigers in Raleigh last fall.  They can win at Clemson. Then, they are home to an improved Florida State, but NC State plays well against FSU, and it seems too tall an order for the Seminoles anyhow.  From there, the Pack are perhaps favored the rest of the way with the toughest games at home vs. Va. Tech and Wake and on the road at North Carolina to close. We find it against the odds for them to run the table, and it seems they are a good candidate to stub their toe somewhere. But look out! 10-2.




8. CLEMSON

Expected to be a playoff team, as usual, the performance of the Clemson Tigers last year was quite intriguing, and potentially eye opening seemingly leaving the Tigers at a crossroads.  To be fair, injuries really hampered Clemson last year, but the issues really centered around an offense lack potency.  DJ Uiagalelei could not work off his excellent freshman season and turned in a performance which raised real questions. Although they did smash a decent South Carolina squad to close out the regular season, Clemson had trouble all year moving the ball much of the season, barely winning several games they pulled put due in large measure to their stingy defensive unit. So, will Clemson get it back together and reclaim their ACC dominance or were those issues forecasting the future.  I am not sure if anyone is quite sure.  It seems the defense will once again be salty, with potential All America players in DE Myles Murphy, DT Bryan Breese and OLB Trenton Simpson. The Tigers bite up front housing perhaps the nations best defensive front, with DT Tyler Davis and DE Xavier Thomas and DE KJ Henry joining Murphy and Breese, who is coming off a season ending injury. ILB James Skalski will be missed, but there is some talent to help at linebacker in Barrett Carter, Jeremiah Trotter Jr and Keith Maguire. The secondary suffered losses but does return safety Andrew Mukuba. CB’s Sheridan Jones and rising Nate Wiggins and S Jalyn Phillips are ready, but watch for 5* CB Jaedyn Lukus to get involved. The unit looks strong, but an important wildcard is the loss of longtime defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who is the new head coach at Oklahoma.  Venables was considered the best in the business, so he won’t be easily replaced, so a dominating unit may not be given. Additionally, offensive coordinator Tony Elliott is the new head coach at Virginia, and there is much work to do offensively. Uiagalelei is going to have to elevate his game, mentally included, to retain his spot. He is capable, but should questions arise, a large portion of the Tiger faithful will be calling for 5* freshman Cade Klubnik, impressive in the spring with folks touting his accuracy. Is that noteworthy? Will Shipley is an honors candidate at running back, always a threat when getting his hands on the ball. WR Joseph Ngata is another honors candidate, but there are questions here.  Beaux Collins and EJ Williams will play, but watch 5* freshman Antonio Williams who may find playing time in the slot. Tight ends Davis Allen and Jake Briningstool might be the quarterbacks best friend, so keep an eye out. Up front, the Tigers are strong, with potential All America tackle Jordan McFadden and honors candidate Will Putnam anchoring the line. BJ Potter is back as the Tiger specialist and he is big time. So, while the defense appears solid, the offense needs to step it up big time if Clemson has playoff hopes, and with new coordinators on both sides of the ball, there seems little wiggle room for Dabo Swinney.  Clemson opens on the road against Georgia Tech, and they will be expected to roll; questions will arise if they don’t. So the Tigers should be 3-0 before a pair of games which will answer our questions; a road tilt at Wake Forest and a home contest against a veteran NC State team planning on a big season. Clemson has roadies at Notre Dame and Florida State before closing at home with Louisville, Miami and South Carolina, all dangerous. Clemson could win them all, and make the doubters look foolish, but they do not have the overall talent and consistency, particularly on offense not to mention a pair of new coordinators, to get it done.  We will go with 9-3 for Clemson.




9.  NOTRE DAME

After over a decade with the Fighting Irish, Brian Kelly inexplicably left for the perception of greener -we man that literally- at Louisiana State. Odd in our view to say the least, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Formerly DC at Cincinnati and then at Notre Dame, former Buckeye player Marcus Freeman was chose to take the helm at this historic place.  This is Freeman’s first head coaching gig, but his hiring was well received across the nation.  We also like the choice. Freeman wasted no time in assembling a decent staff, and he is blistering a path of success on the recruiting trail. Now comes the main thing; winning ball games.  Although Notre Dame brings back fifteen starters, the Irish will need a signal caller for the third consecutive year. Tyler Buchner is going to be the guy, and has some limited experience. Buchner is considered a dual threat, possessing running ability having run for over 300 yards last year. Drew Pyne will be there if anything goes wrong. Logan Diggs is there, but we look for Chris Tyree to win the running back spot.  The Irish expect the receiving core to be productive, but the experience is limited with no wideout coming back having over 35 catches last year.  Braden Lenzy is the top threat.  While that group emerges, the Irish can rely on TE Michael Mayer, who has wideout characteristics and is a real weapon, to show the way. Mayer is All America in most minds, and he is certainly as advertised having hauled in 71 receptions for 7 scores in 2021.  Jarrett Patterson is our All America pick at center, anchoring a line that should be pretty good. Three other starters return, most notably tackles Blake Fisher and Joe Alt. G Andrew Kristofic is a quality player as well.  So consider the line a strength for Notre Dame. Quarterback play, with the help of the receivers, will be key to the overall production of the unit. Defensively, and this is Freeman’s forte, the Irish will be strong. Up front, DE Isaiah Foskey is outstanding, coupling with DT Jayson Ademilola to form a strong front. Last year’s leading tackler JD Bertrand returns at linebacker to give the Irish leadership. Bo Bauer in the middle has experience as well. The secondary is very strong.  At safety, Northwestern transfer Brandon Joseph enters as perhaps Notre Dame’s best defensive player. He is an NFL player all day.  CB Clarence Lewis quite good, and Cam Hart has great potential at corner. Jack Kiser returns at ROV, and Houston Griffith is solid as a rock at strong safety.  Notre Dame will be stout on the stop side. Notre Dame is revamping their kicking game this season, but Chris Tyree is quite capable returning kicks. The schedule as always is tough. The Irish open at The Horseshow at Ohio State, and with this being the first game out for the new coaching staff getting a win here against the powerful Buckeyes seems too tall an order.  Then, Notre Dame hosts Marshall and Cal; both are solid teams but not in the class of the Irish.  Notre Dame then travels to North Carolina, and while the Tar Heels are not what they were a couple years ago, are still a bowl team. After a bye week, Notre Dame plays BYU in Las Vegas. The Cougars are a very solid team, strong in the trenches and not a team to take lightly by any means.  Home games with Stanford and UNLV precedes a road game at Syracuse, but Notre Dame wins all three. At worst, we think the Irish are 6-2 here. Games with Navy in Baltimore and home against Boston College are flanked by a home game against powerful Clemson and a road game at the Coliseum at Los Angeles against Southern Cal, which could well be a really interesting game.  It would seem Notre Dame finishes 10-2, splitting the tough games against Ohio State, BYU, Clemson and Southern Cal.






10. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Although it seemed on occasion that Clay Helton might get things going at Southern Cal, a veteran team slumped out of the gate last fall and Helton was shown the door early in the campaign. After the season, USC dropped a bombshell and hired Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma, where he has had tremendous success. Then, with the NIL raging, several Sooner players, including highly touted quarterback Caleb William, followed Riley out to Los Angeles.  So, with all these transfer players combined with a high level of talent on hand, it would seem the Trojans are primed to make some serious noise in the PAC 12. Williams is uber talented and experienced in running the offense Riley will employ, so we can expect the Trojans to be proficient offensively. Veteran running back Travis Dye transfers in from Oregon and he will have a very good line returning four starters to run behind. C Brett Neilon and G Andrew Vorhees are honors candidates. Joining Williams in coming over from OU is standout wideout Mario Williams, who had 35 catches in ’21. But the real addition comes in consensus All America and Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison, who transfers in from Pittsburgh.  Good heavens! If healthy, the Trojans could really be lethal on offense.  Defensively, things are not as well put together, but although only three starters return, there is a basis to work from. Tui Tuipulotu was a first team all conference player last year, and he is a terror in the middle up front. DE’s Nick Figueroa and Romello Height, an Auburn transfer and Stanley Ta’ufo’ou support. Shane Lee transfers in from Alabama and should find a starting role along with returning Ralen Goforth at linebacker. Joining them will be former freshman All America player Eric Gentry, who transfers in from Arizona State with sky high talent. Corner Mehli Blackmon transfers over from Colorado to lead the secondary. Calen Bullock is a rising talent at safety, and OU transfer Latrell McCutcheon should figure prominently. It is noted that new DR Alex Grinch is considered a strong defensive mind. USC will revamp the specialists and return game, by Riley has been very successful in this area in the past. If USC has trouble with the new systems and game plans early, there are some dangerous early games, most notably at Stanford and Oregon State and a home match with Fresno State. In mid-October, USC goes to Utah, and that will be huge. The Trojans close at Westwood versus UCLA and then hosting Notre Dame. If they remain healthy, it is hard to imagine USC finishing worse that 8-4.  However, it looks like USC will be underdogs only at Utah, so 10-2 would seems reasonable as Lincoln Riley gets going.  The Trojans will be fun to watch for sure! 







11.  BAYLOR

For those inclined to short futures on the projected win totals for the Baylor Bears in 2022, you may want to rethink that strategy. The Bears are a veteran team in the right places; the lines of scrimmage, which under Dave Aranda has exhibited a high level of physicality. This gives the Bears a big advantage.  The Bears possess the strongest offensive line in the conference, led by an All America candidate in tackle Conner Galvin, along with C Jacob Gall, who is an all conference player. There is plenty of experience up front for the Bears, including Grant Miller, which will hopefully allow the offense to grow quickly.  TE Ben Sims, beyond challenging for national honors, will benefit a young quarterback. Blake Shapen has had some dazzling moments, but although he does not have many starts under his belt, we think he will be fine. Taye McWilliams seems set a running back for Baylor. The receiving core is a work in progress, with limited proven experience returning.  Perhaps 4* Armani Winfield will play quick. Defensively, talent at all levels return.  The strength of the unit is up front, with all starters returning, led by DT Gabe Hall and NT Siaki Ika, both honors candidates. Dillon Doyle leads the linebacking core, which houses Matt Jones and LSU transfer Josh White. The secondary lost some outstanding players, but CB Al Wolcott and FS Christian Morgan return and we really like the look of this group. Baylor is sound in the specialist department, with both specialists returning. The schedule is tough. After a tune-up in the opener, Baylor travels to face BYU, which is always tough. After trip to Iowa State, the Bears host Oklahoma State, who they beat in the Big XII Championship game a year ago. Additional Big XII contenders Oklahoma and Texas are both on the road.  Baylor is very well coached and strong where it counts, on the lines of scrimmage which maximizes their style of play. However, although they lack proven skill talent and face a challenging slate, we think the Bears are the favorite in the Big XII.





12. OKLAHOMA

Wow! The changes at Oklahoma re substantial, all ignited when Lincoln Riley bolted for Southern Cal. Several key players on the Sooners hit the transfer portal with a good handful, most notably quarterback Caleb Williams, following Riley to the Trojans. So the Sooners welcomed highly regarded Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, a former OU assistant, to Norman. This is Venables first stint as a head coach, but hey, it worked for Bob Stoops. Sooner fans like Venables, so he will start his tenure with plenty of goodwill. Venables brought in Jeff Lebby as offensive coordinator, and this looks like a good move. The transfer portal depleted the team, but the quarterback position gained a significant transfer in former UCF signal caller Dillon Gabriel, who Lebby is familiar with from his days with the Knights.  Gabriel threw touchdowns all over the place at UCF, and he could be a breakout star across the nation if things go right.  Top WR Marvin Mims, who was third in catches but made some big plays, returns to be Gabriel’s primary target. Theo Wease returns from injury and Drake Stoops is also back. TE Brayden Willis, a potential All Big XII player, is also back. Former Tennessee star Eric Gray is back at running back primed for a big year, back in all probability by freshman Javontae Barnes. The Sooners are led up front by tackle Anton Harrison and Chris Murray and welcome in USC transfer McKade Mettauer, who will start at guard. Tackle Wanya Morris is a potential star.  OU has holes on defense, but Venables is perhaps the most highly regarded defensive mind in the game, so expect the unit to improve quickly. We like DE Reggie Grimes and DT Jalen Redmond; both seem poised for a strong season. LB DeShaun White is All Big XII at a minimum, the Sooners best defensive player. The secondary give Venables a good group to work with. Woodi Washington and DJ Graham give the Sooners a solid pair of bookend corners. At the safety spots, Key Lawrence continues to emerge and Trey Morrison transfers in from North Carolina, where he was a multi-year starter.  P Michael Turk is an All America candidate, but OU will have a new placekicker. Oklahoma will need to get settled early.  In week three, the Sooners go to Lincoln to face Nebraska, who is better than most think. That is followed by a home game against dangerous Kansas State. OU then goes to TCU before the Red River Rivalry against Texas. Seems certain there is at least one loss in there.  A trip to Iowa State is followed by a home game against Baylor but the Sooners do have Oklahoma State in Norman. Can OU come into the Texas State Fair 5-0? If so, the could finish 11-1. But we think there will be too many transitional pains along the way, so we will call it 9-3.




13. MIAMI

Former Hurricane offensive lineman Mario Cristobal, who after his playing days has had a fine career in coaching, left a high profile spot at Oregon to come home and help resurrect the Hurricane program, which has never won the ACC since entering with only one trip (a blowout) to the ACC championship game.  Cristobal has always been a fabulous recruiter and is stellar as a position coach, but he was brought to Miami to win championships. One position he does not have to recruit to pay off in 2022 is at quarterback, as sophomore signal caller Tyler Van Dyke returns to guide the Canes.  Van Dyke (6’4” 224) showed flashes of brilliance last fall, closing the year with 25 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions. Van Dyke is expected to elevate his game, and he should certainly be a top player in the ACC. Cristobal is a decorated former offensive lineman and Miami brings back plenty of experience up front with Zion Wilson and DJ Scaife leading the way.  Jaylon Knighton led the Canes in rushing a year ago and returns at running back: Miami has talent there. The Canes lost some receiving production, but welcome back Key’Shawn Smith and Xavier Restrepo, who made plays, and gain via the transfer portal Frank Ladson, Jr from Clemson.  This gives Van Dyke plenty of weapons, including TE Will Mallory (30c)  if the Canes can develop a consistent passing attack. The Canes have holes defensively, but there is plenty of young talent on hand. CB cover corner Tyrique Stevenson, who transferred in from Georgia last year, played very well for the Canes and leads the team defensively in 2022. The secondary is strong with James Williams a top ACC safety. Waynmon Steed, Jr and Corey Flagg return in the linebacking core, but the unit can use some detailed attention from outstanding new DC Kevin Steele. The Canes are green up front, but could get some help from a pair of portal players in Antonio Moultrie (UAB) and Frank Lichtenstein, who made plays for Southern Cal in 2021. Freshman TE Jaleel Skinner has great potential, and the Canes are hoping RB Trevonte Citizen can add immediate help. Miami is very good in the kicking game, and that could get them a close game somewhere on the schedule. The Canes will get two early home wins but then travel to Aggieland to face a probable top five team in Texas A&M. Pencil the Canes in at 4-1 as they welcome North Carolina, a team they always play close. A trip to Blacksburg against Va. Tech and a roadie at Virginia sandwich a contest with Duke. The Canes could well be 7-1 before Florida State comes to South Florida. Although the Seminoles are improved, given FSU beat Miami last year, look for Miami to win in a revenge game. Miami wins at Atlanta vs. Georgia Tech but then plays crucial games to close at Clemson and home against Pitt. This is not an overwhelming schedule and Miami could well be 11-1, but we doubt they can display the level of consistency for that to occur. Odds are certainly against winning at Clemson, and there are plenty of opportunities to stumble. We will say 9-3, but Miami could for the first time legitimately be on their way back!




14.  OKLAHOMA STATE

 Last year in our annual preview, we noted that improvement is expected from SO QB Spencer Sanders, who in his freshman campaign last season had an unimpressive 16/11 TD/INT ratio. Spencer did just that, winning All Big XII honors leading the Pokes within a whisker of winning the conference championship. However, while dazzling in the run game, Sanders did throw only 20 TD’s versus 12 INT’s, which is hardly stellar.  So once again, with 32 starts under his belt, that stat line would necessarily have to improve for Okie State to reach higher levels. Sanders will operate behind a good, experienced offensive line. Hunter Woodward and Cole Birmingham will challenge for conference honors. The Cowboys are thin at running back, but Dominic Richardson is hopeful to maximize the opportunity. Two four star freshman arrive to challenge. Brennan Presley is back at wide receiver, and there is some talent coming up at the position, including Blaine Green. Four star freshman Tylon Shettron is the Cowboys highest rated recruit and is expected to be a strong contributor.  DE Collin Oliver, a potential All America player, leads a defense that was a terror last fall. But there are several starters to replace, and highly regarded defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Ohio State. But Derek Mason, former HC at Vanderbilt and a well respected defensive mind, takes over. Up front, DE Tyler Lacy and Brock Martin return, so the Cowboys will be fierce here. There are holes in experience at linebacker, but JUCO LB Xavier Benson comes in to help. S Jason Tyler and CB Jabbar Muhammad are conference honors candidates who return to form what could be a strong secondary. Both specialists return after strong performances in 2021 and Presley is solid in the return game. The Cowboys have some strong pieces, and with some players emerging, could be right there again in the conference title game. How does the schedule stack up? The no-conference sets up nicely. Arizona State visits, but this seems a good time to catch the Devils who have a series of issues at the moment. Playing at Baylor to open conference play is daunting, but we do note that the Cowboys are strong where Baylor is; on the lines of scrimmage. After Texas Tech visits, the Pokes go to TCU, then host Texas before visiting dangerous Kansas State.  That is an important stretch of contests. Bedlam on the road at Oklahoma is sandwiched by home games versus Iowa State and West Virginia. We think two losses seem right, but the Big XII is better than most think and the grind will be real. So we will settle in at 9-3 for Gundy and Okie State.




15. OREGON

Oregon lost head coach Mario Cristobal as he returned home to Miami to take over the Hurricanes. Enter Dan Lanning, who exceled as a defensive assistant with Georgia, and Lanning looks the part.  With his forte on the stop side, Lanning has to appreciate that the best player on the team is returning All America linebacker Noah Sewell, who gives the Ducks a foundation defensively on a unit returning seven starters. Up front, the Ducks will be disruptive with end Brandon Dorlus leading an experienced group. Pope Aumavae is at nose, DJ Johnson and Keyon Ware-Hudson are experienced returnees. A trio of transfers, DE Casey Rogers and DT Jordan Riley from Nebraska and Washington transfer Sam Taimani give the Ducks plenty of talent. Sewell is really good, but his cohort Justin Flow, if he can stay healthy, is stout as well.  Strongside linebacker Mase Funa is quite solid and Jamal Hill will be given every opportunity. The secondary is green, but there is talent. The Ducks added CB Christian Gonzalez, who transfers in from Colorado. Dontae Manning is young but did start the Alamo Bowl. At safety, Trikweze Bridges is one to watch, as is Bennett Williams, who returns from injury. Steve Stevens is a returning starter with Bryan Addison providing depth.  Offensively, Oregon seems in transition.  Bo Nix, who has shown flashes, arrives as a Tiger legacy transfer in from Auburn. It will be interesting to see how Nix fits in, but he does have a relationship with new coordinator Kenny Dillingham. There are holes at running back with the top two rushers having departed, but sophomore Byron Aldwell appears ready to emerge. Watch Minnesota transfer Mar’Keise Irving.  Kris Hutson is the top returning receiver hauling in 31 balls last year. A trio of sophomores, Dont'e Thornton, Seven McGee and Troy Franklin are ready to make noise. Add in UCLA transfer Chase Cota along with Texas Aggie Caleb Chapman along with Isiah Brevard and the group has strong potential.  Terrance Ferguson (17c) returns at tight end. The big uglies are perhaps the strongest unit of the team this year as all five starters return led by honors candidates TJ Bass and Alex Forsythe. Oregon has some question but we think it all gets solved adequately, so the kicking and return game will be solid. Oregon travels across the country to open against Georgia, of all teams, in the Atlanta, otherwise known as the Bulldogs back yard. So the Ducks start 0-1. After hosting Eastern Washington, a very physical and good BYU visits.  Better have the chin strap on tight. The Ducks open with three winnable conference games, road tilts at Wazzu and Arizona bracketing a homer with Stanford.  After a bye, a dangerous team in UCLA visits, but the game is followed by two away games Oregon will be favored in at Cal and Colorado. Then come three tough games; home against Washington, home against powerful Utah and at an improved Oregon State.  In year one of the new staff with differing schemes, although there is talent on hand, it will be tough for Oregon to challenge nationally. We see a likelihood of three losses provided things go smoothly and the quarterback position is productive. We won’t be surprised with 8-4 either.




16.  ARKANSAS

There seemed to be a collective yawn when Arkansas “settled” on hiring Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman. I must admit that I thought the Hogs had superior options.  It certainly appears that all of us were dead wrong, as Pittman has done a tremendous job all while his personality seeming fitting right in with Razorback Nation.  Pittman and Arkansas are tough, and they have won some big games; ask those Texas Aggies! Expect much of the same in 2022.  On offense, sophomore sensation QB KJ Jefferson returns after an impressive season where he had a 21/4 touchdown to interception ratio.  He makes plays, even with his feet where added another six scores. While All America receiver Treylon Burks will certainly be missed, Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood has arrived to pick up the slack, as has Georgia transfer Matt Landers.  Add in Warren Thompson, who elevated his game having transferred in from Florida State last year, Bryce Stephens and Ketron Jackson and the Hogs seem to have a strong wide receiver room. True freshman Isaiah Sategna may even get a look. Tre Knox, the teams second leading returner in catches, is back at TE.  Raheim Sanders ran for 600 yards last year and will get first crack at the running back spot where depth is deep. Ricky Stromberg is an All American candidate on the offensive line, where three additional starters return. The Hogs look proficient on both sides of the ball offensively.  On the stop side, The Hogs are short on returning starters but got plenty of talented and experienced players, so forget about that.  Up front, Isaiah Nichols will anchor things from the nose. The ends may be a pair of transfers; Jordan Domineck from Georgia Tech and Landon Jackson from LSU but Eric Gregory returns after 27 stops a year ago. LB Bumper Pool, who led the Hogs in stops in 2021, is an honors candidate at linebacker. Drew Sanders, an Alabama transfer, will be a handful for offenses. Chris Paul will get reps somewhere to be sure, which might be cheating in the secondary.  The secondary is a team strength.  Myles Slusher is experienced at nickel back. Jason Catalon, who will challenge for All America honors, will patrol the secondary from his safety spot for the Hogs. Simeon Blair is back at strong safety, and the Hogs welcome LSU transfer corner Dwight McGlovern who will battle with Ladarius Bishop.  This is a deep and talented group throughout the stop troops, and opposing coordinators will have some sleepless nights. Speaking of coordinators, Arkansas has a great pair in Kendall Briles on offense and former Missouri head coach Barry Odom on defense. Both specialists return as does talented return men AJ Green and Ladarius Bishop. So, we like the Hogs roster. How does the schedule stack up? The Hogs open with Cincinnati, a playoff team last season. Although the Bearcats lost most key contributors from that talented team, they are well coached and got players, so this will be tight. The Hogs then host South Carolina, who is improving under Shane Beamer.  It won’t be easy, but Arkansas needs to be 2-0 to have a great season, and we think they are. After a home win versus Missouri State, the Hogs play A&M in Arlington. They won easily last year, but A&M is better; and has revenge on the mind. Then, Alabama comes to Fayetteville. Arkansas then travels to upstart Mississippi State and then across the country to face a physical BYU team.  This would be tough for the Cincinnati Bengals! After a bye, the Hogs go to Auburn then host Liberty, LSU and Ole Miss before ending the season in a border war game at Missouri.  Good heavens! Fasten that chin strap!  This is a really good football team, but even in the best case scenario, it seems there are least 3 losses. We say 8-4.






17. MICHIGAN STATE

Michigan State certainly appear to have hit a home run hiring Mel Ticker from Colorado, and the Spartans fended off several interested teams who came inquiring about Tucker.  The Spartans sweetened his deal, and they love what the future looks like as Tucker continues the rebuild in East Lansing.  The Spartans had a big season in 2021, going 11-2 and surprising a host of folks.  But lingering in the success was an eye opening 51-7 loss at Ohio State, so there is work to be done.  Tucker has some nice pieces on offense to work with. Quarterback Peyton Thorne, who has limitations but made plays when he had to in directing all those wins.  He should be improved in the fall. Standout Kenneth Walker, who transferred in from Wake Forest, is NFL bound, but transferring in are a pair of outstanding backs.  Jarek Broussard, a workhorse standout PAC 12 player who Tucker had at Colorado, comes over. Additionally, Jalen Berger, who shined at Wisconsin, transfers in as well. Both could be honors candidates.  While TE Daniel Barker is solid, together with Tre Nelson, Tyler Hint and Keon Coleman they form a nice group or receivers, but speaking of honors, Spartan wideout Jayden Reed, who was third team B1G last fall, is ready to become a household name.  Don’t forget Reed is among the nations best in the return game. The Spartans hope to have a fully healthy Jarrett Horst back from injury and the experienced Nick Samac will jump in at center with excitement brewing at the future of Spencer Brown But uncharacteristically so, Michigan State is inexperienced up front, no doubt costly in the B1G, and there are limited quick fixes. A late addition to the unit in Washington State transfer Brian Greene was welcomed. The defense is stout, housing a talented experienced secondary led by SS Xavier Henderson. Cal Haladay is decent at inside linebacker and the line with tackle Jacob Slade and Simeon Barrow anchoring the line up front. Top punter Bryce Barringer is back, but Sparty needs a new placekicker with a top return game.  Michigan State travels to Washington in week three, but we just don’t think the Huskies are there just yet, so Sparty will be 3-0 heading into conference play which starts with a quick important battle at home against a very capable Minnesota.  Three tough games then await, with home games against Ohio State and Wisconsin and a roadie revenge game at Michigan. Michigan State ends at Penn State, but otherwise the schedule is favorable. We think the best is two losses, but we think three, perhaps four, is more reasonable.






18. TENNESSEE

Although he was well liked within the university and community, and his success on the field was without question good, many UCF fans were cheering when the Tennessee Volunteers hired Josh Heupel away from the Knights. While Tennessee only went 7-6 a year ago, including a wild Music City Bowl, there were some promising signs in what was seemingly an average season. They Vols got punked a few times, against Florida and outside of powerful Georgia and Alabama. Tennessee lost close ones to Pitt and Ole Miss, who were New Years Day Six participants and notched a win versus a good Kentucky team. Offensively, Tennessee was lit, and the catalysts of the unit return.  Hendon Hooker was firing darts when healthy, with 31 TD’s against only 3 INTS last year. Imagine his encore with an additional year in the system Huepel has employed! Jabari Small is back after leading the team is rushing last year. Rising junior Cedric Tillman, who is ALL SEC at a minimum, was ridiculous last fall, leading the team with 12 receiving touchdowns. Now the second and third leading receivers from a year ago are gone, but there is plenty of talent at hand, and that includes Jaylin Wyatt, who is ready to rock. Princeton Fant had over 15 catches last fall, and watch former USC Trojan Bru McCoy, a former 5* who is having trouble finding the right home.  Maybe that is with Heupel and the Vols?  TE Jacob Warren also returns. The offensive line is not a top unit, but four starters return and it is quite good enough for the offense to continue to click. Tackles Darrell Wright and guard Jerome Calvin lead the way.  With a healthy Hooker, Tennessee will keep the scoreboard operator busy. Defensively, the Vols need improvement, having given up 29ppg last fall, but have promise. Seven starters return, including the owner of the defensive stat sheet, outside linebacker Jeremy Banks, recorded 128 stops with 11.5 TFL to boot. Wow!  As good as Banks was, middle backer Aaron Beasley was stout as well finishing second stops and returns. DT Omari Thomas and DE Byron Young give the Vols some strength up front. Three starters return in the secondary, led by the Vols third returning tackler in FS Trevon Flowers. SS Jaylen McCullough (3INT’s) and CB Warren Burrell (7PBU) are solid. Both specialists return, but the Vols will look to find a speedy replacement in the return game, of which there are plenty of strong candidates. Tennessee opens on a Thursday nigh hosting a pesky Ball State team, but the Vols post way too many points. Tennessee then travels to face a decent and veteran Pitt team. Tennessee fell close to the Panthers last year, but this is a game the Volunteers need if the aspire for a big season.  Akron comes in before Tennessee host Florida, a good time to face the Gators who are early in transition. Two losses here would not be good, but if Tennessee is 4-0, well, we could be on to something. After a bye, Tennessee travels to LSU, but the talented Tigers are also in transition. A loss awaits hosting Alabama in The Third Saturday in October. UT Martin gets smashed before the Vols host rival Kentucky, who is capable of beating UT and then travels to Georgia who will beat UT.  Tennessee host Missouri before traveling to South Carolina and Vanderbilt to close.  Odds favor there are at least three losses; Alabama, Georgia and one (or two) somewhere else. 





19.  OLE MISS

For those anticipating the Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss “experiment” to fail, you may want to grab a six pack for your lawn chair and enjoy the fun.  Kiffin has the Rebels rocking, and even though there are significant personnel losses, Ole Miss has reload characteristics and is ready to compete for another New Year’s Six Bowl. The talented Matt Corral is gone at quarterback, but Kiffin is a quarterback guru and he loves to mold new signal callers.  4* Luke Altmyer, who quarterbacked Ole Miss in the majority of the Sugar Bowl after Corral was knocked from the game, returns and had a decent spring.  But Kiffin welcomed in 5* USC transfer Jaxson Dart, who is ultimately expected to win the job. Dart threw for 9 scores with almost 1400 yards before injury, but had flashes of brilliance. The running back room suffered huge losses, but Kiffin again worked the portal in bringing in Zach Evans from TCU. The rising sophomore Evans, a 5* recruit, has vast potential and ran for a thousand yards last year for the Frogs, so expect him to thrive for the Rebels. The receiving core is led by Jonathan Mingo, an honors candidate who had 22 catches last year. Dannis Jackson also returns, and watch for UCF transfer Jaylon Robinson and Louisville transfer Jordan Watkins. At tight end, USC transfer Michael Trigg is expected to be a big playmaker. On the OL, a bunch of talent is on hand led by honors candidates Nick Broeker and Jeremy James. Mason Brooks transfers in from a career at Western Kentucky. The defense is not necessarily the Rebels strong suit and there are no sure fire all conference candidates, but they will be active and decent. Up front, KD Hill returns at the nose but he needs some new faces to emerge. Enter Auburn transfer JJ Pegues, who is hoping to seize the opportunity, as does Georgia Tech transfer Jared Ivey. Tavious Robinson also has experience. Linebacker Cedric Johnson is a playmaker on the stop side who flashed as a true last fall.  Troy Brown comes joins the Rebels after three All MAC performances at Western Michigan; expect him to be a force. FS AJ Finley (3INT) will lead an experienced and talented back end with SS Otis Reese bringing the wood; the teams top two returning tacklers and a pair of potential all conference players. Corners Deantre Prince and Tysheem Johnson combined for three interceptions a year ago. Miles Battle had 22 stops in ’21, but keep an eye out for Isheem Young, a rising sophomore who tore it up for Iowa State a year ago; might be an impact player! An Australian punter arrives to join returning placekicker Jonathan Cruz at placekicker who transferred in from Charlotte. The schedule allows time for this team to get its legs underneath it.  Home dates with Troy and Central Arkansas precede a trip to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech. Another home game against Tulsa readies Ole Miss for the SEC slate, which begins with a home date against Kentucky, no easy task. The Rebels travel to Vanderbilt, and should leave no worse than 5-1.  Auburn comes to Oxford in what seems to be a rather important contest for both side. We like Ole Miss here.  Mississippi hits the road to visit LSU and Texas A&M, where at least one loss seems likely.  A bye week sets up a really tough run to close out; Alabama at home, at Arkansas and Mississippi State at home in the Egg Bowl.  We see at least four losses for Ole Miss, as the rigorous schedule, even later with potentially most issues solved, is too tough to bear. 





20.  KENTUCKY

You really have to appreciate the job Mark Stoops has done at Kentucky, where he has guided the Cats to a pair 10 win seasons within the past five seasons. Last year’s squad was quite strong, beating Iowa in the Florida Citrus Bowl in beautiful downtown Orlando. The main take away is the roster is strong, and Kentucky is not going anywhere, well positioned to compete in the SEC East; for second.  The gap beneath powerful Georgia is deep, but Kentucky is there with Tennessee and Florida. Offensively for 2022, Kentucky is set to do damage.  Will Levis, who had a solid season last year, is primed to raise the level of his game.  Running back Chris Rodriguez is an All America candidate, and he should eclipse 1000 yards again with ease, even in the vaunted SEC. Kentucky lost a good deal of receiving production, but return plenty of talent, led by Izayah Cummings (14c). Dane Key is ready to emerge, Demarcus Harris returns and Kentucky welcomes in Tayvion Robinson from Virginia Tech. TE Brendan Barnes is also back. Left guard Kenneth Horsey leads the offensive line returnees, Eli Cox is a returning starter, but the rest will be newcomers. Kentucky has recently had very strong lines of scrimmage.  The Cats bite defensively, and have a veteran unit. Former five star recruit Justin Rogers is a very big man at the nose, ready to toss anchor. Octavious Oxendine and Ytrvonn Rybka are solid ends. The linebacking core is simply outstanding. JJ Weaver and Jacquez Jones (86 stops) are honors candidates, and DeAndre Square (80 stops) and Jordan Wright (30 stops) are quite impressive as well. CB Carrington Valentine is the top returning tackler returning in a depleted secondary. SS Ty Ajian is also back, btu Ole Miss is excited about Keidron Smith, who transfers in from Ole Miss. Joel Williams is working to elevate his game at nickel.  Both specialists return, and Kentucky has some really qualified candidates to handle the return game. Kentucky has to go to Florida week two, and winning at the Swamp is always an uphill climb, nut they are catching the Gators in the very beginning of a transition fresh off a tough game vs. Utah. So we like the Cats at 4-0 before traveling to Ole Miss. Kentucky will be dogs, but they can win it. Home games with rising South Carolina and pesky Mississippi State follow. Win both and we are really on the train! But we will go with at least one loss from somewhere at this point. Off a bye, road games against rival Tennessee and Missouri at on the slate. The Vols beat Kentucky last year, so this revenge game against an improved Tennessee team is a key contest. The Cats beat Vanderbilt at home, lose to Georgia on the road then close with a key game against Louisville, an improved team with a quarterback that can hurt you.  We doubt Kentucky is strong enough to win them all outside of the loss to Georgia, but minimizing the losses will tell the tale on the year.  We will go with three losses, thinking four rather than two. But Kentucky is a very good football team, and program thanks to the unheralded job Mark Stoops has done.




21. PITTSBURGH

With Pitt losing both quarterback Kenny Pickett and OC Mark Whipple, one might expect Pat Narduzzi’s squad to take a step back from their ACC Championship, but don’t expect it.  Former USC QB Kedon Slovis, who has somewhat underachieved, transfers in to try to win the Panther QB job.  Even with the puzzling transfer loss of award winning wide receiver Jordan Adison to USC, the Panthers bring back eight offensive starters.  The top three rushers return, with Israel Abanikanda, an All ACC candidate, leading the way.  Pitt has had a very strong receiving core in recent seasons, and the talent is there once again. Jared Wayne had 47 catches and 6 scores last year and he will be the top target. But the Panthers bring in Konata Mumpfield, an Akron transfer, to join Jaden Bradley in the production. Gavin Bartholomew is back at tight end. The offensive line returns in full, with OT Carter Warren and OG Marcus Minor potential honors candidates. If Slovis can elevate his game, and we don’t see why he can’t, this offense should continue to light up the scoreboard. Seven official starters return on the defensive unit led by a disruptive All America candidate at defensive tackle, Caljah Kancey, who earned first team Al ACC as a freshman.  DE Destin Alexander is an honors candidate who, along with Habakkuk Baldonado flanks Kancey. STAR linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who led the Panthers in stops last year, is back to wreak havoc all over the field.  In the middle, Shayne Simon transfers in from Notre Dame and is expected to have a starting role. The secondary is quite strong returning three starters. Sophomore safety Brandon Hill is the ring leader, with a great pair of corners in Marquis Williams and Erick Hallett. Sam Scanton is back at kicker but watch Ben Sauls. Sam Vander Haar will punt. The return game is in the quality hands of Isarel Abanikanda. Pitt opens at home in a welcome revival of the Backyard Brawl with West Virginia. The Mounties look improved, and this is a huge rivalry game, so watch out! Pitt then host Tennessee, and the Volunteers got things going, so Pitt may not even be favored. The Panthers then go to Western Michigan, who beat Pitt last fall in Pittsburgh. Could the Panthers be 0-3? Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are at home and then after a bye roadies at a scary Louisville team and at North Carolina fill the slate. Home games with Syracuse and Duke bracketing a roadie at Virginia await Pitt before closing at Miami, which should find them as underdogs. Slovis has no time for rust, as the slate is mighty sketchy out of the gate.  Pitt won the ACC last year, but we don’t think the seas part in such an advantageous way this fall, so we got Pitt 8-4 based on Slovis having a decent season.






22. WAKE FOREST

The Demon Deacons were pretty doggone good in 2021 closing with a drubbing of Rutgers in the Gator Bowl, and it looks like they will once again field a dangerous and capable football team, especially on offense.  It all starts with junior quarterback Sam Hartman who threw 39 touchdowns while adding 11 on the ground. Wow! Hartman is poised to have another high performance season and could well challenge for All America honors if Wake can pull off a special season, which would include winning the ACC. Don’t count them out. Nine staters return on offensive, headlined by Hartman and a tremendous receiving led by another All America candidate, A. T. Perry. Perry is special, especially in the red zone; he scored 15 touchdowns! Donovan Greene and Taylor Morris are talented receivers with starting experience. Justice Ellison and Christian Turner return at running back and both are quite capable.  Wake also brings in a pair of *4 recruits in RB Demond Claiborne and WR Wesley Grimes. All the offensive line returns, led by C Michael Jurgens G Sean Maginn. The unit is not special, but given the offense employed by Wake they don’t need to be a physical downhill group, but the group is very thin.  The defensive side of the ball is where Wake is deficient, but the unit did get some timely stops last year. Up front, DE Rondell Bothyard is an All ACC candidate and there is some experience. Ryan Smenda Jr is back at linebacker leading the team in ’21 with 83 stops, while Chase Jones also returns. The secondary has some talent, but needs to mesh. We think Safety Malik Mustapha has potential, and S Colby Davis and corners Caelen Carson Gavin Holmes are key contributors. This is a thin unit, and if Wake has plans of reaching higher levels, the jump will have to come from better results on this side of the ball. The specialists are sound, and there is some excitement in the return game.  A new defensive coordinator in Brad Lambert may pay dividends.  Can Wake win the ACC and make national noise? The Deacs will be 3-0 as they welcome Clemson, who we think is a wildcard in 2022. But that seems too tall an order. Next is a trip to Florida State, and this is very dangerous as well. We got Wake 5-2 before a trip to vastly improved and strong NC State. So, for us, Wake sits 6-3 before hosting North Carolina, then beating Syracuse at home and Duke on the road to finish 9-3 falling short of an achieving an ACC Atlantic Championship Game berth. 






23. NEBRASKA

If it were not for a series of fixable issues, it seems Nebraska would have been about 9-4 last year. Their offensive line underachieved, the special teams were abysmal, the turnover bug was an invited house guest and there were bouts of inexplicable play calling leading to mindset that lacked a winning attitude. At the end of the day, this on head coach Scott Frost and he knows it.  The time is now. The Huskers made significant changes with the assistant coaching staff, with two key newcomers. Mickey Joseph, a former Husker quarterback from the recruiting hotbed of Louisiana, comes over from LSU to help a talented and under achieving receiving core reach potential, and veteran play caller Mark Whipple, who came from Pitt, where his quarterback made Heisman finalist last year. And perhaps most importantly, Veteran Bill Busch will handle special teams.  Can Frost and Nebraska rise up after these and other changes? Adrian Martinez is off to K-State, a divorce that seems best for both parties.  Nebraska brought in two transfers; Casey Thompson (24TD/9INT) from Texas and Chubba Purdy, (2TD/0INT) after injured year at Florida State. Most are betting on Thompson here, but the improvement, particularly holding onto the ball, seems likely.  The Huskers have a slew of decent backs, including sophomore Gabe Irvin, who is coming off injury, Rahmir Johnson, Yaquez Yant and JUCO phenom Anthony Grant.  Talent abounds in the receiving core, with LSU transfer Trey Palmer, Texas transfer Marcus Williams, Oliver Martin and Huskers leading returning guy in Omar Manning leading a deep group. TE Travis Vokolek (11c) returns of injury and Nebraska is hoping top recruit Thomas Fidone can finally find the field after being sidelined by injuries.  The line has talent and should rise above last year's performance. Turner Corcoran, Bryce Benhardt and Teddy Prochazka, who is returning from injury and the best of the group if healthy, are top returnees.  Defensively, the unit was stout a year ago and has a good chance to be so again.  Garrett Nelson great on the edge, and TCU transfer Ochaun Mathis, 2nd team BIG XII in ’21, joins him.  Ty Robinson returns inside, with Alabama transfer Stephan Wynn or Texas Tech transfer Devein Cres perhaps primed to emerge. Caleb Tannor, Luke Reimer, Isaac Gifford and Nick Henrich are very solid in the linebacking core. Quentin Newsome owns a corner spot, and Myles Farmer seems solid at safety. A bunch of young talent is looking for playing time, including Northern Iowa transfer CB Omar Brown, Alabama transfer S Kaine Williams, CB Braxton Clark, S Noa Pola-Gates and Arizona State CB transfer Tommi Hill among others. New kicking specialists have been brought in with nowhere to go but up. Trey Palmer, who returned a kickoff for a TD for LSU versus A&M a year ago, will handle returns. Nebraska will be the road team in Ireland Week 0 against Northwestern, and they simply must win this game. If not, expect firings.  So, Nebraska should be 3-0 before hosting Oklahoma in a game that presents a golden opportunity.  Can the Big Red relive glory and capitalize against an OU team in transition? After a bye, Indiana and Rutgers are next before a dangerous road game at Purdue. Seemingly 5-2 at worst here, after another bye and then it’s money time. Nebraska host Illinois and Minnesota, both who beat the Huskers last year, then travel to Michigan. Wisconsin comes to Lincoln before the Huskers close at Iowa. The Big Red have long losing streaks to both, so odds favor one or both ends. That should give Nebraska a record of perhaps 8-4, maybe 7-5, but a bowl game and an outside shot at the Top 25.





24. TEXAS

There are quite a few questions for the Texas Longhorns heading into 2021. With Casey Thomson off to Nebraska, it seemed Hudson Card would be the guy at quarterback.  But coach Sarkasian has welcomed transfer Quinn Evers from Ohio State. Most think Evers will win the job, but with the verbal commitment of Arch Manning, the number one player in the 2022 class and the presumed future starter, will Evers stay? We will assume he does for this analysis, and also assume he edges out Card for the job. At tight end, Alabama transfer Jaheel Billingsley will be a desired target for the Longhorn signal caller. Texas has a pair of dangerous receivers in juniors Jordan Whittington and Wyoming transfer Isaiah Neyor, but sophomore Xavier Worthy is the one to watch, an electric All America candidate. Speaking of All America candidates, running back Bijan Robinson may be the odds on favorite for the Doak Walker Award. Any quarterback should have plenty of success with these weapons on hand.  Even though there is experienced, the line had struggles in 2021 and opportunities exist.  The best player in the group is guard Junior Angiau. DJ Campbell and Kelvin Banks are a pair of freshman lineman that will get a look. Defensively, the team is led by weak side linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, the top tackler in 2021, who is quite good. Luke Brockermeyer returns in the middle after injury, but there is competition. James Madison transfer Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey figures to find the field. Jaylan Ford also figures in. Up front, Moro Ojorno and Kenondre Coburn loom large. Ovie Oghoufo will house himself at BUCK. On the back end, Ryan Watts, an Ohio State transfer, will impact at the corner position while D’Shawn Jamison is at field corner.  Anthony Cook, along with Jerrin Thompson and Kitan Crawford, are experienced safeties. Texas will replace its specialists, but does have a decent returner in D’Shawn Jamison. The Longhorns open with a home win over Terry Bowden’s ULM Warhawks before hosting Alabama. Ouch. Texas beats UTSA then faces a tough roadie at Texas Tech, no cakewalk. West Virginia then visits Austin before the Red River Rivalry versus Oklahoma. Iowa State visits before roadies at Oklahoma State and Kansas State.  A road game at Kansas brackets home games with TCU and Baylor to close the season. The Longhorns have some pieces but would need escalated quarterback and offensive line play to figure prominently in the BIG XII race.  But Texas can beat some folks, so we consider them dangerous in the conference. 7-5.





25. WISCONSIN

It is worth noting that Wisconsin, although they have continued to be a strong football team, have not won the B1G West in two seasons. The Badgers are the poster child for plug and play, having done it for decades. But this season, it might be a more significant challenge. Wisconsin has rarely had outstanding quarterback play, relying for the most point on a field general signal caller who efficiently directs the offense minimizing errors. Graham Mertz returns at quarterback for Wisconsin this fall, but significant improvement is needed as Mertz had an unfavorable touchdown to interception ratio (10/11). We thought Mertz looked great when he first arrived, but things have gone south and we are not convinced Mertz will noticeably improve. Of course, Wisconsin can rely on their annually punishing running game.  The offensive line is not up to usual Badger standards, but it is still better than the majority of the country. Inside players C Joe Tippmann and G Tyler Beach lead the way. At running back, Wisconsin once again has an All America candidate in Braelon Allen. A slew of talent resides behind Allen, led by former Clemson transfer Chaz Mellusi. Senior Jack Eschenbach will handle the tight end duties. Wisconsin can go behind Allen, but the must take flight with Mertz to play for the conference title. Defensively, only four starters return, but DC Jim Leonard is salivating thinking opposing offensive coordinators see an opportunity.  One does not appear to exist. Up front. Wisconsin is strong as usual. NT Keeanu Benton was a terror last fall, and could be an all conference player this year. DE Isaiah Mullens also returns, and keep your eye on Rodas Johnson.  The linebacker core is depleted, but there are some hosses ready to rock. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig, the teams leading returning tackler, is expected to be an All B1G performer, returns to lead the unit.  Senior CJ Goetz is stout on the other side. Jordan Turner is a high level talent the coaches are raving about, so we look for him to excel inside for Wiscy.  Kaden Johnson and Darryl Peterson are ready for extended snaps. Safety Jon Torchio makes plays and is a potential honors candidate. Hunter Wohler should be at SS with Travian Blaylock ready for action. Transfers Jay Shaw (UCLA), Cedrick Dort Jr. (Kentucky) and Justin Clark (Toledo) all are expected to figure prominently. Awesome punter Andy Vujnovich returns at punter with Arkansas transfer Vito Calvaruso expected to be the new placekicker. Wisconsin runs to 3-0 before visiting powerful Ohio State after drawing the Buckeyes from the East. Wisconsin will be favored in the next two games, home versus Illinois and at Northwestern. Tougher games at Michigan State and Purdue follow. We see the likelihood of Wiscy being 6-2 here. Then, the West gets settled. After hosting Maryland, Wisconsin travels to Iowa and Nebraska before returning home to try to avenge last seasons late loss to Minnesota.  This could be 0-3, but more likely 2-1 losing one of the road games.  Because of the anticipated average quarterback play, we got Wisconsin 8-4, possibly even 7-5.


SUPER SIX (those who just missed selection)

BRIGHAM YOUNG

Even when BYU is not very good, they are pretty good. This fall, we were all set to rank the Cougars inside the Top 20 as they have a very good, veteran team. Then, we looked at their murderous schedule.  BYU returns nineteen starters, including top signal caller Jason Hall. The top two receivers are back and offensive line is always strong. All the top tacklers return defensively, and the Cougars will be salty! BYU opens across the country at USF, not a great team, but that’s a dangerous game. The Cougs return home to face Baylor before hitting the road again to play at Oregon; by week three! In mid October, BYU faces Notre Dame in Vegas and then hosts Arkansas before visiting a dangerous Liberty team. Additional games at Boise State and Stanford close out the season.  Strong team; brutal slate.

IOWA

Once again, the Hawkeyes will be who you expect them to be, a team that is strong on the lines, plays it close to the vest with solid defense that does not make mistakes. Offensively, QB Spencer Petras is back, and he is a solid game manager. Sam Laporta, and All America candidate, is back at tight end but a bunch of skill talent was lost. Potential All America players are back on the stop side in ILB Jake Campbell and corner Riley Moss, who is the only returning secondary starter returning.  The schedule is favorable; the Hawks should be 4-0 before hosting Michigan. Ohio State, Purdue and Minnesota are on the road, while divisional foes Wisconsin and Nebraska are at home.

UCF

Eighteen starters return for the Knights under Gus Malzahn but all eyes are on the QB battle. Ole Miss John Rhys Plumlee, who spent some WR time with the Rebels, is a very good athlete we expect to win the job. With top rusher Isiah Browser and leading receiver Ryan O’Keefe back, along with a very solid line, the offense will click. Last year's leading tackler transferred, but talented SS Quadric Bullard returns to lead the defensive unit, along with cover corner Davonte Brown who had an incredible 13 PBU in 2021.  Tough home game with Louisville early is on the slate, but win that, with a descending Georgia Tech and rebuilding Cincinnati at home and no Houston, the Knights, although not a top team nationally, could well be undefeated!

FLORIDA STATE

The Seminoles appear improved at almost every level, but notably in the offensive line, an area that has been a huge problem for FSU in recent seasons. This team is now in the hands offensively of Jordan Travis, and if he can stay healthy, he could have a strong season.  The receiving core is much improved, and FSU has good backs.  The secondary, led by Jammie Robinson, is strong, and the long pedestrian linebacking core looks stronger with arrival of UCF top tackler Tatum Bethune. Improvement with the specialists and return game is also a welcomed expectation. The schedule offers no favors, with Clemson and Florida at home and trips to NC State and Miami. The Noles must win at home over Wake and/or on the road at Louisville, but a win on Labor Day weekend at New Orleans over LSU could spearhead the Seminoles to an 8-4 season and a decent bowl game destination.

PENN STATE

The Lions fall just outside our Top 25 for 2022 as they seem at a bit of a crossroad. There is talent on this team, but enough holes and a challenging schedule that appear to prohibit a banner season. QB Sean Clifford returns, and he could shine if he remains healthy, but he has never really set the world on fire. The Lions have a pair of nice receivers in Mitchell Tinsley and Parker Washington, Usually stout on the OL, the team does not appear to have an all conference candidate at the position. Returning starting experience in thin defensively, but DT PJ Mustipher and CB Joey Porter are excellent. In seemingly a must win, the Lions open on a Thursday night at Purdue, the after an open date, travel south to face Auburn, a game both squads will need bad.  Penn State travels to Michigan after a bye, the has home dates against crossover Minnesota and powerful Ohio State. Penn State closes at home against Michigan State. If the Lions are undefeated going to Ann Arbor, they can’t help but win eight.

KANSAS STATE

Chris Klieman is a really good football coach you may not of even heard of, but his group of Wildcats is an extremely dangerous, veteran squad poised to make some real noise on the national stage. If you want a dark horse; this is your team. Uber talented former Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez transfer in hoping a new environment helps him up his game. All American player Deuce Vaughn, an excellent and versatile backfield player (and top kick returner) returns, as does the three top receivers. Defensively, top tackler Daniel Green, an all conference candidate, leads the unit. Corner Julius Brents anchors a stout secondary.  The non con should all be wins, so among the perceived conference contenders that leaves roadies at OU, where the Cats historically play well, Baylor and West Virginia along with home contests against Baylor, Texas and Oklahoma State. Kansas State will score plenty and is salty on D. Pull an upset or two, and these Cats can collect around nine wins.

NEXT: Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, Louisville, UCLA, Minnesota, Purdue, Houston, Cincinnati, Auburn, North Carolina, Iowa State, Texas Christian, West Virginia, South Carolina, Boise State, Fresno State, Boston College, Oregon State, Washington and Air Force.

NOTES: MISSISSIPPI STATE; Look out. Eighteen starters return, but this schedule is menacing. The SEC West, plus a roadie at Kentucky and a home game against Georgia as the crossovers. Would not want to play these guys, but it will be hard to crack the top 25 with this slate. LSU: Not sure if we buy the fit for Brian Kelly at LSU, so even though the Tigers have plenty of top talent, this may take some time. FLORIDA: We think Billy Napier is the right hire, but the Gators have some holes. QB Anthony Richardson, whose talent level has a sky high ceiling, could catapult the Gators much higher. LOUISVILLE; Malik Cunningham is an elite quarterback and plenty of skill returns. Division foes FSU and Wake are at home/ Early test at UCF sets tone. UCLA; The Bruins might be good. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is back at quarterback and the entire offensive line returns, but only two defensive starters are back. MINNESOTA; Sixth year quarterback Tanner Morgan, potential All America running back Mohamed Ibrahim and a slew of receivers return making Minnesota quite dangerous and a B1G west candidate. PURDUE; The Boilers were better than expected last year and do return a talented signal caller, and two Iowa transfer receivers. They lost their top defensive player and top skill talent. Keep an eye on them. HOUSTON is dangerous behind QB Cayton Thune. CINCINNATI; The Bearcats lost some serious talent from their playoff team but are a solid team and still a threat. AUBURN: The Tigers will be tough, but they don’t seem strong enough to contend in the SEC West; NORTH CAROLINA:  Only five offensive starters return and the Heels will have a new quarterback, but the offense has an All America candidate in Josh Downs at WR and an improved defense, so they have a chance. IOWA STATE; Last year was the year for the Clones; excited to see how they respond in 2022. TCU; Wholesale for the Frogs offer new opportunities. WEST VIRGINIA: The Mounties seems on the upswing and winning seven games in 2022 would be strong signal. SOUTH CAROLINA; Likely a year or so away, with the addition  of former OU quarterback Spencer  Rattler, the Gamecocks could serve early notice on some folks; BOISE STATE: Seventeen starters return including top quarterback Hank Bachmeier, we find out early when they open on the road at Oregon State; FRESNO STATE; The Bulldogs are tough, and with gunslinger QB Jake Haener, outside of the lash on the road at Boise State only a pair of PAC 12 games early are potential losses. BOSTON COLLEGE; There are holes, but with NFL QB Phil Jurkovic and talented WR Zay Flowers, the Eagles can fly! OREGON STATE; An experienced team returns, and we like them, but the schedule is really tough including the best from the Mountain West right out of the gate; WASHINGTON; Seems like things are sort of starting over for the Huskies, but this is not a bad team and if they get it together earlier than expected, they can do some damage. MARYLAND: The Terps bring back seventeen starters and are dangerous in the B1G. AIR FORCE: The Falcons could run the table!

ASCENDING

NEBRASKA, FLORIDA STATE, OREGON STATE, TENNESSEE, KANSAS STATE, KANSAS, SOUTH CAROLINA and WEST VIRGINIA.

DESCENDING

GEORGIA TECH, AUBURN, ARIZONA STATE, WISCONSIN, NORTH CAROLINA, IOWA STATE and WASHINGTON.

ALL AMERICA TEAM



































*Editor's Note: A significant health issue surrounding Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman has this young man out indefinitely.  We formulated our opinions on the season before this information was available and will not change it at this time.  Hartman is the heart and soul of the Wake Forest team, and his loss is simply huge. We would no longer project Wake Forest as a Top 25 team without the services of Hartman. We, like you I am sure, wish him all the best in his recovery.

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