BAHL Revere: 2023

The offseason has been incredible, with NIL, crazy recruiting and earth shattering conference realignment. As traditionalists, we are not fans of what is transpiring with the game we love and hold dear. Seems like the great Keith Jackson would have some stern words for the powers that be shaking up this traditional fall avenue of color and pageantry.

We are surely in store for a great season on the gridiron. We open the year with a colossal collision in Orlando with Florida State, who appears back on the national stage, against LSU. Both teams are consensus top ten teams, and the game sets the stage as we kick off 2023.

Several of our normal championship contenders are breaking in a new quarterback, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Michigan is solid at signal caller, and has a veteran squad. As does Florida State and Washington, both of whom could easily arrive in the playoff. The PAC 12 is stacked, as is the SEC West, as usual. Penn State is a top team to watch, and look for Texas Tech on the bottom end of the Top 25; very dangerous.

Although Georgia will start a new quarterback, the team is loaded and has an extremely kind schedule.
Therefore, although odds are against winning a third title in a row, we got the Bulldogs number one until someone knocks them off.

We can't wait to kick the season off, and with that, The Color & Pageantry proudly presents our 2023 Preseason Top 25. We hope you enjoy the preview, and do drop us some comments on how you see the season and where you think we are on target and/or missed the mark on a few selections.

THE COLOR & PAGEANTRY TOP 25

1. GEORGIA

Times seem different in this era. If you are not good, it is harder to get good. If you are good, it is easier to stay there. Georgia, the two time defending national champions, are good. Very good! Kirby Smart seeks to have the Dawgs at a different level; ask TCU. My goodness! Offensively, one are of concern may be at quarterback where Georgia needs to replace Stetson Bennett. Carson Beck seems to be the guy, and we will see what is level of play is. But Georgia has great talent around the quarterback, including running back Kendall Milton, wideout Ladd McConkey and experienced offensive line led by center Sedrick Van Pran, an All America candidate. Stars abound at every level of the defense, and that type of returning experience is how titles are earned. Up front, end Mykel Williams is ready to put his immense talent on display. Linebacker Samael Morton, the teams stop leader in 2022, is back, and he is complimented by Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Tykee Smith. Javon Bullard and super soph Malaki Starks lead a secondary full of honors candidates. There is no weakness for opposing offenses to focus on. And to top it all off, the schedule is a cakewalk. Improved South Carolina comes to Athens, and they are a rival who plays Georgia well, but seriously. Georgia goes to Auburn, who is not ready for the Dawgs. Kentucky visits, and then a bye before the Cocktail Party where the Dawgs pummel struggling Florida. Missouri and Ole Miss hit Athens, then Georgia does go to Rocky Top, which might be a stern test, before finishing in Atlanta against whatever has become of Georgia Tech. Maybe LSU or Alabama have something in the SEC Championship Game, but the Dawgs look like they are on autopilot for the CFB Playoff where they will try for their third title in row, which is unprecedented in modern times.

2. MICHIGAN

The Wolverines, with fifteen starters returning, are favorites to repeat as champions of the Big Ten and a spot in the playoff. Unlike their top conference rivals, Michigan returns their quarterback! JJ McCarthy who threw 22 TD’s against 5 INTs, will direct an offense that should be potent. All America running back Blake Corum is back but is coming off an injury. No worries as star back Donovan Edwards also returns. Cornelius Johnson, who led Michigan in receiving touchdowns in 2022. Leads a talented receiving core. The offensive line is outstanding, with four potential all conference candidates. Kris Jenkins is a force on the defensive line, but the linebacking core is outstanding. Junior Colson, Michael Barrett and Mike Sainristil are stellar, and Nebraska transfer Earnest Hausmann will factor in. Rod Moore and Will Johnson patrol the secondary. You just never know, but Michigan seems poised to skate into November before the challenges of traveling to Penn State and then hosting Ohio State. Having the talented Buckeyes in Ann Arbor is a huge plus. Michigan is a very good football team, and we expect the Wolverines will be right there in the playoff hunt.

3. FLORIDA STATE

The Seminoles beat LSU in New Orleans to kickoff the 2022 season and opened 4-0 before dropping three in row against ACC contenders before closing strongly including a bowl victory over Oklahoma. Now, a veteran Florida State team, led offensively by quarterback Jordan Travis and defensively by rush end Jared Verse, is poised to breakout on the national stage. FSU has an experienced and improved line, a slew of talented running backs and a top receiver room, Led by All America candidate Johnny Wilson, a room which also now includes Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman and West Virginia transfer Winston Wright. Fabian Lovett is a force inside, while DE Patrick Payton is a future star, and the secondary, which welcomes to Virginia transfer Fenton Cypress, is quite deep. Tatum Bethune leads the linebacking core. FSU opens with a top ten matchup versus LSU in Orlando before traveling to Clemson in late September. If FSU is 4-0, lookout. Even at 2-2, the Noles could still win the ACC and if 3-1 could still get a crack at the playoff. This is veteran team with explosive skill talent and an experienced dual threat quarterback which has the tools to secure a playoff spot.

4. LOUISIANA STATE

Consider us surprised at how well things went after Brian Kelly arrived as head coach. We sure thought there would be some culture issues that tamed these Tigers, at least for a while. But, while there were stumbles, like the late loss at Texas A&M, there were plenty of bright spots, and this team is poised to compete for the national championship. Fifteen overall starters return, along with a few transfers, with top level talent scattered about. Offensively, the Tigers could be nothing short of potent. Jayden Daniels is back at quarterback after a wonderful season in 2022. Backup Garrett Nussmeier would start most anywhere else. Josh Williams and Noah Cain both return at running back; however, Logan Diggs transfer in from Notre Dame and should figure prominently. At receiver, Malik Nabers is outstanding and a national honors candidate. Kyren Lacy looks like a future star. TE Mason Taylor is All America potential, and he can win the Tigers games. The offensive line returns almost intact, led by Will Campbell, who excelled as a true freshman last year and is set to challenge for All America honors as a sophomore. Only seven return on defense, but no worries. This is a ferocious unit, particularly in the front seven. DE Harold Perkins was an All American last year and is our Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. About to remind us of Hugh Green! The Tigers are ridiculous up front, with tackles Mason Smith and Mehki Wingo and end Ovie Oghoufo, all of whom are conference honors candidates at a minimum. Oregon State transfer linebacker Omar Speights is another national honors candidate. MLB Greg Penn is a top tackler who also returns. The secondary is the weakness of the unit. Safety Greg Brooks is the top returning player, but Darian Chestnut transfer in from Syracuse and will pay immediate dividends. Before we pencil the Tigers in the playoff, we do note the schedule is murderers row. The Tigers open in Orlando against Florida State, then quickly hit the road to Mississippi State, who won 9 games a year ago. A home game border war with Arkansas precedes tough road games at Ole Miss and Missouri and a home game with Auburn. After the bye, a road game at Alabama to perhaps settle the west comes ahead of home games with Florida and the closer with Texas A&M. It would seem three losses are about the worst we can envision. A loss to FSU would not end the world, but the Tigers are favored in all except at Alabama. We got LSU 11-1.

5. OHIO STATE

Ohio State nearly knocked off eventual national champion Georgia in the College Football Playoff last year, but as we head into 2023 superstar quarterback CJ Stroud is off the NFL. Kyle McCord seems slotted to take over, but there will surely be a drop off at the position. Treveyon Henderson is a stellar running back and Miyan Williams is quality. All America WR Marvin Harrison Jr the top receiver in the country, but the Buckeyes have the nation’s best receiving room, which also includes Emeka Egbuka, Julian Flemming and TE Cade Stover. The offensive line has room for improvement but returns three starters led by guard Donovan Jackson. The Bucks should be potent. Defensively, DE JT Tuimoloau and linebacker Tommy Eichenburg, who led the team in stops last year, are national honors candidates. Michael Hall is stout up front and Steele Chambers is the leading 22 tackler back at linebacker. The secondary returns intact, with corner Denzel Burke and Lathan Ranson at safety leading the way. Ohio State travels to Notre Dame & Wisconsin, hosts Penn State and then travels to Michigan to close. Ohio State has a chip on their shoulder heading in to 2023, and the Buckeyes could strongly surprise to the upside. But, it seems to hinge on the level of quarterback play the Buckeyes get. It will be decent, but it needs to be outstanding to reach the playoff once again. 10-2

6. ALABAMA

Losing two award winning All America players to the first top five picks of the NFL will sure hurt, but although Alabama is young, they are extremely talented. Finding a qurteback to produce anywhere near the level of Bryce Young will be quite a challenge. Jalen Milroe played some last year, and he has an great opportunity; however, most expect Tyler Buchner to ultimately win the spot. Jace McMillian is set to star at running back. Stellar Jermiane Burton and emerging star Ja’Cory Brooks, the two top pass catchers from a year ago, return as all conference honors candidates who will certainly help whoever wins the signal caller job. The offensive line is solid but perhaps not up to normal Crimson Tide standards. JC Lathan is a preseason All America lineman, while Tyler Booker aspires to conference honors. The defensive unit loses the top five tacklers from a year ago, and that could spell trouble. Nose guard Jaheim Otis anchors the front which lacks the sure fire disrupter we are accustomed to. At linebacker, Dallas Turner is an All America player who the defense will be built upon. Middle linebacker Deaontae Lawson is the top returning tackler, and Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall joins the room. The secondary is strong with two potential national honors candidates in corner Kool-Aid McKinstry and safety Malachi Moore. We do expect Alabama to have inferior quarterback play from a year ago, but it will still be better than most. The schedule is favorable for the Tide. When the Tide find trouble, they are usually on the road. In 2023, we find most all of the top contests are at home. That includes highly ranked Texas, who comes to Tuscaloosa week two. Before the late October bye, Bama travels to Mississippi State and Texas A&M while hosting Ole Miss, Arkansas and Tennessee. After the bye, LSU visits ahead of a road game at Kentucky before Aubirn visits for the Iron Bowl. Texas, Tennessee and LSU are the toughest opponents, and all are at home. Two losses seem the worst, but we find Bama dangerous in 2023 and have them 11-1.

7. WASHINGTON

The Huskies got good in a hurry under Kalen Deboer, and this team, which returns fifteen starters, is stacked and a favorite to win the conference title. It all starts with Michael Pennix, Jr., who was sensational in 2022, throwing 31 touchdowns against 8 interceptions while amassing 4641 yards. Pennix is locked and loaded for 2023. Cameron Davis, who had 107 carries last year, assumes the duties at running back, but two transfers, Dillon Johnson from Mississippi State (watch this guy) and Daniel Ngata from Arizona State, join the team. Two, yes that’s right, two 1000 yard receivers return for Pennix. Both Rome Adunze (1145y) and James McMillian (1098y) form perhaps the nation’s top duo. Ja’Lynn Polk, Giles Jackson and Jack Westover will figure and would be high level starters most anywhere else. Troy Faitano leads the offensive line, a usual strength for the Huskies. Eight starters are back defensively. And all conference performers are housed at each level. End Bralen Trice is an All America candidate. Alphonzo Tuputala, second on the team in stops in 22, is all conference at linebacker. Star corner Jabbar Muhammed transfer’s in from Oklahoma State and strong safety Asa turner is back to quarterback the secondary. The Huskies have the nations second longest current winning streak and are loaded most everywhere, but can they sustain it week in and week out. The Huskies seem 10-2 at worst, but we think 11-1 and we find them in the PAC Championship game.

8. CLEMSON

Clemson fell off last season from there perennial playoff perch, and there are questions as to whether this the new direction or will the Tigers snap back? A change was made during the 2022 season at quarterback, where 5* Cade Klubnik took over. Klubnik has displayed athleticism and has shown top ability, but the sophomore has a learning curve ahead. There are plenty of top skill athletes at his disposal, most notable with Will Shipley, who is a top notch running back in the mix to challenge for national honors. There are talented but young skill talent, and the line, which is coming, seems young and not yet quite up to recent standards. The Tigers defense is ferocious as usual. Tyler Davis anchors another strong defensive front, buoyed by linebackers Jeremiah Trotter and Barrett Carter, both potential All Americans. The secondary is veteran and high quality, perhaps led by safety Andrew Mukuba. An opener at Duke could be problematic, but Clemson should get by the Devils. A home game against Florida State sets the ACC stage, because, although there are tough games at Miami and NC State and home against Notre Dame, the Tigers will be favored the rest of the way. Clemson will be most interesting to watch this season, and we expect them in the ACC Championship Game and perhaps in a playoff spot.

9. PENN STATE

2023 may be the season where the Lions roar, and this is a very strong football team which returns sixteen starters. It all starts up front for Penn State offensively, where four of five line starters are back, including All America tackle Olu Fashanu. Sophomore running back Nicholas Singleton is a future Heisman candidate and primed to flourish behind the stellar line. The top two receivers from 22 are gone, but Dante Cephas transfers in from Kent State to assist. KeAndre Lambert-Smith is the top returner with 24 catches in 2022, but watch Florida State transfer Malik McClain. Highly touted five star quarterback Drew Allar takes over at quarterback, and there is a ton of optimism. Eight starters are back on a strong defensive unit. On the line, DE Adisa Issac pesters opposing signal callers, and the Lions welcome in Chop Robinson, who transfers in from Maryland. We really like this group. The linebacking core is top notch, led by active backers Curtis Jacobs and All B1G Abdul Carter. All America corner Kalen King, who had 18 PBU in 22, joins Johnny Dixon and safeties Jaylen Reed and Keaton Ellis to form a secondary among the nations best. Penn State was 11-2 last year, failing to get by Ohio State and Michigan which is the goal in 2023. The Lions travel to Ohio State in mid October and then host Michigan in November. This is a very good football team, and if Allar is who many think he is, Penn State could well win the B1G and find themselves in the CFB Playoff.

10. TEXAS

Could this be the year Texas lives up to expectations and makes a splash on the national scene? With a ton of talent and sixteen starters returning, it well could be. That is good news for Coach Steve Sarkasian, as the heat is rising. Let’s start offensively, where ten starters return. The lone loss was brilliant running back Bijan Robinson, so that will sting, but even though the Horns have returning talent at running back, most expect five star incoming freshman CJ Baxter win the job. At quarterback, Quinn Ewers is back, and when healthy he played well, and almost led the Horns to an upset of Alabama. The receiving core is stacked, led by All America player Xavier Worthy. WR Jordan Whittington and Georgia transfer Adoni Mitchell are conference honors candidates, and TE Ja’Tavion Sanders is another All America candidate. The line is strong and experienced with some young players getting snaps last fall. But tackle Kelvin Banks, who excelled as a freshman last fall, is an All America player and a project top NFL pick. We expect Texas to be prolific offensively. On the stop side, there is quality experience back. The Horns top tackler in 22, middle linebacker Jaylan Ford, will challenge for national honors in leading the unit. Up front, a slew of transfers will be looking for time to help Barryn Sorrell. Star backer Jahdae Barron, fifth in stops last season, and safety Jerrin Thompson, fourth in stops, both return. But Texas got Jalen Catalon from Arkansas in the portal, and he could be All America caliber at safety. It is a rough slate, particularly with a trip to Alabama week two. In conference, Baylor and TCU are significant road tilts, with Kansas, Kansas State and Texas Tech at home. Of course, Oklahoma, who the Horns obliterated last year, is in Dallas. Texas has chance to go undefeated if they can slay Alabama, but we think they fall just short and stumble within conference somewhere on the way to winning the Big XII.

11. SOUTHERN CAL

Brilliant Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams returns under Lincoln Riley, and pieces are in place for USC to once again be among the potent teams in the nation offensively. Williams had an incredible 42/5 TD/INT ratio, and there is no reason to think this type of performance will not continue. Austin Jones, second on the team last year in rushing yards, is back but watch incoming transfer Marshawn Lloyd from South Carolina. Tahj Washington, Brenden Rice and Mario Williams form a stellar wide receiver room. Do keep an eye on standout receiver Dorian Stringer, who comes in from Arizona, where he had over 100 yards receiving last fall. The offensive line is quite good and has at least a pair of conference honors candidates. 40 points per game is possible. It is on the defensive side where USC is in need of improvement, and everyone understands that. Although nine starters return, the Trojans did not stop much of anybody in 2022. A bright spot to build on is safety Caleb Bullock, who is an All America candidate. Oklahoma State transfer Mason Cobb should be all conference at linebacker and Georgia transfer Keithian Alexander dives in at nose tackle. Beyond that, the top three tacklers, FS Max Williams, LB Shane Lee and LB Eric Gentry all return. So, USC does seem poised to be much improved on the stop side. SC will favored by two scores plus all the way to a 6-0 start before traveling to Notre Dame. A homer with Utah follows, with USC closing with a rough trifecta; Washington, at Oregon and home for UCLA. 11-1 and a spot in the PAC 12 Championship Game.

12. NOTRE DAME

After Brian Kelly’s sudden departure to LSU, The Fighting Irish turned to defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, a bright young coach that peers around the country had destined for a big future. It started out with Notre Dame playing powerful Ohio State in a very close loss, but then a home loss to Marshall stunned the nation. Seemingly righting the ship including a win at North Carolina, the Irish suffered another devastating home loss to lowly Stanford. But after winning on the road against a solid Syracuse outfit, the Irish came home and blasted fifth ranked Clemson. So the year was up and down, and it did culminate with a bow win over South Carolina. The big news for 2023 is the arrival of standout Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman in the transfer portal. Leading 22 rusher Audric Estime returns as does top wideout Jayden Thomas. Depth is an issue at the skill spots. All America tackle Joe Alt leads the big uglies, a really good unit. The defense could be strong with talent is scattered about on each level. End Javontae Jean-Baptiste transfers in from Ohio State and Howard Cross is stout at nose. Leading Tackler JD Bertrand is back at middle linebacker, and rover Jack Kiser is a tackling machine. Corner Benjamin Morrison, who had six pickoffs in 22, is a national honors candidate. Notre Dame always plays a challenging schedule, and this year is no different. They have two late bye weeks after playing in Ireland week 0 vs. Navy. They travel to NC State week three, which is no gimme. Also before the first bye, it is home to Ohio State, at Duke and Louisville, and home to USC. Ouch! Games at Pitt and home to Clemson precede the next bye. An easier close finds the Irish home to wake Forest and at Stanford. Sure fire dogs at home vs Ohio State and toss ups against Clemson and USC seem to spell doom for any playoff hopes, but winning 10 looks like the top. We go 9-3 for Freeman and Irish, but 8-4 before 10-2.

13. TENNESSEE

The Volunteers were on the come, but they had an outstanding season under Josh Heupel as they dumped Alabama to open 8-0 before falling at Georgia. Tennessee rebounded strong against Missouri but then got blindsided and ambushed by South Carolina, getting destroyed 63-38. They also lost their star quarterback. Still, they finished 11-2 crushing Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Joe Milton jumps in at quarterback, and he is a fine player, but only five staters return. A pair of stellar backs, Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small, return. Bru McCoy leads the receiving core, but Ramel Keyton and Squirrel White both had 30+ catches in 22. The line returns plenty of starts, most notably Connor Mays at center, but noted star talent is missing. On the stop side which returns seven starters, Omari Thomas anchors the line. The top two 2022 tacklers return, including Aaron Beasley, who has star talent linebacker, and strong safety Jaylen McCullough, both of whom are conference honors candidates. Five games precede a bye, with a neutral opener against lowly Virginia, at rebuilding Florida and home in a revenge game versus South Carolina. Three tough games come next; Texas A&M, at Alabama and at Kentucky. After UConn, a road trip to Mizzou and a before a significant home game against Georgia live on CBS! Tennessee may slip a bit in 2023 but the ascension in the program is real. Looks like 3 losses.

14. OREGON STATE

Oregon State. Aways seemingly swimming uphill, is a much better football team, and program, than most know. And the Beavers continue to do work and improve. We were considering them as a sure fire top fifteen team as we were heading into this season, but they lost their top tackler and NFL prospect linebacker Omar Speights in the portal to LSU. Oregon State returns their starting quarterback, but they went into the portal and got Clemson transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who had 28 starts with the Tigers and would seem to fit the Beaver system well. The top four rushers return, led by Damien Martinez who ran for over 1000 yards in 22. Anthony Gould leads the receiving core. The line is very experienced, led by honors candidates Joshua Gray and Taliese Fuaga. Even without Speights, the defense is solid. In the back end, the top returning tackler from 22 is free safety Kitan Oladapo, a conference honors candidate, who in teaming with nickel Ryan Cooper form a strong secondary nucleus. Up front, tackle James Rawls 8.5 tfl plugs the middle. Easton Mascarenas-Arnold could really excel at linebacker who tams with Illinois transfer CJ Hart. It would seem a 4-2 start, at a minimum, is reasonable for the first half of the year with Oregon State perhaps favored in all except a road game at Utah and a home game with UCLA. Oregon State closes home against Washington and at Oregon. If Oregon State can continue their ascent, we think an 8-4 season is in the cards.

15. UTAH

Last year we projected Utah to reach the college football playoff, but the fumbled their way to a loss in the heat of The Swamp at Florida but did recover to win the PAC 12 Title Game defeating USC for the second time. While the 22 team seemed a veteran bunch, so is this squad, with 16 returning starters back. Part of the optimism for 2023 centers around the return of Cameron Rising at quarterback. Now, he was injured in the Rose Bowl and may not be quite ready for the opener, and that is quite important, as the Florida Gators visit. Florida is down, but they got talent everywhere but quarterback so be careful. Ja’Quinden Jackson steps in at running back along with Micah Bernard. Devaughn Kele returns at wideout after 55 catches a year ago and teams with Money Parker to form a dynamic duo. But the money is TE Brant Kuthie, who is an All America candidate at tight end. The offensive line is fantastic, led by Keaton Bills and Sataia Laumea. The Utes play defense. Per Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews, the Utes have had a pick six for 19 consecutive seasons. Can you imagine? Nine are back. The front seven is nasty. Defensive tackle Junior Tafuna is a national honors candidate and end Val GillInger tied for the team high in sacks a year ago with linebacker Karene Reed, who wreaks havoc inside. Stanford transfer Levani Damuni joins the fun. Cole Bishop is back at safety after leading the Utes in stops in 22, and corner JaTravis Broughton looks emerging. Getting by Florida, especially is Rising is out or limited, will not be easy, and then a trip to Baylor could really be interesting. Hosting UCLA and visiting Oregon State close a tough first half slate. Tough roadies at USC and Washington and a homer against Oregon, all good teams, raise the degree of difficulty of this schedule, which we think prohibits Utah from winning the PAC 12. 9-3.

16. OREGON

You had to be impressed with Dan Lanning and Oregon last year. After getting embarrassingly dismantled by Georgia 49-2 in the season opener, Oregon rebounded to finish 10-3 with a Holiday Bowl victory over North Carolina. Part of how that happened was the outstanding play of quarterback Bo Nix, who flourished under the direction of OC Kenny Dillingham. Dilly is off to coach Arizona State, so there is a new OC, but Nix is ready for another big year as part of eight offensive starters back. Bucky Irving, a conference honors candidate who ran for over 1000 yards, returns at running back. Three of the top four pass catchers are returning, led by WR Troy Franklin and TE Terrance Ferguson. Traeshon Holden transfers in from Alabama. Three of five starters return on the offensive line, which is set to include Nishad Strother, who transfers in from East Carolina. Eight defensive starters are also back, but only three of the top five 2022 tacklers. Edge Brandon Dorkus leads the Ducks up front. Weakside linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, who was the teams second tackler in 22, will man the second level. Alabama transfer Kyree Jackson will jump in at cornerback and Evan Williams at safety lead the secondary. There are pieces, and Nix is a great player, but there are also holes, and we wonder about the loss of Dillingham, who Nix had long relationship with. The Ducks had better have their defensive head straps on tight on road trip to Texas Tech week two. Oregon cannot be worse than 4-1 by the bye week after week five. It is a rough slate to close, Road trips to Washington and Utah and home games with Washington State, USC and Oregon State to close. 8-4

17. OKLAHOMA

It was not a good year for Oklahoma under the first year of the Brent Venables tenure, and the low point was certainly the eye opening 49-0 loss to Texas at the Texas State Fair. The Sooners finished 6-7 after playing well in a narrow loss to Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl, but there are nervous folks in Sooner Nation. So what do we expect in 2023. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is back, and five star Jackson Arnold is ready in waiting. OU has backs, with Javontae Barnes leading the way, but those in the know have their eye on Marcus Major. Jalil Farooq and Drake Stoops are the top returning receivers, and Andrel Anthony transfers in from Michigan. There are no recognized all conference performers on the offensive line, unusual for the Sooners, but we think the line is solid, and it welcomes Cal transfer McKade Mettauer. Defensively, there is plenty of talent. At defensive end, Ethan Downs returns after a stellar 2022 stat sheet, 9TFL and 9QH. Rondell Bothrod transfers in from Wake Forest, so look for him. Top 22 tackler Danny Stuntsman, who had a whopping 126 stops, is back in the middle. Dasam McCullough comes over from Indiana to paly the weakside. The secondary has a chance to be stout. SS Billy Boatman is a conference honors candidate and Key Lawrence is solid. Reggie Pearson transfers in from Texas Tech set to grab a safety spot, but do keep your eyes peeled for five star freshman Peyton Bowen, who has superstar potential at corner. Both Venables and the Sooners need a good start to ease the pressure, and the schedule allows such an opportunity. If OU is not 5-0 entering the Red River War, the winds in Norman will be stiff. Texas is the conference favorite, so that game will, as always, be a challenge. UCF , West Virgina and TCU to close, seemingly after the Sooners have grown, are the remaining home contests. On the road on the way out are Kansas, Oklahoma State and Brigham Young. OU is set for a big year with that schedule. We think 9-3 would be the worst case scenario, but Oklahoma could surprise to the upside.

18. OLE MISS

Ole Miss is not quite where they aspire to be, but Lane Kiffin has this program stabilized at a high level and significant steps are consistently being taken to help the Rebels reach new heights. While they are not favored in the rugged SEC West, Ole Miss is a solid top twenty team with an opportunity to make waves. Let’s look why. Well, offense is the game for Kiffin, and nine starters return offensively. Jaxson Dart played well in 2022 but has room for improvement and seems poised to take the next step. It is noted that Spencer Sanders, a four year starter at Oklahoma State, has transferred in. Standout running back Quinshon Judkins, an All America candidate who ran for over 1500 yards a year ago, is primed for prime time. Jordan Watkins and Zakhari Franklin give Ole Miss quality aerial targets. Jeremy James and Micah Pettus lead the offensive line. On the stop side, an experienced under the radar group returns. Although the top five tacklers from 2022 are gone, the back end has proven players. In the secondary, safeties Isheen Young and Ladarius Tennison are two of the top returning tacklers. Ashanti Sistrunk is the top retuning tackler from his linebacker spot. DE Cedric Johnson and DT JJ Pegues are solid up front. Several transfers have been brought in for help, including UCF transfer Justin Hodges at rover and Louisville transfer Monty Montgomery at linebacker. Ole Miss has talent and they could be a problem. An early game at Tulane, who beat USC in the Cotton Bowl last year, is interesting. Before the bye, the SEC slate has games at Alabama followed by home games with Arkansas and LSU. After the by, Ole Miss visits the plains at Auburn, comes home for Vandy and A&M closing n the road at Georgia and Mississippi State. Ole Miss seems certain dogs in three games, with another three or so being toss ups. That is not a slate friendly to reaching the top of the vaunted SEC West. Ole Miss is good; not that good.

19. NORTH CAROLINA

The Tar Heels have been up and down but had a decent season last year as freshman quarterback Drake Maye came out firing. Now, the sophomore is a national honors candidate, and with nine total offensive starters back, the Heels could be potent. All the top rushers are back, but some new aerial targets need to be identified. Linebacker Cedric Gray leads the defensive unit, which brings back eight starters, including the top five tacklers from 2022! There are several potential all conference players scattered throughout the unit. The schedule is tough, and there are two games we think could derail the Heels; the neutral opener against a dangerous South Carolina team and a home game against a physical Minnesota team. If the Heels reach 4-0, a road trip to Pitt will be huge. The rest of the way, Miami and Duke are at home and road closures at Clemson and NC State are tough. North Carolina has a chance, but the early and late games are pivotal to their success, but 8 wins and bowl game are certainly in the cards.

20. TEXAS TECH

While we may not have the same criteria as tremendous college football analyst Phil Steele, we find Texas Tech as our surprise team that could challenge the top ten in 2023. The Red Raiders are stacked this year under coach Joey McGuire, who is not getting the proper recognition he deserves. Why do we like the Red Raiders? Well, all elven starters are back on offense. Quarterback Tyler Shough is ready to shine after an injury plagued season in 2022. Folks are sleeping on him if healthy. Four of five of the top receivers from 2022 return, led by Jerand Bradley. Tahj Brooks returns from leading the Red Raiders in carries and yards in 22. The line returns all, but this is an area ready for upgrade. They will be improved with another year under the belt, but also welcomes center Rusty Staats, who comes in from Western Kentucky. Six return defensively, strong up front with everyone back, led by tackle Jaylon Hutchings. Jesiah Pierre (40t) is the veteran of the linebacking core. FS Dadrion Taylor-Dewerson is the leader of the experienced secondary. NC State transfer Malik Dunlap and Texas transfer Tyler Owen come in to assist an already veteran group. The bye does not come to late October, so it will be important for Texas Tech to start strong and remain healthy. A home date week two brings in a ranked Oregon team, and a win here could be a real notice server. There are road tilts at West Virginia, BYU and Baylor and home games with Houston and Kansas State before the break. Texas Tech closes on a tough four game scratch, home to TCU, at Kansas, home to UCF and at Texas. The Red Raiders are very potent offensively and will light the scoreboard up. Even so, they seem sure underdogs only at Texas, with the home games with Oregon, Kansas State and TCU coin flips. Look out if the Red Raiders stay healthy. A 9-3 season seems more than reasonable, and even more wins would not shock us in any way.

21. ILLINOIS

Brett Bielema has already made a drastic improvement at Illinois, and this is no flash in the pan situation. We think Illinois will be right in the thick of the West Division, At quarterback, Luke Altmeyer comes over from Ole Miss, and this kid can play. Three of the top four receivers return, led by Isaiah Williams, who has all conference abilities. Reggie Love is ready to rock at running back. The offensive line is a Bielema specialty, and Isaiah Adams at G and Justin Pearl at T are all potential all conference performers. Illinois will smack you in the face defensively, and they are nasty up front. Jer’Zhan Newton and Keith Coleman at DE are among the nations best bookends. Gabe Jacas, Tarique Barnes and Seth Coleman form a fierce linebacking core. Tavion Nicholson leads the secondary. If Altmeyer plays as we expect him to at quarterback, Illinois may be onto something. But how does the schedule look? A roadie at much improved Kansas in week two is no joke, especially if you are licking your chops for a shot at Penn State, which you get at home week three. 2-1. Illinois has a tough Friday night game with Nebraska and then a roadie at Maryland before Wisconsin comes in. Road games at Iowa and <Minnesota are among the last four. No Ohio State or Michigan, and Penn State and Wisconsin at home. Only Iowa is a tough road game within the conference. We have Illinois 9-3.

22. WISCONSIN

Luke Fickell has arrived from Cincinnati to take over the Badgers program, which in a stunning move let go of coach Paul Chryst early last fall. Fickell looks the part, and few if any are not predicting success. After all, Fickell took a very good Bearcat team to the College Football Playoff! Phil Longo, whose reputation is throwing the football, is in as the offensive coordinator. Transferring in to play quarterback is Tanner Mordecai, who lit it up at SMU. But this is the Big Ten, and Wisconsin runs the ball. Will that change? Doubtful. Braelon Allen is one of the nations best at running back, so we expect that portion of the Wisconsin tradition will continue. In fact, most of the offense is back, including the top two rushers and top three pass catchers. The offensive line is led by tackle Jack Edwards, and returns four starters. Wisconsin was not great on offense in 2022 (26ppg), but they will be better in 2023. Defensively, we are not so sure. The Badgers lost some key pieces. Linebacker Maema Njongmeta, the top tackler a year ago, leads the stop troops, which returns eight starters. CJ Goetz is a quality end, Jordan Turner is an conference honors candidate at middle linebacker while Hunter Wohler and Kamo’I Latu are a strong pair of safeties. But famed defensive mind Jim Leonhard, a former player and assistant coach at Wisconsin, has left. We have to think his loss is impactful. Further, Wisconsin is certainly among the best in the West, but are they ascending or treading water. Since they made the change to get Fickell. We think the brass thought the latter. Will Fickell hit the ascension hoped for in year one. Doubtful. A trip week two to Washington State could be troublesome, but Wisconsin should be 4-0 heading into conference play. A mid season three game stretch will speak volumes; Iowa, at Illinois and Ohio State. Home to Nebraska and at Minnesota close out the division foes. This schedule has 10-2 staring us in the face, but we just don’t think Wisconsin is all that good. So we will think 8-4.

23. TEXAS A&M

Jimbo Fisher’s Texas Aggies were among the nation's biggest disappointments in 2022, and it appears the team is at somewhat of a crossroads coming into 2023. Can the Aggies rebound to the top twenty. For Fisher’s job security, they sure had better. The good news is 2- starters return, so there is experience everywhere. Offense has been the issue. Connor Weigman is experienced, with 8 touchdowns against 0 interceptions on 132 attempts a year ago. However, Max Johnson has transferred in from LSU and may win the job. There is an opening at running back, with Armani Daniels, Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Ownes fighting it out. Ainias Smith has had some off field issues, but he is uber talented and a potential star at wide receiver. Wideout Evan Stewart and Noah Thomas are also dangerous. Bryce Foster, Layden Robinson and Rueben Fatheree make up a pretty doggone good offensive line. McKinnley Jackson mans the nose up front defensively, and Shemar Turner and Fadil Diggs are stout at the end. Star recruit Walter Nolan looks ready for prime time. Edgerrin Cooper and Chris Russell are back at linebacker after 61 and 66 stops accordingly last year. Nickel Bryce Anderson and safety Jardin Gilbert form a strong secondary led safety Demani Richardson who led the team in stops a year ago. The schedule, along with most in the rugged SEC, carries a high degree of difficulty. In the no-con, a trip to face the Hurricanes in Miami is on tap week two. The SEC slate starts with a home contest with Auburn, a neutral with Arkansas, home with Alabama and at Tennessee. There could be two losses, at least, at this point. After the by, home to improving South Carolina, at Ole Miss, home to Mississippi State and at LSU close the regular season. We think A&M will be better in 2023 than they were in 2022, there appears to be at least four losses.

24. KANSAS STATE

The Wildcats had a whale of a season in 2022, winning the Big XII and earning a trip to the Sugar Bowl. There is no doubt that coach Chris Klieman is doing an outstanding job and the program is on the upswing. But can they produce back to back conference titles? That will be quite a challenge. Offensively, the offensive line may be among the nation’s best. Cooper Bebee is an All America candidate once again at center, and guard Harry Panzer and tackle KT Leveston are all conference candidates among a unit that returns intact. Will Howard is back at quarterback and he is among the best in the conference. DJ Giddens seems poised to step in at running back, but we love Florida State transfer Treshaun Ward. Phillip Brooks is a conference honors candidate at receiver. About half the defense was lost, but good pieces return. Defensive end Khalid Duke will lead the unit up front. At linebacker, Austin Moore, who led the Cats in stops in 2, is back, along with Daniel Green, who is a top tackler as well. Kobe Savage patrols the secondary which needs to be rebuilt, but the Cats hope North Dakota State transfer Marques Sigle can provide immediate help. The schedule looks difficult. Two cupcakes precede a dangerous trip to Missouri, who is improved, and a home game against speedy UCF. After a ye, the road finds Okie State, Texas Tech, conference favorite Texas and Kansas. Home games include TCU, Houston, Baylor and Iowa State. So, the most challenging appear on the road. Therefore, we think K-State falls short of the conference title, but they are a definite bowl team and a very solid program.

25. IOWA

For years, Iowa has fielded an elite defensive unit but has been anemic on offense, and last year was that on steroids. Quarterback play has been the centerpiece issue, not withstanding moribund play calling. Most thought Iowa would make, or be forced to make, a change of the offensive coordinator if not the head coaching position. Instead, Iowa brought in a top notch transfer quarterback in Cade McNamara, who comes in from Michigan. McNamara is a huge upgrade for Iowa, and could propel the Hawkeyes to the top of the West. The offense returns a high level of production. Kaleb Johnson could run for 100 in 23. Nico Ragaini (34c) leads the receiving core. Luke Lachey is the next in a long line of excellent tight ends the Hawkeye shave employed, and the Hawks add Erick All, a Michigan transfer, at the position. Mason Richman is the leader of the offensive line, which is very experienced. For once, Iowa seems almost potent offensively. Corner Cooper DeJean (5INT) is a national honors candidate and leads the defensive unit. DT Logan Lee and DE Joe Evans are a force up front, and the Hawks welcome UVA transfer Nick Jackson, an All ACC player, at linebacker. Quinn Schulte is a hard hitting safety. Iowa goes to Iowa State, which will be tough, but we like Iowa 4-0 heading to Penn State, where they will be dogs. Michigan State and Purdue are home before Iowa visits Wisconsin before hosting Minnesota in a pair of important West Division contests. The Hawks close at upstart Illinois (lookout) and at Nebraska. Iowa is better and has a chance to win the West; we got them at 8-4.

SUPER SIX (those who just missed being selected):

UCLA

UCLA returns a veteran team in 2023 that could surprise those not in the know. One area of youth is at quarterback, but the Bruins seem prepared to go with 5 star true freshman Dante Moore. If they don’t, they will soon enough. Moore has exceptional tools, not all that dissimilar to those of the departed DTR. Transfer receivers Kyle Ford (USC) and Michael Sturdivant (Cal) arrive to bolster the aerial attack. Nine defensive starters help the Burins solidify a defensive unit that gave up way too many points per game in 2022. The front is talented, and the secondary is very good. The Bruins could be a sleeper. The road is not brutal, only at USC and Oregon state will UCLA potentially be an underdog. There is no Oregon or Washington, and UCLA will favored at in the rest of them. 8-4 at worst.

Miami

Miami has been underperforming for a couple decades now but last season really hit a low. It was so bad, there were grumblings wondering if newly hired head coach, and former player Mario Crisobal, was the home run hire they think he is. For 2023, Miami returns a veteran team on both sides of the ball, so this really needs to be a season of success for Cristobal and the Canes. Tyler Van Dyke was woeful last season, impacted by injuries seemingly throughout, so we expect him to be better. The offensive line is decent, and the Canes always house skill. Leonard Taylor leads up front defensively, where most of the unit returns, including touted safety Kamren Kitchens. The Canes have 8-4 looking strong, and anything less would be another disappointment.

Arkansas

Returning offensive starters are scarce for Arkansas but KJ Jefferson does return at quarterback to direct the Razorback offense, which should be good. Rocket Sanders, second in the SEC in rushing last year, is set for a big season. The offensive line is very good. On the stop side, six starters are back led by LB Chris Paul, DB Dwight McGlovern and SS Hudson Clark, the teams top returning tackler. The schedule could be worse, only road games at LSU, Ole Miss and Alabama find the Hogs probable underdogs. Arkansas seems poised to improve, so we got them hovering around 9-3.

Kentucky

Mark Stoops has significantly elevated the foundation of the Wildcat football program, and he should be applauded for the job he has done. Once again, even as personnel comes and goes, the program is strong. Ten starters return on offense, which should be potent. Quarterback Will Levis went off to the NFL, but Stoops scooped up Devin Leary, a talented signal caller from NC State. Defensive end JJ Weaver leads the Cats who have high talent scattered about defensively, so look out. But the schedule is not favorable. The back end is tough. Home with Tennessee, road at Stark Vegas, home for Alabama, then closing on the road at South Carolina and Louisville. Kentucky could win 10 games, but everything would have to go right. We see four losses, primarily due to the schedule.

Texas Chrisitan

Boy howdy did the Horned Frogs have a season for the ages in reaching the college football playoff championship game! But, that beyond dominating loss to Georgia is certain to leave a harsh mark. The Frogs will be inexperienced offensively, but do welcome some important transfers, most notably Trey Sanders, who transfers in from Alabama to take over at running back, and John Paul Richardson comes over from Okie State to bolster leading returning pass catcher Savion Williams and TE Jared Wiley within the receiving room. As usual, the Frogs are disruptive defensively. Strong up front, stout at linebacker and honors players in the secondary, the unit will be a strength. Easy early, the schedule becomes a bear late, so we find TCU about 8-4.

Duke

The Blue Devils were perhaps the most pleasant surprise in the country last season, going from the cellar to recording a 9-4 season and a resounding bowl victory over UCF. Duke is very veteran coming into 2023, with some 18 starters back. Quarterback Riley Leonard can flat play, and he will be a problem for opposing defensives to contain. All the skill talent returns, so alert the scoreboard operator. Defensively the front seven is legit. The schedule is tough, with a stretch including of three games, homers with Notre Dame and North Carolina State before a roadie at Florida State, seemingly vitally important. There are likely four or so losses on this schedule, as Duke is not sneaking up on anyone this year, but this is a good football team, make no mistake.

NEXT: South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Tulane, Mississippi State, Maryland, Louisville, Minnesota, North Carolina State, Texas San Antonio, South Alabama, Baylor, Southern Methodist, Auburn, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Michigan State, Oklahoma State and Toledo.

ASCENDING:

TEXA TECH, UCLA, COLORADO, SOUTH CAROLINA, NEBRASKA & MARYLAND.

DESCENDING:

NORTHWESTERN, PURDUE, IOWA STATE, FLORIDA, VIRGINIA & CINCINNATI.

2023 PRESESON ALL AMERICA TEAM

OFFENSE