College Football's Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2023

The 2023 college football season doesn't officially start until August, but it's never too early to look ahead and project the Top 25 rankings for next year. Georgia takes the top spot in the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for '23 by Athlon Sports, but coach Kirby Smart's team will be pushed by Michigan, Ohio State, USC and Alabama. Also, an intriguing second tier of contenders appears to be in place next season. Florida State is on the rise after a 10-3 record in '22, and coach Mike Norvell's squad returns the bulk of the team for next fall, including quarterback Jordan Travis and end Jared Verse. Could Penn State topple Michigan and Ohio State in the Big Ten? Coach James Franklin's team won 11 games this year and is loaded for a run at the College Football Playoff in '23. With explosive offenses in place, Tennessee, Oregon and Washington are teams capable of easily exceeding our early projection. The arrival of Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman should make Notre Dame a playoff contender too.

With the transfer portal, recruiting, coaching changes, and more moves to come this offseason, this list could look a lot different by April and then by August. But with some clarity about rosters for next fall, here is Athlon Sports' Way-Too-Early Top 25 for next season:

College Football's Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2023

1. Georgia
Making a third consecutive trip to the national championship game won't be easy, but if any team is capable, it's Kirby Smart's Bulldogs. Although the roster has some turnover, talent certainly isn't an issue in Athens. Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton will battle to replace Stetson Bennett at quarterback. As always, Georgia won't have a problem finding running backs or building one of the SEC's top offensive lines. And whichever quarterback wins the job will be throwing to a talented group of weapons, including tight end Brock Bowers. Standout lineman Jalen Carter and safety Christopher Smith depart the defense, but the next wave of stars is ready, headlined by lineman Mykel Williams, linebackers Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon, as well as safety Malaki Starks.

Related: Can the Bulldogs Three-Peat as National Champions in 2023?

2. Michigan
With back-to-back East Division titles, and The Game in Ann Arbor late in the season on tap, the path to the Big Ten championship runs through Michigan in ’23. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Donovan Edwards headline coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense once again next fall, but the standout juniors will be operating behind a retooled offensive line that could feature three transfer starters, including former Stanford center Drake Nugent. Tight end Colston Loveland (16 catches) is a rising star. Michigan’s defense should rank among the best in the nation once again, especially with Will Johnson returning at cornerback after a standout freshman season, along with the continued development of linebacker Junior Colson, safety Rod Moore and linemen Mason Graham, Eyabi Okie and Derrick Moore.

3. Ohio State
After losing a heartbreaker to Georgia in the Peach Bowl, the Buckeyes have plenty of motivation behind a retooled lineup to get back to the CFB Playoff and make another run at the national title. Devin Brown and Kyle McCord will battle to replace C.J. Stroud at quarterback, but the winner can throw to receivers (and likely first-team All-American) Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka and hand off to running backs Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson. Tackles Dawand Jones and Paris Johnson Jr., guard Matthew Jones and center Luke Wypler have NFL decisions to make. Although the defense struggled late in the season and especially against Michigan and Georgia, this unit was better than it was in ’21. Can coordinator Jim Knowles elevate this group to another level next fall? End Zach Harrison and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg could depart early for the NFL, but lineman JT Tuimoloau is back to anchor the defense. In addition to filling the holes on the depth chart, Knowles and the assistants have to find ways to improve the secondary before next season. Road trips to Notre Dame and Michigan will make or break Ohio State’s hopes of a trip to the playoff.

4. USC
The Trojans came within one win of a Pac-12 championship and trip to the CFB Playoff in coach Lincoln Riley’s first year. Taking the next step in ’23 is a realistic expectation, especially with Heisman winner Caleb Williams back to direct USC’s high-powered offense. The skill talent around Williams is once again a strength, and Riley bolstered this group with the arrival of Arizona transfer Dorian Singer. The line must restock a line losing guard Andrew Voorhees, tackle Bobby Haskins and center Brett Neilon. Improvement on defense is also a must after this unit struggled in two losses to Utah and turned in a dismal performance against Tulane in the Cotton Bowl. The Trojans ended ’22 by allowing 29.2 points a game and 6.5 yards per play. A good chunk of the two-deep is expected to return and help is on the way from the portal. However, lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (21 TFL) and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon left for the NFL.

5. Alabama
Quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. are off to the NFL, but the dynasty is far from over in Tuscaloosa. As always, Nick Saban will have this team back in the mix to earn a spot in the CFB Playoff. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson will battle to replace Young, with Ja’Corey Brooks, Jermaine Burton, Kobe Prentice and Isaiah Bond forming a solid collection of weapons at receiver. Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams and a collection of up-and-coming backs will power the ground game behind a retooled offensive line. New faces have to emerge at all three levels of the defense, but the cupboard is hardly empty. Linebacker Dallas Turner is primed to become the next star edge rusher, Kool-Aid McKinstry should be one of the SEC's top corners, and Malachi Moore opted to return to anchor the safety position with Brian Branch, Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams off to the NFL. LSU visits Tuscaloosa next year, so Alabama will have a chance to avenge the ’22 loss in Baton Rouge and regain control of the SEC West.

6. Florida State
After winning double-digit games (10) for the first time since 2016, Florida State has a strong case to rank ahead of Clemson as the ACC’s preseason favorite for ’23. The Seminoles have improved their win total from three to five to 10 under coach Mike Norvell, so the next logical step is to win the ACC. The pieces are in place to reach that goal, starting with quarterback Jordan Travis, who should rank among the nation’s best at his position in 2023. Trey Benson headlines a loaded backfield, and Johnny Wilson (20.9 yards per catch) leads an improving set of receivers. Improvement along the offensive line has been instrumental in Florida State’s rise recently, and three transfers are on the way to push the returning starters. The ‘Noles are also trending in the right direction on defense after limiting teams to 20.6 points a game in ’22. The bulk of this group is slated to return and received a boost when end Jared Verse followed tackle Fabien Lovett in passing on the NFL. And similar to the offense, a couple of transfer additions – tackle Braden Fiske (Western Michigan) and cornerback Fentrell Cypress II (Virginia) – add to a solid core. A date in Orlando against LSU is a tough way to start ’23 and road treks to Florida and Clemson are also on tap in the regular season.

7. LSU
Brian Kelly’s Bayou Bengals exceeded preseason expectations with 10 victories and an SEC West title in 2022. The expectation level will be even higher in ’23, as Kelly and staff now have a full offseason to work with the roster, and the Tigers won’t have a ton of personnel departures to navigate. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returns after a solid debut in Baton Rouge, and the receiving corps ranks among the best in the SEC with Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, and Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson in place. Tight end Mason Taylor returns after an outstanding freshman season too. The offensive line struggled in ’22 with more than 40 sacks allowed but the starting group should return intact next fall and will benefit from continued development by Emery Jones Jr. and Will Campbell. The defense was solid last year but is another unit that should take another step forward into one of the best in the SEC. Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. is a dynamic player off the edge, and the front will get a boost with Maason Smith returning from injury. A couple of portal additions are set to bolster the trenches, and Texas A&M transfer Denver Harris is a key pickup for a secondary that’s experienced a good bit of transition over the last two years.

8. Penn State
The Rose Bowl victory over Utah lifted Penn State to its fourth season of 11 victories since ’16. Although the Nittany Lions have won at a high level, the program doesn’t have a trip to the CFB Playoff – yet. Could the ’23 team change that narrative? Touted ’22 recruit Drew Allar is set to replace Sean Clifford at quarterback and the return of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen gives the offense one of the top backfields in college football. The loss of Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley leaves a void at receiver, however. Left tackle Olu Fashanu’s return was massive news for a line that showed improvement in ’22. The optimism for next season continues on defense after a successful debut by coordinator Manny Diaz. Linebackers Kobe King and Abdul Carter, cornerback Kalen King and defensive linemen Adisa Isaac, Chop Robinson, Hakeem Beamon and Dani Dennis-Sutton lead the way for what’s expected to be a standout group in ’23. Penn State has to play at Ohio State but will host Michigan.

9. Tennessee
Despite losing quarterback Hendon Hooker and receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, it’s safe to assume coach Josh Heupel will reload Tennessee’s high-powered offense in ’23. Five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava will factor into the mix to replace Hooker, but Joe Milton’s performance (251 yards and three scores) in the Orange Bowl entrenched his position atop the depth chart. Milton’s development and a retooled receiving corps set to feature Bru McCoy and Squirrel White will decide just how high the Volunteers can climb in the SEC East. Also, the line must replace standout tackle Darnell Wright (off to the NFL). Strides were made on defense after allowing 29.1 points a game in ’22. Tennessee held opponents to 22.8 a contest and ranked second in the SEC against the run. Coordinator Tim Banks has some turnover here and more progress is needed in defending the pass after finishing near the bottom of the SEC in pass efficiency defense. End Byron Young’s (11.5 TFL) decision to leave for the NFL was significant.

10. Washington
Under new coach Kalen DeBoer, the Huskies were one of the most improved teams in the nation, jumping from 4-8 in ’21 to 11-2 last year. Although Washington won’t sneak up on anyone in ’23, this team has the pieces to make a run at the Pac-12 title (and potentially the CFB Playoff). Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (4,641 yards and 31 TDs) returns to pilot an offense that averaged 39.7 points a game in ’22, with 1,000-yard receivers Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan potentially returning on the outside. A much-improved offensive line (seven sacks allowed) does need to retool a bit, but left tackle Troy Fautanu is set to return as the anchor. With a high-powered offense on the other side, the Huskies won’t need a dominant defense to win the Pac-12, but there’s room to improve (especially against the pass) on this side of the ball in ’23. Edge rushers Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui are set to return, and DeBoer has added defensive help through the portal.

11. Oregon
Bo Nix’s decision to return in 2023 will keep Oregon in the mix to win the Pac-12 and push for a spot in the CFB Playoff. In his first year with the Ducks, Nix led all conference signal-callers by averaging 8.24 yards per play and ranked fourth in total offense (315.6 yards a game). The senior will have a new play-caller (Will Stein from UTSA) after Kenny Dillingham was hired as head coach at Arizona State. Transfer additions Traeshon Holden (Alabama) and Tez Johnson (Troy) add weapons for Nix at receiver, and the backfield should be set with Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington returning. The line is facing an overhaul, but guard Steven Jones is returning, and coach Dan Lanning picked up two potential starters in the portal. It’s a good thing Oregon should have one of the Pac-12’s top offenses considering the question marks on defense going into ’23. Top cornerback Christian Gonzalez and linebacker Noah Sewell are off to the next level, and end Brandon Dorlus could follow. Iowa transfer Jestin Jacobs should be an impact addition at linebacker, and the Ducks can dip into an outstanding ’23 recruiting class for help on this side of the ball. After allowing 5.8 yards per play in ’22 and facing some turnover, how fast Lanning can retool this group is likely to decide whether or not Oregon can return to the Pac-12 title game.

12. Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman’s first year had its share of ups (wins over North Carolina, Clemson and South Carolina) and downs (losses to Stanford and Marshall), but a 9-4 finish and another standout recruiting class provide plenty of optimism for the overall direction going into ’23. The addition of Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman gives Notre Dame one of the top 15 quarterbacks in college football. The Fighting Irish also possess a deep backfield with Chris Tyree, Logan Diggs and Audric Estime all slated to return, while left tackle Joe Alt is back to anchor a standout line. Finding more difference-makers at receiver and a replacement for tight end Michael Mayer tops the list of offseason priorities for coordinator Tommy Rees. Freeman’s defense should return largely intact after limiting opponents to just 5.2 yards per play in ’22. End Isaiah Foskey and safety Brandon Joseph leave big shoes to fill, but cornerback Benjamin Morrison is a rising star and leading tacklers JD Bertrand and Jack Kiser are back to man the second level. Key matchups against USC and Ohio State take place in South Bend, with a road trek to Clemson set for Nov. 4.

13. Clemson
The Tigers have won 10 or more games for 12 consecutive seasons but have missed the CFB Playoff in back-to-back years. With Florida State’s recent improvement, combined with the question marks surrounding Clemson in ’23, coach Dabo Swinney’s team may not rank as the preseason favorite in the ACC. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is one of the ACC’s rising stars, and running back Will Shipley will be one of the top playmakers in the conference. However, the Tigers need the receiving corps and offensive line to take a step forward to return to the playoff. Better play up front will be a challenge with left tackle Jordan McFadden off to the NFL. As usual, Clemson’s defense will rank among the best in the ACC. But coordinator Wes Goodwin must replace tackle Bryan Bresee, end Myles Murphy, and linebacker Trenton Simpson. Safety Andrew Mukuba, tackle Tyler Davis and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are back as key defenders for ’22.

14. Texas
The Longhorns took a step forward in coach Steve Sarkisian’s second year, improving from 5-7 in ’21 to 8-5. But the expectation level will begin to climb higher next fall, as the Big 12 is open for this team to make a run at the conference title, and another standout recruiting class has added an improved roster. Quarterback Quinn Ewers had an up-and-down November but threw for 369 yards against Washington in the Alamo Bowl. He will be pushed by true freshman Arch Manning this spring. Running back Bijan Robinson must be replaced, but Sarkisian should be able to get enough production from the ground attack out of true freshmen Cedric Baxter and Jonathon Brooks, as well as Jaydon Blue. Xavier Worthy (60 catches) is back as the No. 1 receiver, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (54) is a rising star. But most importantly for the offense, the line should return largely intact and should be among the best in the Big 12. An improved defense (6.03 yards per play allowed in ’21 to 4.9) has holes to fill at every level, but edge Barryn Sorrell (nine TFL) and tackle T’Vondre Sweat are slated to return. 

15. TCU
The Horned Frogs lose a good chunk of talent from the ’22 roster, but after the unexpected run to the national championship, don’t count out coach Sonny Dykes’ squad from a quick reload and a return to Big 12 title contention. Chandler Morris edged Max Duggan for the starting job before an injury in the season opener and should return to the starting quarterback job. NFL decisions by running back Kendre Miller, receiver Quentin Johnston and a few others with extra eligibility remaining loom large this offseason. Similar to the offense, the defense has a couple of key players who have decisions to make on the next level, but the guess here is coordinator Joseph Gillespie will once again find the right pieces.

Related: What Lies Ahead for the Horned Frogs in 2023

16. Utah
The path to a third consecutive Pac-12 title will hinge significantly on what happens at quarterback. Cameron Rising could move to the NFL, but a knee injury in the Rose Bowl added uncertainty to the Utes’ quarterback situation for ’23. While mystery surrounds the position for now, the offensive line should be among the best in the Pac-12. Additionally, Devaughn Vele, Money Parks and tight end Thomas Yassmin are back on the outside. Converted quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson is a rising star at running back. As usual, Utah should be solid again on defense, but the departure of Clark Phillips III to the NFL leaves big shoes to fill at cornerback. Safety Cole Bishop, linebacker Lander Barton and tackle Junior Tafuna will be among the Pac-12’s top defenders next fall.

17. Oregon State
After winning double-digit games (10) for the first time since 2006, the Beavers have their sights set on taking another step forward and earning a trip to the Pac-12 title game. Oregon State’s offensive line has quietly ranked among the nation’s best over the last two seasons and is set to return four starters, including All-Pac-12 tackles Joshua Gray and Talise Fuaga. Look for coach Jonathan Smith to get the most out of Clemson transfer DJ Uiagalelei at quarterback, and the Beavers return one of the Pac-12’s rising stars at running back in Damien Martinez. Smith’s decision to hand defensive play-calling duties to Trent Bray late in the ’21 season paid big dividends last year. The Beavers allowed 6.1 yards per play in Pac-12 contests in ’21 but limited opponents to 5.2 in ’22. The ’23 version should be solid once again, especially if first-team All-Pac-12 linebacker Omar Speights returns. The secondary will miss defensive backs Rejzohn Wright and Jaydon Grant, however. 

18. Tulane
Running back Tyjae Spears (1,581 yards) is off to the NFL, but the Green Wave’s hopes of another AAC title and New Year’s Six bowl berth received a boost when quarterback Michael Pratt announced his intention to return to New Orleans for ’23. Coach Willie Fritz will have to retool a bit at receiver, but the line should be a strength with four starters back, including senior Sincere Haynesworth. Iverson Celestine (306 rushing yards) and Shaadie Clayton-Johnson (333) will get the first opportunity to replace Spears in the backfield. Marked improvement on defense was also a key reason for Tulane’s massive turnaround from 2-10 in 2021 to 12-2 and Cotton Bowl champ. Under rising star coordinator Chris Hampton, the Green Wave gave up 34 points a game in ’21. However, that number dropped to 22.2 this year. The bulk of this group is expected to return next fall. After knocking off Kansas State and USC in ’22, Fritz’s team has another opportunity to beat a high-profile Power 5 team next year with Ole Miss visiting Yulman Stadium in early September.

19. North Carolina
Putting North Carolina in the top 25 is a bet that quarterback Drake Maye can carry this team and overcome a few significant roster concerns in ’23. In his first year as the full-time starter, Maye threw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns to just seven picks and led the team with 698 yards on the ground. The junior could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With No. 1 receiver Josh Downs (94 catches) leaving Chapel Hill, a pair of transfers – Nate McCollum (Georgia Tech) and Devontez Walker (Kent State) add insurance to a group that already has reliable options in tight end Bryson Nesbit and receivers J.J. Jones, Kobe Paysour and Gavin Blackwell. A line that’s allowed 89 sacks over the last two seasons has a few voids to fill, but Coastal Carolina transfer Willie Lampkin will help right away. While scoring points won’t be a problem, the Tar Heels need to be a lot better on defense to return to the ACC Championship Game. This unit allowed 27 touchdown passes (tied for No. 116^th nationally), ranked last in the ACC in scoring defense (30.8 ppg), and surrendered 6.14 yards per play in ’22. While finding optimism after a dismal performance on defense might be tough, this unit returns the bulk of the two-deep, and coach Mack Brown landed a couple of impact additions through the portal. 

20. Kansas State
The reigning Big 12 champions won’t fall far from the top of the conference, but coach Chris Klieman has a few holes to address after running back/all-purpose weapon Deuce Vaughn and receiver Malik Knowles departed early for the NFL. Although the Wildcats’ depth chart isn’t set for ’23, quarterback Will Howard is back after a promising showing in ’22, and there’s a chance all five linemen return. With Vaughn off to the next level, DJ Giddens (518 yards) is poised for a bigger role in the offense, and K-State can lean a little more on Howard through the air next fall. NFL decisions await a couple of key cogs on defense, including cornerbacks Julius Brents and Ekow Boye-Doe and end Felix Anudike-Uzomah from a unit that limited teams to 21.9 points a game. The secondary will get a boost from the return of safety Kobe Savage after he missed the last four games of ’22 due to injury.

21. Oklahoma
The Sooners suffered their first losing since 1998 with a 6-7 mark in coach Brent Venables’ debut. However, after losing five games by one score in ’22, Oklahoma is due for a bit of a correction in close contests next year. But that’s not the only reason to like the Sooners to improve in ’23. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is back after throwing for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns in 12 contests. The backfield will miss Eric Gray (1,366 yards), but the one-two punch of Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk should alleviate any concerns on the ground. Top receiver Marvin Mims (54 catches) opted to depart for the NFL, leaving Jalil Farooq (37 catches) and Drake Stoops (39) as the team’s top returning options. A revamped offensive line is coordinator Jeff Lebby’s biggest concern. However, this unit played well in the bowl loss against Florida State. On the other side of the ball, can Venables push the right buttons on defense after this unit gave up more than 35 points and six yards a play in Big 12 matchups? Look for the Sooners to tap into a top-10 signing class, as well as key transfers Jacob Lacey (Notre Dame), Trace Ford (Oklahoma State) and Dasan McCullough (Indiana) to improve on D next fall.

22. Ole Miss
An 8-1 start gave away to a four-game losing streak and an 8-5 mark to end ’22 for coach Lane Kiffin. Despite the late-season slide, the Rebels will be a factor in the SEC West once again next year. An offense that averaged 33.5 points a game on the strength of its ground attack returns running back Quinshon Judkins (1,565 yards and 16 TDs). However, a new running mate must be found after Zach Evans (936 yards) left for the next level. Quarterback Jaxson Dart (276 total yards a game) should take a step forward in his second year as the starter. Portal additions at receiver in the form of Chris Marshall (Texas A&M) and Tre Harris (Louisiana Tech) are key for a unit facing some turnover. Kiffin won’t have much trouble scheming up points for his offense, but Ole Miss’ defense has to improve after allowing 32 points a game in the month of November and surrendering 5.9 yards a snap in SEC play.

23. Arkansas
Defense is the biggest concern for Arkansas after the '22 unit gave up 6.5 yards per play and over 30 points a contest. Stopping the pass was a major issue for this group. Former Auburn linebacker Travis Williams was hired from UCF to call the defensive signals after Barry Odom took the head-coaching job at UNLV. The Razorbacks dipped into the portal for help, but this unit is likely to be a work in progress in '23. However, while high-scoring games might be frequent in Fayetteville next year, Arkansas has the firepower to win its share of those with quarterback K.J. Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders leading the offense. Jefferson will be throwing to a revamped group of receivers, and Pittman will have to retool the line a bit with center Ricky Stromberg off to the NFL. 

24. Wisconsin
The Big Ten West Division title race should be another close battle between the Badgers, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota next year. New coach Luke Fickell isn’t starting from scratch with a roster that won 16 games over the last two seasons, but the new staff is also implementing a significant scheme shift on offense. New coordinator Phil Longo arrives in Madison after directing high-powered offenses at Ole Miss and North Carolina. While the run game won’t be abandoned, Longo should help Wisconsin’s passing game with his background in the Air Raid. Transfers Tanner Mordecai (SMU) and Nick Evers (Oklahoma) are set to battle for the starting quarterback job. The top three receivers also return, including Chimere Dike (47 catches). Despite the tweak in offensive philosophy, expect running back Braelon Allen (1,242 yards) to once again be the focal point of this team. Replacing All-Big Ten linebacker Nick Herbig, lineman Keeanu Benton and safety John Torchio top the list of priorities on defense for Fickell and new defensive coordinator Mike Tressel. However, given Fickell’s track record at Cincinnati of building top-notch defenses, don’t expect much of a drop-off on this side of the ball.

25. South Carolina
If quarterback Spencer Rattler returns in 2023, pencil the Gamecocks in for a spot in the Top 25. The Oklahoma transfer seemed to find his groove late in the ’22 season, which included a six-touchdown performance versus Tennessee and a 360-yard outing on the road against Clemson. Rattler’s supporting cast is in transition under new coordinator Dowell Loggains with the transfer of running back MarShawn Lloyd and tight end Jaheim Bell. However, this collection of talent could receive a boost if Juice Wells (68 catches for 928 yards) opts to return instead of jumping to the NFL. Improving on both lines of scrimmage is a must if coach Shane Beamer’s squad wants to take the next step in ’23. South Carolina’s defense gave up 28.8 points a game last fall and has holes to fill up front after the transfer of end Jordan Burch, as well as at cornerback with Cam Smith off to the NFL. A Sept. 2 date against North Carolina in Charlotte should be one of the best matchups for Week 1 next year.

The Next Tier

26. Boise State
The Broncos should get the nod as the early favorite in the Mountain West next year. A finish in the Top 25 is within reach, especially with rising star quarterback Taylen Green and a deep backfield to lean on.

27. UTSA
Quarterback Frank Harris' decision to return in 2023 bolsters UTSA’s hopes of winning the AAC in its first year in the league.

28. UCLA
Last season’s 9-4 mark is UCLA’s best win total in coach Chip Kelly’s five years at the helm. Exceeding nine victories will require some retooling on both sides of the ball, with the question marks starting on offense with the departure of quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Zach Charbonnet. Kent State transfer Collin Schlee, Ethan Garbers and five-star freshman Dante Moore are slated to battle for the starting job under center. Ball State transfer Carson Steele will help fill the void left behind by Charbonnet. A couple of new faces must emerge in the receiving corps and up front, and Kelly has already dipped into the portal for help in the trenches with the commitment of former Purdue lineman Spencer Holstege. The bulk of UCLA’s defense is likely to return but improvement is needed after allowing 29 points a contest and struggling mightily versus the pass.

29. Troy
Coach Jon Sumrall’s stock is on the rise after leading Troy to a Sun Belt title and 12 wins in ’22. Tackling machine and standout linebacker Carlton Martial departs, but the defense should remain strong. The Trojans need more out of their offense (25.6 points a game).

30. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders are a sleeper to watch in the Big 12 next year after finishing ’22 with four consecutive victories and 8-5 overall in coach Joey McGuire’s debut.

31. Louisville
New coach Jeff Brohm inherits a solid foundation from a team that went 8-5 last year. Also, the Cardinals are bringing in one of the ACC’s top classes of transfers.

32. Mississippi State
New coach Zach Arnett can lean on one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks in Will Rogers to make a run a Top-25 finish.

Other Teams to Watch in 2023

Air Force
The Falcons must replace quarterback Haaziq Daniels (entered transfer portal) and fullback Brad Roberts, but coach Troy Calhoun’s team should have enough to push for its third consecutive double-digit win season.

Baylor
Can the Bears rebound after a disappointing 6-7 season?

BYU
A new era is on tap for BYU with the move to the Big 12 next year. Former Pitt and USC quarterback Kedon Slovis could replace Jaren Hall under center.

Cincinnati
The Bearcats have a new coach (Scott Satterfield) and a new conference (Big 12) with a roster facing significant turnover after going 53-11 since ’18.

Coastal Carolina
The Chanticleers' hopes of winning the Sun Belt title in new coach Tim Beck’s first year received a boost when quarterback Grayson McCall opted to remove his name from the transfer portal.

Duke
Duke improved from 3-9 to 9-4 in coach Mike Elko’s first season. Quarterback Riley Leonard returns to lead the Blue Devils into Top-25 consideration next fall.

Fresno State
The reigning Mountain West champs could turn to UCF transfer Mikey Keene to replace quarterback Jake Haener.

Illinois
Bret Bielema’s program is trending up after nearly winning the Big Ten West in ’22. The Fighting Illini have concerns on both sides of the ball, however. Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer could start at quarterback and running back Chase Brown is off to the NFL. Can a defense that allowed just 12.8 points a game match that production in ’23 with coordinator Ryan Walters gone to Purdue and a couple of key defenders off to the NFL?

Iowa
Even though the Hawkeyes won’t have standout linebacker Jack Campbell back to patrol the middle of the defense, this side of the ball won’t take a big step back on the stat sheet next year. Can the offense take a step forward with Michigan transfer Cade McNamara at the controls?

Kansas
Coach Lance Leipold has Kansas on the rise. Can the Jayhawks take another step forward next fall?

Kentucky
Additions of quarterback Devin Leary (NC State) and running back Ray Davis (Vanderbilt) and the potential return of coordinator Liam Coen could help Kentucky have the most improved offense in the SEC next year.

Marshall
The Thundering Herd finished ’22 on a five-game winning streak thanks to a strong rushing attack (more than 200 yards a game) and a defense that allowed just 16 points a game. Is Marshall the team to beat in the Sun Belt East?

Maryland
Assuming quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa returns, the Terrapins have a chance to improve upon last year’s 8-5 mark.

Miami
The ‘Canes should improve in coach Mario Cristobal’s second year. Improvement on offense (23.6 points a game) and better quarterback play is a must next fall.

Minnesota
New quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis showed promise in four starts at quarterback for the Golden Gophers in ’22. However, coach P.J. Fleck must replace running back Mohamed Ibrahim, standout center John Michael Schmitz and a couple of key defenders from a unit that held teams to 13.8 points a game.

NC State
Veteran play-caller Robert Anae is a big-time hire for a NC State offense that averaged only 24.3 points a game last year. All-ACC linebacker Payton Wilson passed on the NFL to return in ’23.

Pitt
The Panthers must replace a chunk of the two-deep on both sides of the ball after finishing 9-4 in ’22. Boston College transfer (and Pittsburgh native) Phil Jurkovec could get the nod under center.

South Alabama
The Jaguars bring back most of their core from the team that went 10-3 and nearly won the Sun Belt West Division in ’22. Coach Kane Wommack’s defense will be strong again, and the offense should improve again with quarterback Carter Bradley and running back La’Damian Webb leading the way.

Texas A&M
Talent isn’t the issue in College Station. Can Jimbo Fisher and new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino push the right buttons to get the Aggies back into the Top 25?

UCF
The return of quarterback John Rhys Plumlee and a solid group of transfer additions for ’23 is good news for UCF’s debut in the Big 12.