It’s too early to know what the team will look like next season. That said, it can give you a good idea of which teams will play meaningful football at the end of the year.
Heading into the season, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio were safe bets to have a strong season. Judging by each team’s recent performances, they’re as good as we’d hoped.
The 2022 season brought some surprises. No one I know played TCU in a national championship. It could be argued that some still underestimate the horned frog heading into the championship game.
Still, let’s start with this year’s top teams and take on the silly task of predicting which teams will compete among the best college football teams in 2023.
Georgia
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With Stetson Bennett leaving, questions remain about the quarterback position. Somehow, Bulldog should be on his way to the top again.
Michigan
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JJ McCarthy should lead a dynamic Michigan offense in 2023, assuming Jim Harbaugh returns.
USC
Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
I realize they capped off the year by losing their last two games and free-falling out of the College Football Playoffs. They have the best players in the country next year and could bring a strong Portal class.
Tennessee
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Josh Heupel deserves the benefit of the doubt after his first two years at Knoxville. Their dominant win over Clemson could carry over into this season.
Ohio
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Losing so many talented players led by CJ Stroud hurts the Buckeyes. His replacement could be even better.
Washington
Daniel Dunn – USA TODAY Sports
Washington is a force to be reckoned with, led by Michael Pennix. They may be in contention for the playoffs next season.
Alabama
Gary Cosby Jr. – USA TODAY Sports
Alabama is vulnerable without Bryce Young and could struggle very hard next season.
TCU
Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
Horned Frogs have a great chance of winning the national championship in the next few days. It will still be difficult to replace Max Duggan next season.
LSUs
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Kelly had an impressive first season with the Tigers, including an upset victory over Alabama. Look for them to build that season next year.
Florida
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Mike Norvell’s team has taken a giant leap this year. They could contend for the ACC title.
Oregon
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Bo Nix returns to Dax with a powerful Recruit class. Seek out Oregon and roar west.
Clemson
Dubbo Sweeney Football Camp 2021
The Tigers could have another volatile season. That said, they are living new lives at quarterback with Cayde Krabnik.
Oregon
Bob Donan – USA TODAY Sports
The Beavers embarrassed the Florida Gators in the bowl game, 30-3. They add Clemson’s transfer DJ Uiagelelei, who could thrive in the new environment.
Tulane
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Wave returns starting quarterback Michael Pratt. The team has unfinished business after a surprise victory over USC.
texas
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman- USA TODAY NETWORK
We’ll learn a lot about the Longhorns in Week 2 as they battle the Alabama Crimson Tide. When Quinn Ewers pulls it all together, he could have a 10-win Texas team in 2023.
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The Irish are a safe bet to compete in every season. There are still questions about the team’s offense.
Oklahoma
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The addition of Dasan McCullough, Austin Stogner and Trace Ford will make Oklahoma a team to watch next season.
texas tech
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire wears a “sword swing” before his game against Ole Miss in the Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022.
Joey McGuire isn’t going to waste time at Lubbock. Texas Tech could be in jeopardy this season after bullying Ole He Miss He Rebels in the bowl he game.
Pennsylvania
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
James Franklin has lost a lot of experience, but he could have a strong team next season.
Kansas
Gary Cosby Jr. – USA TODAY Sports
Replacing Duce Vaughn will not be easy. Will Howard’s improvement should keep Kansas State in the Big 12 buzz.
Utah
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Utes will struggle to replace Cam Rising, but the culture could continue to produce Kyle Whittingham’s winning football.
Colorado
Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports
The influx of talent Deion Sanders brings to Colorado is undeniable. Buffaloes could see a similar comeback to Southern California’s Lincoln Riley.
north carolina
Rich Story-USA TODAYSports
Drake May and Mack Brown are staying in Chapel Hill. Tar Heels can wreak havoc on his ACC.
make a mistake
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Rebels didn’t finish the 2022 season strong, but they need to find a way to create an attack in 2023.
UTSA
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Texas is lucky not to play the UTSA Roadrunners next season. Starting quarterback Frank Harris will return to Jeff Traylor’s squad next year.
The story was originally published on Longhorns Wire