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CFB Catch-All Thread -- 2023

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Breaking Down the Likely New Starting QBs for Top 25 Teams in 2023

DAVID KENYONJUNE 1, 2023

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Drew Allar, Penn State

Whenever you're building out expectations for college football teams, the easiest position to mention and the most important player to analyze is the quarterback.

USC's Caleb Williams headlines the group in the 2023 season, along with North Carolina's Drake Maye, Oregon's Bo Nix and a host of others. But those players should be among the familiar names to college football fans, considering how well they performed in past years.

They deserve time in the spotlight. So do the new faces, though—along with the old faces in new places.

We're previewing 11 teams from B/R's most recent Top 25 that are slated to have a new staring quarterback in 2023.

Transfers

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Sam Hartman, Notre Dame

Brennan Armstrong, North Carolina State

Devin Leary headed to Kentucky, but NC State soon replaced him with Brennan Armstrong. After totaling 4,700 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2021, he had a disappointing year in 2022. He completed just 54.6 percent of his passes at 6.5 yards per attempt with seven touchdowns to 12 interceptions. The hope is a reunion with coordinator Robert Anae, who coached Armstrong in 2021 but not 2022, will restore the left-hander's effectiveness.

Sam Hartman, Notre Dame

Wake Forest's record book has become a tribute to Sam Hartman, who threw for a program-high 12,967 yards and 110 touchdowns. He'll spend his final year of eligibility at Notre Dame, which is both improved thanks to Hartman and still questionable. The offense's top returning wideouts, Jayden Thomas and Lorenzo Styles, combined for 701 yards last season. Hartman has a heavy burden to carry.

DJ Uiagalelei, Oregon State

During his two-game stint in 2020 as Trevor Lawrence's backup, DJ Uiagalelei looked like a star for the future. However, he fell shy of seven years per attempt in two years as Clemson's starter and lost the QB1 spot to Cade Klubnik late in 2022. It seems likely that Oregon State's staff will try to unlock the upside of Uiagalelei over Ben Gulbranson. While the Beavers went 7-1 with Gulbranson last season, he surpassed 200 passing yards only twice.

Tanner Mordecai, Wisconsin

From a scheme perspective, no quarterback faces greater pressure than Tanner Mordecai. He's merely responsible for being the first player to help Wisconsin embrace a philosophical shift. Mordecai is well-suited for an Air Raid offense, given his back-to-back 3,500-yard, 30-touchdown seasons at SMU. But the Badgers need him to ease the transition for an overhauled receiving corps, too.

The QBs We've Seen

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Joe Milton III, Tennessee

Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Whether he ends the year as the starter is a fair question, but Jalen Milroe is the early front-runner to replace Bryce Young. Milroe is a dual-threat QB who started once for an injured Young in 2022. The major question for Milroe is his ability to pass efficiently in a high-volume role. But he's certainly the most dynamic player in Alabama's competition. Milroe needs to hold off Ty Simpson and recent Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner for the spot.

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

While the comparison isn't identical, Cade Klubnik has a similar outlook to Milroe. Clemson's new starter has respectable mobility, but he showed his youth as a passer in scattered snaps last season. Klubnik is also adjusting to coordinator Garrett Riley, who oversaw TCU's surprise run to the national championship. Klubnik has plenty to prove in 2023, but the offense unquestionably belongs to him.

Chandler Morris, TCU

Now that breakout star Max Duggan—who initially lost TCU's competition last year—is off to the NFL, Chandler Morris has reclaimed his place as QB1. Although he won't run as often as Duggan, Morris is a fine runner with enticing upside in a quick-passing game that new coordinator Kendal Briles is installing. The challenge will be dealing with the pressure of following Duggan's sensational year in a fresh offense with overhauled personnel.

Joe Milton III, Tennessee

Last year, Joe Milton III shined with 971 yards and 10 touchdowns to zero interceptions in just 82 attempts. Tennessee has solid talent at receiver, and Josh Heupel's offense is kind to quarterbacks. On paper, the Milton-led Vols are built to succeed in 2023. While it's probably a broken record for UT fans, the concern with Milton is channeling his rocket arm in favor of accuracy—for a full season. He lost starting jobs at Michigan and two years ago in Knoxville.

Former Top Recruits

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Carson Beck, Georgia

Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton are in the competition, but Carson Beck seems to be emerging as the starter. He's not flashy. Behind an offensive line of this strength, though—and presumably aided by a high-end defense—Georgia simply needs stability under center. Beck is a drop-back passer who might run a little, but his greatest value can be offering a steady presence for an elite roster.

Kyle McCord, Ohio State

No quarterback inherits a better situation than Kyle McCord, whose main targets—Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka—double as two of the nation's best wideouts. As if that's not enough, the Buckeyes have more former top recruits in the receiving corps. McCord may scramble on occasion, but OSU's success will depend heavily on his performance in the pocket. Good thing the supporting cast is incredible.

Drew Allar, Penn State

In the last half-decade, the Nittany Lions are 0-5 against Ohio State and just 2-3 opposite Michigan. Penn State is hoping Drew Allar changes that trend and returns the program to the peak of the Big Ten. The heir to longtime starter Sean Clifford, Allar will provide the offense with a different look. He has a strong arm and clear command of the position but is more slippery than impactful as a scrambler.

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LTtxfan

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IMO...   Texas vs blOU are rivals

aggy is not a rival for Texas. But aggy sees Texas as their rival.

Funny listening how Eisen says Mich/ohioSt are rivals, and Mich St is not a rival for wolverines 😋

Michigan Alum Rich Eisen Can’t Stand That Georgia & Alabama Don’t Play Each Other Every Season

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NCAA Division I Council proposes cutting transfer portal window in half 

Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Jun 28, 2023

The NCAA Division I Council proposed changes to the transfer period windows that would reduce the total number of days that student athletes can enter the transfer portal from 60 down to 30.

As it stands now, there is a transfer window in college football that starts the day after the College Football Playoff teams are announced, which was Dec. 4 in 2022, and is open for 45 days. Another transfer window is open in the spring from April 15 to April 30.

For winter sports, there is a 60-day window that begins with a given sport's championship selection and there is a 45-day window for spring sports that begins with that sport's championship selection, as well.

The transfer windows were created this past year to limit the timeframe for which athletes can transfer from school to school.

Undergraduate student-athletes must enter their name in the transfer portal during those windows to be granted immediate eligibility at their next school of choice. They are not required to transfer within those dates, as long as their name is entered prior to the closing of the respective transfer window.

A total of 2,224 Division I football players entered the transfer portal this past winter and 1,373 entered in the spring. The Council says in its release that they have data from this past year that indicates most student-athletes enter the portal at the beginning of the transfer window.

With the proposal, oversight committees and the Division I Student Athlete Advisory Committee will gather additional feedback and offer possible amendments this summer. The Council will then consider a final vote during its October meeting.

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Tex Long

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Kirk Herbstreit is one of the people who make most of the Talking Head shows unlistenable.

Texas beat Alabama in 2022, although the SEC offcials on the field were allowed by the XII officials in the booth to take away the winning points. I think this year that gets turned around and we win in Tuscaloosa.  

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Tex Long

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9 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

How long till CFB does business with the Saudi's -- "The Next Mega-Booster"

Not a fan, but easy to understand that lots of Universities and conferences will be lining up to take the money...  

Not a fan of what... or whom? The Saudis? Corporate boosters like Oregon's got? The entire direction of minor league football? Pate, himself? 

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LTtxfan

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4 minutes ago, Tex Long said:

Not a fan of what... or whom? The Saudis? Corporate boosters like Oregon's got? The entire direction of minor league football? Pate, himself? 

Not a fan of Saudi's being involved in CFB, but it's coming.  Hell they may save the PAC-10 by quietly brokering some type of media deal for that conference.

Nothings gonna be able to stop it though...

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Tex Long

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22 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

Not a fan of Saudi's being involved in CFB, but it's coming.  Hell they may save the PAC-10 by quietly brokering some type of media deal for that conference.

Nothings gonna be able to stop it though...

Agree. Pate is a breath of fresh air waves. Sure, it's a schtick, but I like it. It wouldn't break my heart to see him paired up with Joel Klatt...

  • Hook 'Em 2
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I am gruntled to see Ewers getting much less attention this year - gotta take some of the stress off. If he does prove himself, it'll happen early, prolly against Bama. That will pull all the eyes back to him to see if he's for real or no. If he keeps it up through 0U, he'll be rubbing shoulders with Caleb. Speaking of Caleb, if Ewers falters, hopefully we could see a reprise of Riley's decision to bench Rattler and insert the new guy. Maalik sure looks the part, no?

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College football's 25 best teams, according to magazine guru Phil Steele.

BRAD CRAWFORD      Jul 5th, 2023

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More preseason college football rankings are here ahead of the 2023 season, this time from industry guru Phil Steele, who studies rosters and interviews coaches 12 months out of the year. He compiled his annual 'Preseason Top 40' rankings.

Steele notes two important guidelines about this season's rankings, which for this exercise have been trimmed to the first 25 teams. "My preseason rankings are not my power ratings," Steele writes. "These rankings take into account the totality of the circumstances that I feel each team will face in the 2023 season such as schedule strength, foes' schedules (coming off byes), experience edges at the start of the year and so forth."

Steele notes that his poll is based on where he thinks teams will finish following the 2023 season.   His rankings have quite a few differences than our 247Sports summer top 25., including no sign of Kansas State, South Carolina, Ole Miss and others. 

Here is Steele's preseason top 25.

25. TCU Horned Frogs

The Horned Frogs worked the transfer portal to their advantage after losing more than a half-dozen players to the NFL. The signing of Alabama pass-catcher JoJo Earle and tailback Trey Sanders, among others, could help off-set personnel losses. Catching lightning in a bottle like last season is easier said than done, hence why most of us have now placed the Horned Frogs outside the top 15.

24. UTSA Road Runners

With star quarterback Frank Harris returning with several high-profile wins to his credit as a starter, UTSA made Steele's preseason top 25 as one of the Group of Five's top threats.

23. Pittsburgh Panthers

Many mention Clemson and Florida State — even Miami — at the top of the ACC in 2023, but Pittsburgh flew under the radar. Pat Narduzzi expects Boston College transfer quarterback Phil Jurkovec to be a team leader.

22. Toledo Rockets

Steele is the only preseason prognosticator who slotted Jason Candle inside the preseason top 25. Part of that is due to the Rockets' bevy of returning starters and likelihood of winning 10 games as a conference favorite.

21. North Carolina Tar Heels

When you have a quarterback as talented as potential No. 1 overall pick Drake Maye, anything is possible. And despite the Tar Heels losing several starters off last season's ACC runner-up squad, Steele is giving Mack Brown's team the benefit of the doubt here in his preseason rankings.

20. Oklahoma Sooners

Thanks to an impressive transfer portal haul and 2023 signing class, Brent Venables and the Sooners moved up a couple spots in the 247Sports summer rankings and cracked Steele's top 20. Edge rusher and Indiana transfer Dasan McCullough could have an incredible season on defense if he stays healthy and plays like he did this spring. Oklahoma must improve on that side of the football.

19. Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols were inside the top 10 of one 247Sports ballot after spring practice and are widely considered a preseason top 15, but not according to Steele. This offense replaces a couple key playmakers, including Jalin Hyatt and Hendon Hooker, but Tennessee did take out Clemson in the Orange Bowl with Joe Milton at quarterback. He is on the preseason Heisman shortlist. Josh Heupel's program hopes to continue its surge nationally, but will be the hunted this time around.

18. OREGON STATE BEAVERS

Clemson transfer quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei hopes to establish a career resurgence of sorts with the Beavers this fall, a team that nearly reached the Pac-12 Championship Game last season and welcomes back the bulk of its firepower on both sides of the football. Steele is not overlooking Oregon State's veteran leadership and has the Beavers tabbed as a serious dark-horse threat out West to throw a wrench in the playoff picture.

17. IOWA HAWKEYES

Can Kirk Ferentz fix Iowa's ineptitude offensively and get this team back to 10 wins? He hopes a few transfer additions help matters, including Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara. He takes over under center, poised to show he has the skills to lead another Big Ten squad to the league championship game. The Hawkeyes' defense should still be this program's calling card and Iowa faces a favorable slate by Big Ten standards.

16. UTAH UTES

Kyle Whittingham's not going to lead the Utes to a third-consecutive Pac-12 title as an underdog, is he? The odds are high with quarterback Cam Rising coming back, along with Utah's returning playmakers on defense. Even with Clark Phillips off to the NFL, the Utes have several all-conference caliber starters back on that side of the football. Expect running back Ja’Quinden Jackson to assume a starring role on offense with more touches in the backfield. There was a recent report that the Utes could be without Rising for most, if not all of the 2023 season, but the quarterback took to Twitter and spit facts.

15. OREGON DUCKS

Oregon is loaded in 2023. The Ducks are one of three top-15 teams from the Pac-12, according to Steele. Dan Lanning's biggest offseason win was convincing Bo Nix to return at quarterback and he gives Oregon's offense instant credibility after a terrific campaign. The offense may change somewhat with offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham taking the Arizona State job, but take a chance on Oregon as a team with Playoff potential. A top-15 signing class and notable transfer haul means this roster is talented.

14. WASHINGTON HUSKIES

The Huskies just won 11 games, ending the year on a seven-game winning streak and it sees like Washington is starting to get the respect it deserves nationally as we approach the regular season. According to oddsmakers, the Huskies' win total is set at 9.5 and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is on the Heisman shortlist. Can Kaleb DeBoer continue his build and compete for a Pac-12 Championship? Washington has the team to do it.

13. WISCONSIN BADGERS

Charted as Steele's top surprise team, Wisconsin has a chance to win the Big Ten, according to the college football guru. Not only did the Badgers reconfigure their offensive scheme with UNC's Phil Longo as its play-caller, but they added SMU signal caller Tanner Mordecai to orchestrate the Air Raid and there's talented running back help to support. Judging by the Badgers' schedule, Luke Fickell and company are a threat to the rest of the conference.

12. TEXAS A&M AGGIES

With a roster as talented as the Aggies possess this fall, it's hard not to like Texas A&M as one of the nation's top turn around teams. Jimbo Fisher hired Bobby Petrino to fix his offense, but there are questions surrounding how much he's actually willing to give up as a play-caller. This defense is stacked with former four and five-star signees, so if there's a darkhorse team capable of winning the SEC, Texas A&M is quite the sexy selection based on roster alone.

11. TEXAS LONGHORNS

Steele keeps the Longhorns at a safe distance from inside his top five, but acknowledged this team's capabilities in the playoff race. Texas also made a huge jump in the 247Sports post-spring rankings, leaping into the top 10. If Quinn Ewers takes the next step at quarterback, his numbers should help an offense that welcomes back a litany of playmakers. Those blocking for him are some of the most talented players in the Big 12. It's the defense that could make or break Texas as a legitimate title contender.

10. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

It will be interesting to see where the AP Top 25 slots the Fighting Irish in August considering Notre Dame landed the transfer portal's top quarterback in Sam Hartman, but did lose Tyler Buchner to the portal and was forced to replace play-caller Tommy Rees. Hartman shattered numerous program records at Wake Forest and gives Notre Dame a dynamic weapon under center the team did not have in Marcus Freeman's first season. The Fighting Irish still won nine games and has a top-10 class coming in for 2023 that could provide immediate help.

9. LSU TIGERS

Like the rest of us, Steele points to LSU as a contender in the College Football Playoff hunt. Somehow, the Tigers escaped transfer portal season with its top two quarterbacks staying put and welcomed one of the nation's most talented classes during the offseason. And Harold Perkins returns after a standout freshman campaign as arguably the SEC's best defender. After winning 10 games in Year 1 and proving he was ahead of schedule in Baton Rouge, Brian Kelly could make the final four in Year 2 with a couple breaks, but even he recently suggested the Tigers are one year away.

8. FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

Not only did Florida State clean up in the portal for the 2023 recruiting cycle, but the Seminoles were one of the nation's hottest teams exiting last season and got great news with quarterback Jordan Travis along with top defender Jared Verse announced their respective returns. That gives Florida State a pair of All-American candidates on both sides of the football, not to mention impressive talent elsewhere in the skill spots. The Seminoles may be one of the nation's most hyped teams in 2023 and were No. 5 slot exiting spring, according to 247Sports. 

7. USC TROJANS

Ranked as high as No. 6 on one 247Sports preseason ballots, Steele placed the Trojans as a title hopeful just outside of his top five. Heisman winner Caleb Williams is back under center, giving USC arguably the nation's most talented quarterback room. He projects to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has plenty of weapons in his arsenal too, even with Jordan Addison off to the NFL. Insert Arizona wideout Dorian Singer, among others, from the portal. The way the 2022 season ended for USC left a bad taste in the mouths of Lincoln Riley and his staff, the kind of loss that could motivate this team to reach the final four.

6. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

Count Steele as a believer in the Nittany Lions, one of three Big Ten teams he's marking as an elite this season. Two 247Sports voters were close to putting Penn State inside the top four to open next season prior to spring, but mixed reviews following the spring game pushed the Nittany Lions to No. 8. Given what the Nittany Lions have coming back with two rising sophomore sensation running backs and former five-star signee Drew Allar taking the reins under center, this offense looks high-powered.

5. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

The Buckeyes have not ranked this low, until now. For the first time in several years, the Buckeyes have somewhat of a quarterback controversy entering the 2023 season with Kyle McCord and Devin Brown set to continue their battle in August. McCord is the likely QB1 in Columbus. Given Ryan Day's history, he decides early in camp who gets the majority of first-team reps. Marvin Harrison Jr. returns at wideout along with Emeka Egbuka, giving the Buckeyes two of the top players on the outside within what is a loaded offense. And defensively, Ohio State should be improved. No. 5, though?

4. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

The Crimson Tide are not a preseason top-four team according to 247Sports experts, but Steele feels different about Alabama. He cites this team's talent level for his reasoning and who could argue? However, Nick Saban isn't settled on a quarterback entering fall camp for the first time in years. Notre Dame's Tyler Buchner certainly adds to the intrigue at the position. Replacing both coordinators is another worry with Tommy Rees and Kevin Steele (defense) taking over.

3. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Michigan's backfield is the nation's best with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards returning to anchor a loaded unit. The Wolverines' defense should be stout and as the two-time defending Big Ten champions, have a great shot at running the table again and getting back to the Playoff. We had Michigan as a preseason top four team entering summer, as does ESPN and PFF and their respective post-spring projections. Like Ohio State, Jim Harbaugh's squad is one of the preferred favorites in Vegas to win it all.

2. CLEMSON TIGERS

The only pundit in the country who slots Dabo Swinney's squad this high, Steele is a believer in the hire of Garrett Riley. Quarterback Cade Klubnik comes off his first-career start and is tasked with being the face of the program alongside running back Will Shipley. Are you buying stock in Clemson as a preseason title contender or has the respect level simmered a bit on Swinney's program? Steele likes the Tigers as a playoff contender.

1. GEORGIA BULLDOGS

It should come as no surprise that Steele slots two-time defending national champion Georgia in his top spot. With Carson Beck's performance at quarterback in the Bulldogs' spring game and the return of Brock Bowers set to anchor this offense's host of playmakers, this is the first time in years most are expecting Georgia to be better on that side of the football. Mike Bobo takes over for Todd Monken in the play-calling department to lead what should be an explosive unit. Georgia's schedule sets up for 12-0 and another No. 1 ranking heading into the SEC Championship Game in December. 

Texas was #11

 

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37 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

College football's 25 best teams, according to magazine guru Phil Steele.

BRAD CRAWFORD      Jul 5th, 2023

More preseason college football rankings are here ahead of the 2023 season, this time from industry guru Phil Steele, who studies rosters and interviews coaches 12 months out of the year. He compiled his annual 'Preseason Top 40' rankings.

Steele notes two important guidelines about this season's rankings, which for this exercise have been trimmed to the first 25 teams. "My preseason rankings are not my power ratings," Steele writes. "These rankings take into account the totality of the circumstances that I feel each team will face in the 2023 season such as schedule strength, foes' schedules (coming off byes), experience edges at the start of the year and so forth."

Steele notes that his poll is based on where he thinks teams will finish following the 2023 season.   His rankings have quite a few differences than our 247Sports summer top 25., including no sign of Kansas State, South Carolina, Ole Miss and others. 

Here is Steele's preseason top 25.

25. TCU Horned Frogs

The Horned Frogs worked the transfer portal to their advantage after losing more than a half-dozen players to the NFL. The signing of Alabama pass-catcher JoJo Earle and tailback Trey Sanders, among others, could help off-set personnel losses. Catching lightning in a bottle like last season is easier said than done, hence why most of us have now placed the Horned Frogs outside the top 15.

24. UTSA Road Runners

With star quarterback Frank Harris returning with several high-profile wins to his credit as a starter, UTSA made Steele's preseason top 25 as one of the Group of Five's top threats.

23. Pittsburgh Panthers

Many mention Clemson and Florida State — even Miami — at the top of the ACC in 2023, but Pittsburgh flew under the radar. Pat Narduzzi expects Boston College transfer quarterback Phil Jurkovec to be a team leader.

22. Toledo Rockets

Steele is the only preseason prognosticator who slotted Jason Candle inside the preseason top 25. Part of that is due to the Rockets' bevy of returning starters and likelihood of winning 10 games as a conference favorite.

21. North Carolina Tar Heels

When you have a quarterback as talented as potential No. 1 overall pick Drake Maye, anything is possible. And despite the Tar Heels losing several starters off last season's ACC runner-up squad, Steele is giving Mack Brown's team the benefit of the doubt here in his preseason rankings.

20. Oklahoma Sooners

Thanks to an impressive transfer portal haul and 2023 signing class, Brent Venables and the Sooners moved up a couple spots in the 247Sports summer rankings and cracked Steele's top 20. Edge rusher and Indiana transfer Dasan McCullough could have an incredible season on defense if he stays healthy and plays like he did this spring. Oklahoma must improve on that side of the football.

19. Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols were inside the top 10 of one 247Sports ballot after spring practice and are widely considered a preseason top 15, but not according to Steele. This offense replaces a couple key playmakers, including Jalin Hyatt and Hendon Hooker, but Tennessee did take out Clemson in the Orange Bowl with Joe Milton at quarterback. He is on the preseason Heisman shortlist. Josh Heupel's program hopes to continue its surge nationally, but will be the hunted this time around.

18. OREGON STATE BEAVERS

Clemson transfer quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei hopes to establish a career resurgence of sorts with the Beavers this fall, a team that nearly reached the Pac-12 Championship Game last season and welcomes back the bulk of its firepower on both sides of the football. Steele is not overlooking Oregon State's veteran leadership and has the Beavers tabbed as a serious dark-horse threat out West to throw a wrench in the playoff picture.

17. IOWA HAWKEYES

Can Kirk Ferentz fix Iowa's ineptitude offensively and get this team back to 10 wins? He hopes a few transfer additions help matters, including Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara. He takes over under center, poised to show he has the skills to lead another Big Ten squad to the league championship game. The Hawkeyes' defense should still be this program's calling card and Iowa faces a favorable slate by Big Ten standards.

16. UTAH UTES

Kyle Whittingham's not going to lead the Utes to a third-consecutive Pac-12 title as an underdog, is he? The odds are high with quarterback Cam Rising coming back, along with Utah's returning playmakers on defense. Even with Clark Phillips off to the NFL, the Utes have several all-conference caliber starters back on that side of the football. Expect running back Ja’Quinden Jackson to assume a starring role on offense with more touches in the backfield. There was a recent report that the Utes could be without Rising for most, if not all of the 2023 season, but the quarterback took to Twitter and spit facts.

15. OREGON DUCKS

Oregon is loaded in 2023. The Ducks are one of three top-15 teams from the Pac-12, according to Steele. Dan Lanning's biggest offseason win was convincing Bo Nix to return at quarterback and he gives Oregon's offense instant credibility after a terrific campaign. The offense may change somewhat with offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham taking the Arizona State job, but take a chance on Oregon as a team with Playoff potential. A top-15 signing class and notable transfer haul means this roster is talented.

14. WASHINGTON HUSKIES

The Huskies just won 11 games, ending the year on a seven-game winning streak and it sees like Washington is starting to get the respect it deserves nationally as we approach the regular season. According to oddsmakers, the Huskies' win total is set at 9.5 and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is on the Heisman shortlist. Can Kaleb DeBoer continue his build and compete for a Pac-12 Championship? Washington has the team to do it.

13. WISCONSIN BADGERS

Charted as Steele's top surprise team, Wisconsin has a chance to win the Big Ten, according to the college football guru. Not only did the Badgers reconfigure their offensive scheme with UNC's Phil Longo as its play-caller, but they added SMU signal caller Tanner Mordecai to orchestrate the Air Raid and there's talented running back help to support. Judging by the Badgers' schedule, Luke Fickell and company are a threat to the rest of the conference.

12. TEXAS A&M AGGIES

With a roster as talented as the Aggies possess this fall, it's hard not to like Texas A&M as one of the nation's top turn around teams. Jimbo Fisher hired Bobby Petrino to fix his offense, but there are questions surrounding how much he's actually willing to give up as a play-caller. This defense is stacked with former four and five-star signees, so if there's a darkhorse team capable of winning the SEC, Texas A&M is quite the sexy selection based on roster alone.

11. TEXAS LONGHORNS

Steele keeps the Longhorns at a safe distance from inside his top five, but acknowledged this team's capabilities in the playoff race. Texas also made a huge jump in the 247Sports post-spring rankings, leaping into the top 10. If Quinn Ewers takes the next step at quarterback, his numbers should help an offense that welcomes back a litany of playmakers. Those blocking for him are some of the most talented players in the Big 12. It's the defense that could make or break Texas as a legitimate title contender.

10. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

It will be interesting to see where the AP Top 25 slots the Fighting Irish in August considering Notre Dame landed the transfer portal's top quarterback in Sam Hartman, but did lose Tyler Buchner to the portal and was forced to replace play-caller Tommy Rees. Hartman shattered numerous program records at Wake Forest and gives Notre Dame a dynamic weapon under center the team did not have in Marcus Freeman's first season. The Fighting Irish still won nine games and has a top-10 class coming in for 2023 that could provide immediate help.

9. LSU TIGERS

Like the rest of us, Steele points to LSU as a contender in the College Football Playoff hunt. Somehow, the Tigers escaped transfer portal season with its top two quarterbacks staying put and welcomed one of the nation's most talented classes during the offseason. And Harold Perkins returns after a standout freshman campaign as arguably the SEC's best defender. After winning 10 games in Year 1 and proving he was ahead of schedule in Baton Rouge, Brian Kelly could make the final four in Year 2 with a couple breaks, but even he recently suggested the Tigers are one year away.

8. FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

Not only did Florida State clean up in the portal for the 2023 recruiting cycle, but the Seminoles were one of the nation's hottest teams exiting last season and got great news with quarterback Jordan Travis along with top defender Jared Verse announced their respective returns. That gives Florida State a pair of All-American candidates on both sides of the football, not to mention impressive talent elsewhere in the skill spots. The Seminoles may be one of the nation's most hyped teams in 2023 and were No. 5 slot exiting spring, according to 247Sports. 

7. USC TROJANS

Ranked as high as No. 6 on one 247Sports preseason ballots, Steele placed the Trojans as a title hopeful just outside of his top five. Heisman winner Caleb Williams is back under center, giving USC arguably the nation's most talented quarterback room. He projects to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has plenty of weapons in his arsenal too, even with Jordan Addison off to the NFL. Insert Arizona wideout Dorian Singer, among others, from the portal. The way the 2022 season ended for USC left a bad taste in the mouths of Lincoln Riley and his staff, the kind of loss that could motivate this team to reach the final four.

6. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

Count Steele as a believer in the Nittany Lions, one of three Big Ten teams he's marking as an elite this season. Two 247Sports voters were close to putting Penn State inside the top four to open next season prior to spring, but mixed reviews following the spring game pushed the Nittany Lions to No. 8. Given what the Nittany Lions have coming back with two rising sophomore sensation running backs and former five-star signee Drew Allar taking the reins under center, this offense looks high-powered.

5. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

The Buckeyes have not ranked this low, until now. For the first time in several years, the Buckeyes have somewhat of a quarterback controversy entering the 2023 season with Kyle McCord and Devin Brown set to continue their battle in August. McCord is the likely QB1 in Columbus. Given Ryan Day's history, he decides early in camp who gets the majority of first-team reps. Marvin Harrison Jr. returns at wideout along with Emeka Egbuka, giving the Buckeyes two of the top players on the outside within what is a loaded offense. And defensively, Ohio State should be improved. No. 5, though?

4. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

The Crimson Tide are not a preseason top-four team according to 247Sports experts, but Steele feels different about Alabama. He cites this team's talent level for his reasoning and who could argue? However, Nick Saban isn't settled on a quarterback entering fall camp for the first time in years. Notre Dame's Tyler Buchner certainly adds to the intrigue at the position. Replacing both coordinators is another worry with Tommy Rees and Kevin Steele (defense) taking over.

3. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Michigan's backfield is the nation's best with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards returning to anchor a loaded unit. The Wolverines' defense should be stout and as the two-time defending Big Ten champions, have a great shot at running the table again and getting back to the Playoff. We had Michigan as a preseason top four team entering summer, as does ESPN and PFF and their respective post-spring projections. Like Ohio State, Jim Harbaugh's squad is one of the preferred favorites in Vegas to win it all.

2. CLEMSON TIGERS

The only pundit in the country who slots Dabo Swinney's squad this high, Steele is a believer in the hire of Garrett Riley. Quarterback Cade Klubnik comes off his first-career start and is tasked with being the face of the program alongside running back Will Shipley. Are you buying stock in Clemson as a preseason title contender or has the respect level simmered a bit on Swinney's program? Steele likes the Tigers as a playoff contender.

1. GEORGIA BULLDOGS

It should come as no surprise that Steele slots two-time defending national champion Georgia in his top spot. With Carson Beck's performance at quarterback in the Bulldogs' spring game and the return of Brock Bowers set to anchor this offense's host of playmakers, this is the first time in years most are expecting Georgia to be better on that side of the football. Mike Bobo takes over for Todd Monken in the play-calling department to lead what should be an explosive unit. Georgia's schedule sets up for 12-0 and another No. 1 ranking heading into the SEC Championship Game in December. 

 

 

Since Steele mentioned that the above rankings are not the same as power rankings... I found his power rankings...

 

Phil Steele releases college football Top 25 power poll

https://www.on3.com/news/phil-steele-releases-college-football-top-25-power-poll/

Texas #8

Texas was picked by media to win the Big 12 in 2023 and for good reason: The Longhorns have, on paper, the best roster in the league by a pretty comfortable margin. No one else around the league has the offensive pop that quarterback Quinn Ewers and pass catchers Xavier Worthy, Ja’Tavion Sanders and others can provide.

It’s all set up for head coach Steve Sarkisian to break through and win the Big 12 in his third year in Austin — and set a solid benchmark for what success can be before entering the fray in the SEC. Also, if Ewers struggles this season, it won’t be long before the clamoring for Arch Manning to play gets loud

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Blotto

Blotto 23523

Posted
Posted
On 7/4/2023 at 7:18 PM, Tex Long said:

I am gruntled to see Ewers getting much less attention this year - gotta take some of the stress off. 

He's 3rd in current Heisman odds, lulz. The hype will ramp up once fall camp starts. Expectations are rightfully much higher this season. 

Screenshot_20230708-185146.thumb.jpg.db057e02d613a9c2bdbc3d7fee1ba657.jpg

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Bartles

Bartles 769

Posted
Posted
22 hours ago, The Ace of Aces said:

Pat very well might be done.

This is insane  

https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/07/08/top-stories/former-nu-football-player-details-hazing-allegations-after-coach-suspension/

Reminds me of the Chris Beard situation in that they kinda have to boot him, as a legit reputable university. But he should have no problem being scooped up quickly in a new job. At this date, probably needs to be special advisor someplace (tOSU?) then has his pick of HC jobs next season.

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The Ace of Aces

The Ace of Aces 5184

Posted
Posted
48 minutes ago, Bartles said:

Reminds me of the Chris Beard situation in that they kinda have to boot him, as a legit reputable university. But he should have no problem being scooped up quickly in a new job. At this date, probably needs to be special advisor someplace (tOSU?) then has his pick of HC jobs next season.

This involves athletes and he was what, 1-11, last year and 3-9 the year before? He’ll be out of a P5 job for a long while I think. 

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LTtxfan

LTtxfan 49196

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
On 7/11/2023 at 1:04 PM, LTtxfan said:

Greg McElroy’s Preseason Top 25 Poll: Teams 25-11 | Always College Football

 

  1. jawja
  2. meatchicken
  3. bama
  4. suckeyes
  5. geaux tigers
  6. fl state
  7. Texas
  8. wash huskies
  9. utes
  10. clempson
Edited by LTtxfan
messed up
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