Gamecocks in College Football's Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2023 "Athlon Sports"
Jan. 08, 2023
"Athlon Sports" top 25 & more
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:
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.
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.
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.
Jan. 08, 2023
"Athlon Sports" top 25 & more
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:
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.
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.
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.