The college football rankings for the upcoming 2023 season are out, and veteran writer and reporter Phil Steele has shared his preseason top 25 teams. Known for his comprehensive coverage of the game, Steele’s annual college football preview magazine is highly regarded by fans and experts alike.
One of the surprising inclusions in Steele’s top 10 is Notre Dame, a team that some might not have expected to make the cut. However, three of Notre Dame’s opponents for the 2023 season ranked higher than them. The most intriguing part of Steele’s rankings is the team that secured the number 2 spot: a notable Notre Dame opponent.
As we approach the official start of the college football season, let’s take a closer look at Steele’s top 25 teams for 2023:
– Sonny Dykes’ first year as the head coach of TCU ended with a national championship game appearance. With significant changes to the Horned Frogs offense this year, it will be interesting to see what Year 2 has in store for them.
– UTSA has quietly established itself as a powerhouse in recent years and will now face tougher competition in the American Athletic Conference.
– The question arises: who is more difficult to root for, quarterback Phil Jurkovec or head coach Pat Narduzzi?
– Fans of high-scoring offenses should keep an eye on the Toledo Rockets this fall.
– The question remains whether the University of North Carolina can effectively stop their opponents, despite having talented quarterback Drake Maye, who could potentially be the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
– Oklahoma had a productive off-season in the transfer portal, and fans are eager to see if they can reclaim their position among the top teams in the nation under new head coach Brent Venables.
– With Tennessee now back among the hunted teams rather than the hunters, many key losses on offense need to be filled. However, the system appears ready to deliver.
– Oregon State fans have high expectations this year due to a favorable schedule and the addition of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei from Clemson, leading them to consider a potential appearance in the Pac-12 title game.
– The Iowa offense is not expected to go through many changes, but the defense, which was elite last season, should remain strong.
– Although there are concerns about quarterback Cam Rising’s injury, the physicality of the team suggests that Utah will be competitive in the Pac-12 once again.
– The spotlight is on Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, who could potentially contend for the Heisman Trophy. However, he may face tough competition as the best quarterback in the Pacific Northwest.
– Similar Heisman Trophy discussions revolve around Michael Penix Jr., Indiana’s quarterback. Is he a legitimate contender for the award, and is he the best quarterback in the Pacific Northwest?
– Wisconsin will undergo significant changes under new head coach Luke Fickell, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt. The Badgers will transition to a new offense under the guidance of Phil Longo.
– Texas is expected to have one of the strongest offenses in the nation in 2023. The question is whether their defense can keep pace and make their final season in the Big 12 a memorable one.
– Marcus Freeman, in his second year as Notre Dame’s head coach, will face major tests against Ohio State, USC, and Clemson. The outcome of these games will shape Notre Dame’s season.
– LSU, despite returning key players and adding talent from the transfer portal, is not seen as the preseason favorite in the SEC West. This raises questions about perception and expectations.
– Florida State has made impressive use of the transfer portal, but are they legitimate playoff contenders, or is the offseason hype based on beating six straight unranked opponents in 2022?
– Lincoln Riley’s USC team is expected to have one of the top offenses in the nation, but their defense needs improvement if they want to reach the College Football Playoff.
– Penn State, often overlooked in discussions, is seen as a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff this season.
– Ohio State, usually considered the consensus pick to win the Big Ten, is not the favorite heading into the 2023 season, presenting an interesting shift in expectations.
– Alabama faces challenges in replacing both coordinators and not having an experienced quarterback. The question is, which concern weighs more heavily on the Tide?
– With what is considered the best backfield in college football, Michigan hopes to overcome obstacles and finally win a College Football Playoff game this year.
– Kudos to Steele for providing a non-conventional top two or three teams. He recognizes the talent of Clemson’s new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, hired from TCU during the off-season.
– Georgia, the reigning national champions, has not lost a regular season game since October 2020. Until further notice, they remain the team to beat in college football.
As we eagerly await the start of the 2023 season, these rankings provide insight into the top contenders and intriguing storylines that will unfold on the field. Let the countdown begin!
