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College football rankings 2023: Alabama outside Top 4 in preseason AP Top 25 prediction

By Cody Williams

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during pregame warmups prior to facing the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during pregame warmups prior to facing the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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College Football Rankings 2023, AP Top 25
Michael Pratt, Tulane Green Wave. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

College football rankings 2023, projected preseason AP Top 25: No. 20-16

20. Tulane Green Wave (2022 record: 12-2)

There was substantial interest in Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt in the transfer portal, but the veteran starter elected to remain with the Green Wave, a massive win for Willie Fritz and his program. However, to repeat their dream campaign from a year ago, it will take quite a bit with Tyjae Spears and Tulane’s leading playmakers on offense gone and a defense that must replace its four leading tacklers from the 2022 season.

19. Texas Tech Red Raiders (2022 record: 8-5)

Lurking in the shadows, Texas Tech has emerged as a preseason sleeper in the college football world, but for good reason. Tyler Shough showed some good things under Joey McGuire last season and should progress further, but the Red Raiders — against the weight of the program’s history — will rely on their defense a great deal as they return eight starters, even with Tyree Wilson now gone.

18. North Carolina Tar Heels (2022 record: 9-5)

Drake Maye comes into the season as one of the Heisman favorites behind Williams, but the Tar Heels have a ton of changes to contend with. Not only does Maye have two transfers, Nate McCollum and spring standout Devontez Walker, likely to lead the receiving corps, but a new OC with Chip Lindsey replacing Phil Longo. The biggest key for UNC on the whole, though, will be the defense taking a step forward, particularly in a new-look secondary after a busy transfer season.

17. Kansas State Wildcats (2022 record: 10-4)

Chris Klieman’s Wildcats spoiled a perfect Big 12 season for TCU last year by winning the conference championship game. Now, Kansas State gets starting quarterback Will Howard back in the mix and have replacements ready for Deuce Vaughn, most inrtriguingly with Florida State transfer Treshaun Ward joining the fray. The defense has also replaced big losses, but the secondary will be the focal point early.

16. Utah Utes (2022 record: 10-4)

Utah might’ve been higher in the projected AP Top 25 if not for Cameron Rising’s availability to start the season being in question as he returns from a torn ACL. The Utes still return a great deal of talent on offense and have taken some big steps to replace some key losses on defense. At this point, though, you’re doing yourself a disservice to not take a Kyle Whittingham Utah team extremely seriously.

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