Fansided

College football rankings 2023, preseason Top 25: Florida State eyeing top, Texas is back

By Cody Williams

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 04: Wide receiver Ontaria Wilson #80 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a touchdown with Jordan Travis #13 of the Florida State Seminoles against the LSU Tigers at Caesars Superdome on September 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 04: Wide receiver Ontaria Wilson #80 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a touchdown with Jordan Travis #13 of the Florida State Seminoles against the LSU Tigers at Caesars Superdome on September 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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College football rankings 2023, Preseason Top 25, Utah Utes
Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) warms up before the game between the Utah Utes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

College football rankings 2023, FanSided preseason Top 25: No. 16-11

15. Utah Utes

Doubting Kyle Whittingham and Utah is a bad long-term investment overall. That’s especially true with Cameron Rising returning at quarterback. However, Rising is returning from a torn ACL that took him out of the Rose Bowl at the end of last season. Moreover, the defense has to replace some big-time talent in the back seven. If Rising returns at full strength, this team can win the Pac-12 — even with a brutal road schedule. I’m simply dubious of that being the case.

14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Just looking at a 9-4 season in Marcus Freeman’s first year as Notre Dame head coach might mislead you into thinking it was a resounding success. When you then consider the Irish dropped games to Marshall and Stanford while looking less than stellar in others that should’ve been gimme wins, it’s less rosy. Sam Hartman transferring in from Wake Forest could ignite the offense and the defense should retool. They’ll be tested plenty to prove they deserve a higher ranking than this if they do take a step forward… and if Freeman’s the right guy for the job.

13. Oregon Ducks

With Bo Nix returning and Dan Lanning continuing to work the portal at Oregon entering year two, there is a belief that the Ducks are one of the favorites to win the Pac-12. I’m a bit more dubious. Replacing four starters on the offensive line is a big ask, as is trying to replicate the magic Kenny Dillingham made with the offense now that he’s in Tempe. With the defense also losing two high-end linebackers and Christian Gonzalez, that could be an issue too.

12. Tennessee Volunteers

Everyone’s about to find out if Josh Heupel’s turnaround at Tennessee last year was a blip on the radar or the new norm in Knoxville. Joe Milton might be the biggest arm in the SEC but he has not proven in his college career that he can harness that into being a successful quarterback. The Vols also have to replace a bevy of starters on both sides of the ball. I believe and Heupel’s Tennessee, but it might not be quite as fruitful as the 2022 season.

11. Washington Huskies

Don’t sleep on Washington to overtake USC and win the Pac-12 in what could be the final year for the conference. With Michael Penix Jr. and a host of weapons returning, the only concern on offense is replacing three starters on the line. The defense should be improved, however, and Kalen DeBoer’s track record suggests that the Huskies will have no problem finding their groove with the new line on offense.

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