2022-2023 College Football Preview
This hectic college football offseason gave us cross country conference reconstruction, ridiculous N.I.L deals, and new faces to coaching jobs. Not to mention multiple tampering allegations and public fighting between head coaches. As the dust settles though, we are now left with a top 5 that inevitably leaves us with 3 legitimate competitors for the 2022 College Football National Championship (Photo: The University of Alabama).
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Coming off a loss, the Crimson Tide look to bounce back in a strong way with one of the most talented rosters in the country. After making a big splash on the transfer portal, the Tide come into the season as heavy favorites to win the National Championship (Photo: The University of Alabama).
The addition of Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs (Jr.) and Georgia wide receiver transfer Jermaine Burton (Jr.) will have the largest impact. Both will step to the top of the depth chart at their respective positions. Other transfers include LSU cornerback Eli Ricks (Jr.), Louisville receiver Tyler Harell (RS Jr.) and fifth year senior offensive lineman Tyler Steen. Arguably the most talented transfer, Eli Ricks, has been dealing with what has been called “a little back problem,” and he is expected to be ready for week 1. Other complications may play a factor in whether he gets to see the field early.
Leading the charge on offense and defense are the top two players in the country, according to ESPN. Will Anderson Jr. (Jr.) and the Heisman trophy winner Bryce Young (Jr.). Many know about the potent Alabama offense, but with the returning talent, Alabama is poised to field what has been called the best defense in the country by many. This defense will field consensus first round picks Eli Ricks and Will Anderson jr. Along with many other 1st round talents. Questions remain on the defensive line, though. A dominant force inside is just what this defense needs. They will look for this from experienced linemen Byron Young (Sr.), DJ Dale (Sr.), Justin Eboigbe (Sr.) or Tim Smith (Jr.). Freshman standout Jaheim Oatis has also emerged as another viable option.
Record Prediction (12-0)
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
After a disappointing 2021 campaign, much more can be expected from the Buckeyes in 2022. Upon returning 73% of last year's production, Ohio State enters the year just behind Alabama for odds to win the College Football National Championship (Photo: The Ohio State University).
Ohio State has confidence that it will be on par with what we saw in 2021. Arguably the best offense in 2021 returns its star QB, C.J. Stroud (Jr.) and running back Treveyon Henderson (So.). Ohio State will also field one of the most talented WR corps in the country. Consensus first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba will lead the wide receiver room as he is poised for a breakout season, being C.J. Stroud's number one target. The wide receiver room also features former 5 stars Emeka Egubka and Julian Fleming. Ohio State did suffer the loss of Sophomore running back Evan Pryor during fall camp. They will miss adding his receiving role to the offensive equation, but this injury should not dampen Ohio State's overall offensive output.
The question lies on the defensive side of the ball. Last year, Ohio State ranked 59th in total defense. They mainly relied on their prolific offense to simply outscore teams. Even with the top scoring offense in the country, Ohio State suffered losses to Oregon and rival Michigan and scraped out a win vs Utah in the Rose Bowl. In 2022, the Buckeyes are looking for at least a respectable defense. To help bolster their defense, they brought in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State, along with fellow Oklahoma State player Tanner McCalister to bolster the secondary. Jim Knowles has come in and been able to install roughly 75% of his defense during fall camp, but they will continue to work on that throughout the season. Certainly not helping were the injuries sustained during camp, specifically in the cornerback room. We will see how Ohio State's depth holds up after their early season tests.
Record Prediction (12-0)
3. Georgia Bulldogs
The reigning National Champions enter 2022 with a lot of new faces. Georgia looks to bring in a new defensive coordinator, Glenn Schumann, along with many new talented players on defense (Photo: University of Georgia).
In 2021, Georgia had 15 draft picks, including 5 first round picks. Most of which came on the defensive side of the ball. Returning in 2022, though, are top defensive lineman Jalen Carter (Jr.) and experienced defensive back Christopher Smith (Sr.). Such leadership will be key in developing uber-talented players like Mykel Williams (Fr.) and Malaki Starks (Fr.). With no lack of talent on this defense, this Georgia team should get better each week.
An offense that scared Georgia fans at times last year should show consistency in 2022. Senior quarterback Stetson Bennet, and many other upperclassmen, should solidify what should be a top offense in the SEC. In the wider receiver room, Ladd McConkey and Kearis Jackson will step into starting roles now in 2022, providing Stetson Bennett with familiar faces to throw to. The crown jewel of this offense though, is its tight end room. Undoubtedly having the best tight end room in the nation will cause many matchup problems for opponents. Brock Bowers, the SEC freshman of the year, brings a unique set of speed, strength, and agility for a tight end. Complimenting him is 6’7’’ junior Darnell Washington. All 270 pounds of him makes him a matchup nightmare and virtually impossible to tackle one-on one. Georgia will greatly appreciate these two’s contributions to the team as they go for a National Championship repeat.
Record Prediction (11-1)
4. Clemson Tigers
Clemson enters the season at #4 after an unquestionably disappointing season. With the departure of Brent Venables, Clemson hopes things return to normal in 2022 (Photo: Clemson University).
Things should return to normal for the defense as Clemson enters the season with the best defensive line in the country. This defense line includes consensus first round picks, Myles Murphy (Jr.), and Bryan Bresee (RS So.). Clemson's front 7 also includes talents such as K.J. Henry (RS Sr.) and Barrett Carter (So.) who should both be very disruptive for the Tigers in 2022. The secondary, though, may still be figuring out some pieces earlier in the season. Clemson will hope to get physical play out of cornerbacks Fred Davis (Jr.) and Sheridan Jones (Sr.). Although the pieces may not click earlier in the season, Clemson hopes for some consistency come the back end of the season.
From what we saw last season, Clemson’s offense will have some work to do in 2022. If they have hopes of a national title, then they will have an increase in production from the offense. Highly touted quarterback prospect out of high school, D.J. Uiagalelei certainly needs to increase his production. He has shown flashes, but he really needs to bring it all together and be a top QB in college football. Many people on social media have been calling for freshmen QB Cade Klubnik to take his job. Other key players on offense, running back Will Shipley (So.) and wide receiver Joseph Ngata (Sr.), will look to step up and bring Clemson back to normalcy in 2022.
Record prediction (11-1)
5. Texas A&M Aggies
After a sub-par 8-4 season for Texas A&M, they look forward to a very talented group of freshmen to bolster their national title odds (Photo: Texas A&M University).
In the offseason, Texas A&M brought in one of the most talented recruiting classes of all time. On the defensive side, freshmen, Walter Nolen, Denver Harris, Shemar Stewart and Lebbeus Overton will all see time early. Shemar, Walter and Denver will be working in the front 7, whereas Denver Harris will play early and often at cornerback. Experienced defensive back Antonio Johnson will look to provide some leadership and impressive play for a young Aggies defense in 2022.
Offensively, Texas A&M will put sophomore Haynes King at quarterback after he has fully recovered from his season-ending injury last year. While King hasn’t flashed yet, he has the group of wide receivers to do so. Many are excited about freshman wide receiver Evan Stewart. The fast and twitchy receiver will be highly involved in this offense this year. Ainias Smith will probably be Haynes King’s top target in 2022. Smith is the heart and soul of this offense as he is a returning captain from 2021 and caught 47 balls for 509 yards last year. Consistency is what Texas A&M teams need to be a contender in 2022.
Record prediction (10-2)