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Way-too-early AP Top 25 projections for 2022 college football season

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2021; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) passes against the Auburn Tigers during the second half of the 2021 Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2021; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) passes against the Auburn Tigers during the second half of the 2021 Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Many around the Kentucky football program feel like the Wildcats are on the verge of a very special season in 2022. I’m not sure I buy that, but the return of Will Levis and arguably the most talented roster Mark Stoops has ever had, along with an impressive recruiting class, should make the Wildcats surprise SEC contenders.

Dana Holgorsen’s Houston Cougars finished the season on a high note with a 12th win in the Birmingham Bowl and Clayton Tune should be back to potentially lead them to an AAC title in 2022. I think Cincinnati will likely still be the favorite, but having lost so much, the Cougars will give the Bearcats a run for their money.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson announced his return for a fifth year to UCLA on Monday afternoon before the national title game and that’s good news for the Bruins who landed and subsequently lost Dillon Gabriel in the portal this offseason. People are underestimating UCLA, but I think 2022 will be a breakout year for Chip Kelly and the Bruins.

Pitt fans got a glimpse into the post-Kenny Pickett future in the Peach Bowl, and it wasn’t pretty. Nick Patti took over and was injured after scoring a rushing touchdown, getting replaced by former four-star Davis Beville. The offense was stagnant all game long and luckily Pat Narduzzi hit the portal to land Kedon Slovis from USC to take over. Mix him with Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison and you have quite the offensive setup for 2022.

When it looked like Jake Haener was going to join Kalen DeBoer at Washington after entering the transfer portal, Fresno State was prepared for a major step back. However, he rejoined the Bulldogs and one of the nation’s most prolific passers makes Fresno State a top contender to represent the Group of Five in the New Year’s Six in 2022.

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