Top 5 early dark-horse college football national title contenders for 2022

Nov 13, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Gerry Bohanon (11) and tight end Ben Sims (86) and wide receiver Drew Estrada (18) and running back Abram Smith (7) celebrate a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Cameron Rising (7) and wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) during the first quarter of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2022.College Football Rose Bowl /

If you watched Utah in the Rose Bowl, you probably came away rather impressed with how the Utes held their own against one of the best offenses in the country.

Sure, Jaxon Smith-Njigba went off for about a million receiving yards, but Utah nearly pulled off the win and Ohio State needed a major comeback to capture the victory.

Still, the nation was put on notice about Utah and the bright future under Kyle Whittingham.

Probably the most underrated coach and program in college football will be even better in 2022 and likely the Pac-12 title favorite with Cameron Rising back at quarterback and Tavion Thomas will also return after rushing for over 1,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. This offense should take another step in the right direction.

Utah finished the year ranked No. 12 in the country and it brings in the No. 3 recruiting class in the Pac-12 after winning the conference title. We could see a playoff push from the Utes in 2022.

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