College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2023

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Adonai Mitchell #5 congratulates Arian Smith #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs on his touchdown catch during a game between Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

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Dec 30, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney walks with his team before the 2022 Orange Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

There was just an eerie feeling watching Clemson struggle mightily with a Tennessee team that didn’t have Hendon Hooker in the Orange Bowl. It felt like the end of an era at Clemson.

While I think that’s possible, I also believe that the Tigers will be one of the most talented teams in college football to begin the 2023 season.

Cade Klubnik had a great showing in the ACC title game before struggling in the Orange Bowl, but I think a full offseason with him practicing with the starters and getting QB1 reps will only help him grow. He has the potential to be one of the best young quarterbacks in the nation next year.

Will Shipley will also be back behind him to lead the backfield.

Clemson’s defense does need to improve quickly because it hasn’t looked like Tiger defenses of the past and 2023 will be a ‘prove it’ year for this program.

All the talent is there but we’ll see if the loss of both coordinators last year doomed the program for good.

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