College football: Preseason AP Top 25 projections for 2023
![Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9985bfa51981e0311adb52d3b0d01a348e4b3bac1326535e17ffecbd75be7a23.jpg)
For the first time that I can remember, Alabama is not a lock to be a top-three team in the country to start the season. Nick Saban and the Tide actually have to prove themselves after a measly 11-2 season. Yes, some programs are considered “down” after going 11-2.
The Tide are going to have to break in a new quarterback after losing Bryce Young to the NFL which is why many are hesitant to be too high on this team. Alabama is loaded at pretty much every position, but the quarterback performances during the spring scared people away.
In fact, neither Tyler Simpson or Jalen Milroe stood out in the spring which led Saban to go out and land Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. No starter has been named yet.
Alabama’s defense should be very good yet again and the skill positions on offense are dangerous, but that pesky quarterback is a question mark.
Saban did leave a recent press conference with a massive smile on his face so that was worrisome for the rest of college football.