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College football: Preseason AP Top 25 projections for 2023

By Connor Muldowney

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 /
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Aug 27, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass during the first half against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass during the first half against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

A new era of Wisconsin football is being ushered in by Luke Fickell. The Paul Chryst era fizzled out last season as the Badgers went from preseason contenders to limping to a bowl game. Now, Fickell leads the way with Tanner Mordecai coming in to boost that passing game. Braelon Allen is already one of the nation’s top running backs and now he’ll be leading a Big Ten West favorite.

Drake Maye has put his name in the hat for the preseason Heisman hype list and there’s a good chance he’s the best quarterback in college football not named Caleb Williams. That alone is good enough to get the Tar Heels into the top 15-20 range to start the season. Mack Brown has built a nice roster, but Maye is the difference between an average team and a top-20 one.

TCU had a magical 2022 season but it ended with a bang in the national title game as Georgia ran up the score on the Horned Frogs, showing them just how far they still have to go. Sonny Dykes might have had some beginner’s luck in Fort Worth or maybe he’s building something special. Whatever it is, he’ll have to do it without Max Duggan.

A lot of people are bullish on Lane Kiffin and the Rebels coming off an eight-win season and I’m in that same boat. The Rebels bring back Jaxson Dart at quarterback but he’ll be pushed by Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard so he’s going to have to be great. That’s good news for the offense and the defense should keep improving.

I know, a team with a losing record last season making the preseason AP Top 25 seems ridiculous, but I’m telling you the hype around Brent Venables and Oklahoma is palpable. Many believe the Sooners will actually win the Big 12 this season before moving to the SEC. I think it’s possible with Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, but I’m not sure enough has been proven for this team to be AP Top 25-worthy. You’ll see the media believe otherwise.

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