Brett McMurphy reveals his AP Top 25 Poll ballot ahead of Monday release

The 2023 college football season is fast approaching and with it the never-ending debate about which teams are the best in the country. The infamous Top 25 poll.

Stadium’s Brett McMurphy took a stab at the Top 25 poll, sharing the Associated Press ballot he submitted ahead of Monday’s unveiling of the poll.

It features many of the teams you’d expect to compete for a national championship this fall near the top, but it also has one or two surprises in the mix. Meanwhile, a handful of teams with new coaches appear at the bottom of the Top 25 poll.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

The two-time defending national champions have some retooling to do after losing quarterback Stetson Bennett. But the O-line should once again be among the nation’s best and Brock Bowers is one of the biggest mismatches in the country.

In addition to all the talent the Bulldogs return, the schedule is also quite manageable this fall. It sets up for another potential Georgia playoff run.

2. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan has reached the College Football Playoffs in each of the past two years, and the Wolverines were more competitive the second time around. Can quarterback JJ McCarthy take the next step?

Even if McCarthy doesn’t show massive improvement, Michigan’s ground game featuring Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards is fantastic. Probably good enough to make another playoff push with.

3. Florida State Seminoles

The Seminoles have shown steady improvement over the last few years and look poised to be a playoff contender this year. Quarterback Jordan Travis is a big reason why. He was superb last season.

Now Florida State also adds some new weapons around him in Keon Coleman and Jaheim Bell. The Seminoles should be quite good offensively, and the defense has been very solid of late.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

While Michigan might lay claim to the best running back duo in the country, it’s Ohio State who would take the receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka make for an incredible one-two punch for the winner of the quarterback battle this fall.

And that’s really the big question for Ohio State this fall. How well can the Buckeyes replace CJ Stroud? It won’t be easy.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Bryce Young is gone, so Alabama has a question mark at quarterback. But whoever starts there can be comforted knowing he’s got one of the most talented rosters in the country around him.

Despite losing Will Anderson, the Alabama defense is still projected to be quite stout this fall. And with something to prove, maybe the unit will take things to another level.

6. LSU Tigers

Brian Kelly engineered a remarkable turnaround at LSU in just one year, helping the Tigers win 10 games despite a heart-breaker in the season opener against Florida State. Now both of those programs are potential playoff contenders.

LSU will rely on star quarterback Jayden Daniels, while Kelly sought to shore up the defense with some key transfers. How well they fare could dictate how far the Tigers go this fall.

7. Washington Huskies

Washington‘s passing game is elite, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and receiver Rome Odunze. Those two should help stretch the field out against opposing defenses.

If Washington can get its defense back to performing at an above average level, the Huskies could be a College Football Playoff contender. The offense is that good.

8. Penn State Nittany Lions

The Nittany Lions have been close the last two years, they just haven’t been able to get over the Michigan and Ohio State hurdle. Penn State certainly has the talent to compete, with a star-studded backfield coming into 2023.

If the running game can pace Penn State and quarterback Drew Allar can settle in, the Nittany Lions could be a threat in the Big Ten again. Allar has star potential, too.

9. Oregon Ducks

Veteran Bo Nix is the story for Oregon in 2023. He returns after a phenomenal season that put him in the Heisman conversation. Can he do it again?

Coach Dan Lanning had a very successful first season with the Ducks, but the team came up short in a few key spots. Will a year be enough time to work on those areas to push for a playoff spot?

10. Clemson Tigers

Clemson made a clean break with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei following the season, turning things fully over to Cade Klubnik at quarterback. Klubnik has flashed enough to know he’s got big-time potential if he can settle in and begin to develop.

Elsewhere, Clemson still has a loaded roster. The Tigers fielded three defensive players on the preseason All-ACC teams, and the defense should have quality talent at every level. The rest of the Top 25 poll continues…

11. Texas Tech
12. Notre Dame
13. Oregon State
14. USC
15. Tennessee
16. Louisville
17. Ole Miss
18. North Carolina
19. UCLA
20. Texas
21. Tulane
22. Utah
23. Wisconsin
24. Auburn
25. Illinois

So there you have it, Brett McMurphy’s AP Top 25 poll. The long-time college football analyst had six Pac-12 teams, six SEC teams, five Big Ten teams, four ACC teams and two Big 12 teams ranked.