CBS Sports unveils 2023 Preseason College Football Top 25

CBS Sports revealed its 2023 preseason college football top 25 rankings ahead of the fall and there’s a distinct No. 1 team in the country.

The Georgia Bulldogs are the two-time defending national champions and poised to do it for a third straight year. They’ll have stiff competition in the SEC though such as Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, maybe more.

The Big Ten might have something to say about that as well with two teams in Michigan and Ohio State. But like anything else, the game has to be played on the field and not just paper.

Without further ado, here are the top 25 teams going into 2023, per CBS Sports.

1. Georgia

It’s a matter of who the quarterback is because there is so much talent at Georgia. Carson Beck seems to be the guy to replace Stetson Bennett, but it’s not easy to step in for a campus legend.

Kirby Smart’s dominance is Nick Saban-like, so we’ll see if it continues. The biggest challenger in the SEC East has to be Tennessee. Otherwise, it’s the Bulldogs or the field.

2. Michigan

This might be the most talented Michigan team under Jim Harbuagh yet. Feels like we’ve said that the last two seasons.

But a third straight Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance are there for the taking. It helps to have JJ McCarthy at quarterback plus Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum behind him. This might be a freight train that rolls right to the playoff.

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes were a field goal away from the national title game last season and arguably would’ve beaten TCU. But without CJ Stroud at quarterback now, where does Ryan Day turn?

Kyle McCord or Devin Brown seems to be the answer. But with receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, it should be an easy transition for whoever is under center.

4. LSU

Is Year 2 under Brian Kelly the year of immense success? The Tigers got to the SEC title game in 2022, but the College Football Playoff could be in their crosshairs.

Jayden Daniels at quarterback, Harold Perkins at linebacker and the ability to beat Alabama? Maybe LSU recaptures some 2019 magic.

5. Alabama

Replacing a Heisman winning quarterback isn’t easy and that’s the Crimson Tide’s biggest question: replacing Bryce Young. Everywhere else? It’s fine because it’s Nick Saban.

So will Alabama reclaim its SEC and playoff mantle? Never count out Alabama. It’s a bad move. Saban doesn’t have seven national titles to his name for nothing.

6. USC

USC is a popular pick to make its first College Football Playoff. Lincoln Riley is used to getting there, but the Trojans have to overcome the Pac-12 first.

Caleb Williams could win his second straight Heisman this year as well. But USC has to get through Utah, Oregon and Washington in a talented conference.

7. Penn State

Penn State just couldn’t beat Michigan and Ohio State last season. Other than that, it was a great year for James Franklin and company.

In order to get back to the top, the Nittany Lions have to beat those big two schools. Franklin won a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl as coach of Penn State. Does it all come together this year?

8. Florida State

Jordan Travis, Mike Norvell and a lot of Seminoles hype going into 2023. Can Florida State top Clemson for the ACC title?

Other than the 2021 season, Clemson pretty much ran this conference. But Florida State showed moxie last season and looks like a steadily improved program.

9. Clemson

Speaking of Clemson, Dabo Swinney still does things his way. The Tigers should have a solid squad once again and it’s fair to predict the playoff in their future.

Can Cade Klubnik take the next step forward as quarterback? That’ll determine a solid year from a great year. He certainly had his moments last year, but 2023 is all on him operating this offense.

10. Washington

Washington is sneaky and as mentioned above, a top contender next to USC in the Pac-12. Michael Penix Jr. is the key.

Kalen Deboer should be thrilled with his quarterback and his team being under the radar, mostly. It should be a fascinating watch this season.

Rest of CBS Sports’ Top 25

11. Texas
12. Utah
13. Tennessee
14. Oregon
15. Notre Dame
16. Kansas State
17. TCU
18. Oregon State
19. Wisconsin
20. North Carolina
21. Ole Miss
22. Tulane
23. Texas Tech
24. Texas A&M
25. Iowa

All in all, it looks like another thrilling college football season is on tap. The question is will there be new playoff blood or more of the same when it’s winter time?