Fox Sports lists most likely teams to make first College Football Playoff appearance in 2023

The College Football Playoff is wide open this season. Fox Sports analyst RJ Young took his best shot at which programs, who have never reached the CFP, could squeeze into one of the elusive four spots this season.

Although many experts expect to see familiar faces in the CFP in 2023, nothing is set in stone. Young’s list of five teams included programs from the Big Ten, Pac-12 and Big 12. Look below to see if your team made the cut in Young’s controversial list.

1. Penn State — Preseason ranking: No. 7

Penn State is quietly vying for the top spot in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions seemingly grow closer to the goal each season. Nonetheless, head coach James Franklin has failed to lead the program to a conference title since 2016.

The road isn’t easier this season. With Ohio State and Michigan both ranked in the top three in the nation, the Nittany Lions must grind for every achievement. However, with 65% of its production returning and a promising quarterback in Drew Allar, there’s a chance Penn State could shock the nation. Franklin certainly believes in his team.

“We’ve been a part of those conversations really for probably the better part of the last seven years, we’ve been right on the cusp [of the CFP],” Franklin said in a recent interview with abc27 sports director Allie Berube. “When you’re able to become a part of those conversations on a consistent basis, then you’re going to have a year where the stars align and things go well.”

2. Texas — Preseason ranking: No. 11

“Texas is back” has become a cliché to college football fans. Yet, Young believes the program is capable of returning to glory this season. It’s difficult to blame him. With Quinn Ewers entering his second season and head coach Steve Sarkisian hitting his stride, Texas looks like a legitimate threat.

Ewers is just one weapon in the Longhorns’ loaded arsenal. In total, the program returns 15 starters, including all five offensive linemen. Anchoring the defense, UT returns Jaylan Ford, who broke out last season for 119 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

3. USC — Preseason ranking: No. 6

When you have a player as talented as quarterback Caleb Williams, you’re always in the race for the CFP. Williams brought home the Heisman last season after breaking the program’s single-season record for total offense (4,919 yards), most touchdowns scored rushing and passing (52), passing completions (333) and most passing yards (4,537).

Not bad. To pile on, USC is strengthening its weaknesses. While the Trojans boasted the best turnover margin in the nation last season, they also gave up 29.2 points per game. To mend the wound, head coach Lincoln Riley brought in Georgia defensive lineman Bear Alexander and Oklahoma State linebacker Mason Cobb this offseason. Riley has high hopes for the program.

“Some people see negative things and some people see opportunity. We saw, all of us, saw opportunity,” Riley said at Pac-12 Media Day. “There was a common belief that the combination of the people we have, the program and setup at SC, could do something really, really special.”

4. Utah — Preseason ranking: No. 14

Every season, Utah gets overlooked. Every season, Utah shocks the nation. Young is hoping to avoid the surprise this year. The Utes return starting quarterback Cameron Rising after winning back-to-back Pac-12 championships.

Additionally, the program returns sixth-year tight end Brant Kuithe. In fairness, both players are returning from torn ACLs. Nonetheless, with an offseason to recover and more experience than ever, the Utes could be a force to be reckoned with in 2023.

5. Iowa — Preseason ranking: No. 25

Admittedly, Iowa is Young’s hottest take. Still, it isn’t out of the question. After all, defense wins championships. The Hawkeyes’ defense gave up just 270.8 yards per game last season, good for second-best in the country.

Iowa returns its same stellar defense this season, but its offense is revamped. The most significant change is the addition of former Michigan QB Cade McNamara, who led the Wolverines to the CFP in 2021. McNamara will look to repeat history with a new name across his chest.

Although Young only named teams within the preseason AP Top 25 on his list, there is no shortage of talented unranked programs, as well. As each season passes, fans see programs make their first CFP appearance, most recently TCU. In 2023, fans will likely once again see a dark horse make the big race.