PFF releases preseason Top 25 college football rankings

Pro Football Focus has released their preseason Top 25 college football rankings ahead of the 2023 campaign getting underway.

Prior to getting underway with his rankings, PFF’s Max Chadwick prefaced his choices by explaining how this season is unique in many ways, as conference realignment has almost made this season into a swan song.

“The 2023 college football season represents the end of many staples in the sport,” wrote Chadwick. “It’s the final year of the four-team College Football Playoff, with an expanded 12-team one taking its place next year. The Pac-12 is essentially giving a farewell tour; nearly all of its members have found new homes for 2024 and beyond.

“And they’re not the only ones, as the Big 12’s flagship programs, Texas and Oklahoma, are both leaving for the SEC next season.”

Nevertheless, it’s going to be awesome to watch these squads take the field for what’s one of the more unpredictable seasons in recent memory. Change is on the horizon, but before all of that, here’s Chadwick’s Top 25 for PFF ahead of another season of college football.

1) Georgia Bulldogs

It could be no one else at the top of the food chain entering 2023. However, Georgia has plenty of questions marks as they look to win their third straight national title, even though they’re the top team entering the season.

Namely, their quarterback position is far from settled at the moment. Many believed Carson Beck was a shoe-in, but Brock Vandagriff is making a late push. We’ll see who Kirby Smart is rocking with in a couple of weeks.

2) Michigan Wolverines

Michigan has completed some of their biggest goals over the last two seasons. They’ve defeated Ohio State, won the Big Ten and made it to the College Football Playoff. However, that’s where it’s stopped for the Wolverines.

They haven’t been able to advance to the national title game, despite having golden opportunities to do so. Jim Harbaugh earned himself some favor with fans for Michigan’s recent success, but with talented quarterback JJ McCarthy leading the charge, the Wolverines want more in 2023.

3) Ohio State Buckeyes

Last season, Ohio State snuck into the College Football Playoff, and came within a field goal of sending Georgia home. That’s sticking in their craw as they enter 2023, and like the Bulldogs, they have questions at quarterback that may drag them down.

However, Ryan Day‘s bunch has an ace up their sleeve in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who could be the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. All they need is someone to get him the ball, and the Buckeyes are in business again.

4) Florida State Seminoles

It may surprise some people to see Chadwick rank Florida State up at No. 4, above some perennial contenders. However, that speaks to the job Mike Norvell has done since taking over the Seminoles.

With talent brimming on both sides of the football, like Jared Verse on defense, and Jordan Travis on offense, Florida State is regarded as one of the top teams in the country. 2023 is the year they’re expecting to put it all together under Norvell.

5) Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide just miss out on the Top 4 in Chadwick’s rankings, something that would’ve seemed sacrilegious just a couple of seasons ago. However, it makes sense entering 2023, as Alabama has plenty of questions marks of their own.

Yes, Nick Saban’s team is supremely motivated, but they need to find their quarterback. Bryce Young is gone, and it’s either going to be Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson or Tyler Buchner leading the charge.

6) LSU Tigers

Last season, Brian Kelly and LSU shocked the college football world. Many expected their 2022 to be a disaster, and they beat Alabama and made it all the way to the SEC title game against Georgia.

Now, with quarterback Jayden Daniels returning to the fold, expectations are being raised. The element of surprise is no longer on their side, but Kelly’s proven not to need it in the past.

7) USC Trojans

In their final PAC-12 season, USC is the highest ranked of the bunch. With reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams returning to the fold, it makes plenty of sense for Chadwick to have them at No. 7.

Lincoln Riley is no stranger to the College Football Playoff, making it plenty of times at Oklahoma. He’s had talented teams before, but 2023 could be his best chance at a national title, with Williams moving on to the NFL afterwards.

8) Clemson Tigers

Dabo Swinney once again has a top tier quarterback prospect who’s ready to explode. Cade Klubnik is looking to leas Clemson out of the darkness and into the light in 2023.

If the Tigers can get past Florida State, they could be the top team in the ACC once agin. Swinney is missing the thrill of the College Football Playoff, but a return could be imminent for the Tigers.

9) Penn State Nittany Lions

James Franklin and Penn State are looking to break through the glass ceiling. With star recruit Drew Allar quarterbacking their team, 2023 could be the time for the Nittany Lions.

With questions marks surrounding Ohio State, Michigan could be the biggest obstacle in Penn State’s way. They’ve been knocking on the door for many seasons now, but the Nittany Lions are ready to enter a new standard.

10) Texas Longhorns

Speaking of swan songs, Texas will be leaving the Big 12 after the 2023 season. What better way to show you’re prepared for the SEC than proving you’re the top dog in your old conference? That’ll be the Longhorns’ challenge.

They have the talent, like quarterback Quinn Ewers, and they have the coaching with Steve Sarkisian leading the charge. We’ve seen Texas falter when they’ve been expected to rise before, so there’s some hesitation, but it’s up to the Longhorns to prove their doubters wrong in 2023.

PFF Top 25: 11-25

11) Tennessee Volunteers 
12) Washignton Huskies
13) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
14) Oregon Ducks
15) Utah Utes
16) Oklahoma Sooners
17) TCU Horned Frogs
18) Kansas State Wildcats
19) Oregon State Beavers
20) Ole Miss Rebels
21) Wisconsin Badgers
22) Tulane Green Wave
23) Arkansas Razorbacks
24) Kentucky Wildcats
25) North Carolina Tar Heels

Alas, it remains to be seen who the kings of college football will be in 2023, and if anyone can knock off Georgia. Nevertheless, there are plenty of contenders, and even the reigning back-to-back champions have their questions marks, making this one of the most unpredictable, exciting seasons in recent memory, and we can’t wait to see it get started.