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Ten teams who could crash the party in 2022 college football season

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•01/29/22•

Jonathan Wagner

The 2021 college football season was unpredictable and extremely exciting. With the season officially wrapped up, all eyes are now set on the 2022 college football season. While many teams are undergoing significant changes, others return a lot of talent. Some teams aren’t viewed as serious contenders yet, but are serious sleepers to crack the top 25 in 2022.

CBS Sports ranked the top ten sleepers that could make some noise in college football during the 2022 season.

Ten sleeper teams in college football in 2022

1. Houston Cougars

Houston went 12-2 in 2021. The Cougars opened the year with a loss against Texas Tech, but didn’t lose again until the AAC Championship against Cincinnati. Houston also beat Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl to pick up a 12th win. Cincinnati is interesting next season due to a tremendous amount of talent being lost to the NFL. That opens the door for Houston, a team that returns talented contributors all over on both sides of the ball. The Cougars could be a serious sleeper in 2022 not only in the American, but in all of college football.

2. Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa began the season 6-0 before losing to Purdue and Wisconsin in back-to-back weeks. The Hawkeyes then lost their final two games of the year, both coming in the postseason. Michigan dismantled Iowa in the Big Ten Championship, and the Hawkeyes lost a close game in the Citrus Bowl against Kentucky. If the offense can improve, Iowa could be a serious contender again, as they were in the beginning of 2021.

3. Pittsburgh Panthers

Pitt loses star quarterback Kenny Pickett, but they picked up a transfer commitment from former USC quarterback Kedon Slovis. The Panthers were ACC Champions in 2021, and are in line for more success in 2022. Pittsburgh might not win the ACC, but they certainly have the ability to do so.

4. Fresno State Bulldogs

Fresno State is coming off of an impressive 10-3 season that ended with a 31-24 win over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl. The Bulldogs return a ton of talent on offense and defense. Fresno State is a top contender in the Mountain West, and could factor into the top 25 with continued strong play, as well.

5. Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss just won ten games, but the Rebels lose star quarterback Matt Corral. Lane Kiffin has been active in the recruitment of a new quarterback, and USC transfer Jaxson Dart is enrolled at the university and could be in line to replace Corral. If that’s the case, the Rebels will likely be in a strong position to contend in the SEC, and could be one of the most exciting teams in college football in 2022.

6. San Diego State Aztecs

San Diego State surprised many in 2021, and could be one of the most underrated teams in college football heading into 2022. The Aztecs won 12 games last season, including a 38-24 victory over UTSA in the Frisco Bowl.

7. Miami Hurricanes

Manny Diaz is out, and Mario Cristobal is now in as Miami’s head football coach. Despite distractions, injuries, and other issues, Miami won seven games last season. The Hurricanes pulled off back-to-back upsets over NC State and Pittsburgh earlier in the season, and have some real momentum entering the 2022 season with a new regime in place.

8. Kentucky Wildcats

After starting 6-0, Kentucky was on the national radar last season. The Wildcats then lost three straight games, but responded to that losing streak with a four-game winning streak to finish 10-3. Kentucky held onto Mark Stoops during the coaching carousel, and return a lot of talent to the team in 2022.

9. NC State Wolfpack

NC State had a good year in 2021, finishing 9-3. The Wolfpack could have won a tenth game, but the Holiday Bowl was unfortunately canceled. In 2022, NC State is a true contender to compete in the ACC and across college football. The Wolfpack return the majority of its talent from last year’s team, and are in a prime position to build off of last season’s success.

10. Utah State Aggies

Blake Anderson’s first season at Utah State was a good one. The Aggies won 11 games and won the Mountain West title. Next season, Utah State should again be in a great position to compete for the Mountain West. If they do, the top 25 will begin to be seriously discussed.