I hate this. I hate preseason top 25s so much that I decided to make one. After seeing so many polls out there in recent days and weeks, I got sick and queasy to a point where I needed to step in and share a poll myself. After seeing all the brand biases, the consistent lack of truly projecting teams in 2023, and the overly emphasized importance of what happened in 2022, I’m stepping up to the plate to see what my top 25 looks like and how it compares to the rest. Let’s just see how it looks. It can’t hurt, right?

1. Alabama

Many people are asking the question, “Is Nick Saban’s legacy on the line this season?!” And when I say many, I just mean less than a handful of people who did a segment on live television. While a host of incredible talent exits Tuscaloosa, a new batch of firepower is ready for their chance to shine in crimson and white as they attempt to become immortalized in Alabama’s dynasty. I really like how the defense shapes up with Dallas Turner primed for a significant season in his first draft-eligible season. I’m a big believer in Deontae Lawson at middle linebacker and think he’s going to be a household name soon enough. The secondary is dripping with remarkable players such as Kool-Aid McKinstry, Malachi Moore, Terrion Arnold and true freshman Caleb Downs. That unit also brings in underrated studs Trey Amos and Jaylen Key from the Group of Five. Down low, you’ll have Jaheim Oatis leading a monstrous unit of grown men in the trenches that will limit opposing running games.

The questions surrounding this team start and end at quarterback… who will it be? Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner, or Ty Simpson? I’m here to tell you, I don’t really care. We’ve seen Saban win with “lesser” quarterbacks before. You wanna doubt him? Just look at the talent that surrounds the signal caller. Start with the offensive line which boasts JC Latham, Tyler Booker, and Elijah Pritchett. My goodness. A bevvy of backs that include Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, Jam Miller, and true freshman Justice Haynes. The concerns over the wide receiver room were blown way out of proportion last fall, as I shouted for months… Alabama was just playing the wrong dudes. That has to change this fall, and there’s a large influx of talent ready to thrive — the often disrespected Ja’Corey Brooks, Kobe Prentice, Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, Malik Benson, Shazz Preston, and of course Jermaine Burton. That’s A LOT of really strong talent in the receiving room. And as for special teams, Will Reichard will contend for the Groza, and James Burnip is a stud in his own right at punter. It’s not a complete team. It’s a complete team coached by Nick Saban. So yeah… I’m investing in the Crimson Tide.

Toughest Game: vs. LSU (November 4)

Record Prediction: 12-0

2. Georgia

Kirby Smart is running his own empire. He’s kicking butts and taking names. Winning natties and reloading to do it all over again. The people’s No. 1 team in the country checks in at No. 2 for me. Why? It’s no fault of their own. I just think there’s one team better than them. Oh and I work for Kirby; he’s putting this up in the locker room to motivate his team. We heavily expect that Carson Beck will take over the throne that Stetson Bennett chilled upon for hundreds of thousands of years. Beck’s been watching from the sidelines for a hot minute, and his turn is finally here. The acquisitions of Dominic Lovett and Rara Thomas are exciting, adding to a skill position group that already includes Ladd McConkey and some guy named Brock Bowers. That O-Line is led by the best center in the nation in Sedrick Van Pran, who somehow returned for another season. Amarius Mims at tackle is a rising prospect who many see as a first-round pick as soon as next spring. As we’ve come accustomed to with Georgia, the Bulldogs have a multitude of backs at their dispersal. Kendall Milton headlines a group that includes Daijun Edwards, Andrew Paul, Branson Robinson, and Roderick Robinson II. 

Time Magazine shared rankings for the best defenses in the world, and it was Georgia checking in at No. 1, barely edging out China’s rejection of Reddit. As we open up this box, you’ll notice that plenty of pieces are missing and were replaced with some new ones to finish the puzzle. Mykel Williams is a big puzzle piece, as is Jalon Walker. The secondary is expecting greatness from Malaki Starks, Javon Bullard, Kamari Lassiter, and Daylen Everette. Sheesh. Oh, and Jamon Dumas-Johnson is one of the premier linebackers in our sport. It’s safe to say that Georgia is loaded on the defensive side of the ball. Kinda weird. Kirby Smart has another prominent team and a fairly easy schedule. It SHOULD be another successful year in Athens but at this point… anything other than finishing as the best team is a failure.

Toughest Game: at Auburn (September 30)

Record Prediction: 12-0

3. Penn State

In my opinion, the Big Ten’s top team is Penn State. The questions surrounding James Franklin are loud; they always have been, and I’ve been part of that large group that has questioned if he’s truly the guy. We’re going to learn a lot about Coach Franklin this fall because this Nittany Lions team is stacked and possesses so much talent in so many key units. My motto is simple: “Just let Drew Allar cook.” Easy. He’s a rising star in our sport, and the 6-foot-5 prototype should very well be the best quarterback in the sport heading into 2024. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen will tote the rock plenty and exciting Penn State fans on every touch. Singleton is a top five back in the sport, and Allen is a heavily underrated back that would receive so much more hype if he wasn’t sharing production with Singleton. At left tackle, you have the 6-foot-6 behemoth that is Olumuyiwa Fashanu. A future franchise left tackle will be protecting Allar’s blind side in addition to paving the way for the terrific backs.

The receiving room has been subject to plenty of doubt this summer but umm… I like it. Dante Cephas was one of my favorite players in the portal. The Kent State transfer is made for the NFL and plays with incredible contact balance. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Harrison Wallace III, Malik McClain, and Omari Evans are all good receivers as well. I think there’s an unfair stigma here that Penn State just doesn’t have dudes at wideout. I think that stems from plenty of viewing of Penn State ball the last few years where a mediocre quarterback was throwing the ball. I expect the offense to be really really good, and this team was able to complement it with a defense that would be one of the top units in the SEC. It’s that good. Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac aren’t just prolific edge rushers, they are trendy NFL prospects. Abdul Carter and Kobe King make for a legit linebacker tandem. Kobe’s twin brother, Kalen King, is one of the top cornerbacks in all of college football. He’s lockdown. Keaton Ellis and Jaylen Reed are pretty good safeties as well. I just think Penn State has A LOT to be excited about and I’ll be investing in the Nittany Lions all season long. Will you?

Toughest Game: at Ohio State (October 21)

Record Prediction: 12-0

4. Washington

Perhaps a stunning ranking here, but you’ve just got to hear me out. First, plenty of y’all will rank USC here and not think twice about it. Yet, I believe that Washington is just better than USC and you could really say that the Huskies are a better version of the Trojans. The clear difference in those two teams comes on the defensive side of the ball. Washington has three stud edge rushers in Bralen Trice, Zion Tupuola-Fetui, and Sioux Falls transfer Zach Durfee. Those guys will wreak havoc all season long, and Trice will get paid handsomely in the spring for his efforts. I like Edefuan Ulofoshio at linebacker, and Ralen Goforth is a quality addition and brings a nice veteran presence to this unit. We’ve become very accustomed to supreme secondary play at UDub. Meet Elijah Jackson, Jabbar Muhammad, Thaddeus Dixon, Jaivion Green, Davon Banks, Mishael Powell, Dominique Hampton, and Asa Turner. That’s a dang unit. And it’s a very strong defense that will do its job… which is to help get the Huskies offense back on the field as quickly as possible. 

Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb help orchestrate the high-flying attack that is captained by Michael Penix Jr., who enjoyed a remarkable 2022 season. It was a renaissance of sorts that helped propel Penix Jr. into NFL circles after many assumed his career was over. The fearless gunslinger has never seen a throw he doesn’t like, and it’s quite helpful that he has two star wideouts in Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan. Jalen would be the No. 1 option at almost every other school in the country, but he’ll settle for the 1B role next to Odunze, who is a dangerous three-level threat with NFL eyes watching his every move this fall. The two help make things even easier than you could possibly imagine. And when you pair those two incredible wideouts with a Heisman-caliber quarterback and two brilliant offensive minds… greatness occurs. Don’t let the past affect how you feel about the Huskies this fall. Don’t let other brand names affect how you feel about Washington this fall. This team has it, trust me. And the supporting cast on offense is really good too. Look for Germie Bernard and Giles Jackson to contribute at receiver. We know Ja’Lynn Polk will too, as he’s one of the better WR3 options in the country. I’m also banking on a breakout year from Denzel Boston at wideout, but I might be too early on that hype train though. And Troy Fautanu anchors a strong offensive line. I do worry about the run game a bit just because I don’t think the Huskies have a game changer. Are you still tripping over this ranking now? Or have I won you over? Either way, we can talk in the fall! Here’s to hoping the Pac-12 doesn’t cannibalize itself and ruin what could be a magical season in Seattle.

Toughest Game: vs. Oregon (October 14)

Record Prediction: 11-1

5. Florida State

The Seminoles aren’t just good, they are really really good. The second that Jared Verse shocked the world by returning to FSU was the second that this team was a contender for the title. Verse is one of the most feared pass rushers in the nation and only gets better at this sport by the second. I thought he was going to be a top five pick in 2023, instead he’s in Tallahassee ready to wreak havoc. Lol. Fentrell Cypress II was a significant addition through the portal and will be a lockdown CB1. I like Kevin Knowles II and expect a better season from him. Renardo Green, Shyheim Brown, and Akeem Dent are all dang good ballplayers. They’ve got a dominant edge rusher and a lockdown corner to lead a really talented defense. That’s massive. On offense the Noles are ready to rock with Jordan Travis back at the helm. I’m a massive fan of what this team did through the portal by adding tight ends Jaheim Bell and Kyle Morlock. It’ll be fascinating to see how these two get utilized, and I expect Morlock to be a major breakout player. How about having Trey Benson as your lead back, too? A fringe top five back in the country never hurts to have. Johnny Wilson is a gargantuan target that has worked on his physical tools to become a legit WR1 option, and the addition of Keon Coleman is intriguing. FSU has BIG targets that will overwhelm secondaries all year long. I also have my eye on true freshman Hykeem Williams as someone to monitor. Jeremiah Byers was a sweet add in the portal as well, a dang good offensive lineman from the mighty program that is UTEP. Will Florida State charge all the way into being truly back before Texas ever was? Or will a preseason darling fall flat once again, a tale as old as time itself… 

Toughest Game: at Clemson (September 23)

Record Prediction: 11-1

6. Michigan

Jim Harbaugh’s cheeseburger suspension is pretty irrelevant as he’ll miss pivotal bouts with East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers. It’s a common tradition with Michigan now — fade tough non-conference games and run the table in the Big Ten. A recipe for success and playoff berths. There’s plenty of high expectations for this team as the tremendous duo of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards return and gash defenses behind an offensive line that has Zak Zinter and Drake Nugent. How good can J.J. McCarthy be? What steps can he take to greatness and who will step up at receiver? Roman Wilson is pretty stoked about Michigan’s gameplan, an encouraging sign as he points out that the Wolverines will be running comfortable plays that J.J. and each receiver really likes. On defense, you have to check that secondary out! Will Johnson, Rod Moore, and Mike Sainristil in your secondary is NASTY! Junior Colson at linebacker is pretty fye too.

Toughest Game: vs. Ohio State (November 25)

Record Prediction: 10-2

7. Ohio State

While most declare Kyle McCord to be a Heisman candidate, I question that. The signal-caller hasn’t run away with the QB1 job yet and has Devin Brown and true freshman Lincoln Kienholz breathing down his neck. I made a bold prediction that Kienholz actually starts a game this season. Aside from the quarterback questions I have, Ohio State boasts top-end talent at most positions and most notably wide receiver. Some guy Marvin Harrison Jr. leads the way and will be thriving with Emeka Egbuka. I would like Jayden Ballard to get more looks, and I expect true freshman Carnell Tate to establish himself as the next great Buckeyes wideout. A hopefully healthy duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams is thrilling. If they can’t stay healthy, Chip Trayanum and Dallan Hayden are ready to make their presence felt. The defense has soon-to-be NFL guys in JT Tuimoloau, Michael Hall Jr., Jack Sawyer, Denzel Burke, and Tommy Eichenberg. But I’m a bit lower on Burke than consensus and would like to see another corner rise up to big heights.

Toughest Game: at Michigan (November 25)

Record Prediction: 10-2

8. Clemson

Simply put, the Clemson defense is ridonculous. The nation’s top safety, Andrew Mukuba, is a dog! Nate Wiggins and Sheridan Jones are studs in their own right as well. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter are an elite linebacker duo. Tyler Davis, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Xavier Thomas are strong veteran presences and flat out beasts. Young, true freshmen Peter Woods and T.J. Parker will look to produce this season as well and learn from those vets about the wars in the trenches. We’re going to need to see a Clemson wide receiver break out in a big way to help out Cade Klubnik and company. I have my eyes on Antonio Williams; keep an eye on him. Will Shipley is a dynamic back that plays with such great pace, and Phil Mafah is a solid complementary piece.

Toughest Game: vs. Florida State (September 23)

Record Prediction: 10-2

9. USC

The Trojans have about 73 legit wide receivers to help make Caleb Williams look even better than he is. Dorian Singer was a big add, and Zachariah Branch is a fascinating true freshman with an electric skillset. Those two join Mario Williams, Brenden Rice, and Tahj Washington in a loaded receiving room. The Heisman winning Williams has some new friends on his O-Line as well. Transfers Michael Tarquin, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Jarrett Kingston will help fortify a solid offensive line. Lincoln Riley dipped into the portal plenty and brought in MarShawn Lloyd from the other USC. He joins Austin Jones in the backfield, and Quinten Joyner has intentions of being a legit piece as a true freshman. The defense is the worry, and it needs major seasons from Bear Alexander and Korey Foreman. Many rave about Calen Bullock, but I worry about his tackling skills, which are a consistent worry with this USC program and Alex Grinch-coached units. Expect plenty more high-scoring games featuring USC, but just know that the defense needs to improve, especially at tackling, which is a common thing in football.

Toughest Game: vs. Washington (November 4)

Record Prediction: 9-3

10. LSU

I’m comfortable placing a trendy LSU team at the end of my top 10 because I worry about the quarterback play. While Jayden Daniels is such an exciting player, I’d be more confident in the Tigers with Garrett Nussmeier at the helm. Yes. Really. Daniels’ legs are a key part of his success, but he looks to run too often. I don’t love that for a guy who has a sensational receiver in Malik Nabers and a soon-to-be breakout star in Aaron Anderson. I want the ball in those guys’ hands, and I want them producing as much as possible. The offensive line is strong and features key components in Will Campbell, Garrett Dellinger, and Emery Jones Jr. On defense, you will see a big year from Duce Chestnut, who transfers in from Syracuse. Major Burns is a stud at safety, but Burns is quite the unfortunate name for a member of the secondary. Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith are feared monsters in the trenches. Oh, and that guy Harold Perkins Jr. is a top three player in our sport. Oh, and he’s just entering his sophomore season. He’s that special. 

Toughest Game: at Alabama (November 4)

Record Prediction: 9-3

11. Oregon

I think Oregon has a real chance to outperform this ranking by a good margin. The Ducks are a Pac-12 title contender as long as Bo Nix is having fun. Ajani Cornelius was a very strong addition in the portal and will be a stellar offensive lineman for years to come. Jordan Burch and Brandon Dorlus are a wicked good duo at EDGE as well.

Toughest Game: at Washington (October 14)

Record Prediction: 9-3

12. Oregon State

The Beavers are just a really good football team. It’s as simple as that. Amid the chaos of conference realignment, Jonathan Smith leads his team into a season of hope. DJ Uiagalelei is looking to revitalize his career and will do it with the help of a prolific offensive line led by Joshua Gray and a commendable running back in Damien Martinez. The Beavs defense is a strong unit as well. All eyes on Kitan Oladapo, please.

Toughest Game: at Oregon (November 24)

Record Prediction: 10-2

13. Tennessee

There are seismic levels of hype surrounding the Vols and rightfully so. Josh Heupel has a fun team and a fun scheme and Tennessee fans are just fun. Bru McCoy and Squirrel White won’t be the only fellas catching Joe Milton III bombs. I need to see Dont’e Thornton make some big plays this season. 

Toughest Game: at Alabama (October 21)

Record Prediction: 9-3

14. Utah

While Cameron Rising’s medicals are still being discussed, there are plenty of reasons to believe in this Utah team. I’m very high on Ja’Quinden Jackson at running back. I think Thomas Yassmin will find himself on NFL radars next to Brant Kuithe. And Cole Bishop leads a very good Utes defense.

Toughest Game: at Washington (November 11)

Record Prediction: 9-3

15. Notre Dame

I think this is a very fair ranking for a Notre Dame team that has hundreds of ways that its season can play out. I don’t think we are talking enough about how good the duo of Joe Alt and Blake Fisher at tackle are. Sam Hartman is set up for plenty of success thanks to those two, as well as Audric Estimé and Tobias Merriweather. Also, Benjamin Morrison is going to be a phenomenal player. 

Toughest Game: at Clemson (November 4)

Record Prediction: 8-4

16. Texas

This Texas team has every piece it needs to thrive this season. Quinn Ewers has to take the next steps to stardom as he attempts to solidify himself as a legit NFL prospect. Xavier Worthy is in need of a big season as well as he desires a big payday after closing last season in a slump. Look for Ja’Tavion Sanders to be a big piece of the offense and for Kelvin Banks Jr. to rake in all of the love from offensive line enthusiasts. I also loved the addition of Jalen Catalon in the portal. As long as he’s healthy… he’s a problem.

Toughest Game: at Alabama (September 9)

Record Prediction: 9-3

17. Duke

Mike Elko has a really good team, which is led by one of the most underrated players in the sport in quarterback Riley Leonard. The dual-threat makes things look easy and has strong connections with his receivers: Jordan Moore and Jalon Calhoun. Graham Barton is a stud NFL draft prospect at left tackle. Joshua Pickett will be a big breakout player at cornerback. I like Terry Moore, Chandler Rivers, and Brandon Johnson in that secondary a lot as well.

Toughest Game: at Florida State (October 21)

Record Prediction: 10-2

18. Minnesota

In my eyes, the Big Ten West’s best team is Minnesota. The Gophers might really have something in Athan Kaliakmanis at quarterback. Brevyn Spann-Ford is a monster tight end, IOL Quinn Carroll has NFL written all over him, and they’ve got some stud receivers in Corey Crooms, Elijah Spencer and Chris Autman-Bell. Don’t sleep on Tyler Nubin and Justin Walley in their secondary either.

Toughest Game: at Ohio State (November 18)

Record Prediction: 9-3

19. Kansas State

Cooper Beebe is easily one of the top offensive lineman in all of college football, and he provides enough reason to watch K-State every Saturday. I am very excited to watch him protect Will Howard and pave the way for Treshaun Ward.

Toughest Game: at Texas Tech (October 14)

Record Prediction: 9-3

20. Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin worked his magic and got coveted transfers to play for him this fall. Zakhari Franklin was a monstrous get, and Tre Harris was a really good one. Two transfer wideouts that will provide strong production for Jaxson Dart and/or Spencer Sanders. Quinshon Judkins is also really good by the way. Just saying. Also love Isheem Young at safety.

Toughest Game: at Georgia (November 11)

Record Prediction: 8-4

21. Western Kentucky

The Group of Five’s best team is Western Kentucky. Austin Reed and Malachi Corley headline an offense that will put points up in bunches. New offensive coordinator Drew Hollingshead will have the Toppers playing faster and taking even more shots downfield this fall. JaQues “Donut” Evans is a standout piece on the defense as well. 

Toughest Game: at Ohio State (September 16)

Record Prediction: 11-1

22. South Carolina

The connection between Spencer Rattler and Antwane Wells Jr. will be enough to make a grown man cry. As long as the Gamecocks use Juice plenty more than they did last season, oof. DQ Smith is a name to watch here, a high-level safety that is oozing with impressive instincts and ball skills. 

Toughest Game: at Georgia (September 16)

Record Prediction: 8-4

23. Texas Tech

I would have the Red Raiders ranked much higher if they named Behren Morton the starting quarterback. The receiving room is deep, and I expect a massive season out of Jerand Bradley. The defense has some dudes in Jaylon Hutchings, Tony Bradford Jr., and Malik Dunlap. I just wish Morton was locked in as QB1.

Toughest Game: vs. Oregon (September 9)

Record Prediction: 9-3

24. North Carolina

The status of Devontez Walker being up in the air is kind of heartbreaking, and I’m making this ranking as if he is playing. I have confidence in the evil NCAA to do the right thing… If Drake Maye is going to be a Heisman candidate, UNC needs to be a top 25 team at minimum. 

Toughest Game: at Clemson (November 18)

Record Prediction: 8-4

25. South Alabama

I could make the argument that South Alabama is the most complete team in all the Group of Five. Yam Banks leads a nasty and ferocious defense that features key talents like Ricky Fletcher, Jaden Voisin, Keith Gallmon Jr., Trey Kiser, Wy’Kevious Thomas and plenty more. Voisin’s brother, Devin Voisin, is a key receiver as well, and La’Damian Webb is a baller at running back. There’s no shortage of talent on this roster.

Toughest Game: at Tulane (September 2)

Record Prediction: 11-1