If you have been locked away for the past ten years, this headline would be a surprise. but almost every year Ohio State is in the mix for a national title. This past season, they were the only team that ultimately threatened Georgia, the eventual College Football Playoff champions.
The 2023 version of the Buckeyes may look like a group that’s going through a transition, but Ryan Day’s team doesn’t rebuild, it reloads. The loss of quarterback C.J. Stroud and offensive tackles Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones will be tough to overcome but that normal procedure in college football.
As signing day has come to a close, 247Sports looked at ten teams who have title potential this coming season. Find out below which schools could contend for a CFP title according to 247Sports and a quick takeaway for each.
Honorable mentions: Oregon, Tennessee, and Notre Dame
Thoughts
Probably should have had Notre Dame and Oregon in the contenders given their rosters. Tennessee has to replace Hendon Hooker and might start a freshman, Nico Iamaleava, over Joe Milton.
Clemson Tigers
Thoughts
If they couldn’t contend with DJ Uiagalelei, it’s hard to think the Tigers will do the same with first-year starter Cade Klubnik under center.
USC Trojans
Thoughts
The Trojans had a golden chance to make the field this year. Thank you from Buckeye nation. Can USC continue the momentum for the second year?
Florida State Seminoles
Thoughts
Not buying this one, the Seminoles lost each game they played against a ranked opponent last season. There’s more of that coming in 2023.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Thoughts
James Franklin can’t win the big one consistently and until that happens, Penn State is on the outside looking in for me.
LSU Tigers
Thoughts
See Penn State but insert Brian Kelly with Franklin. Rinse, repeat, and set expectations high again.
Texas Longhorns
Thoughts
The Longhorns and their supporters (and the media too) continue to claim they’re back with a close loss to Alabama. I’m not buying that Texas has returned to elite status and neither should you.
Georgia Bulldogs
Thoughts
No complaints here, back-to-back titles give you the benefit of the doubt. Oh, and have you seen the talent Kirby Smart continues to pull in each year for the Dawgs?
Michigan Wolverines
Thoughts
Yeah, the Wolverines might get a crack at the CFP, but Jim Harbaugh hasn’t won a bowl game since his first year back at his alma mater.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Thoughts
An angry Nick Saban is bad for the rest of college football and the Hall of Fame coach isn’t happy. Look for a bounce back for Alabama in 2023 from what we saw in 2022.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Thoughts
The Buckeyes are perennial CFP contenders and next year should be no different with the talent on the roster.
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