Since the AP released their preseason rankings, I figured it was time to put mine out there as well. Not sure why they have not contacted me to be part of their rankings, but I am sure it is just an oversight. Nothing to do with me not actually being a journalist or member of the Associated Press.
Before I dive into the rankings, I should mention that my format will be Rank, Name, Last Season Record, My 2022 Final Ranking, and finally a quick explanation.
- Georgia (15-0)–#1–Back-to-back champs. The #1 spot is theirs until someone beats them, or they look beatable. A 3peat is going to hinge upon the success of quarterback Carson Beck.
- Ohio State (11-2)–#4–Another new QB, but this team is loaded with superstar talent. Does it honestly matter who is under center when you have Marvin Harrison Jr. catching the ball?
- Michigan (13-1)–#3–I had the Wolverines #2, and honestly think they are the team who will win it all. However, this Harbaugh stuff could be a distraction. It sounds like there is more to this than just a cheeseburger.
- Alabama (11-2)–#5–Still no decision on starting QB, if neither steps up to fill Bryce Young’s shoes, this could be a rough season for the Crimson Tide.
- USC (11-3)–#9–Preseason rankings have been all over the place for the Trojans. I think Caleb Williams is good enough to carry this team past most opponents. I think they improved their defense through the portal.
- Penn State (11-2)–#6–This team is loaded with award caliber talent. First round pick guys. They are good enough to compete for a national championship this year. If Drew Allar is as good as we think he is, then the sky is the limit for the Nittany Lions.
- LSU (10-4)–#16–The Tigers start the season off with a big test at Florida State. Jayden Daniels has the ability to take it up a notch, which could be dangerous for the rest of the SEC.
- Texas (8-5)–#21–I know, every year we say “is Texas back?” But come on, if Quinn Ewers stays healthy, they are a dangerous team.
- Clemson (11-3)–#14–The Cade Klubnik Era begins. Are they ready to get back to CFP contention?
- Tennessee (11-2)–#7–They are not nearly as good as last year, but this team will be very good with Joe Milton leading the way.
- Florida State (10-3)–#12–FSU is much like PSU. They have tons of talent, and they are the only thing standing in their way. They can beat every team they face, it just comes down to execution.
- Oregon (10-3)–#13–Bo Nix for Heisman? If he plays like he is capable, this team can compete with USC for the PAC-12. Also, they need to not have one of those terrible losses they like to have every year.
- Notre Dame (9-4)–#19–The Irish will not start off as bad as last year, but they are not ready to be in the CFP conversation yet.
- Utah (10-4)–#11–This team always seems to amaze us by beating teams they should not. Cameron Rising may not be ready for the beginning of the year, and I am not certain they will be handle his absence.
- TCU (13-2)–#2–Crazy to find the runner-up ranked this low, but I just cannot see this team repeating the success from last year.
- Oklahoma (6-7)–NR–And take what I said above and flip it around for the Sooners. They will be better than last year.
- Kansas State (10-4)–#15–The Big XII should be exciting this year.
- Washington (11-2)–#10–Okay, I know people have them ranked much higher. I think the PAC-12 is strong again this year, and I just have this feeling they do not pull out those wins against everyone else in the conference.
- Oregon State (10-3)–#17–The Beavers need DJ Uiagalelei to be the QB that Clemson envisioned. I think without so much pressure, it is a possibility.
- Arkansas (7-6)–NR–Every year I am high on this team, and every year they have a stretch of like four losses. Can they just not do that this year?
- Ole Miss (8-5)–NR–Is Spencer Sanders the starting QB? Or is it Jaxson Dart?
- Wisconsin (7-6)–NR–A new head coach, in a weak division? The Badgers could be ready to take their place atop the West.
- Pitt (9-4)–#22–I hate Pitt, but I respect what is happening there under Narduzzi. He has brought them back to a competitive level.
- UNC (9-5)–NR–A Heisman candidate quarterback. If they can play defense, maybe they can win the Coastal Division.
- South Carolina (8-5)–#20–Spencer Rattler and the Gamecocks played well at the end of the year. If this team plays like that all season…well okay, they will not win their division, but they could at least make a run at second place.
Honorable Mention
Texas A&M (5-7)–NR–There is too much money being spent for them to have another awful season.
Miami (5-7)–NR–Same as above.
Minnesota (9-4)–NR–I think Athan Kaliakmanis is a good quarterback, who could surprise people this year.
Mississippi State (9-4)–#24–A tough schedule, but this team could play spoiler for at least one team in the SEC.
Maryland (8-5)–HM–Not at the level of Michigan,Ohio State, or Penn State, but the Terrapins are a good team. They have a favorable schedule to start, and could even see a decent ranking by the time they head to Columbus in October.
Watch List
A reminder, my watch list is not an extension of the rankings. I mean, if I wanted to rank 35 teams, I would just do that. These are the teams I find intriguing.
Coastal Carolina (9-4)–NR–Grayson McCall is my favorite Sun Belt QB, and I am excited to see how this team does with a new coach.
UAB (7-6)–NR–Trent Dilfer is their head coach. I am curious how this will go.
Stanford (3-9)–NR–I feel bad for the Cardinals. Left without a conference, after going out and getting an interesting head coach. I liked signing Troy Taylor from Sacramento State, who I believe brought his QB.
Nebraska (4-8)–NR–Matt Rhule was a great hire, but how long will it take to turn things around?
James Madison (8-3)–NR–Can they repeat how good they were last year? Teams know they are for real now and not just some FCS team in their first year at the FBS level.
This year I will mention three games I want to watch. Also, I enjoy posting a different stadium each week. The big game we should all be watching is LSU at Florida State on Sunday (9/3). The other decent game is Florida at Utah on Thursday (8/31). And finally, West Virginia at Penn State. I am excited for this season, and slightly nervous…WE ARE!!!
