Key starters expected to leave: WR Treylon Burks, OT Myron Cunningham, WR Tyson Morris, LB Grant Morgan, LB Hayden Henry, DE Tre Williams, CB Montaric Brown, DT John Ridgeway, S Joe Foucha, DB Greg Brooks Jr. Mark Stoops has led UK to 10-win seasons twice in the last four years. Georgia's offense might have to do more heavy lifting in 2022. Iowa (10-4, lost to Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl). Streeter might look to get running backs Will Shipley and Kobe Pace and tight ends more involved in the passing game. Did not play on championship weekend. Houston's "Third Ward" defense is what has fueled its resurgence under Dana Holgorsen, and the Cougars are fortunate coordinator Doug Belk is sticking around after drawing interest from a handful of Power 5 programs. College Football Playoff Rankings prediction: Ohio State takes No. 4 The Cowboys had some tight wins to begin last season but surged to a 12-2 mark, an appearance in the Big 12 title game and a comeback vs. Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Key additions: OT Kingsley Suamataia, WR Cody Hagen, WR Dominique McKenzie, DE Aisea Moa, DE Logan Fano, RB Christopher Brooks, FB Houston Heimuli. Outlook: The Bulldogs finally ended a 41-year national championship drought with a win over the Tide and will enter the 2022 season as the SEC East favorites. The opener in Dublin, Ireland, against Northwestern is a must considering there could be as many as five games against ranked teams on the slate. Find out where your favorite team is ranked in the AP Top 25, Coaches Poll, CBS Sports Rankings, or Playoff Rankings polls and rankings. 2021 record: 12-2 (8-0 AAC) College Football Rankings, Season Predictions: SEC Spring Version 2022 Ivan Pace, the MAC DPOY at Miami (Ohio), and brother Deshawn will anchor the defense at linebacker. The Razorbacks went 2-10 in both 2018 and 2019. Voters are likely to be on board right away with a preseason ranking the Coaches Poll ranked USC No. Clemson (10-3, beat Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl). The Buckeyes don't win the Big Ten every season, but they certainly make it seem that way. The Bearcats won't duplicate their historic 2021 that included a CFP appearance, but a veteran offensive line will help growing pains there. College football rankings: Phil Steele predicts the preseason Top 10. While neither the Buckeyes or Tide played this weekend, the CFP committee left the door open for Alabama's playoff hopes with his remarks saying, "That's not necessarily the case" when asked about Ohio State remaining in front of Alabama. Additionally, he covered the 2021 Celebration Bowl. As always, the SEC is going to be loaded with talent, full of teams in the College Football Playoff chase, and there's a shot at least 12 of the 14 teams end up going bowling. Oklahoma (11-2, beat Oregon in the Alamo Bowl). USA TODAY Sports, Nov. 12, 2022; Conway, South Carolina; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Jarrett Guest (7) sets for a pass in the fourth quarter against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Brooks Stadium. 22. Starters expected to return: 8 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams Hardaway, QB Luther Richesson. The Aggies could end up being one of the top teams in the nation, but only second best in their division. 7. ESPN computer predicts Big Ten rankings for 2022 college football season. Not surprisingly, Nick Saban's Alabama squad will start our 2022 Way-Too-Early college football top 25 as No. Key starters expected to leave: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, CB Mykael Wright, CB DJ James, QB Anthony Brown, WR Devon Williams, G George Moore, S Verone McKinley III 2021 record: 4-8 (3-6 Pac-12) 2021 record: 9-3 (6-2 ACC) Ricks, an All-American at LSU in 2020, will help shore up the Tide's secondary. More on the Gators in just a bit. Sign up for the Buckeyes Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, Big Ten Tournament champs again! 2022 College Football Predictions | FiveThirtyEight There will be much work to do in the spring in rebuilding the front seven on defense. 7 dual-threat quarterback, according to ESPN recruiting. Visions of grandeur and a third consecutive unbeaten regular season isn't happening in 2022. KSU is off to the Sugar Bowl. Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports, Sept. 24, 2022; Pullman, Washington; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) audibles against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Key starters expected to leave: RB Kenneth Walker III, WR Jalen Nailor, C Matt Allen, OT Kevin Jarvis, DE Jacub Panasiuk, DE Drew Beesley, K Matt Coghlin With all that in mind, here is how the final CFP Rankings will look. Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos, and more. Baylor (12-2 , beat Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl). Longest field goal in college football history: From 2022 to Ove Johansson's NCAA record 9. South Carolina. 4; Georgia, Michigan, TCU all but lock up bids Jerry Palm takes a crack at how the penultimate CFP Rankings of the 2022 season will . This time, however, he'll enter the season with national notoriety and voters will be keeping an eye on his production levels. Georgia (14-1, won CFP National Championship Game) The Bulldogs are coming off their first national championship since 1980 . They should still get a spot in the New Year's Six, most likely the Cotton Bowl. 2022 preseason college football power rankings 1. ESPN computer predicts Big Ten football rankings for 2022 1 NFL draft picks were like as college football recruits: Only how many five-stars?! Arkansas(9-4, beat Penn State in the Outback Bowl). MAC college football rankings and predictions with the realistic best and worst case records and quick analysis - the 2022 spring version. Outlook: The Bears completed a remarkable turnaround after going 2-7 in coach Dave Aranda's first season. The Pokes will play Big 12 road games at Baylor, TCU, Kansas State, Kansas and Oklahoma next season. Wesley Hitt/Getty Images, Lwal Uguak #96 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 12, 2022, in Austin, Texas. If Alabama were to open No. It's going to be one of the craziest offseasons yet with the transfer portal, a whole lot of big transitions, and several key teams needing to do a whole lot of work. Key additions: CB Eli Ricks, OT Tyler Booker, DE Jeremiah Alexander, WR Shazz Preston, RB Emmanuel Henderson, RB Jahmyr Gibbs. The Bulldogs won't face a nationally-ranked team from the SEC West until they get back to Atlanta, unless you're expecting Mississippi State or Auburn to garner praise and should be a double-digit favorite in every matchup. We are hours away from the final College Football Playoff rankings. Loading up on wins early is extremely important for a group needing confidence. The committee has always been kind to underdogs that lose conference title games, so I do not expect LSU to fall, but they will miss out on a New Year's Six bid. The time to buy stock in Arkansas came prior to the 2021 season when the price was relatively low considering the Razorbacks were facing the nation's toughest schedule with a first-year starter at quarterback and questions elsewhere. The Knights could not repeat the feat of beating the Green Wave. Outlook: The Cowboys came within a few inches of winning the Big 12 title and possibly reaching the CFP, but instead settled for a 21-point comeback in their win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, which coach Mike Gundy called the biggest in the program's history. Now, Aranda and his staff will carry a lot of momentum into 2022, with four starting offensive linemen electing to come back. College Football Rankings, Season Predictions: ACC Spring Version 2022 But that's when things get interesting for the Sooners and the meat of the Big 12 slate begins away from home. Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports, Nov. 5, 2022; Los Angeles, California; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) scrambles against California Golden Bears linebacker Henry Ikahihifo (16) during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Hogs went 9-4 in his second season, winning two more games than they had in the previous three years combined. Outlook: The Wolfpack were disappointed about not having the chance to complete just their second 10-win season in 116 years when the Holiday Bowl was canceled because of COVID-19 issues for UCLA. The receiver corps is in good hands with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Key starters expected to leave: S Kyle Hamilton, RB Kyren Williams, G Cain Madden, QB Jack Coan, NG Kurt Hinish, DE Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, LB Drew White 1 pick in the NFL draft, but brings back a lot of talent, including LB Noah Sewell, CB Dontae Manning and NT Popo Aumavae. The story of the Cowboys scout and prospect son Dallas just drafted, Author of seven books on college football. TCU lost its first game of the season to Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship game. Find out where your favorite team is ranked in the AP Top 25, Coaches Poll, CBS Sports Rankings, or Playoff Rankings polls and rankings. Can there even be an undefeated battle with Georgia for the SEC title? Key starters expected to leave: WR Kendric Pryor, WR Danny Davis III, TE Jake Ferguson, G Josh Seltzner, OT Logan Bruss, LB Leo Chenal, LB Jack Sanborn, S Scott Nelson, LB Noah Burks, CB Caesar Williams. CFP:College Football Playoff rankings release schedule. Now, Kiffin will have to replace many of the difference-makers on offense, including Corral, leading rusher Ealy and top receivers Drummond and Sanders. With a rather difficult midsection of this year's schedule (Texas A&M, Alabama and BYU over a four-week stretch), Arkansas may need to pull an upset or two to remain in the top 25 through the season. College Football rankings 2022: Preliminary 2023 top 25 rankings Eleven college football players who started their careers as five-star recruits viewed by experts as the best high schoolers in the country were picked in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. That does not mean that the CFP Selection Committee has an easy job ahead if it, though; it's just that many of them are cut and dried. Falling to the Bulldogs is not nearly as bad as the prior loss to Texas A&M. The Tar Heels lost their third straight game to end a season that started 9-1. If Arkansas is able to beat Cincinnati at home in the opener, you're looking at a team whose expectations shoot through the roof nationally inside the top 15. Star safety Jalen Catalon will be back from shoulder surgery, although three starting defensive backs are leaving, including Foucha and Brooks Jr., who unexpectedly entered the transfer portal. The Demon Deacons may not peak in the top 10 again, plus star QB Sam Hartman is out indefinitely with a non-football-related medical condition. Key additions: QB Max Johnson, QB Conner Weigman, DT Walter Nolen, DT Gabe Brownlow-Dindy, WR Evan Stewart. Ridder, a two-time ACC Offensive Player of the Year, had a 44-6 record as a starter and won't be easily replaced. The Tigers lost their second game in a row to end the season. The 247Sports way-too-early top 25 for the 2022 season releases this week. As if playing in the rugged SEC West wasn't enough, the Hogs will play nonconference games against Cincinnati, BYU and Liberty in 2022. It's our predicted best guess on the college football rankings. Outlook: After former coach Mario Cristobal bolted to return to Miami, his alma mater, the Ducks are gambling on Lanning, a first-time head coach. Key starters expected to leave: C Tyler Linderbaum, RB Tyler Goodson, G Kyler Schott, DE Zach VanValkenburg, FS Jack Koerner, CB Matt Hankins, S/LB Dane Belton What will the final college football Coaches Poll probably be after the 2022 season is over? Enter your information to receive emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners. That could be frustrating a bit for a new-look Florida defense that will have already been beaten up in physical affairs with Utah and Kentucky to open. The Sooners weren't taking a chance, however, and grabbed Gabriel, who threw for more than 8,000 yards with 70 touchdowns in three seasons at UCF. Nothing has changed from last week to this week with the fifth and sixth-ranked teams but anything could happen come selections. 2021 record: 10-4 (8-1 Pac-12) Another big season will be need to be led by the veteran offensive line and a tough defensive line (44 sacks 10 in the Sugar Bowl) should. QB Spencer Sanders should help get the offense going if it takes time for a new start to emerge at running back or receiver. Day hired Jim Knowles, who revamped Oklahoma State's defense the past two seasons, and Knowles will have his work cut out for him. College football will crown its national champion next week and the morning after officially commences the offseason ahead of the 2022 campaign, which promises to be just as exciting as what we've witnessed over the past four months and change. After failing to post a winning season in Year 1 on the Plains, Bryan Harsin must take positive strides in 2022 with the Tigers, or else. Oregon opens with Georgia, then takes on BYU in Week 3 prior to the Pac-12 opener at Washington State. Defensively, after allowing less than 100 yards per game on the ground each of the last two seasons, a stout line should star again. Will USC be penalized for playing and losing in their conference championship game, allowing Ohio State to rise above them? Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte. Key starters expected to leave: OT Darian Kinnard, C Luke Fortner, WR Wan'Dale Robinson, DE Joshua Paschal, NG Marquan McCall, CB Cedric Dort Jr., FS Yusuf Corker Tim Warner/Getty Images, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi (55) warm-up ahead of the Maryland game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Follow Phil Harrisonon Twitter. 2021 record: 12-2 (7-2 Big 12) No disrespect to Luke Fickell and the job he's done with the Bearcats, but losing Desmond Ridder, Jerome Ford and his two best players on defense is cause for concern, at least as it relates to getting back to the Playoff. Goodson turned pro after running for 1,151 yards with six scores. School: Alabama. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports, Sept. 3, 2022; Columbus; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) gets tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Bo Bauer (52) after a catch in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium. After a slow 1-3 beginning, the Badgers almost won the Big Ten West. Predicting the AP top 25 college football rankings 25. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. (Photo: Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel), (Photo: Shotgun Spratling | USCfootball.com, Getty), (Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire, Getty), (Photo: Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY Sports), Chip Kelly signed athiring with the Bruins expires after 2022 and a, (Photo: Courtesy of the Capital One Orange Bowl, USA TODAY Sports), (Photo: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire, Getty). Starters expected to return: 8 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams Still, Kyle Whittingham and his team did amazing work following the tragic deaths of two players. The Buckeyes benefit from the USC's Pac-12 Championship Game loss to Utah and slide into the final playoff spot. Key starters expected to leave: DE Aidan Hutchinson, OLB David Ojabo, RB Hassan Haskins, LB Josh Ross, SS Brad Hawkins, CB Vincent Gray, S Daxton Hill, C Andrew Vastardis, OT Andrew Stueber, DT Christopher Hinton Here's a quick guide to Jalen Carter's college career at Georgia. We assumed this season's Alabama-Texas A&M game would be one of the season-defining matchups in the SEC, but the Aggies stumbled in with two losses yet still was able to topple the Crimson Tide as Nick Saban lost for the first time against a former assistant. Alabama was ranked sixth in last week's CFP rankings. New QB, new coordinators, same Nick Saban: How Bama is handling its latest challenge. Alabama (13-2, lost to Georgia in CFP National Championship). Hartman will miss Roberson, who had 71 catches for 1,078 yards with eight touchdowns, but A.T. Perry is just as good. Sept. 3, 2022; Columbus; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) gets tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Bo Bauer (52) after a catch in the first quarter of the NCAA. Beamer addressed his quarterback issues by bringing in former Oklahoma starter Rattler and signing three high school passers. 1. https://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/lists/college-football-playoff-rankings-prediction-fourth-release-2022-after-week-12-ohio-state-buckeyes/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Only three starters on offense are expected to leave, and Lanning is bringing in former Auburn starter Nix to compete for the starting quarterback job. Georgia will undergo a massive facelift on defense, starting at the top with coordinator Dan Lanning leaving to become Oregon's new coach. LSU has invested a boatload of money into its new coaching regime to make sure the mediocrity that followed the program's unbeaten run to a national title in 2019 is a thing of the past. We'll find out Sunday. 2021 record: 13-1 (8-0 AAC) Below is how we predict the AP Poll could look. You can follow him on Twitter @stan_becton. Georgia won at Kentucky with a ho-hum appearance, but Michigan and TCU needed last-second field goals to keep their records unblemished. Outside of that, Tennessee went down in shocking manner and is likely out of the picture for the CFP. College Football Rankings, Season Predictions: MAC Spring Version 2022 25. Backup quarterback Luke Altmyer was shaky in the Sugar Bowl, but it was the first extensive action of his career. College Football Rankings 2022 - AP Top 25 - CBSSports.com Outlook: Lincoln Riley inherited a top-five program from Bob Stoops at Oklahoma, but he's taking on a mess at USC. 3 in the initial CFP rankings before cooling off. What can the Wolverines do for an encore? Key starters expected to leave: WR Garrett Wilson, WR Chris Olave, G Thayer Munford, OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, DT Haskell Garrett, DE Tyreke Smith, CB Marcus Williamson, PK Noah Ruggles 4; Kansas State, Utah surge in final top 25 Jerry Palm takes a crack at how the final CFP Rankings of the 2022 season. 4. Good luck trying to figure out the Big 12 pecking order. Beal-Smith, the team's leading rusher, entered the transfer portal. The Rebels returned to the polls after a handful of years away, with QB Matt Coral piloting an offense that had to deal with injuries. I take a look at head-to-head results, schedule strength, games against ranked teams and more to help rank the teams how I think the CFP committee will do so. James Snook-USA TODAY Sports, Oct. 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford throws a pass during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Heres how we see the next release of the College Football rankings looking like when ESPN lifts the curtain on Tuesday night. Key starters expected to leave: OT Evan Neal, WR Jameson Williams, DE Phidarian Mathis, S Jordan Battle, CB Josh Jobe, RB Brian Robinson Jr., WR John Metchie III Starters expected to return: 6 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams The Wolverines defeated Ohio State for the first time in a decade, won the Big Ten for the first time since 2004 and reached the playoff for the first time. The Wolfpack have reached nine wins three times since 2017 and should expect a top 25 spot to begin the search for double-digit wins that hasn't happened since 2002. The biggest obstacle will be the schedule, as Notre Dame visits Ohio State, North Carolina, USC and gets a visit from Clemson. 2. This is NOT the actual 2022 final USA TODAY Coaches Poll - it's our prediction and projection of what it might be. Key additions: LB Jaylen Sneed, WR Tobias Merriweather, CB Jaden Mickey, DE Tyson Ford, ILB Niuafe Tuihalamaka, OT Aamil Wagner, S Brandon Joseph. Here are Klatt's picks for his preseason top 10. Rebecca Warren-USA TODAY Sports, Oct. 29, 2022; College Station, Texas; Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) celebrates with quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) after a touchdown run against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Kyle Field. College Football Rankings, Season Predictions: Big 12 Spring Version 2022 Key additions: WR Talyn Shettron, QB Garrett Rangel, RB Braylin Presley, OT Tyrone Webber, LB Xavier Benson, RB C.J. Hicks, DE Kenyatta Jackson Jr., OLB Gabe Powers, ATH Kaleb Brown, DT Caden Curry. Redshirt freshman Evan Prater, who was named Ohio's Mr. Football in 2019, will be the favorite to take over in 2022. Still, they scratched out seven victories, including wins over Florida, Auburn and a 38-21 rout of North Carolina in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. There's still a lot to learn about NIL's impact on our game and we're still combing our way through the infancy of everything. Both offensive tackles might turn pro. The sixth and final CFP top 25 reveals happens on Sunday, Dec. 4 on ESPN (here's the full schedule). The Irish will play road games against Ohio State, North Carolina, Syracuse and Southern California in 2022. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports. There are plenty of pieces coming back on offense, including quarterback Clayton Tune, RB Alton McCaskill and receiver Nathaniel Dell. The Trojans lost their conference championship game, marking their second loss to Utah. Outlook: Dave Clawson continues to do amazing work at Wake Forest, leading the Demon Deacons to at least 10 wins for only the second time in the 114-year history of the program. Starters expected to return: 5 offense, 5 defense, 1 special teams ET on Saturday, Dec 3. Key starters expected to leave: WR Drake London, LB Drake Jackson, LB Kana'i Mauga, CB Chris Steele, CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart, G Liam Jimmons, T Jalen McKenzie The defense got a boost with junior end Isaiah Foskey deciding to return, along with fifth-year seniors Jayson Ademilola and Justin Ademilola. As we all know, those jeers will be premature unless the Irish turn around and lose their second road game during the season's opening month at North Carolina a few weeks later. 2021 record: 11-2 (7-2 Big 12) Key starters expected to return: 7 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams However, USC had a big win over cross-town rival UCLA to boost its profile and chances. Oregon (10-4, lost to Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl). SEC college football rankings and predictions with the realistic best and worst case records and quick analysis - the 2022 spring version. With Heisman winner Bryce Young (4,872 passing yards, 47 TDs) back along with star Will Anderson, Alabama will again be the target. Key additions: WR Terrell Bynum, DT Tashawn Manning, CB Domani Jackson, RB Raleek Brown, S Zion Branch, CB Fabian Ross, DE Earl Barquet, OT Bobby Haskins. Anthony Johnson Jr., S, Iowa State. Three starting offensive linemen are expected to exit, along with Nailor, the team's second-leading receiver. Much of Ohio State's problems in 2021 can be attributed to the defense. London caught 88 passes in just eight games and will be sorely missed. 2022-2023 FBS College Football Rankings - VersusSportsSimulator.com Quarterbacks Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla combined to complete 55% of their attempts with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. 1. He has covered numerous NCAA championship events, including the FCS Championship, DI Track & Field Championships and Men's Frozen Four. Key additions: ATH Alex Styles, OLB C.J. OU could be the Big 12's highest-ranked team to start. Outlook: The Sooners' transition from former coach Lincoln Riley to Brent Venables might be a lot smoother if quarterback Caleb Williams sticks around. The Tigers have to play better on the offensive line and need playmakers to emerge at receiver. Key additions: QB Spencer Rattler, TE Austin Stogner, QB Tanner Bailey, CB Keenan Nelson Jr., QB Braden Davis, S Peyton Williams, LB Stone Blanton, S Kajuan Banks. Kirk Ferentz will have Iowa competing for another Big Ten West championship. Quarterback Cameron Rising will enter the offseason as the undisputed starter. College football rankings: Joel Klatt's way-too-early top 10 for 2022 They ended up winning the ACC title and picking up 11 wins. They'll undoubtedly miss Walker, who was the second-leading rusher in the FBS with 1,636 yards in 12 games. Whether you believe it or not, the Longhorns will be a much-improved team in 2022 with five-star Quinn Ewers at quarterback, Bijan Robinson returning to make his case for the Doak Walker and a defense with nowhere to go but up. Who won the spring transfer cycle? 2021 record: 10-3 (6-2 ACC) Outlook: The Badgers recovered from a 1-3 start to produce a nine-win campaign, which ended with a 20-13 victory against Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl.