As the summer progresses, college football fans eagerly await the return of live action, with anticipation building for the upcoming 2023 season. With just over a month until kickoff, discussions are underway about the teams capable of contending for the national title. While numerous programs are deemed “playoff contenders,” only a few stand out as genuine title contenders. In this article, we’ll examine eight teams poised to compete for the championship and also provide an overview of the NCAA transfer commitments across the ACC.
2023 College Football: Oregon Ducks
Under the leadership of head coach Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks thrived in his inaugural season. Despite falling short of a playoff run, the Ducks showcased their potential by winning ten games, including the Holiday Bowl. With Lanning’s elite recruiting and a promising incoming class, the Ducks are expected to be a top-15 preseason team. Anchored by quarterback Bo Nix and a talented roster, Oregon is well-positioned to challenge USC for the Pac-12 title.
Florida State Seminoles
While Clemson has been a perennial powerhouse in the ACC, this may be the year Florida State upsets the Tigers and claims the conference title. Led by quarterback Jordan Travis, considered the best in the ACC, and supported by playmakers such as Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, the Seminoles possess a potent offense. Additionally, the team boasts a solid defense, with eight starters returning and several high-profile transfers joining the ranks. Head coach Mike Norvell has built an exceptional team in Tallahassee, reminiscent of the success during Jameis Winston’s tenure.
USC Trojans
Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, USC experienced a successful first season, highlighted by quarterback Caleb Williams winning the Heisman Trophy. With an impressive 11-3 record and a Cotton Bowl appearance, the Trojans are ready to make a legitimate push for the College Football Playoff. Riley has assembled a talented roster, including the dynamic Williams and newly acquired weapons from the transfer portal. With an improved defense and the offensive prowess of Williams, USC stands as the Pac-12’s best hope for a national title.
LSU Tigers
While some may overlook LSU, the Tigers possess all the components of a championship contender. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who improved throughout the previous season, provides exceptional dual-threat capabilities. Supported by a top-five recruiting class and impactful transfers, LSU’s roster is brimming with talent. With eight four-star transfers and a five-star recruit, Denver Harris, LSU’s new additions are poised to make an immediate impact. Head coach Brian Kelly has instilled confidence in his team, making the Tigers a legitimate playoff threat.
Michigan Wolverines
Jim Harbaugh has revitalized the Michigan Wolverines, establishing them as the favorite to win the Big Ten for a third consecutive year. With a veteran quarterback in JJ McCarthy and a formidable backfield featuring Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, Michigan’s offense poses a significant challenge to opposing defenses. The team’s consistent strength lies in its offensive line, which is considered one of the best in the nation. Coupled with improving security and a talent reload, the Wolverines are eager to overcome past College Football Playoff setbacks and vie for the national title.
Georgia Bulldogs
Undoubtedly, the Georgia Bulldogs command attention as the top team on this list. Despite a lingering question at the quarterback position, Georgia has claimed two consecutive titles with former walk-on Stetson Bennett as the starter. This demonstrates head coach Kirby Smart’s ability to mold successful teams with highly touted prospects waiting in the wings. Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff are formidable contenders for the starting quarterback role, backed by a loaded offense featuring talented transfer receivers and the nation’s best tight end. With a staunch defense and the second-ranked recruiting class, Georgia enters the season as the favorite to capture the national title.
Transfer Commitments in the ACC
As the college football transfer portal opened, over 1,000 FBS players explored new opportunities for the 2023 season. This article aims to track the transfer commitments across all ACC teams, ensuring an updated compilation of player movements and roster restocking efforts.
Boston College
QB Thomas Castellanos (from UCF)
RB Kye Robichaux (from Western Kentucky)
WR Ryan O’Keefe (from UCF)
OL Logan Taylor (from Virginia)
DL George Rooks (from Michigan)
DB Victor Nelson Jr. (from LIU)
DB Khari Johnson (from Arkansas)
DB Alex Washington (from Harvard)
Clemson
QB Paul Tyson (from Arizona State)
Duke
WR Hayes Sutton (from Brown)
OL Ben Hoitink (from Penn)
OL Jake Hornibrook (from Stanford)
OL Jacob Long (from Angelo State)
DL Sean Kelly (from Brown)
CB Al Blades Jr. (from Miami)
DB Myles Jones (from Texas A&M)
Florida State
RB Caziah Holmes (from Penn State)
WR Keon Coleman (from Michigan State)
TE Jaheim Bell (from South Carolina)
TE Kyle Morlock (from Shorter)
OL Casey Roddick (from Colorado)
OL Keiondre Jones (from Auburn)
OL Jeremiah Byers (from UTEP)
DL Darrell Jackson (from Miami)
DL Braden Fiske (from Western Michigan)
DL Gilber Edmond (from South Carolina)
CB Fentrell Cypress II (from Virginia)
K Tyler Keltner (from East Tennessee State)
As the college football transfer portal remains open, teams nationwide actively add talent and reshape their rosters for the 2023 college football season. These transfer commitments bring a mix of experience, skill, and potential to their new programs, with hopes of making immediate impacts and contributing to championship runs. College football fans can look forward to seeing how these transfers blend with their new teams, adding excitement and intrigue to the upcoming season.
