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Ranking the top 25 college football teams ahead of Week 1

By John Fye

Nov 5, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles out the pocket against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles out the pocket against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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DVV’s college football top 25: Teams 21-25

Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) passes the ball during the spring showcase at Reser Stadium, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore.Oregon State Spring Game679
Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) passes the ball during the spring showcase at Reser Stadium, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore.Oregon State Spring Game679 /

team. 832. . 0-0. . Beavers . 25

Next game: at San Jose State on Sun, Sept. 3rd

We might be underselling Oregon State at no. 25. The Beavers are coming off a 10-win season that included a Las Vegas Bowl victory over the Florida Gators. Moreover, Oregon State added former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei via the transfer portal.

Our issue with Oregon State is the inability to beat the best teams in the Pac 12 including Washington, Utah, and USC. Running through the rest of the conference isn’t impressive. Yes, they defeated Oregon last season, but in-state rivalry games are exempt to everything that’s normal in college football.

872. . 0-0. . Horned Frogs . 24. team

Next game: vs. Colorado Buffaloes on Sat. Sept. 2nd

TCU is on the right track under Sonny Dykes, but there are two areas of concern. For one, losing Max Duggan to the NFL is a huge deal for the Horned Frogs. We all saw Duggan sacrifice every ounce of himself in leading TCU to last year’s national championship. However, Dykes’ squad was utterly destroyed by Georgia.

As such, we have doubt regarding TCU’s abilities to win big games without their best player from a year ago. Chandler Morris steps in as the starting quarterback. He’s no slouch but will present a different dynamic at the position from that of his predecessor.

. Green Wave . 23. team. 2115. . 0-0

Next game: vs. South Alabama on Sat. Sept. 2nd

Tulane was incredible last season, finishing 12-2 including a Cotton Bowl win over the USC Trojans. Head coach Willie Fritz returns in 2023 along with his offensive coordinator and starting quarterback. As such, Tulane has an continuity advantage that is similar to LSU’s.

The American Athletic Conference grew larger this offseason, but we like the Green Wave to repeat as champions and serve as the best Group 5 team in the country.

841. . 0-0. . Rebels . 22. team

Next game: vs. Mercer on Sat. Sept. 2nd

Ole Miss started last season at 7-0 before running into the purple and gold buzz-saw in Baton Rouge. The LSU Tigers demolished the Rebels and altered the course of their season. However, Lane Kiffin brings back his starting quarterback from a year ago in the dynamic Jaxson Dart.

Perhaps more important to Ole Miss’s 2023 prospectus is that Kiffin upgraded his defense by hiring Pete Golding away from Alabama.

Tar Heels . 21. team. 838. . 0-0.

Next game: at South Carolina on Sat. Sept. 2nd

We expect North Carolina to compete for the ACC title with Drake Maye at starting quarterback. Maye likely enters his final collegiate season with enough talent to enter the 2024 NFL Draft as a top pick. However, Maye’s talent wasn’t enough to put the Tar Heels over the Clemson hump in 2022.

The 2023 Tar Heels will compete with a new offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey and another year of Gene Chizik leading the defense. We expect a season that mimics their 2022 result.

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