Ranking the top 25 college football teams ahead of Week 1

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Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs the ball to score a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the second quarter in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /

DVV’s college football top 25: Teams 16 – 20

815. . 0-0. . Sooners . 20. team

Next game: vs. Arkansas State on Sat. Sept. 2nd

We’re a little higher on Oklahoma than others that took the time to compile preseason top 25 rankings. The Sooners finished Brent Venables’ first season 6-7 including an embarrassing loss to Texas and bowl game defeat to Florida State. However, we think that the Sooners are better now than their 2022 finish.

Oklahoma returns graduate quarterback Dillon Gabriel and three-quarters of their 2022 defense. We also think that Venables will stabilize his program after a season in which the sudden departure (and subsequent roster gutting) of Lincoln Riley handicapped the potential in Norman.

818. . 0-0. . Huskies . 19. team

Next game: vs. Boise State on Sat. Sept. 2nd

It wouldn’t surprise us to see Washington emerge as the Pac-12’s best team in 2023. We considered such until the Huskies lost running back Cameron Davis to a season-ending injury this week.

Washington quarterback Michael Pennix Jr. is as dynamic as they come and returns for a final year in the Pacific Northwest. Indeed, the Huskies’ success in 2023 hinges on the graduate’s ability to lead his team through a schedule that includes road games at Michigan State, USC, and Oregon State.

. Hawkeyes . 18. team. 878. . 0-0

Next game: vs. Utah State on Sat. Sept. 2nd

The Iowa Hawkeyes need to score points to justify a top 20 ranking in 2020. We’re on the fence regarding Kirk Ferentz’s program in 2023. However, we love the transfer of former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara.

McNamara is questionable for Iowa’s opener against Utah State, but we expect him to play long enough to set the tempo and take a seat. Iowa should open their offensive playbook more in 2023 and utilize McNamara’s talents. If they don’t, the Ferentz era in Iowa City might finally end.

. 0-0. . Wildcats . 17. team. 833

Next game: vs. Ball State on Sat. Sept. 2nd

We stated in our SEC quarterback rankings that we’re big fans of Devin Leary’s transfer to Kentucky. Leary is one of the most experienced starters in college football and, if healthy, capable of leading the Wildcats to new heights with Mark Stoops.

Stoops’ squad returns 14 starters and welcomes back offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Coen spent last year in the NFL during which Kentucky’s points per game total dropped from 32.3 to 20.4.

823. . 0-0. . Wildcats . 16. team

Next game: vs. Southeast Missouri State on Sat. Sept. 2nd

Kansas State continues their trend of playing hard-nosed football in which games are won and lost in the trenches. The Wildcats were the only Big 12 team to get the best of TCU last season, including an upset win in the conference title game. K-State was also in control of their regular season contest against the Frogs before losing quarterback Will Howard to injury.

Howard is back for his fourth season and is expected to produce. K-State also brings back dynamic receiver Phillip Brooks and four of five staring offensive linemen from 2022.

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