Even though the season has just ended with Georgia hoisting its second consecutive national championship trophy, speculation for next season has already begun. Perhaps it will be a year of unfamiliarity as Georgia will have to cope with the departure of legend Stetson Bennet, or for Alabama, who says goodbye to their own quarterback Bryce Young. Maybe we will see another Cinderella story like TCU this season. Who knows? Only time will tell–but I've already decided my way too early predictions for next year's champion.
Champion Favorites
1. Georgia
Bulldogs fans, I wouldn't be too worried. Yes, you are saying goodbye to key players such as Stetson Bennett, tight end Darnell Washington, and a few players on the defense. Yes, there will be a void to fill as quarterbacks will compete for the starting spot, yet, 6 players on both the offense and defense will be returning. Furthermore, as of right now, Georgia has the number #2, ranked recruiting class for 2023, with 26 overall commits. 22 of the commits are either 4 or 5 star recruits. Also, it's worth noting, that what was expected to be a down year for Georgia ended in a title–and in dominating fashion. Kirby Smart has morphed Georgia into a powerhouse program and I don't see the decline of the Bulldogs coming just yet.
Related: Rate the University of Georgia
2. Alabama
A down year from Alabama ended with a record of 11-2…not a bad accomplishment at all for the Crimson Tide, although they didn't qualify for the College Football Playoff. If anything, 2022 showed everyone just how good that Alabama standard is. I think they'll be more hungry than ever next season–while they are losing two definite top five NFL Draft picks in quarterback Bryce Young, and linebacker Will Anderson Jr., they still rank #1 in the 2023 recruiting class just above Georgia. Like Georgia, Alabama will most likely hold a competition for the starting quarterback position, but under Nick Saban's supervision, this team is built to thrive next season as they'll maintain many key positional players on offense. Alabama will be out for revenge this year and in my eyes, there's just no way they miss the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
3. Florida State
Hear me out on this one–Florida State is returning 16 players, with seven from the offense, and nine from the defense. Most notably, quarterback Jordan Travis is returning for his last season of eligibility As many key positional players are also returning, including starting running back Trey Benson and star receiver Johnny Wilson, Travis and co. will look to build on an extremely strong season where his team finished 10-3. And, I don't see why not–thus far they've nabbed 17 players from the recruiting class of 2023, with seven of them being 4-star recruits. Florida State is not only my favorite to come out of the ACC, but to also emerge as my 3rd most likely Championship contender.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on January 23, 2023, by Nicholas Nathanson
