CFB: The Touchdown's Top 25 (Positions 25-21)
By Rory Daniels
As the calendar flips to August, the kickoff to the 2023 College Football season draws closer. With that, it’s time that we brought you our official pre-season Top 25. We gathered our top college football brains together to produce a collated top 25. Si Carroll, Jack Brentnall, Lee Wakefield and Rory Daniels all submitted their pre-season standings, and the results were pooled to give us a single Top 25.
First up we have spots 25-21.
25. Baylor
Dave Aranda returns for his second season as Head Coach in Waco and you wouldn’t put it past him to get more out of this group than the 6-7 record achieved last year. Blake Shapen will be more at home as he retains the starting QB role and will be glad of the extra protection the Barrington brothers bring along the offensive line.
Player to Watch: Ketron Jackson Jr – The 6’2″ receiver transfers in from Arkansas and could end up being Shapen’s go-to receiver.
24. Texas Tech
Joey McGuire has turned some heads in the Big 12 since taking over at Texas Tech and his knowledge of the Texas high school system has been invaluable in recruiting. The Red Raiders are seen as dark horses to take the divisional title by many but The Touchdown writers were more lukewarm to that idea. Still with Tyler Shough leading the team at quarterback they could cause plenty of mayhem in 2023.
Player to Watch: Jaylon Hutchings – Hutchings had 31 pressures from the nose tackle spot last year, including 2 sacks, the Raiders will need that production with Tyree Wilson leaving for the NFL.
23. Ole Miss
The Rebels have become known as the greatest exponents of the transfer portal over the last two years but it is a homegrown product that is grabbing headlines. Quinshon Judkins could be the most electric running back in the country. It will be difficult for the Rebels in a loaded SEC but nobody should ever count out Lane Kiffin.
Player to Watch: Zakhari Franklin – The receiver has torn it up in recent seasons for UTSA and now faces the challenge of Power 5 defenses, can he still be as productive?
22. Oregon State
Oregon State was arguably the biggest surprise package in the PAC-12 last year. Head coach Jonathan Smith did a great job maximizing the talent on the team and making them a difficult opponent. Former five-star QB DJ Uiagalelei should win the QB battle and it will be interesting if he can rekindle his career as a Beaver.
Player to Watch: Kitan Oladapo – A safety who flies around the field. Has solid coverage ability as well as being able to bring the boom as a box safety.
21. Wisconsin
It’s a new dawn for Wisconsin who made one of the top coaching moves of the cycle. Luke Fickell was extremely successful at Cincinnati and has hired air raid offensive coordinator Phil Longo to refresh the Badgers. They have a physical running back in Braelon Allen and an experienced QB in transfer Tanner Mordecai. It’s enough to make the Touchdown team believe they should enjoy an uptick in success.
Player to Watch: Maema Njongmeta – The defense will be led by one of the top linebackers in the country, it should be time for Maema Njongmeta to be a household name.
