Where does USC fit among the top 15 College Football Playoff contenders?
The 2023 college football season still feels like it’s far away. However, there is always room to discuss some trendy College Football Playoff picks … and USC’s place within the short list of playoff contenders.
The Pac-12 Conference is looking extremely loaded in the final year before USC and UCLA dash for the Big Ten. Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are common picks in the SEC, and the Clemson Tigers are always a team thrown into the conversation with Dabo Swinney running the show.
Nonetheless, Mitch Kaiser of Pro Football Focus revealed 15 teams that could make the College Football Playoff this season, and there are some surprising choices, most notably the Texas Longhorns.
Which teams are — and aren’t — included alongside USC in the top 15? Let’s take a look:
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Who can forget Tennessee’s massive upset over Alabama? Yes, Hendon Hooker is gone, but there is still a lot to like about this year’s Vols team. Former USC WR Bru McCoy is set for a massive season.
Get more Tennessee news, analysis and opinions at Vols Wire.
LSU TIGERS
Brian Kelly’s first season in Baton Route was a success, and beating Alabama was a massive reason why. Jayden Daniels is an excellent quarterback, and LSU should be a contender all year long.
Get more LSU news, analysis and opinions at LSU Tigers Wire.
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Another year of Alabama being a contender. As long as Nick Saban is there, the Tide will be a factor, even with Jahmyr Gibbs, Bryce Young, and Will Anderson Jr. leaving for the NFL.
Get more Alabama news, analysis and opinions at Roll Tide Wire.
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Georgia has won back-to-back national titles. Can they three-peat? It hasn’t happened since 1936, but Kirby Smart has all of the right pieces in place.
Get more Georgia news, analysis and opinions at UGA Wire.
WASHINGTON HUSKIES
Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze are one of the best receiver duos in college football. Michael Penix Jr. is a Heisman candidate, and Kalen DeBoer made the right choice going from Fresno State to Washington.
UTAH UTES
Did somebody say three-peat? Utah is looking to win three straight Pac-12 titles, even though the loss of Dalton Kincaid will be tough to overcome. Micah Bernard and Ja’Quinden Jackson form a tough running back combo.
USC TROJANS
The Heisman Trophy winner is back, and Caleb Williams should be the favorite once again. The Trojans add Arizona WR Dorian Singer, South Carolina RB MarShawn Lloyd, and other pieces. They brought in key defensive additions in Mason Cobb and Georgia defender Bear Alexander. The defense was the problem last year, and if Alex Grinch can figure it out, the Trojans will be there. Here’s what Kaiser wrote about USC’s chances:
Of all the Pac-12 teams in contention, USC may have the best shot at making the College Football Playoff this year. Why, you may ask? Caleb Williams. He is the best player in all of college football and is only getting better. Anytime you bring back the Heisman Trophy winner, your team is most likely going to be set up for success. Williams even said how disappointed he is that he failed to reach the playoff in his first two college seasons. That’s the only thing on his mind right now, and he truly has the talent to carry this team there.
Williams can only do so much offensively, though. The real key will be if the Trojans can get stops on defense. Lincoln Riley brought in a ton of defensive talent through the transfer portal, including Bear Alexander and Mason Cobb.
OREGON DUCKS
Oregon is the fourth Pac-12 team on this list, and it’s hard to argue against that. Bo Nix returned, and Troy Franklin Jr. is one of the best receivers in college football. Dan Lanning made fans forget about Mario Cristobal right away.
Get more Oregon news, analysis and opinions at Ducks Wire.
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
Drew Allar has a lot to prove at QB, but James Franklin is building the program the right way at Penn State.
Get more Penn State news, analysis and opinions at Nittany Lions Wire.
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Ncaa Football Peach Bowl Ohio State At Georgia
Ohio State might have the best WR room in college football: Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are both potential first-round choices, but the loss of CJ Stroud will be a bit difficult to handle.
Get more Ohio State news, analysis and opinions at Buckeyes Wire.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Jim Harbaugh flirted with the NFL again before returning to Ann Arbor, and a trip to the playoff has to be on his mind. Getting Blake Corum to return and J.J. McCarthy does help.
Get more Michigan news, analysis and opinions at Wolverines Wire.
TEXAS LONGHORNS
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Remember Steve Sarkisian? The Longhorns are a contender this year. Despite losing Bijan Robinson, having Quinn Ewers at QB is a main reason why Texas can dream big.
Get more Texas news, analysis and opinions at Longhorns Wire.
NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS
The Drake Maye transfer rumors were nonsense, and there’s a theme here: If you have a talented QB, your chances of a playoff spot are good. That’s exactly the case for the Tar Heels.
Get more North Carolina news, analysis and opinions at Tar Heels Wire.
FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
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Jordan Travis and Johnny Wilson have the skill sets to become one of the most dominant QB-WR duos this season. The Seminoles could be a trendy pick as the ACC favorite.
CLEMSON TIGERS
Cade Klubnik has a lot to prove as the Tigers’ starter, but it’s hard to discredit a team coached by Dabo Swinney.
Get more Clemson news, analysis and opinions at Clemson Wire.
