ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25 has the Georgia Bulldogs on Top - Is That Right?
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ATHENS - ESPN’s Way Too Early Top 25 has been adjusted for the results of spring football and the closing of the transfer portal, and Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs are still at the top of the list.
The Bulldogs are coming off their second national title in as many years - going 29-1 since 2021. Georgia, like many top programs, is going to have to replace its starting quarterback as well as several other players who were drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. ESPN’s list came out earlier this month.
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Unlike many programs in Mark Schlabach’s top 25, the Bulldogs didn’t move from the top spot after the conclusion of spring football. The Dawgs check in at No. 1 with Schlabach writing:
"The two-time defending national champions will have plenty of new faces on offense after former coordinator Todd Monken left for the NFL and quarterback Stetson Bennett departed. Former Georgia quarterback Mike Bobo takes over the playcalling again, and Carson Beck seemed to have the edge over Brock Vandagriff during the spring. The Bulldogs might have their deepest receiver rotation in years to help All-America tight end Brock Bowers. Missouri transfer Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell and Arian Smith had big performances in the spring. The offensive line should be very good. Even with another round of starters leaving for the NFL, Georgia's defense, led by edge rusher Mykel Williams, linebackers Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon and safety Malaki Starks, is still overflowing with talent.”
Michigan, which has been in the last two College Football Playoffs, checks in at No. 2. Florida State is listed at No. 3 - a projected surge for the Noles, who have not won the ACC since 2014. Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans are at No. 4, and Ohio State closes out the top five.
Alabama, which has traditionally be at or on top of this list is at No. 6. LSU is at No. 7. Those two are expected to fight to win the SEC West this fall. LSU’s game with Florida State will be the biggest game to start the season. Penn State, which has never played in the College Football Playoff, sits at No. 8. Meanwhile, Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers check in at No. 9 - jumping from No. 15 in the previous Way Too Early Top 25. Released in January. Texas, which travels to Tuscaloosa in week two, closes out the top ten.
Several SEC schools make appearances in the rankings - Tennessee (11), Ole Miss (22) and Kentucky (24). The Bulldogs are scheduled to play those three teams in 2023.
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