College Football Expansion – Preseason predictions and the impact of the transfer portal are two key components to look out for as the 2023 college football season nears. SEC teams, notably Georgia, Tennessee, and Auburn, have declared their pleasure with Texas and Oklahoma joining their ranks while preseason rankings from AP Poll provide invaluable insight into teams’ chances of making the College Football Playoff. Let’s examine these two essential facets shaping the 2023 college football season!
The AP Preseason Poll Predicts College Football Playoff Contenders
The AP Poll’s preseason rankings have long been critical in determining teams’ paths to the College Football Playoff. Over the past nine years, ranking Nos. 1, 2, or 5 has often corresponded with an appearance. Oklahoma had mixed fortunes during 2019-2021 – qualifying from the fourth spot while dropping to 16 respectively and making playoffs from fifth position twice before falling back into contention again at 16 spots later on in 2021. Notably, preseason No 22 rankings have had mixed outcomes with only one instance yielding top-25 finishes out of 22 preseason No 22 rankings having resulted in top-25 finish once.
Michigan and TCU demonstrated their ability to go beyond preseason expectations by earning playoff spots despite being unranked at the beginning of the year. Teams ranked outside of the top 10 have also frequently made their way into playoff contention; examples such as Notre Dame, Clemson, Washington State University (WASU), Georgia, and Oklahoma show this. Lower rankings do not serve as impassable barriers in pursuit of championship glory.
SEC Maintains Strong Hold Amid Expansion Talk
College football expansion and realignment have been hotly debated this offseason, prompting widespread speculation on potential moves and reconfiguration. Many conferences explore expansion; the SEC has taken an alternative route. After welcoming Texas and Oklahoma into its fold for the 2024 season, Greg Sankey, commissioner of SEC announced there are no further plans to add member schools; instead, their focus remains to maintain national standing through continued success on the field.
The SEC boasts an enviable record, winning 13 of 17 national championships since 1999 – four consecutively. Texas and Oklahoma’s inclusion has expanded its footprint while also welcoming two iconic and successful brands into its fold; although reports surfaced about possible moves by other ACC teams like Clemson or Florida State to other conferences, such as possible expansion opportunities, it appears as though the SEC is satisfied with its current structure without actively looking for ways to expand further.
College Football’s 2023 Season Brings Unprecedented Change and Excitement
As the 2023 college football season nears, preseason AP Poll and expansion discussions are helping teams and conferences navigate its landscape. Preseason rankings can provide valuable insight into potential playoff contenders or those outside of the top 10 making an impression showing in national play; SEC’s decision to add Texas and Oklahoma while closing further expansion reflects their confidence as an established force within college football; transfer portal influences roster compositions so this season will likely bring excitement and unpredictability as teams vie for national glory!
As college football continues its ever-evolving landscape, the transfer portal remains a powerful force in reshaping rosters. With fall camp quickly approaching and notable players stepping into the transfer portal seeking new challenges and opportunities – Clemson’s dismissal of linebacker TJ Dudley making headlines along the way.
Minnesotan Jacob Schuster, Miamian Chris Graves, and Northwesterner Nigel Glover, and Justin Cryer are just a few talented players searching for fresh adventures in their football journeys. Each transfer brings with them specific skill sets that could significantly benefit their new teams positively; thus making the transfer portal an invaluable resource for teams looking to strengthen their rosters or find missing pieces to their championship aspirations goals.
As college football fans eagerly anticipate the 2023 season, preseason predictions, transfer portal activity, and conference expansion create an engaging and dynamic landscape. Unpredictability on the field and pursuit of glory promises to captivate audiences, making this season one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The college football betting websites will soon be updated with all the picks and predictions for the upcoming 2023 season.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: July 25, 2023
Last updated: August 3, 2023