NCAAF SEC 2023 – As we prepare to enter the 2023 college football regular season, now is an opportune moment to discuss which teams are expected to do well on the gridiron. With multiple programs boasting talented rosters and experienced coaches, and high expectations from fans and alumni alike, 2023 promises an exhilarating and competitive campaign; let’s look at 25 teams worth watching this coming year.
Florida State Seminoles
After concluding the 2022 season with six wins on their way to a 10-win campaign and a six-game winning streak, the Florida State Seminoles appear poised for another run at making it to the College Football Playoff. Led by veteran quarterback Jordan Travis returning for his sixth year as a starter, Florida State possesses all of the leadership and talent to go deep into postseason playmaking runs. At the same time, new defensive additions Fentrell Cypress II and Gilber Edmond bring additional playmaking ability that should help lead them forward into postseason campaigns.
NCAAF SEC 2023: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Under head coach Marcus Freeman’s direction, Notre Dame Fighting Irish rebounded from an early rough start last season to win nine games – including a Gator Bowl victory – under head coach Marcus Freeman and win championships this year. Notre Dame hopes that Sam Hartman of Wake Forest fame can bolster its offensive success further and defend against championship contenders; defensive players Howard Cross III and Junior Colson will both contribute significantly on defense as key contributors.
Washington Huskies
Kalen DeBoer guided Washington’s Huskies to an impressive 11-2 record last season and, with returning quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as a quarterback from Indiana transferring over, has their sights set on winning their fourth Pac-12 crown since 1997. A key to their success will also depend on how their revamped offensive line performs against key matchups against Oregon, Utah, USC, and Michigan State, which all make for a challenging schedule this year for Washington Huskies fans!
USC Trojans
NCAAF SEC 2023: Under Lincoln Riley’s first year as head coach, USC won 11 games but fell short in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Led by Heisman Trophy-winner Caleb Williams’ offense and boasting talented receivers like Antonio Brown and Davonte Washington, their defense, however, still needs work; it allowed an average of 37 points over their final eight games of 2022 alone! Mason Cobb and Christian Roland-Wallace should help strengthen this unit for future seasons.
LSU Tigers
After an impressive first season under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU looks to build on its 10-3 record and contend for SEC championship glory this year. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and receiver Malik Nabers form an effective offensive duo; Maason Smith returns alongside linebacker Harold Perkins Jr to provide a strong defensive presence; LSU will face Florida State again for its season-opening contest, which promises an electric debut of 2016.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State closed out the 2022 season with five consecutive victories, culminating in a Rose Bowl win over Utah. With a talented backfield duo in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, the Nittany Lions possess a potent rushing attack. Linebacker Abdul Carter leads a stingy defense that allowed an average of 18.2 points per game last season. Penn State aims to challenge for a Big Ten title and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.
Alabama Crimson Tide
As perennial contenders, the Alabama Crimson Tide face high expectations year after year. However, the departure of quarterback Bryce Young leaves uncertainty in the position. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson will compete for the starting job. Alabama’s success will also hinge on improvements in the offensive line and overall team discipline. Despite these challenges, the Crimson Tide remains a formidable force and a potential College Football Playoff contender.
Michigan Wolverines
Coming off consecutive wins against rival Ohio State and two Big Ten titles, the Michigan Wolverines aim to take the next step and compete for a national championship. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, along with running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, provides a dynamic offensive trio. Defensively, Will Johnson leads a stout unit that will look to make significant contributions. The Wolverines seek to capitalize on their recent success and make a deeper postseason run.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Despite the departure of quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Ohio State Buckeyes possess an abundance of talent that makes them a favorite to reach the College Football Playoff. Wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka form one of the most formidable receiving duos in the country. TreVeyon Henderson aims to make a comeback after being limited by injuries last season. The Buckeyes continue to reload rather than rebuild, ensuring their status as perennial contenders.
Georgia Bulldogs
As defending national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs enter the 2023 season as favorites to repeat their success. While quarterback Stetson Bennett IV will not be returning, the Bulldogs boast an overall talented roster. Tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Ladd McConkey lead a potent offense, while linebackers Smael Mondon Jr. and Jamon Dumas-Johnson anchor a solid defensive unit. Georgia’s depth and talent make them a force to be reckoned with.
SEC Media Days Storylines
SEC Media Days, held in Nashville for the first time, will showcase the conference’s top coaches and teams. All eyes will be on Georgia head coach Kirby Smart as he aims to lead his team to a historic three-peat. Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide will also garner significant attention as they look to bounce back from a season without an SEC Championship appearance.
New Coaches Making an Impact
This year’s SEC Media Days will feature two new head coaches: Hugh Freeze at Auburn and Zach Arnett at Mississippi State. Freeze, a familiar face in the SEC, will discuss his plans to rebuild the Auburn program after the disappointing Bryan Harsin era. Arnett will share his vision for the Bulldogs and how he intends to carry on the legacy of the late Mike Leach.
Quarterback Battle at Georgia
With Stetson Bennett IV no longer leading the offense, the quarterback position at Georgia is up for grabs. Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff are the primary contenders for the starting role. Beck, who served as Bennett’s backup last season, has the upper hand heading into the season opener against UT Martin. However, Vandagriff, a highly-touted recruit, has the talent to make a strong case for the starting job.
Tennessee’s Quest for Continued Success
After a memorable victory over Alabama and a No. 1 ranking in the initial College Football Playoff rankings last season, Tennessee faces the challenge of sustaining that success. With the departure of key players like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt, quarterback Joe Milton III will step in to lead the offense. Fans and analysts will be eager to hear Milton’s plans for the upcoming season.
Hugh Freeze’s Blueprint for Auburn
Aside from the inevitable questions surrounding his past, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze will focus on his vision for rebuilding the Tigers. Freeze’s addition of quarterback Payton Thorne and key transfers on both sides of the line of scrimmage indicates his determination to reshape Auburn’s program. Freeze’s detailed plan for the offense will shed light on the battle between Thorne and Robby Ashford.
Intrigue and Expectations
NCAAF SEC 2023 – As always, SEC Media Days will provide a platform to discuss the intriguing storylines and high expectations surrounding the conference. With Georgia and Alabama as perennial powerhouses, teams like Auburn, Mississippi State, and Tennessee aim to disrupt the established order and make a statement in the highly competitive SEC. The college football betting picks will soon be updated online as the regular season takes place.
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 17, 2023
Last updated: April 21, 2025