Upcoming College Football Playoff Rankings: The NCAA college football 2023 season promises to be thrilling, with the spotlight on the most talented offensive players in the game. We highlight the top 12 players at each offensive position, from quarterbacks to offensive tackles, as they head into the season with high expectations and a potential breakout year.
Quarterbacks: The Maestros of the Field
Caleb Williams, Jr., USC: Reigning Heisman winner and Lincoln Riley’s prized quarterback, Williams is set to deliver another stellar season with unmatched efficiency and talent. He won’t have to carry the load as much with a more robust defense behind him, but his impact will remain undeniable.
Michael Penix Jr., Sr., Washington: Leading the nation in passing yards per game last season, Penix Jr. has the potential to maintain his production as long as he stays healthy, making him a strong contender on the field.
Upcoming College Football Playoff Rankings: Honorable Mention All-Americans
Jayden Daniels, Sr. LSU; Quinn Ewers, Soph. Texas; Sam Hartman, Sr. Notre Dame; KJ Jefferson, Sr. Arkansas; Drake Maye, Soph. North Carolina; Grayson McCall, Sr. Coastal Carolina; JJ McCarthy, Jr. Michigan; Bo Nix, Sr. Oregon; Austin Reed, Sr. WKU; Jordan Travis, Sr. Florida State
Running Backs: Powerhouses in the Backfield
Braelon Allen, Jr., Wisconsin: With an evolving passing game, Allen will be able to carry the ball more frequently, but he remains an essential force for the Badgers, ready to showcase his sensational skills on the field.
Blake Corum, Sr., Michigan: Bouncing back from a knee injury, Corum aims to return to his Heisman-caliber numbers, supported by an outstanding offensive line that can elevate his performance.
Honorable Mention All-Americans:
Trey Benson, Jr., Florida State; TreVeyon Henderson, Jr., Ohio State; Frank Gore Jr., Jr., Southern Miss; George Holani, Sr., Boise State; Bucky Irving, Jr., Oregon; Damien Martinez, Soph. Oregon State; Will Shipley, Jr. Clemson; Nicholas Singleton, Soph. Penn State.
Wide Receivers: Explosive Playmakers on the Perimeter
Marvin Harrison Jr., Jr., Ohio State: While comparisons to previous Buckeye receiving stars may be premature, Harrison Jr. possesses the tools to be a statistical juggernaut and a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Xavier Worthy, Jr., Texas: Blazing fast, Worthy is expected to elevate the Longhorns’ deep play options, boosting his yards per catch and delivering more than just home-run plays.
Honorable Mention All-Americans:
Malachi Corley, Jr. WKU; Jacob Cowing, Sr. Arizona; Troy Franklin, Jr. Oregon; Malik Nabers, Jr. LSU; Oronde Gadsden, Jr. Syracuse; Dorian Singer, Jr. USC; Antwane Wells, Sr. South Carolina; Johnny Wilson, Jr. Florida State
Tight Ends: Unstoppable Forces in the Passing Game
Brock Bowers, Jr., Georgia: The ultimate college tight end, Bowers is poised to continue his dominance on the field with jaw-dropping stats and two national titles under his belt.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jr., Texas: With bulk, quickness, and excellent hands, Sanders will be a featured playmaker in the Longhorns’ offense after an impressive 54-catch 2022.
Honorable Mention All-Americans:
Jaheim Bell, Jr., Florida State; Jalin Conyers, Jr., Arizona State; CJ Dippre, Jr., Alabama; Rivaldo Fairweather, Sr., Auburn; Trey Knox, Sr., South Carolina; Brant Kuithe, Sr., Utah; Caden Prieskorn, Sr. Ole Miss; Brevyn Spann-Ford, Sr. Minnesota; Cade Stover, Sr. Ohio State; Benjamin Yurosek, Sr. Stanford
Centers & Guards: Pillars of Strength in the Trenches
Sedrick Van Pran, Jr., Georgia (Center): The key figure in a national title-level offensive line, Van Pran will play a crucial role, particularly with a new quarterback under center.
Cooper Beebe, Sr., Kansas State (Guard): A formidable run blocker, Beebe anchors the defending Big 12 champs’ line, setting the foundation for their ground game.
Christian Mahogany, Sr., Boston College (Guard): Among the nation’s best interior pass blockers, Mahogany continues to shine as he impresses scouts with his skills.
Bryce Foster, Jr., Texas A&M (Center): Foster’s size and power make him a force to be reckoned with, potentially securing his position as the first center selected in the NFL Draft.
Honorable Mention All-Americans (Centers & Guards)
Clark Barrington, Sr. Baylor; Justin Dedich, Sr. USC; Zach Frazier, Jr. West Virginia; Hayden Gillum, Sr. Kansas State; Bryan Hudson, Sr. Louisville; Drew Kendall, Soph. Boston College; Matthew Lee, Sr. Miami; Dylan McMahon, Jr. NC State; Drake Nugent, Sr. Michigan; Jake Renfro, Jr. Wisconsin; Connor Colby, Jr. Iowa; Donovan Jackson, Jr. Ohio State; Javion Cohen, Sr. Miami; Christian Haynes, Sr. UConn; Prince Pines, Sr. Tulane; Tate Ratledge, Sr. Georgia; Layden Robinson, Sr. Texas A&M; Javontez Spraggins, Sr. Tennessee; Zak Zinter, Sr. Michigan
Offensive Tackles: Guardians of the Quarterback
Joe Alt, Jr., Notre Dame: Despite not being a highly-touted recruit, Alt has emerged as a stellar pass-protecting left tackle, solidifying his role as a maestro on the offensive line.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Jr., Penn State: Fashanu’s presence in the Nittany Lion’s infrastructure will support the talented players set to explode on the field.
Honorable Mention All-Americans (Offensive Tackles)
Graham Barton, Sr. Duke; Will Campbell, Soph. LSU; Matt Goncalves, Sr. Pitt; Sataoa Laumea, Jr. Utah; Amarius Mims, Jr. Georgia; Jordan Morgan, Sr. Arizona; Jack Nelson, Jr. Wisconsin; Zion Nelson, Sr. Miami.
Watch these top offensive players as the 2023 college football season kicks off. With their impressive talents and potential for breakout performances, they are poised to leave their mark on the field and make the season one to remember. Stay tuned for an action-packed year of college football.
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 22, 2023
Last updated: August 3, 2023