College football is right around the corner and the top teams are coming in hot. Find out preseason rankings, watchlists, and more in my 2022 season preview.

As we draw closer to yet another college football season, it is time for predictions for the year ahead. The world’s greatest sport is just a few weeks from its annual return as a handful of teams look to make their way back to the national conversation. Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oklahoma have been the sport’s Big 5 in the College Football Playoff era, with occasional appearances of greatness from Notre Dame, Oregon, Michigan, and LSU. 

The sport desperately wants Texas, USC, Miami (FL), and Nebraska to be consistently competitive again. These teams look poised for a resurgence to their winning ways with new coaches, solid recruiting classes, and key fill-ins from the transfer portal. National outlets have Texas, USC, and Miami (FL) all contending for their conferences and, for the first time in over a decade, have Texas and USC contending for the CFP. 

While the Longhorns, Trojans, and Hurricanes will all be significantly improved programs over the next few years, I still believe these projections are a little early. 

The playoff picture for 2022 is clear that Alabama and Ohio State will be participants, but the door is open for the final two spots. Can Georgia replicate its stellar season from a year ago? Will Notre Dame or Michigan be able to manufacture a non-champion case? How will Clemson rebound from a year ago? Will the PAC-12 finally get a team into the field after years of being left out? 

All of these questions will be answered over the next few months, so for now, let’s dive into my sixth annual season outlook:

Heisman Trophy Watch List

1. CJ Stroud
2. Bryce Young 
3. Caleb Williams 
4. Will Anderson Jr 
5. Bijan Robinson 

Dark Horse Candidates: TreVeyon Henderson, Jahmyr Gibbs

Teams to Watch

1. Utah Utes
2. USC Trojans 
3. Oklahoma Sooners
4. Michigan State Spartans 
5. Nebraska Cornhuskers 
6. North Carolina State Wolfpack 

This group of teams intrigues me more than most in the country this season, which is why they made my list of teams to watch. Utah has a chance to put together one of the best seasons in its history with sights set on the College Football Playoff or a return to Pasadena. Also, USC is generating a ton of noise out west as Lincoln Riley looks to make an immediate impact. These two PAC-12 foes could meet as a pair of unbeaten teams in October.  

Oklahoma and Michigan State are two more exciting teams in two different situations. The Sooners brought in Brent Venables and many transfers, including QB Dillon Gabriel. On the other hand, the Spartans and Mel Tucker burst onto the scene and surprised many with an 11-win season. But how will they follow it up this year in a loaded Big Ten conference and East division? 

Continuing in the Big Ten, this could be a make-or-break year for Scott Frost and Nebraska. The Cornhuskers finished 3-9 in 2021 but were positive in overall scoring margin. Frost will have an improved team in 2022 led by QB Casey Thompson. I believe Nebraska will win at least eight games this season and give Oklahoma a few fits in another close battle. 

Lastly, North Carolina State is getting a ton of love heading into the season, raising eyebrows everywhere. The Wolfpack will be one of the more talented teams in the ACC but will need to climb Mount Clemson for the second year in a row. NC State can be another 10-win team and will be a contender in the ACC. 

Next is a snapshot of my Top-25 teams, conference predictions, Heisman hopefuls, and CFP picks as I see the 2022 season playing out. 

2022: The Day of Redemption is Coming

The Break Down

25. Cincinnati Bearcats   

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 
• SOS: #86
• Key Matchups: @Arkansas, Indiana, @SMU, @UCF 

24. Tennessee Volunteers 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 8-4
• SOS: #27
• Key Matchups: @Pittsburgh, Florida, @LSU, Alabama, @Georgia @South Carolina

23. Penn State Nittany Lions  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #20
• Key Matchups: @Purdue, @Auburn, @Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State

22. Houston Cougars  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1
• SOS: #102
• Postseason Projection: Cotton Bowl
• Key Matchups: @Texas Tech, @Memphis, @Navy, @SMU, @East Carolina 

21. UCF Knights 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 
• SOS: #93
• Key Matchups: Louisville, Georgia Tech, SMU, Cincinnati, Navy 

20. Wisconsin Badgers 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #36
• Key Matchups: @Ohio State, @Michigan State, @Iowa, @Nebraska 

19. Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #65
• Key Matchups: @Texas A&M, @Clemson, Pittsburgh 

18. Michigan State Spartans 

• Projected Reg. Season Record:  9-3
• SOS: #26
• Key Matchups: @Washington, Ohio State, Wisconsin, @Michigan, @Penn State

17. Texas Longhorns 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 9-3
• SOS: #15
• Key Matchups: Alabama, Oklahoma, @Oklahoma State, @Kansas State, Baylor 

16. Iowa Hawkeyes  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #28
• Key Matchups: Michigan, @Ohio State, @Purdue, Wisconsin, Nebraska

15. North Carolina State Wolfpack 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 
• SOS: #61
• Key Matchups: @Clemson, Wake Forest, @Louisville  

14. USC Trojans 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #49
• Postseason Projection: Rose Bowl
• Key Matchups: @Stanford, @Utah, @UCLA, Notre Dame 

13. Oklahoma State Cowboys 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #54
• Key Matchups: @Baylor, Texas, @Oklahoma 

12. Baylor Bears

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 (10-3)
• SOS: #40
• Key Matchups: @BYU, @Iowa State, @Oklahoma, Kansas State, @Texas 

11. Pittsburgh Panthers  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 
• SOS: #79
• Postseason Projection: Orange Bowl 
• Key Matchups: Tennessee, @Louisville, @Miami (FL) 

10. Oregon Ducks 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 (10-3) 
• SOS: #33
• Key Matchups: Georgia, UCLA, Washington, Utah 

Dan Lanning is taking over a program in fantastic shape, especially in the PAC-12. Mario Cristobal recruited at a high level during his tenure and brought toughness and physicality back to Eugene, something Lanning will continue. Oregon will open the season against Georgia, Lanning’s former team, where the Dawgs will be too much to overcome for the Ducks. 

The conference showdowns against UCLA and Utah will be crucial for Oregon’s PAC-12 Championship Game hopes. I like the Ducks to split those two games to finish 10-2, yet still find their way to Las Vegas for a rematch against the Utes. 

9. Oklahoma Sooners  

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2 
• SOS: #41
• Postseason Projection: Sugar Bowl 
• Key Matchups: @Nebraska, Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma State 

Oklahoma was arguably the epicenter of offseason drama as Lincoln Riley skipped town for USC and several transfers exited the program. This year’s Sooners’ squad will look vastly different but still feature peak Big 12 talent under new HC Brent Venables. The depth chart overhaul will be on full display in September in a rivalry matchup against a retooled and improved Nebraska team. 

In my opinion, Nebraska and Texas will be the swing games and the difference between 10 or 11 regular season victories ahead of the Big 12 Championship Game. I’m not guaranteeing a Cornhuskers’ upset, but it is a game to watch. The Sooners have the talent to reach ten wins in the regular season, especially getting Baylor and Oklahoma State at home in Norman. 

8. Utah Utes

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 (12-1)
• SOS: #55
• Postseason Projection: CFP Semifinal
• Key Matchups: @Florida, @UCLA, USC, @Oregon 

Few teams finished the year as hot as Utah, absent the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State in a shootout. The Utes blew out the Oregon Ducks twice in three weeks and look to defend their PAC-12 crown in 2022. Utah returns a substantial amount of talent and has the potential to be one of the most balanced, well-rounded teams in the Power 5. 

The Utes could have a Top-10 offense and defense this season, which could offer an opportunity to break the west coast CFP stigma. Washington was the last PAC-12 team to reach the postseason field in 2016. Utah has the chance for a quality non-conference win against SEC-foe Florida and will likely start in the Top 10. The schedule provides tough road tests in Gainesville and Eugene, but 11-1 is possible for Kyle Wittingham’s squad. 

7. Texas A&M Aggies 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 10-2
• SOS: #11
• Postseason Projection: Cotton Bowl 
• Key Matchups: Miami (FL), @Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida, @Auburn

Last season, Texas A&M pulled the upset over Alabama in walk-off fashion, and the Aggies followed it up with the highest-rated recruiting class of the 2022 cycle. However, neither of these things will mean much this season, despite all the preseason hype surrounding Jimbo Fisher’s program. 

Texas A&M will finish second in the SEC West and reach ten wins ahead of their bowl game. The Aggies will be a strong team and forcible opponent this season but are a year early in their quest for a berth in the College Football Playoff. A&M is not taking down Bama in Tuscaloosa for the second year in a row, and the matchups against Miami (FL) and Ole Miss will be tricky. 

6. Michigan Wolverines 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1
• SOS: #50
• Postseason Projection: Rose Bowl
• Key Matchups: @Iowa, Penn State, Michigan State, @Ohio State

Jim Harbaugh finally got the monkey off his back after evading The Game in 2020. Michigan strung together a strong year in 2021 with an under-the-radar high-scoring offense fueled by a tremendous rushing attack. The Wolverines were one of the most experienced teams last season and return its offensive talent – Donovan Edwards and Ronnie Bell are players to watch. 

Defensively, Michigan should take a step back but still be proficient as Mike MacDonald’s rental is over as he returned to Baltimore in the NFL. Michigan, like Clemson, has to replace both coordinators, which may cause a slow start. Luckily, their schedule is favorably set, as they will barely play anyone with a pulse until they travel to Iowa in early October. 

There is a real possibility a heavyweight collision is in store with two 11-0 rivals in Columbus on Thanksgiving weekend. If that’s the case, the Wolverines could find themselves in the CFP again at 11-1. 

5. Clemson Tigers 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 (12-1) 
• SOS: #45
• Postseason Projection: CFP Semifinal 
• Key Matchups: @Wake Forest, NC State, @FSU, @Notre Dame, Miami (FL)

Clemson and the ACC are tough to grasp this year after an upside 2021 season for the league. The parody that ended the Tigers’ six-year reign brought Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, and NC State to the national stage, where they find themselves again this season. Miami is the wild card with Mario Cristobal and what he can string together in year 1. 

Dabo Swinney has the talent to win the conference again, but how dynamic will the offense be after a stagnant 2021? Defensively, Clemson may have the top unit in the country on the defensive line in addition to being solid everywhere else. The Tigers also have to replace both coordinators, a momentous task to install two new systems. 

Clemson should be able to get to 11-1 without much trouble, but if the league is much stronger this year as advertised, it could be another year watching the CFP from home. However, I think the offense bounces back, and the Tigers find a rhythm to return to the field of four. 

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 
• SOS: #44
• Postseason Projection: Orange Bowl
• Key Matchups: @Ohio State, Clemson, Navy, @USC 

Brian Kelly left South Bend for somewhat greener pastures in Baton Rouge, but Notre Dame has not skipped a beat. The Irish promoted DC Marcus Freeman to Head Coach, and the players and recruits responded well. Notre Dame will have one of the top offensive lines in the country and a solid defense. However, their schedule could be daunting. 

The Irish open up in Columbus, and truth be told, I am picking the Buckeyes to win the game handily by double digits. Ohio State will beat them, and everyone will forget about them until Clemson comes to town. But that’s where the fun begins for Notre Dame. I like the Irish to beat the Tigers and head into USC with just one loss. The Trojans are not strong enough at the line of scrimmage, so I like the Irish to win the trenches and squeak out a win in the Colosseum. Don’t be surprised to see Notre Dame return to the College Football Playoff. 

3. Georgia Bulldogs

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 (11-2)
• SOS: #58
• Postseason Projection: Sugar Bowl 
• Key Matchups: Oregon, @South Carolina, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee 

The defending champions are not going anywhere despite losing key players from one of the greatest defenses in the history of college football. Stetson Bennett will be back under center to lead an efficient offense with the league’s top set of tight ends. 

Georgia’s schedule is favorable for another undefeated regular season, and a 12-0 start would not surprise me. However, I do not think the Bulldogs will be able to sustain their intensity from a year ago. A road game at South Carolina or a desperation effort from Auburn will trip up the Bulldogs, but they will still win the East. 

2. Ohio State Buckeyes 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 12-0 (13-0)  
• SOS: #14
• Postseason Projection: CFP, National Championship
• Key Matchups: Notre Dame, Wisconsin, @Michigan State, Iowa, @Penn State, Michigan

The Ohio State Buckeyes had the best offense in college football last season, which should have meant big things in Columbus. Unfortunately, the defense could not get out of its own way, which resulted in two losses. However, Ohio State did win a thriller Rose Bowl over Utah to propel into the 2022 season, where the Buckeyes will be out for blood despite a brutal slate. 

Ohio State starts the season by hosting Notre Dame, then has crossover games against Wisconsin and Iowa, as well as East division games against Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State. The Buckeyes have the talent to be undefeated but can also afford a loss in this year’s College Football Playoff race. 

Jim Knowles’ revamped scheme and an experienced roster make for a turnaround season for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is one of the country’s most dangerous teams because of Heisman-caliber trio CJ Stroud, TreVeyon Henderson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. They are my pick to win the National Championship on the backs of a prolific offense and stellar defensive line play after underachieving a year ago. 

1. Alabama Crimson Tide 

• Projected Reg. Season Record: 12-0 (13-0) 
• SOS: #29
• Postseason Projection: CFP, National Championship 
• Key Matchups: @Texas, Texas A&M, @Tennessee, @LSU, @Ole Miss, Auburn

In the Nick Saban era, Alabama is the single most remarkable run in college football. This year will be no different as the Tide return experience and Heisman hopefuls, in addition to the reigning winner, QB Bryce Young. Alabama will have one of the country’s best defenses and a high-powered offense thanks to Young and transfer RB Jahmyr Gibbs. 

The Crimson Tide open the season in Austin against the Longhorns, but let’s call a spade a spade: this game will not be close. The matchup the college football world is waiting on is Alabama-Texas A&M after the offseason recruiting feud between Saban and Jimbo Fisher. 

The Aggies don’t have it in them to pull the upset two years in a row, though. If there’s any possibility for a slip-up, it would be in Neyland the following week or on the road at Ole Miss against the Lane Train. Even so, I see Alabama heading into the playoff undefeated and will be in a strength of record battle with Ohio State for the No. 1 ranking. 

Preseason Top 25

According to Blake Biscardi 

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Georgia 
4. Notre Dame 
5. Clemson 
6. Michigan 
7. Texas A&M
8. Utah
9. Oklahoma 
10. Oregon
11. Pittsburgh
12. Baylor
13. Oklahoma State
14. USC
15. North Carolina State
16. Iowa 
17. Texas
18. Michigan State
19. Miami (FL)
20. Wisconsin
21. UCF
22. Houston
23. Penn State  
24. Tennessee 
25. Cincinnati 

Stay tuned for my Postseason Predictions article in the coming days.