Determining which teams are among the best isn’t an exact science but there are key factors that go into the through process. ESPN pulls back the current a bit with their rankings. At least you get some idea as to what are the top factors.
Bill Connelly revealed his SP+ rankings on Thursday. His rankings take returning production, recent recruiting, and recent history into account for these rankings.
Teams just outside the top 10
Oregon Ducks:
Dan Lanning and the Ducks missed out on the top 10 by 0.1 points in the SP+ rankings. They have the No. 4 offense but the No. 42 defense for the upcoming season. Bo Nix is looking for another huge year as he opted to return to college for a fifth season over going to the NFL.
Get more Oregon news, analysis, and opinions on Ducks Wire
Clemson Tigers:
Clemson is a team that has owned the ACC over the years but the rise of Florida State and North Carolina could challenge their supremacy in 2023. Clemson returns the No. 21 offense and the No. 11 defense. The defense features a linebacker duo that just might be the best in the nation.
Get more Clemson news, analysis, and opinions on Clemson Wire
Oklahoma Sooners:
The Sooners are coming off a down year after finishing 6-7 with a loss to Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl. However, they do return the No. 6 offense led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The defense ranks No. 37 in the country and they need to get that side of the ball rolling. Of the seven losses, five game by one possession. Win a couple of those games, and their season looks a lot better.
Get more Oklahoma news, analysis, and opinions on Sooners Wire
Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
The Fighting Irish had plenty of ups and downs in year one of the Marcus Freeman era. They got a big win in the offseason when Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman committed to play for the Golden Domers. Avoiding losses to teams the caliber of Stanford and Marshall are key for the Irish’s return to the CFP discussion.
Get more Notre Dame news, analysis, and opinions on Fighting Irish Wire
Texas A&M Aggies:
The Aggies are a team that have the talent, they just need to get results on the field. According to SP+, Texas A&M has the No. 2 returning defense in the country. Second-year quarterback Conner Weigman needs to bring the offense up a bit.
Get more Texas A&M news, analysis, and opinions on Aggies Wire
Wisconsin Badgers:
A new era is set to begin in Madison with former Ohio State linebacker and head coach Luke Fickell now running the show. He brought in an “Air Raid” offense with Phil Longo and SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai. They will join forces with one of the top Big Ten running backs, Braelon Allen.
Get more Wisconsin news, analysis, and opinions on Badgers Wire
You can view the full list from ESPN (subscription required). As far as the top 10 teams, we broke each one down.