College football returns this month, and you know it’s getting really close when polls are released. The first USA TODAY Coaches Poll for the 2022-2023 season has been unveiled, with the Alabama Crimson Tide at the top. Preseason college football odds also have the national championship favorites in the same order of one through four as the coaches poll. The initial AP poll will also be released soon too, but here’s the initial top 25 according to the coaches.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
3. Georgia Bulldogs
4. Clemson Tigers
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
6. Michigan Wolverines
7. Texas A&M Aggies
8. Utah Utes
9. Oklahoma Sooners
10. Baylor Bears
11. Oklahoma State Cowboys
12. Oregon Ducks
13. NC State Wolfpack
14. Michigan State Spartans
15. USC Trojans
16. Pittsburgh Panthers
17. Miami Hurricanes
18. Texas Longhorns
19. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
20. Wisconsin Badgers
21. Kentucky Wildcats
22. Cincinnati Bearcats
23. Arkansas Razorbacks
24. Ole Miss Rebels
25. Houston Cougars
Among the most surprising rankings are USC (No. 15) and UCLA (unranked), the two Pac-12 teams that are set to join the Big Ten in a few years. We’ll see if they are higher in the AP poll.
College Football Playoff participant Cincinnati is down to No. 22 after losing key players including quarterback Desmond Ridder, so they’ll have a chip on their shoulders entering this season.
The Division I college football season kicks off on August 27.