Every season teams fight and claw their way into the College Football Playoff talk. There are some surprises, but for the most part, the favorites can make their way to the final four. Here are the top five contenders for the College Football Playoff.

Note: This will read similarly to the preseason top 25 with changes.

5. USC Trojans

After being a Pac-12 Championship win away from being in the College Football Playoff, the Trojans could redeem themselves this year. Caleb Williams is back at quarterback after winning the Heisman, but his offensive line will be inexperienced. The defense was bad last year, but their offense was able to cover that up. They hit the transfer portal to help fix the defense and if it works the CFP could be calling their name.

USC will need to battle through a few tough games to get to the College Football Playoff. They play Notre Dame and Oregon on the road. At home, they will have key matchups with Utah and Washington. Last season, they could’ve made the CFP with one loss, but dropped the Pac-12 Championship Game to Utah. If they can escape the season with just one loss, the Trojans can make the CFP.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide missed the CFP for the second time in four seasons in 2022. They return just nine starters, but Nick Saban can never be counted out, especially with the talent on the roster. Jalen Milroe will need to step up at quarterback for the Crimson Tide to truly succeed. Luckily they have stars on the defensive side of the ball in edge rusher Dallas Turner and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Alabama was not in the CFP last year after winning 11 games, which includes their victory over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. Their schedule will have some tough games, as they host Texas, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU. They have tough road tests at Texas A&M and Arkansas. The Crimson Tide will need to escape the season with just one loss, as they had two last season and were left out of the CFP.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State brings back 12 starters, but the biggest question will be the quarterback position. Kyle McCord is set to take over and will have the benefit of having talented skill position players like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and running back TreVeyon Henderson. The defense needs to improve in big games, but they have impact players who can help out with that like defensive ends JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer and cornerback Denzel Burke.

Despite losing to Michigan in the last game of the regular season, Ohio State made the CFP and showed they could match up well as they played Georgia in a close game. This season, they have to play road games at Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Michigan. The Buckeyes will also have tough home games against Penn State and Michigan State. Ohio State will be counting on McCord to lead the offense and need him to come through in these close games. If he does, the Buckeyes could find themselves back in the CFP.

2. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan is coming off of two CFP appearances and has 15 returning starters. They will rely on a rushing attack offensively that is led by Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. The Wolverines need quarterback J.J. McCarthy to make some more big time throws after having a solid 2022. The defense ranked seventh in the country last season and has some good returning talent at linebacker.

Last season, the Wolverines made their second straight CFP, losing in the semifinal to TCU. They have the talent to get back to the CFP, but have tough road games at Michigan State and at Penn State. At home, they will have to handle Ohio State in their rivalry game. The Wolverines can breeze through the early part of their schedule, but will need to escape the season with just one loss to have a chance at the CFP.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Can Georgia complete a three-peat? They have 13 returning starters, which includes seven on defense. A new quarterback will need to emerge, but they will have one of the best pass-catchers in the country to utilize in tight end Brock Bowers. The defense ranked fifth nationally and has the potential to rank even higher in 2023.

It is hard for any team to repeat as champions, but Georgia did just that last season. This season, their schedule has been mocked for being too easy. They do play tough road games at Auburn and Tennessee, along with a neutral site game against Florida. At home, their toughest test could be Ole Miss, South Carolina or Kentucky, but Georgia should be able to handle their business. Finishing their season with one loss or none along with winning the SEC Championship should land the Bulldogs in the CFP for a chance at a third-straight national championship.

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