College Football Conference Power Rankings: Fans eagerly anticipate the 2023 College Football season as fans anticipate its titanic clash on the gridiron. Although the Associated Press Top 25 and Coaches Poll provided some insight into individual team standings, college football lies in its intense rivalries between conferences; daily college football picks play an integral part of that battle for supremacy; therefore, we explore power rankings of FBS conferences; with SEC emerging as undisputed No. 1.
1. SEC: A Hub of Championship Contenders – College Football Conference Power Rankings
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been known as an epicenter of college football excellence, and 2023 will not be any different. Boasting Georgia, Alabama, and LSU as legitimate contenders for national championships is a testament to this excellence, but beyond these top teams, the conference offers tremendous depth. Tennessee was recently nominated as No. 12 in the AP Top 25 poll, showing its mid-tier strength. Ole Miss and Texas A&M both earned honorable mentions at Nos 22-23, respectively, a testament to their fierce competition throughout.
Arkansas, South Carolina, and the Offensive Onslaught: Delving into the SEC’s Midfield
While the AP rankings indicate conference dynamics, genuine excitement lies within fierce competition among mid-tier teams. Arkansas is led by quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders; Tennessee, under coach Josh Heupel, can put any opponent off their game, while Lane Kiffin’s Rebels feature Quinshon Judkins, who was recognized with first-team All-American status to add excitement from the first snap.
2. Pac-12: The Western Surprises
Contrary to its East Coast stereotype, the Pac-12 is a source of excitement during the 2023 season. Led by four teams with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations such as USC, Washington, Utah, and Oregon–this conference boasts unmatched competitive fervor with Oregon State as one of its flagship programs and UCLA as a carefully-coached opponent bolstering depth within it – this league promises an unforgettable spectacle known as “Pac-12 After Dark.”
3. Big Ten: A Tale of Top-End Dominance
The Big Ten showcases an astounding top end, led by Michigan and Ohio State at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively. Boasting incredible depth and talent comparable to their SEC counterparts, Michigan features a formidable running back corps while Ohio State is known for their unrivaled wide receivers; Penn State provides some welcome competition with quarterback Drew Allar adding intrigue. Though remarkable at times, Big Ten depth needs to catch up to what the Pac-12 offers regarding the variety of contenders.
4. ACC: Dual Powerhouses Emerge
Florida State and Clemson enter the 2023 season as CFP contenders ranked eighth and ninth, led by quarterback prodigies Jordan Travis and Cade Klubnik, who aim for national titles and Heisman Trophies, respectively. North Carolina boasts its quarterback talent in Drake Maye; however, its defensive strengths must improve for an effective CFP run; beyond these three teams, the ACC may need help justifying its relevance nationally.
5. Big 12: Texas’ Last Hurrah
Texas has returned, signaling its departure from the Big 12 before transitioning to SEC membership. Behind Quinn Ewers and an effective offense, Texas hopes to silence its doubters. TCU, however, continues to hold onto hope despite recent trials. At the same time, Kansas State and Oklahoma may provide additional competition within their league – though their intense rivalries could jeopardize any chances for CFP appearances.
6. AAC: A Playground of Entertainment
In 2023, the American Athletic Conference is poised to put on an incredible football spectacle. Powerhouse teams like Tulane, SMU, and UTSA should showcase their expertise with strong showings – Tulane won last season’s Cotton Bowl as proof of their potential. At the same time, SMU boasts an unmatched quarterback/receiver tandem and exceptional coaching prowess from UTSA as Memphis makes a comeback adding further intrigue and intrigue into their conference.
7. Sun Belt: Coastal Dominance and Dark Horses
Coastal Carolina, led by quarterback Grayson McCall, remains an outsized force within the Sun Belt Conference. Their presence at the Sun Belt Championship Game seems inevitable, even with coaching changes underway. Marshall’s strong defense – recently strengthened by joining Marshall’s conference membership – sets up for an intense season. At the same time, James Madison’s arrival and South Alabama and Troy have only added to its competitiveness.
8. Mountain West: A Battle for Bowl Berths
The Mountain West Conference (MWC) season promises to be riveting as Boise State, Air Force, Fresno State, and San Diego State battle for one of four coveted New Year’s Six Bowl berths. San Jose State and Wyoming round out this competitive landscape; beyond this point, however, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico struggle to wriggle out from under their shadow.
9. MAC: Parity Prevails
The Mid-American Conference’s (MAC) unique characteristic is its inherent parity, preventing any team from making an extensive run at a New Year’s Six Bowl bid. Miami (Ohio) and Toledo often vie for divisional wins, but their close competition creates a situation wherein this conference might hinder its aspirations for Group of Five prominences.
10. Conference USA: Shaken Foundations
Conference USA has felt the repercussions of realignment through diminished strength. Western Kentucky and Liberty remain competitive but without formidable opponents to challenge for supremacy; Middle Tennessee State and New Mexico State’s inclusion do not significantly bolster overall strength, reflecting challenges posed by recent changes.
As we head into 2023’s college football season, the conference hierarchy becomes clearer – including sports betting in Canada. The SEC with its trio of powerhouse contenders and deep mid-tier talent takes the top spot. At the same time, Pac-12’s return promises to be an exhilarating season full of battles and rivalries that will hold fans captive while further solidifying college football’s place as a cherished American tradition.
