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Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
From field level at Husky Stadium this spring, the Washington offense appears set up to dominate in 2023.
The Huskies return the nation’s passing average leader in quarterback Michael Penix Jr, two 1,000-yard receivers in Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan, an offensive line bookended by tackles Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten, and other solid cogs. Coach Kalen DeBoer kept his staff together despite several overtures (including one from Alabama). There’s little doubt, barring injury, that Washington will be among the nation’s top offenses in 2023.
But what about for the following two seasons? The challenge with ESPN’s Future Power Rankings is projecting success over the next three seasons: 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Washington breaks into the top 10 of our future rankings for offense after being unranked last year. Penix is among an excellent group of returning quarterbacks in the Pac-12, but how many have the right players around them — and behind them on the depth chart — to have staying power through 2025?
After assessing the Future Power Rankings for quarterbacks and defenses earlier this spring, we now address the offenses. There will be ample overlap between the quarterback and offense rankings, but the list that follows has some key differences. Several teams with quarterback situations that fell just outside my top 25 made the list below, while others with strong QB outlooks but questions elsewhere didn’t make the cut. Also, the rankings are impacted by incoming and departing recruits and transfers, some of whom made their decisions after the quarterback list came out.
Coaching continuity also plays a role, both at the top with offensive innovators such as Lincoln Riley and Ryan Day but also at coordinator, where Washington (Ryan Grubb), Utah (Andy Ludwig) and other teams retained talented playcallers, while others (Oregon‘s Will Stein) added new ones.
Ohio State and Alabama led off last year’s offense rankings. Let’s take a look at the new top 25.
2023 future QB power ranking: 1
2022 future offense power ranking: 3
Scouting the Trojans: Lincoln Riley’s history suggested he wouldn’t need long to make USC one of the nation’s premier offensive programs. Turns out, he did it in a year. Quarterback Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy and will return this fall before becoming a top pick in the NFL draft. USC is set up at quarterback behind Williams with third-year player Miller Moss and Malachi Nelson, ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit in 2023. The team loses first-round NFL draft pick Jordan Addison at wide receiver but picks up Arizona transfer Dorian Singer, a first-team All-Pac-12 performer in 2022 with 1,105 yards. Singer will team with seniors Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice, junior Mario Williams and others, and USC signed ESPN’s top two 2023 wide receiver recruits in Zachariah Branch and Makai Lemon, Nelson’s high school teammate. Third-year tight end Lake McRee, who had 10 receptions and two touchdowns last season, likely will lead the group, but USC also signed ESPN’s top 2023 tight end recruit in Duce Robinson (No. 40 overall) and another solid pickup in Walker Lyons (No. 117 overall).
After a strong first season under the new staff, USC’s line tries to maintain its trajectory this fall. Versatile veteran Justin Dedich is back for his final season and likely will start at center. Junior Jonah Monheim can start both at tackle and on the interior line, where USC likely will need him because of transfer additions Jarrett Kingston (Washington State) and Michael Tarquin (Florida). Third-year sophomore Mason Murphy and senior Gino Quinones also have starting experience, but USC’s depth is fair to question entering the fall. USC will miss Travis Dye’s versatility at running back, but Austin Jones is back for a final season (705 rush yards in 2022) and Raleek Brown is primed for a bigger role. Senior Darwin Barlow adds depth to the position.
2023 future QB power ranking: 2
2022 future offense power ranking: 1
Scouting the Buckeyes: Ohio State is in the midst of a historic offensive stretch under coach Ryan Day — an important reminder for fans questioning the program’s trajectory. Since Day’s arrival in 2017, the Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring (43.7 points per game) and rank second behind Alabama in adjusted QBR. The team loses C.J. Stroud, its third consecutive quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL draft, but likely won’t take a significant step backward with Kyle McCord and/or Devin Brown. McCord, ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit in 2021, is positioned to step in this fall. The Buckeyes also signed quarterback Lincoln Kienholz this year and have a commitment from Air Noland, ESPN’s No. 4 overall recruit for 2024. Ohio State lost three offensive linemen to the NFL draft, including No. 6 overall pick Paris Johnson Jr. Competition at the tackle spots will continue with senior Josh Fryar, sophomore Tegra Tshabola, junior Zen Michalski and others, such as San Diego State transfer tackle Josh Simmons. The interior line has fewer questions with guards Matt Jones and Donovan Jackson both back and sophomore Carson Hinzman poised to step in for Luke Wypler at center.
Day’s impact on the quarterback position is matched or even exceeded by what coach Brian Hartline is doing in the wide receiver room. Despite losing three first-round picks in the past two drafts, Ohio State remains loaded at receiver. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the overwhelming favorite to win the Biletnikoff Award and become the first non-quarterback drafted in 2024, following a 77-catch, 1,263-yard season. Harrison leads a group also featuring Emeka Ekbuga, who broke out for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and Julian Fleming, ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit in 2020. Although all three are likely gone after 2023, Ohio State is stocked with younger players such as junior Jayden Ballard and incoming freshmen Brandon Inniss, Noah Rogers and Carnell Tate. The team also has 2024 commitments from two of ESPN’s top 10 receiver recruits (Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham). Ohio State needs to get the running back spot right after a turbulent 2022. Veterans Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson return, along with sophomore Dallan Hayden, who showed promise in 2022. The team added ESPN four-star recruit James Peoples.
2023 future QB power ranking: 4
2022 future offense power ranking: 5
Scouting the Bulldogs: Georgia’s offense is in an interesting spot after losing quarterback Stetson Bennett, the former walk-on who achieved what more gifted Bulldogs signal-callers could not, leading the team to two national titles. Also gone is coordinator Todd Monken, offensive tackle Broderick Jones — the No. 14 overall pick in the NFL draft — and several other key contributors. So why is Georgia moving up? An excellent group of returnees and recruits, plus Mike Bobo is no stranger to the coordinator role at Georgia, having served in it from 2007 to 2014. Junior Carson Beck and sophomore Brock Vandagriff are competing to replace Bennett, with Beck having an edge entering the summer. Vandagriff was ESPN’s No. 37 overall recruit in 2021. But the big QB news came May 15, as Georgia landed a commitment from Donovan Raiola, ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit for 2024, who had initially committed to Ohio State. Despite losing leading rusher Kenny McIntosh to the NFL, Georgia projects well at running back with veterans Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, sophomore Branson Robinson, incoming freshman Roderick Robinson II and others.
Tight end and offensive line are positions of strength for Georgia and should remain that way through 2025. Junior tight end Brock Bowers, the Mackey Award winner, is back for what should be his final season, after recording 119 catches for 1,824 yards through his first two seasons. Georgia has recruited well behind him with Oscar Delp, Lawson Luckie and Pearce Spurlin III. Georgia returns one of the nation’s best interior line groups with center Sedrick Van Pran and guards Xavier Truss and Tate Ratledge. Junior Amarius Mims could become Georgia’s next star at tackle, and redshirt freshman Earnest Greene III and junior Austin Blaske are both interesting players. Wide receiver is a group that could make a jump in the coming seasons. Junior Ladd McConkey and senior Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint are proven players, and sophomore Dillon Bell, junior Arian Smith and others should see their roles increase. Mississippi State transfer Rara Thomas could provide bonus production after making 44 receptions last season. Georgia also has a commitment from Ny Carr, ESPN’s No. 43 recruit for 2024.
2023 future QB power ranking: 5
2022 future offense power ranking: 2
Scouting the Tide: Alabama’s offense has become a mainstay near the top of the Future Power Rankings, as coach Nick Saban embraced a philosophy based around quarterback play and piling up points. Since 2009, Alabama has produced four Heisman Trophy winners, twice as many as any other school. The Tide signed ESPN’s No. 1 recruiting class for 2023, headlined by offensive standouts such as tackle Kadyn Proctor (No. 10 recruit nationally), running backs Richard Young (No. 22) and Justice Haynes (No. 24) and wide receiver Jalen Hale (No. 46). So why isn’t Alabama higher? Quarterback is a question, if not a concern, for the first time in a while. Alabama brought in Notre Dame’s Tyler Buchner after spring practice, clearly a response to what coaches had seen from top candidates Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. Buchner has talent and starting experience but can be turnover-prone. Alabama certainly has options at QB — incoming recruits Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan, both ESPN top-40 national prospects, and 2024 commit Julian Sayin — but could go through some short-term turbulence. The Tide also lose top rusher Jahmyr Gibbs, an NFL first-round draft pick, and will turn to seniors Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, and the incoming freshmen beyond 2023.
Alabama returns its receiving yards leaders in senior Jermaine Burton and junior Ja’Corey Brooks, who lead a group that also features sophomores Kobe Prentice and Isaiah Bond (48 receptions combined in 2022). The Tide added Malik Benson, ESPN’s top-rated junior college prospect, who had 1,229 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. Tight end is a short-term question after Cameron Latu‘s NFL exit, but Alabama added Maryland transfer CJ Dippre, who had 30 receptions last fall, and ESPN 300 recruit Ty Lockwood. The offensive line room turned over quite a bit, although Alabama returns junior tackle JC Latham, junior center/guard Seth McLaughlin, senior center Darrian Dalcourt and a few others with starting experience. Alabama has a number of linemen who return in 2024, including sophomore Tyler Booker. Proctor should make an immediate impact somewhere.
2023 future QB power ranking: 6
2022 future offense power ranking: 8
Scouting the Wolverines: Michigan scored 40.4 points per game last season, just the second time it has averaged more than 40 in coach Jim Harbaugh’s tenure. The unit returns mostly intact, beginning in the backfield with quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Corum, a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2022 until a late-season knee injury, will chase national honors in his fourth season. He will form arguably the nation’s best running back tandem with Edwards, who finished third in Michigan history in yards per carry (7.1) last season and provides the ability to gash defenses for big gains. McCarthy, who had 22 touchdown passes and five interceptions in his first season as the starter, could remain at Michigan through the 2024 season. But the team can feel better about its post-2023 plan after landing Jadyn Davis, ESPN’s No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and No. 37 overall recruit in the 2024 class. Both Corum and Edwards seem likely to depart after this season, but C.J. Stokes should take on a bigger role, and the team has recruited well with Cole Cabana (ESPN’s No. 6 running back for 2023) and Jordan Marshall (No. 9 running back for 2024).
The Wolverines received a boost with the return of fifth-year wide receiver Cornelius Johnson, who led the team in touchdown catches (6) and finished second in receptions (32) last season. Johnson and fellow senior Roman Wilson provide leadership in the receiver room. The key will be developing younger players, such as junior Peyton O’Leary, sophomore Tyler Morris and incoming freshmen such as Karmello English, ESPN’s No. 80 overall recruit. Michigan will miss tight end Luke Schoonmaker, a second-round NFL draft pick, but has high hopes for sophomore Colston Loveland (14.7 yards per catch in 2022) and added Indiana transfer A.J. Barner. An offensive line that won back-to-back Joe Moore Awards loses standout center Olu Oluwatimi but brings back an excellent guard tandem in seniors Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter. Transfers LaDarius Henderson (Arizona State), Myles Hinton (Stanford) and center Drake Nugent (Stanford) all should play key roles, and senior tackle Karsen Barnhart will fortify the exterior. The post-2023 line outlook is intriguing, but Michigan has recruited and developed well under coordinator Sherrone Moore.
2023 future QB power ranking: 8
2022 future offense power ranking: 21
Scouting the Vols: Coach Josh Heupel has brought an offensive philosophy to Tennessee that has accelerated the program’s return to relevance. Since Heupel’s arrival in 2021, Tennessee ranks second nationally in scoring (42.7 points per game) and fifth in average yards per play (6.86). After a No. 6 AP finish in 2022, Tennessee had four offensive players selected in the first 75 picks of April’s NFL draft, including tackle Darnell Wright (No. 10 overall) and record-setting quarterback Hendon Hooker (No. 68 overall). Replacing Hooker is the immediate question, but Joe Milton is a very experienced backup who won Orange Bowl MVP honors against Clemson. The combination of Milton and incoming freshman Nico Iamaleava, ESPN’s No. 4 pocket passer and No. 23 overall player in the 2023 class, should stabilize the quarterback spot through the 2025 season. Tennessee also has a 2024 commitment from Jake Merklinger, ESPN’s No. 101 prospect in the class. Heupel and new offensive coordinator Joey Halzle likely will lean more on the running backs in the short term, as the Vols return junior Jaylen Wright and senior Jabari Small, who combined for 1,609 rush yards last season. Sophomore Dylan Sampson is another intriguing option, after averaging 6.8 yards per carry with six touchdowns in 2022.
The reload at receiver and certain line spots will be interesting. Bru McCoy‘s return will help after he finished second on the team in both receptions (52) and receiving yards (667) last fall. Tennessee also brings back Ramel Keyton and Squirrel White, who combined for 61 receptions and seven touchdowns last season. Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton adds to the group, along with ESPN 300 recruits Cameron Seldon and Nathan Leacock. Tight end Jacob Warren had 12 receptions last season, but Tennessee will need to build out the depth there. The line will rely on returnees like center Cooper Mays and guard Javontez Spraggins, both multiyear starters, and fourth-year player Gerald Mincey. Tennessee added transfers John Campbell Jr. (Miami) and Andrej Karic (Texas), and Addison Nichols, ESPN’s No. 111 recruit in 2022, should take on a bigger role.
2023 future QB power ranking: 3
2022 future offense power ranking: 6
Scouting the Sooners: Despite Oklahoma’s first losing season since 1998, the offense produced at a decent clip, finishing 10th nationally in rushing (219.4 yards per game). The SEC transition looms for the Sooners, but the unit projects well with depth at quarterback, wide receiver and other positions. Quarterback play will remain a strength as Dillon Gabriel returns for a second season in coordinator Jeff Lebby’s offense, and incoming freshman Jackson Arnold, ESPN’s No. 3 overall recruit, should carry the unit through the 2025 season. Oklahoma loses top rusher Eric Gray, a fifth-round NFL draft pick who gained 1,366 yards last season, and will turn to sophomore Jovantae Barnes, redshirt freshman Gavin Sawchuk and others. Barnes averaged 4.5 yards per carry as Gray’s backup last fall. The Sooners regain tight end Austin Stogner, who played his first three seasons at OU before transferring to South Carolina for 2022. He leads a group that includes junior Blake Smith, second-year Kaden Helms and others.
OU lost top wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. to the NFL, and will lean on junior Jalil Farooq, senior Drake Stoops, freshman Gavin Freeman and others to fill the production void. The Sooners added Michigan transfer Andrel Anthony, and signed Jaquaize Pettaway, ESPN’s No. 45 overall recruit in the 2023 class. Younger receivers Jayden Gibson and Nic Anderson also will be part of the mix. The offensive line should remain a strength, especially at center with senior Andrew Raym and at guard with McKade Mettauer. Junior Tyler Guyton started five games at tackle in 2022, and Oklahoma did well in the portal with Walter Rouse (Stanford) and Caleb Shaffer (Miami Ohio), both multiyear starters. Depth appears solid with sophomores Jake Taylor and Savion Byrd, and others. OU added Cayden Green, ESPN’s No. 2 guard and No. 55 overall recruit for 2022.
2023 future QB power ranking: 11
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Huskies: Washington is absolutely loaded for 2023 and might be in the top three if this were a one-year projection. Penix has an NFL arm and, when healthy, can pick apart just about any defense. Odunze and McMillan combined for 154 receptions, 16 touchdowns and 2,243 yards last season. They lead a receiver group also featuring sophomore Ja’Lynn Polk, who had 694 receiving yards on 41 receptions last fall and will play at least one more season, as well as senior Giles Jackson and Michigan State transfer Germie Bernard. Washington has recruited well with Denzel Boston, incoming freshman Rashid Williams and others. The Huskies have some short-term insurance behind Penix with Dylan Morris, who started 11 games in 2021, and will add ESPN four-star QB recruit Austin Mack (reclassified to 2023 class) and 2024 three-star E.J. Caminong. Tight end Jack Westover is back for his sixth year after 31 receptions in 2022. Fellow senior Devin Culp (29 receptions last year) also returns, and Washington has recruited well with Ryan Otton, an ESPN 300 prospect in 2022.
Fautanu and Rosengarten give Washington stability at the tackle spots, and both are non-seniors who could play through 2024 (at least). There are short-term questions at the interior spots, although potential starters like Matteo Mele, Julius Buelow and Nate Kalepo have played significantly. Non-seniors like Geirean Hatchett and Parker Brailsford add depth, especially for 2024 and beyond. Recruiting is solid with ESPN 300 center Landen Hatchett, 2024 ESPN 300 tackle Paki Finau and others. Washington loses leading rusher Wayne Taulapapa, but Cameron Davis is back after scoring a team-high 13 rushing touchdowns and gaining 522 yards on the ground. The team also went to the portal for Dillon Johnson (Mississippi State) and Daniyel Ngata (Arizona State), and will return another experienced player in Richard Newton.
2023 future QB power ranking: 7
2022 future offense power ranking: 9
Scouting the Longhorns: Texas has the personnel to be even higher on the list, and could soon establish itself as a premier offense. But there are doubts about a unit that scored 20 points or fewer in three of its biggest games last fall (Alabama, TCU and Washington), and never fully maximized transcendent running back Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL draft. Will coach Steve Sarkisian put it all together? He has the opportunity beginning this fall, as quarterback Quinn Ewers is set to lead a unit returning mostly intact, especially along the line and at wide receiver. This spring, Ewers left little doubt about his starter status, although Texas has depth with Maalik Murphy, who shined during the spring game, and some freshman named Arch Manning. Sarkisian is set up extremely well at QB through the 2025 season, especially if Manning, ESPN’s No. 5 overall recruit for 2023, meets expectations. Texas lost two running backs to the draft (Robinson, Roschon Johnson) and will need new players to emerge, including sophomores Jonathon Brooks and Jaydon Blue, or incoming freshman Cedric Baxter Jr., ESPN’s No. 30 overall recruit.
The Longhorns project very well at offensive line, wide receiver and tight end. All five starting linemen return, including left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who earned second-team All-Big 12 honors as a freshman. The exciting thing is only right tackle Christian Jones enters 2023 with senior eligibility. Texas’ stellar 2022 offensive line recruiting haul should continue to pay off in the coming years with D.J. Campbell, Neto Umeozulu and others. Junior Xavier Worthy, a two-time All-Big 12 selection, and senior Jordan Whittington lead a talented and intriguing group of wide receivers, which now includes Georgia transfer Adonai Mitchell. Texas also welcomes back Isaiah Neyor, an all-league transfer from Wyoming who missed all of 2022 because of a knee injury. Texas adds Johntay Cook II, ESPN’s No. 3 receiver and No. 26 overall recruit, and wideout DeAndre Moore Jr., ESPN’s No. 75 overall prospect. Mackey Award candidate Ja’Tavion Sanders (54 receptions, 613 yards) leads the tight end group, which also includes junior Gunnar Helm. Texas will need to build out its depth for 2024 and 2025.
2023 future QB power ranking: 9
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Seminoles: Florida State hired coach Mike Norvell largely because of his track record on offense. After three seasons, Norvell has a team poised to achieve his vision, beginning this fall. Quarterback Jordan Travis returns for his final season, boosted by a big 2022 campaign that featured 3,214 pass yards, 417 rush yards, 64% completions and 33 touchdowns (24 pass, 7 rush, 2 receiving). After 2023, FSU could turn to Tate Rodemaker at QB, a veteran backup who stepped in for Travis at times last season, or younger players like A.J. Duffy, ESPN’s No. 3 pocket passer and No. 60 overall recruit for 2022. The Seminoles also have a 2024 commitment from ESPN 300 QB Luke Kromenhoek. FSU’s running back situation also looks good as Trey Benson returns after nearly reaching 1,000 rushing yards and scoring nine touchdowns. Junior Lawrance Toafili is set to fill the No. 2 running back role after a 457-yard season, and Rodney Hill averaged 5.3 yards per carry in limited work as a true freshman. The Seminoles also have a commitment from 2024 running back Kameron Davis, ESPN’s No. 49 prospect in the class.
The biggest reason for FSU’s rise is an offensive line group that underperformed for years but finally finds itself on stable footing. Three starters return, including second-team All-ACC tackle Robert Scott Jr., a fourth-year junior. Maurice Smith has started most of the past three seasons at center and could play through 2024. FSU’s success in the portal has translated up front, as the team added starting experience in Keiondre Jones (Auburn), Jeremiah Byers (UTEP), Casey Roddick (Colorado) and others. The team also adds tackle Lucas Simmons, ESPN’s No. 126 player in the 2023 class. Leading receiver Johnny Wilson (897 receiving yards, 20.9 ypc in 2022) is back, and FSU picked up a significant transfer in Keon Coleman, who led Michigan State with 798 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last fall. The team needs to develop other options like juniors Kentron Poitier and Darion Williamson. Hykeem Williams, ESPN’s No. 4 wide receiver and No. 28 overall recruit, headlined the 2023 class. Tight end Jaheim Bell, the South Carolina transfer with 56 career catches, arrives to join junior Markeston Douglas. FSU has a commitment from 2024 prospect Landen Thomas, ESPN’s top tight end and No. 48 overall player.
2023 future QB power ranking: 12
2022 future offense power ranking: 16
Scouting the Tigers: A foundational first season under coach Brian Kelly has set up the LSU offense for better things in the years ahead. The team returns quarterback Jayden Daniels, who last fall not only recaptured his 2019-level efficiency (17 touchdown passes, three interceptions) but led the team in carries (186), rushing yards (885) and rushing touchdowns (11). After Daniels departs in 2024, LSU likely will turn to redshirt sophomore Garrett Nussmeier, who has waited his turn and shown promise. The team also has recruited well, signing ESPN 300 prospect Rickie Collins and landing a 2024 commitment from Colin Hurley, another ESPN 300 prospect. Other than Daniels, the emergence of wide receiver Malik Nabers was the offense’s best development in 2022. Nabers had 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and could play two more seasons. Brian Thomas Jr. once again will join Nabers after a 31-catch season, and senior Kyren Lacy is a veteran depth piece. LSU added Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson and signed a 2023 class featuring Jalen Brown and Shelton Sampson Jr., both ESPN top-75 recruits.
The offensive line is essentially all back, including tackle Will Campbell, who started as a true freshman in 2022 and could soon be a national awards candidate, and Emery Jones Jr., who emerged as the starting right tackle later in his freshman season. LSU will look for cleaner play from junior guards Garrett Dellinger, while fifth-year senior Charles Turner III likely will occupy the center spot. The Tigers added Maryland transfer tackle Mason Lunsford and will look to several younger players for depth, including Zalance Heard, ESPN’s No. 3 tackle and No. 51 overall player in the 2023 class. LSU has depth at running back, but will a star emerge? Seniors Josh Williams, Noah Cain and John Emery all return, along with junior Armoni Goodwin. They rushed for 1,583 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. LSU also added Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs, the team’s No. 2 rusher last season, and two of ESPN’s top 10 running back recruits for 2023 in Kaleb Jackson and Trey Holly. True sophomore Mason Taylor will lead the tight end group through at least 2024 after a 38-catch season. LSU returns Ka’Morreun Pimpton and has 2024 pledges from ESPN top-150 prospects Trey’Dez Green and Tayvion Galloway.
2023 future QB power ranking: 15
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Lions: The excitement around Penn State’s offense isn’t just because of quarterback Drew Allar. Penn State can finally feel great about both its running back and offensive line situation entering 2023, and most likely beyond. The line had been a challenge for much of coach James Franklin’s career, but Penn State is set up well, thanks mainly to the return of tackle Olu Fashanu. He projects as a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft and will anchor PSU’s line, alongside veterans like Sal Wormley, Hunter Nourzad and Caedan Wallace. The Lions also get redshirt sophomore Landon Tengwall, who started the first five games at guard last season, back from injury. Penn State has depth for 2024 and beyond, too, with non-seniors such as tackle Drew Shelton and 2023 recruits J’ven Williams and Alex Birchmeier. The 2024 line recruiting has started strong with ESPN top-100 players Donovan Harbour and Cooper Cousins. Running behind them will be one of the nation’s best young ball carrying tandems in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who combined for 1,928 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Both will anchor the run game through at least the 2024 season. PSU added some insurance with Minnesota transfer Trey Potts (1,198 career rush yards).
Allar, ESPN’s No. 51 overall recruit in 2022, is set to lead the offense for the next few seasons, although Penn State wants to generate competition with redshirt freshman Beau Pribula. Penn State hasn’t signed a 2024 QB recruit, a spot worth watching. Coach James Franklin made a receivers coach change, bringing in Marques Hagans from Virginia to start closing the gap with Ohio State. The 2023 team has a clear No. 1 wideout in junior KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who had 24 catches last season, and sophomore Harrison Wallace III is set to take on a bigger role. Penn State added productive Kent State transfer Dante Cephas (744 receiving yards) but needs others to emerge, including gifted sophomore Omari Evans. The team has a good base at tight end with juniors Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren, who combined for 30 receptions and seven touchdowns last season. Penn State also adds ESPN 300 recruit Andrew Rappleyea.
2023 future QB power ranking: 10
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Ducks: Oregon’s offense might not be back to the Chip Kelly/early Mark Helfrich levels of production and excitement, but it took an important step forward in 2022. The Ducks averaged 38.8 points per game and will return several key players, none bigger than quarterback Bo Nix, who is back for a second season in Eugene. Nix, who had 4,103 yards of offense and set a team record for completion percentage (71.9), leads a quarterback room that still includes Ty Thompson and will add ESPN 300 recruit Austin Novosad. The Ducks got a huge boost Saturday when Michael Van Buren, ESPN’s No. 18 overall recruit for 2024, committed to the team. New offensive coordinator Will Stein also inherits leading wide receiver Troy Franklin and leading rusher Bucky Irving, who both have multiple years of eligibility left. Noah Whittington, who ranked behind Irving with 779 rush yards last season, also is back and can play through 2024. Jordan James had five rushing touchdowns as a true freshman, and Oregon added ESPN 300 recruit Dante Dowdell. Tight end is a short-term spot to watch, as Terrance Ferguson (32 receptions, 5 touchdowns in 2022) sustained an injury this spring. The team added transfers Casey Kelly (Ole Miss) and Kaden Ludwick (Colorado), a converted linebacker.
The Ducks need wide receiver depth around Franklin, both for 2023 and beyond. They added transfers Traeshon Holden (Alabama), Tez Johnson (Troy) and Gary Bryant Jr. (USC), who will compete with returnees like junior Kris Hutson, who finished second on the team with 44 receptions in 2022. Hopes are raised for redshirt freshman Kyler Kasper coming out of the spring, and the Ducks added Jurrion Dickey, ESPN’s No. 37 overall recruit for 2023, and Ashton Cozart (No. 95 overall). Oregon’s line turns over quite a bit, other than guard Marcus Harper II, and the team was active in the portal, adding Junior Angilau (Texas), Ajani Cornelius (Rhode Island) and Nishad Strother (East Carolina). They will compete with returning players, like senior Steven Jones, junior Jackson Powers-Johnson and sophomore Josh Conerly Jr., ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit in 2022.
2023 future QB power ranking: 16
2022 future offense power ranking: 17
Scouting the Bruins: Coach Chip Kelly needed time but finally has some momentum in Westwood, at least on offense, as UCLA ranks eighth nationally in scoring since 2021. The immediate challenge will be replacing quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a 4.5-year starter, and running back Zach Charbonnet, a second-round NFL draft pick, as well as guards Jon Gaines II and Atonio Mafi, both drafted last month. UCLA has options at QB, from veteran backup Ethan Garbers to Kent State transfer Collin Schlee to Dante Moore, ESPN’s No. 2 overall recruit for 2023. If Moore isn’t the immediate answer, he should lead the offense in 2024 and 2025. UCLA was aggressive in the portal at several offensive positions, including running back, where it added Ball State‘s Carson Steele. He finished eighth nationally in rushing average (129.7 yards per game) and has multiple years of eligibility left. UCLA also returns T.J. Harden, who averaged 7.4 yards per carry in six games last season, and veteran Keegan Jones.
After losing top wideout Jake Bobo, the Bruins went to the portal for Cal‘s J. Michael Sturdivant, who had 65 receptions and seven touchdowns last season, and USC’s Kyle Ford (20 receptions, 365 yards in 2022). They also must get more from holdovers such as Kam Brown, Logan Loya and Titus Mokiao-Atimalala. ESPN 300 recruit Jeremiah McClure joins the receiver room this season. Oregon transfer Moliki Matavao could emerge as the team’s top tight end, although Hudson Habermehl had 15 receptions and two touchdowns last season. Center Duke Clemens and guard Garrett DiGiorgio are UCLA’s only returning starters along the line, and both have multiple seasons of eligibility left. The team added several potential starters from the portal, including Purdue‘s Spencer Holstege, Colorado‘s Jake Wiley and Old Dominion‘s Khadere Kounta. Linemen like Bruno Fina, Jaylan Jeffers and Benjamin Roy Jr. will add to the depth.
2023 future QB power ranking: 19
2022 future offense power ranking: 23
Scouting the Utes: Utah might always be known primarily for defense and special teams, but offensive continuity and improvement has helped the team win consecutive Pac-12 titles. The Utes can keep things rolling, too, as All-Pac-12 quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe are back, although both are recovering from serious knee injuries. The team’s biggest returnee might be coordinator Andy Ludwig, who seemed headed to Notre Dame before contract challenges stopped his exit. Ludwig has provided the stability Utah needed to take the next step. Utah’s post-Rising plan gained attention this spring as redshirt freshman Brandon Rose gained an edge for the No. 2 job, while competing with Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson, a top-100 recruit in 2022. There are options at running back, too, with Micah Bernard and Ja’Quinden Jackson, who combined for 1,064 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Both Bernard and Jackson can play multiple seasons, and there’s good overall depth with Jaylon Glover and Chris Curry, who returns from injury.
The Utes not only kept Ludwig but talented line coach Jim Harding, who will oversee one of the Pac-12’s best units in 2023. Starting guards Keaton Bills and Michael Mokofisi both return, along with No. 1 right tackle Sataoa Laumea. All three should play through 2024. The short-term key is replacing NFL-bound guard Braeden Daniels, which might fall to junior Jaren Kump (11 career starts). Senior Johnny Maea likely will be a bigger factor this fall, and Utah has some interesting younger linemen like incoming freshmen Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, both ESPN 300 recruits. Utah returns wideout Devaughn Vele, coming off of a 55-catch season, as well as fellow junior Money Parks. But the team needed depth and hit the portal for Mycah Pittman (Florida State, originally Oregon) and Emery Simmons (Indiana, originally North Carolina). Incoming freshman Mikey Matthews, an ESPN 300 recruit, generated some buzz this spring. When healthy, Kuithe is one of the nation’s best tight ends, earning All-Pac-12 honors three times. Senior Thomas Yassmin had a productive 2022 season with six touchdown catches, and converted defensive end Miki Suguturaga adds to the group. Utah added Auburn tight end transfer Landen King last month.
2023 future QB power ranking: Not ranked
2022 future offense power ranking: 24
Scouting the Demon Deacons: Since 2020, Wake Forest leads the ACC and ranks fifth nationally in scoring at a touch under 38 points per game, while ranking 14th nationally in offensive efficiency. The Deacs are replacing record-setting quarterback Sam Hartman, sixth-round NFL draft pick A.T. Perry at wide receiver and others, but the history of success is overwhelming for longtime coach Dave Clawson and playcaller Warren Ruggiero. They return strong personnel at several spots, especially a wide receiver group that will be among the ACC’s best. Juniors Jahmal Banks, Taylor Morin, Donavon Greene and Ke’Shawn Williams combined to record 165 receptions for 2,406 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. All are eligible to return in 2024. The team added depth with Tennessee transfer Walker Merrill, and freshman Deuce Alexander stood out this spring. They will be catching passes from fourth-year quarterback Mitch Griffis, set to replace Hartman. Clawson told ESPN that Griffis has built-in relationships with the receivers and the system knowledge to continue Wake Forest’s excellent run of quarterbacks. Michael Kern and others provide some insurance behind him. Tight end is a bit of a mystery, but fourth-year Cameron Hite returns there.
Michael Jurgens will lead the offensive line in his final season, after making 34 career starts for Wake Forest, although he might shift from center to guard. Redshirt sophomores Nick Sharpe, Luke Petitbon and George Sell lack starting experience but have played significant snaps, and are set to take on larger roles the next few seasons. Spencer Clapp fits into the same category, except he enters his sixth season with the program, likely in a starting role at last. Redshirt sophomore Christian Forbes will help with the line’s overall depth. Running back Justice Ellison enters his fourth season at Wake Forest with 1,361 career rushing yards. He leads a group that likely will ask more out of sophomores Will Towns and Demond Claiborne.
2023 future QB power ranking: 13
2022 future offense power ranking: 15
Scouting the Irish: Since rallying to beat South Carolina in the Gator Bowl, Notre Dame has seen coordinator Tommy Rees and quarterback Tyler Buchner both depart for Alabama, and a clunky coordinator search ended with Gerad Parker’s promotion to playcaller. But the offense’s overall outlook is strong, especially as coach Marcus Freeman and his staff make important recruiting gains at wide receiver, a position that fell off late in Brian Kelly’s tenure. Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman gives Notre Dame a proven and productive quarterback for 2023. Despite Buchner’s exit, Notre Dame has options for 2024 and 2025 in Steve Angeli, incoming freshman Kenny Minchey (ESPN’s No. 5 dual-threat QB) and C.J. Carr, ESPN’s No. 35 overall recruit for 2024. Wide receiver is certainly worth watching for 2023, as Notre Dame needs Jayden Thomas, Deion Colzie, Chris Tyree and others to keep developing and benefit from Hartman’s presence. Sophomore Tobias Merriweather took a step forward this spring, and receivers coach Chansi Stuckey has recruited well, adding Braylon James, ESPN’s No. 60 overall recruit for 2023, and commits from 2024 prospects Cam Williams (ESPN No. 53 overall), Isiah Canion (No. 240 overall) and Micah Gilbert.
Offensive line projects as a clear strength through 2025. Joe Alt and Blake Fisher form arguably the nation’s best tackles tandem, while senior center Zeke Correll has started games in each of the past three seasons. There are more questions at the guard spots, but Andrew Kristofic has starting experience and Notre Dame has options, like Billy Schrauth and Rocco Spindler. The team has tackle depth with veteran Tosh Baker and second-year Aamil Wagner, and Charles Jagusah, ESPN’s No. 66 overall recruit, is among the headliners for the 2023 class. Tight end Michael Mayer‘s exit will test Notre Dame’s ability to reload at one of its premier positions. Junior Mitchell Evans will compete with sophomore Holden Staes, incoming recruit Jaden Greathouse and others. Diggs’ departure to LSU creates a need for depth around top rusher Audric Estime, a junior who had 920 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. Tyree will be used in a rusher-receiver hybrid role. Can Jadarian Price contribute after an Achilles injury? Top-100 recruit Jeremiyah Love enters the mix this fall, and ESPN four-star Aneyas Williams is committed for 2024.
2023 future QB power ranking: Not ranked
2022 future offense power ranking: 20
Scouting the Rebels: Ole Miss just missed the cut on the quarterback rankings but still projects well overall on offense, especially with electric running back Quinshon Judkins and others returning to the fold. Since 2020, the Rebels are No. 16 nationally in scoring and No. 8 in offensive efficiency. Judkins gives Ole Miss a bona fide superstar through 2024, as he ranked seventh nationally in rushing yards (1,567) and tied for 10th in rushing touchdowns (16) as a true freshman. The Rebels should have some insurance in Ulysses Bentley IV, who starred at SMU before dealing with injuries at Ole Miss in 2022, but more depth is needed, possibly with ESPN 300 recruit Kedrick Reescano joining the mix. Coach Lane Kiffin has options at quarterback with returning starter Jaxson Dart (2,974 yards, 20 touchdowns) and transfer Spencer Sanders, an All-Big 12 standout at Oklahoma State who started 43 games. Ole Miss bolstered its future with Walker Howard, the former ESPN top-50 recruit who transferred from LSU, and 2024 commit Demond Williams Jr. Transfers also fill the tight end room with Michael Trigg, who caught three touchdowns in his first season at Ole Miss, and Caden Prieskorn, a second-team All-AAC selection at Memphis with 48 catches last fall.
The wide receiver room turns over for 2023 as Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath are both off to the NFL. Senior Jordan Watkins returns after a 40-catch season, and Dayton Wade, another senior, is also back. The Rebels also went to the portal for Tre Harris, a first-team all-conference selection at Louisiana Tech who had 65 receptions for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall. Ole Miss adds Ayden Williams, ESPN’s No. 103 overall recruit for 2023, this fall. Offensive line should be a strength, as the Rebels return four starters and key non-seniors like tackle Jayden Williams and Micah Pettus, who both should play through 2024. Versatile senior Jeremy James and center Caleb Warren should help Ole Miss offset the loss of Nick Broeker. The team added transfer Victor Curne, who started at right tackle for Washington in 2021.
2023 future QB power ranking: Not ranked
2022 future offense power ranking: 14
Scouting the Cougars: BYU is living up to its history on offense and at quarterback, where its past two signal-callers (Zach Wilson, Jaren Hall) became NFL draft picks. Since 2020, the team ranks fourth nationally in offensive efficiency and 14th in points per game. The Cougars lose Hall, tackle Blake Freeland, wide receiver Puka Nacua and others, but return a talented group as they transition to the Big 12. Pitt quarterback transfer Kedon Slovis, who began his career in record-setting fashion at USC, won the starting job this spring and will try to recapture his 2019 magic under coordinator Aaron Roderick. BYU lost Jacob Conover to Arizona State but has some insurance with junior college transfer Jake Retzlaff and Boise State transfer Cade Fennegan. Slovis will throw to a talented group of non-senior receivers who must fill Nacua’s production void. BYU kept sophomore Kody Epps in Provo after a brief portal entry. Epps will work alongside junior Keanu Hill and sophomore Chase Roberts, a group that combined for 97 receptions and 16 touchdowns last season. BYU must keep building around them.
After a productive rushing year for Christopher Brooks, BYU again went to the portal for running back help in Aidan Robbins, who rushed for 1,011 yards and nine touchdowns for UNLV in 2022. Hinckley Ropati is a capable reserve, and younger backs like Miles Davis and incoming freshman L.J. Martin, an ESPN 300 selection, will be bigger factors in 2024 and 2025. The team also added Colorado transfer Deion Smith, who led the Buffaloes in rushing (393 yards) last season. BYU’s line has a nice returning nucleus in tackle Kingsley Suamataia, center Connor Pay and Paul Maile, who started 17 games at Utah before transferring. Suamataia and Pay are both non-seniors and can help the group through 2024. BYU also added Oklahoma State transfer Caleb Etienne, an experienced player, and has good depth with junior Brayden Keim and transfer guard Weylin Lapuaho, who started as a freshman at Utah State. BYU fans have waited for a healthy Isaac Rex at tight end and might finally get one, as the junior leads a group that welcomes in Jackson Bowers, an ESPN 300 recruit.
2023 future QB power ranking: 14
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Heels: My mistake last year was thinking North Carolina’s offense would struggle based on quarterback uncertainty and other factors. UNC not only saw Drake Maye become one of the nation’s best QBs and a bona fide NFL prospect, but the unit continued to produce. Coordinator Phil Longo’s exit shouldn’t disrupt the trajectory too much, as Chip Lindsey is a veteran playcaller. The Tar Heels get Maye for presumably one more year, and likely will turn to Conner Harrell, who emerged this spring as Maye’s backup, or Tad Hudson, ESPN’s No. 150 overall recruit for 2023. North Carolina returns its top non-quarterback rushers in junior Elijah Green and sophomore Omarion Hampton, who combined for 959 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Injuries have hit the position fairly hard, but if the Heels get a healthy British Brooks, along with junior Caleb Hood and others, they should be fine going forward. Tight end should be a strength as UNC returns junior Bryson Nesbit and senior Kamari Morales, who combined for 64 receptions, 865 yards and 11 touchdowns. Junior John Copenhaver adds depth.
Maye and the Heels will miss Josh Downs, an NFL third-round draft pick who had 94 receptions in 2022, and seventh-round pick Antoine Green. Junior J.J. Jones and sophomores Kobe Paysour and Devontez Walker should step into bigger roles beginning this fall, and UNC added Kent State transfer Devontez Walker, who had 921 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and Georgia Tech transfer Nate McCollum (60 receptions, 655 yards in 2022). Both Walker and McCollum can play through 2024, and ESPN 300 athlete Chris Culliver should make an early impact. UNC got a boost when Ed Montilus, a third-team All-ACC tackle who initially declared for the NFL draft, opted to return for his fifth season. Montilus (38 starts) and Corey Gaynor, back for a sixth year, anchor a veteran line that also returns Spencer Rolland and William Barnes, and adds transfer Willie Lampkin, a three-year starter for Coastal Carolina who has two years of eligibility left. Line depth and recruiting will be important to monitor as UNC will turn over much of the line in 2024.
2023 future QB power ranking: Not ranked
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Red Raiders: Texas Tech is another team that just missed the quarterback list but can feel very excited about its overall offense for the next few seasons. The unit showed promise under first-year coordinator Zach Kittley and should only keep improving. Returning starters are everywhere on both sides of the ball, but the offense brings back a lot at wide receiver, offensive line and elsewhere. The quarterback room is solid with senior Tyler Shough, who has been effective when healthy, and sophomore Behren Morton, who showed promise in relief duty last season. Morton looks like the answer for 2024 and 2025, although Texas Tech added ESPN four-star recruit Jake Strong. Leading rusher Tahj Brooks returns for his senior season, and will be supported by sophomore Cam’Ron Valdez, who averaged 9.4 yards per carry in only four games last season. Junior Mason Tharp and senior Baylor Cupp lead the tight end room after combining for 24 receptions and four touchdowns. Texas Tech also has a 2024 commitment from ESPN 300 tight end Ivan Carreon.
The wide receiver room is loaded with familiar names, as Texas Tech returns its top five wideouts from 2022, led by Jerand Bradley and Myles Price. Both had 51 receptions last season, and Bradley can play through 2025. Xavier White, Loic Fouonji and Nehemiah Martinez all return, and Martinez can play two more seasons. This fall, Texas Tech will have one of the nation’s most experienced offensive lines, led by Caleb Rogers, who has started seasons at both left tackle and right tackle. Also back are center Dennis Wilburn and tackle Monroe Mills, and Cole Spencer (44 starts at Western Kentucky) returns from an injury that cost him the entire 2022 season. The team also looked to Western Kentucky for transfer Rusty Staats, an all-conference player who started 27 games for the Hilltoppers. Texas Tech must address line depth after 2023, but has a year to develop the next group of linemen.
2023 future QB power ranking: 23
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Frogs: The 2022 national runner-up is in reload mode on offense. TCU had offensive players selected in each of the first four rounds of the NFL draft, and quarterback Max Duggan went in the seventh. The unit is going through a coordinator change from Garrett Riley to Kendal Briles. Some short-term regression is possible, but the Frogs should still be one of the Big 12’s top offenses through 2025. Quarterback Chandler Morris, who won the starting job last summer over Duggan before sustaining an injury in the opening game, is set to lead the offense and has three years of eligibility left. TCU doesn’t have great depth behind him, although it picked up some insurance in the portal with Chance Nolan, the former Oregon State starter. The team also used the portal to replenish the running back and wide receiver spots. After losing top backs Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado, TCU likely will turn to Trey Sanders, the Alabama transfer and a former ESPN top-20 recruit. Fourth-year Emani Bailey impressed in limited work last season, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Third-year Trent Battle adds depth, and ESPN four-star recruit Cameron Cook enters the mix.
TCU’s remade receiver room will include transfers Jack Bech (LSU), JoJo Earle (Alabama), John Paul Richardson (Oklahoma State), Dylan Wright (Minnesota) and Jaylon Robinson (Ole Miss), who join holdovers such as Savion Williams, who had 29 receptions for 392 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. Receivers coach Malcolm Kelly is among the best, and TCU is adding ESPN 300 recruit Cordale Russell, four-star Jordyn Bailey and others. The Horned Frogs have continuity at the offensive tackle spots with seniors Brandon Coleman and Andrew Coker, and senior John Lanz logged 489 snaps last season and has starting experience at guard. The group will miss All-American Steve Avila but added several transfers who should help, including Tommy Brockermeyer — ESPN’s No. 2 recruit in the 2021 class, who comes in from Alabama — as well as Patrick Willis (Jackson State) and Coltin Deery (Maryland). TCU also brings in ESPN 300 recruit Markis Deal.
2023 future QB power ranking: Not ranked
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Hilltoppers: During the past two years, Western Kentucky has become a hot spot for offensive production, ranking fourth nationally in scoring over the span, after finishing 115th in 2020. Despite new coordinators and personnel changes, WKU is positioned well to maintain its trajectory, especially with quarterback Austin Reed returning for another year. Reed, who briefly entered the transfer portal, led the nation in passing yards (4,746) while finishing second in passing average (339 yards per game) and third in passing touchdowns (40). Caden Veltkamp could step in for Reed in 2024, and WKU also added Willie Taggart Jr., the son of the longtime college coach and legendary Hilltoppers quarterback. Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley form one of the nation’s top passing combinations in 2022, after Corley recorded 1,295 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last fall. Corey, who can play through 2024, leads a wide receiver group that also returns senior Michael Mathison (615 yards in 2022) and juniors Dalvin Smith (443 yards) and Denzil Alleyne. WKU added transfers Jimmy Holiday (Tennessee), Ze’Vian Capers (Auburn) and Blue Smith (Cincinnati). Holiday should contribute both with receptions and returns.
Leading rusher Davion Ervin-Poindexter (525 yards) is back as a redshirt junior, and WKU added Missouri transfer Elijah Young, another junior who had 66 career carries for the Tigers. Sophomore L.T. Sanders, who averaged 6.6 yards per carry in limited work as a freshman, gives the room some depth, and former USC and Nebraska running back Markese Stepp provides another option if he can stay healthy. The offensive line returns several non-seniors with starting experience, including juniors Quantavious Leslie, an honorable mention all-conference selection, and Vincent Murphy. Junior tackle Mark Goode, who started the first half of last season before injury, is back alongside Wes Dorsey, who stepped in for Goode. Redshirt sophomore Marshall Jackson and others add depth. WKU lost top tight end Joshua Simon to South Carolina, creating a void to be filled by sophomore River Helms, Buffalo transfer Trevor Borland and others.
2023 future QB power ranking: Not ranked
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cardinals: Louisville falls into the projection category, but the offense should become a regular in this list, perhaps even in the top 10 under new coach Jeff Brohm. The mix of Brohm’s deep Louisville roots and his chops as an offensive innovator set up the program very well through 2025. Louisville has capitalized on the portal, adding two quarterbacks (Cal’s Jack Plummer and Purdue’s Brady Allen) who know Brohm, and bolstering other areas such as wide receiver and offensive line. Plummer, who played under Brohm at Purdue before spending last season as Cal’s starter, is set to lead the unit this fall. Allen, an ESPN 300 recruit in 2022, should be a bigger factor in 2024 and 2025, along with incoming ESPN four-star recruit Pierce Clarkson and others. They will throw to a somewhat new-look receiving corps, which includes transfers Jamari Thrash (Georgia Southern), Jadon Thompson (Cincinnati), Jimmy Calloway (Tennessee) and Kevin Coleman (Jackson State). Thrash, a redshirt junior, led the Sun Belt in receiving yards (1,122) last season, while Coleman earned SWAC Freshman of the Year at Jackson State. Junior Ahmari Huggins-Bruce also should see a bigger role under Brohm, who adds ESPN 300 recruit William Fowles and has a very appealing offense to future prospects.
Louisville lost talented linemen but also added some through the portal in tackles Willie Tyler III (Rutgers), Eric Miller (Purdue) and Lance Robinson (Houston), as well as guard John Paul Flores (Virginia). The transfers could make up most of Louisville’s starting line in 2023, although senior center Bryan Hudson returns, along with versatile junior Michael Gonzalez. Junior Joshua Black is a good depth piece, and Madden Sanker, ESPN’s No. 134 recruit for 2023, should help for 2024 and 2025. Rushing leader Jawhar Jordan returns with two years of eligibility left, and Louisville added Wisconsin transfer Isaac Guerendo. Sophomore Maurice Turner had 65 carries as a freshman, and Louisville has a 2024 pledge from the ESPN 300 in Isaac Brown. The team is thin at tight end after some transfer exits, and freshman Jamari Johnson could play right away.
2023 future QB power ranking: Not ranked
2022 future offense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Mustangs: The final spot is always tricky, and several offenses were considered — Clemson, once a top-10 lock on this list, as well as UTSA, Kansas, Maryland and Kansas State. Since 2020, the Mustangs rank fourth nationally in points per game and 10th in offense expected points added. Although SMU went through a coaching change (Sonny Dykes to Rhett Lashlee) and used several quarterbacks, the offense has continued to hum and could be even better in a weakened AAC. Tanner Mordecai‘s transfer to Wisconsin clears the way for sophomore Preston Stone, an ESPN top-125 recruit in the 2021 class. Stone has three years of eligibility left after starting one game last fall. The team added Iowa transfer Alex Padilla for insurance and brought in ESPN three-star recruit Keldric Luster. Like Dykes, Lashlee has made SMU a transfer destination and addressed several offensive needs. Miami transfer running back Jaylan Knighton, who started 12 games for the Hurricanes and played for Lashlee in 2020 and 2021, joins SMU with two years of eligibility left. SMU also added Texas A&M transfer running back LJ Johnson Jr., an ESPN top-100 recruit in 2021.
Offensive line is another spot where SMU will be transfer heavy, after adding Jakai Clark (Miami), Hyrin White (Missouri) and Logan Parr (Texas). Both Clark and White have significant starting experience, and join a group that returns starters in second-team All-AAC guard Justin Osborne, tackle Marcus Bryant and center Branson Hickman. Veteran Cameron Ervin also is back to provide some depth. If some players use their COVID-19 years, SMU should have plenty of continuity through 2024. The team will miss Rashee Rice, an NFL second-round pick who led the nation in receiving yards average last season. But Jordan Kerley (588 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns) and Moochie Dixon (378 yards, 3 touchdowns) are both back, along with veterans Roderick Daniels Jr. and Jake Bailey. Lashlee again looked to Miami for help and added transfers Key’Shawn Smith and Romello Brinson. SMU also has a 2024 commitment from ESPN 300 athlete Jamyri Cauley. Sophomore RJ Maryland leads the tight ends after starting six games and scoring six touchdowns. Gage Haskin and Nolan Matthews-Harris fill out the group.