This article dives into six teams that could take a step back in the 2023 season.
*All seconds mentioned are from the 2022 season.
TCU (13-2)
The Horned Frogs obviously shocked everybody by making it all the way to the National Championship. They had a great season led by a QB, RB, & WR trio who will all be moving on to the NFL next season. Quarterback Max Duggan was great all season and was even a Heisman finalist. Running Back Kendre Miller recently declared for the draft along with star wide receiver, Quentin Johnston. Johnston might be the first receiver taken off the board. To top it all off, the elite offensive coordinator and brother of USC HC Lincoln Riley, Garrett Riley, moved to Clemson to serve as their OC. For these reasons alone, I see TCU taking a step back next season.
Tennessee (11-2)
Tennessee was another surprise team this season, and they are also another team I see regressing in 2023. The main reason is the loss of their quarterback, Hendon Hooker. I believe he was one of the main reasons for their success. Their starter next season will presumedly be Joe Milton. He showed potential in their bowl game win vs Clemson, but I’ve also seen him as a starter for Michigan. This might be a DJ Uiagalelei vs Notre Dame in the 2020 situation. He looked really good in that game and we all know what has happened since. If I’m right, then Tennessee could be looking at 9-3 or 8-4, which would be a regression from their two-loss season in 2022.
Kansas State (10-4)
The team that beat TCU in the Big 12 Championship is also the second Big 12 team on this list. K-State is losing arguably the best running back in their school’s history. Deuce Vaughn recently declared for the draft and the Wildcats will need to replace him. Vaughn ran for over 100 yards in 9 out of 14 of their games, so they will be missing that production in 2023. Quarterback Will Howard will have to carry more of the offensive load next season and I don’t know if he’s ready for that. With that being said, I see Kansas State taking a step back.
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Pittsburgh (9-4)
Pitt regressed from 11-3 in 2021 to 9-4 in 2023 and I believe the trend will continue. They lost a lot of talent, including their star quarterback and wide receiver, before 2022 and their offense took a hit because of it. They will be losing their quarterback again with Kedon Slovis transferring to BYU. They will replace him with Boston College transfer, Phil Jurkovec. Jurkovec played in eight games last season before being injured. I don’t think he is as good as Slovis and he will be trying to come back from a season-ending injury, so I can see this Panther offense taking another hit in 2023, and the whole team may take a step back because of it.
