NFL 2023 Predictions
Chiefs Face Heavy AFC Competition to Repeat
Bengals Ready for SB Challenge

Eagles and 49ers Hope to Hold Off NFC Risers

 DraftInsiders.com – NFL 2023 Predictions

  Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The 2023 NFL season is finally here with huge changes across the league giving fans hope their team can get to the elusive Super Bowl. Teams are hard pressed to duplicate the SB, just ask the Los Angeles Rams who fell significantly last season. The Chiefs will seek their third title in four seasons this year, though they will be pressured in the deep talented AFC Conference which is loaded with contenders with premier QBs from top to bottom.

Parity reigns across the league with both the AFC East and West and NFC East and West looking like powerhouse divisions which could provide multiple playoff teams each. New upstarts like the Jaguars, Giants, Jets, Lions, Saints and Chargers could all play a huge role in the playoff races while established clubs like Bucs, Packers and Rams may be pressed to return to the NFL postseason.  

2023 Season Awards

    MVP Award – QB Josh Allen – Bills
NFC
Offensive Player of the Year – QB Jalen Hurts – Eagles
Defensive Player of the Year – DE Aidan Hutchinson – Lions
Comeback Player of the Year – QB Baker Mayfield – Bucs

Rookies of the Year
Offense – RB Bijan Robinson – Falcons
Defense – DL Lukas Van Ness – Packers

AFC
Offensive Player of the Year – QB Trevor Lawrence – Jaguars
Defensive Player of the Year – LB T.J. Watt – Steelers
Comeback Player of the Year – QB Marc Jones – Patriots

Rookies of the Year
Offense – WR Zay Flowers – Ravens
Defense – LB Will Anderson – Texans

NFC
EAST
Philadelphia Eagles – 12-5
Eagles are still the team to beat in the NFC and rely on young QB Jalen Hurts and veteran defense to make another strong run at title.

New York Giants – 10-7
GMen are geared up to make the playoffs again behind an offense directed by young emerging talented Daniel Jones. Their offensive line made looks to RT Evan Neal to take a critical step up. They look to explosive Kayvon Thibodeaux to become a difference maker weekly.

Dallas Cowboys – 9-8
Cowboys are still a contender though need QB Dak Prescott to prove he can beat the top clubs. Their defense depends on big play defenders, LB Micah Parsons and corner Trevon Diggs to set the pace.

Washington Redskins – 6-11
Skins start another new QB in Sam Howell behind a very average line. Their defense loses DE Chase Young early to IR, though front four is one of most in the league.

NORTH
Detroit Lions – 10-7
Lions closed winning 8 of final 9 last season and looks to ride that momentum to a playoff appearance. HC Dan Campbell has them playing hard and their defense can step up behind dominant DE Aidan Hutchinson.

Minnesota Vikings – 9-8
Vikes will ride QB Kirk Cousin and wideout Justin Jefferson. Their changing defense will determine if they can repeat in the average NFC North.

Green Bay Packers -7-9
The post Aaron Rodgers ear begins with young QB Jordan Love. Young offense will be challenged. Veteran tough defense should keep them competitive weekly.

Chicago Bears – 6-11
QB Justin Fields was a threat to run and dangerous there, though only an average pocket passer entering his third season. Their young defense probably goes through painful growing challenges.

SOUTH
New Orleans Saints – 10-7
The Saints begin the Derek Carr era looking for an explosive offense with wideout Chris Olvie and Michael Thomas. Saints’ defense is a top five unit who keeps them in the postseason chase.

Tampa Bay Bucs – 9-8
The Bucs lose QB Tom Brady to retirement and look to new vet Baker Mayfield to direct this attack. Their veteran talented defense has faded recently and must return to prior levels for this club to challenge for the NFC South.

Atlanta Falcons – 7-10
Falcons have changed the face of this club recently, but improvement probably depends on first year starting QB Desmond Ridder. Their ground game behind rookie Bijan Robinson gives them a much needed new dimension. Defense ranked with the worst in the league and will have half new starters.

Carolina Panthers – 6-11
Panthers turns the page with top pick QB Lance Young starting behind a much-improved line. Their talented young defense should continue to improve. This club could be the surprise team here, though   probably a year away of turning them into victories.

WEST
San Francisco 49ers – 11-6
The 49ers look to young Brock Purdy to lead this balanced offense which ranks among the best in the league. Wideout Deebo Samuel and TE George Kittle are among the best playmakers in the game. Edge defender Nick Bosa is the games’ best pass rusher. 49ers will challenge for the NFL title.

Seattle Seahawks – 10-7
Seahawks hope to ride the hot hand of Geno Smith for another strong offense. They have rebuilt their once renowned defense and will press for the NFC West division.

Los Angeles Rams – 9-8
Rams seem so removed from their SB title from just two years ago. Only a strong performance behind star QB Matthew Stafford can return this club to the postseason. Their once top defense still relies on DT Aaron Donald, though the supporting cast has slipped noticeably recently.

Arizona Cardinals – 4-13
Cards will start the season without injured QB Kyler Murray after the worst season of his career. They face massive turnover on both sides of the ball and have the makeup to challenge for the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft 2024.

Divisional Champs
Eagles, Lions, Saints and 49ers

Wild Card Clubs
Giants, Seahawks & Cowboys

NFC Championship
49ers beat Eagles in NFC title game

AFC
EAST

Buffalo Bills – 12-5
Bills are shooting for their 4th consecutive East title behind star QB Josh Allen. Receivers Diggs and Gabriel along with TEs Knox and rookie Dalton Kincaid form a strong contingent.  One of the league’s top defenses will have to prove better in big game situations to get that elusive SB title.

New York Jets – 11-6
Aaron Rodgers mania is at a high pitch with good reason. Jets’ offense will depend on their line to step up and protect Rodgers. This defense will rank among the top in the game, though must come up big in late key games to make the postseason. Capable of competing vs every NFL club.

Miami Dolphins – 10-7
Dolphins ride the health of young QB Tua Tagovailoa to direct this potent offense. They look to new DC Vic Fangio to improve this talented unit. Dolphins capable of returning to the postseason if Tua stays heathy. Must survive the tough AFC East race.

New England Patriots – 8-9
Pats are slipping in one of the best divisions. They look to new OC Bill O’Brien to help QB Mac Jones take a huge step up after a disappointing 2022. Bill Belichick will coax this young defense to further improvement. Pats are always in the playoff hunt, though the AFC may be too loaded this season.

NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals – 12-5
QB Joe Burrow is a difference maker again and capable of carrying this club to the SB. He goes to wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both produced 1000-yard performances. Their defense needs to improve especially in coverage. They look for critical maturing to live up to SB hype.

Baltimore Ravens – 10-7
The Ravens look for a healthy QB Lamar Jackson to improve their passing game vs top competition. Their ground game is highly productive, though unspectacular. They made major changes in their secondary to improve coverage. Ravens will push to return to postseason, though need a big effort from Jackson vs top clubs.

Pittsburgh Steelers – 10-7
Steelers look to young QB Kenny Pickett to continue his fast progress. Wideout George Pickens is ready to emerge to an elite level in year two. Their offensive line must improve to play up to their potential. The Steel defense slipped noticeably especially vs the pass despite edge TJ Watt. This club is a borderline contender and needs offensive line and secondary to step up to make the postseason.

Cleveland Browns – 7-10
Browns started vet QB Deshaun Watson after his 11 game suspension where he was noticeably rusty. No excuses this season for their poor passing game. Back Nick Chubb is a workhorse. Their highly rated defense gives up too much air yardage and points and will have to improve for this club to contend.

SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars – 11-6
Jaguars rode the hot hand of young QB Trevor Lawrence to the divisional round. HC Doug Pederson can improve this offense further with new wideout Clavin Ridley joining a strong receiving group. Their young defense is loaded and looks to edge Travon Walker and Mike LB Devin Lloyd to become playmakers. This club can take another step up with Lawrence directing this club to another AFC South title.

Tennessee Titans – 9-8
The Titans slipped significantly last season and will be hard pressed to win a playoff spot. They need both QB Ryan Tannehill and premier back Derrick Henry to return to prior form. Their OL must improve after surrendering too many sacks. Their defense crashed last season and their young corners must improve especially vs playoff clubs. Tough team with limited playmakers on both sides of the ball. Long shot for postseason.

Houston Texans – 7-10
New regime and field leadership in HC DeMeco Ryans and QB CJ Stroud and edge Will Anderson. Stroud gets the starting call to begin a new era. Their defense ranks among the worst in the league and equally inept vs the pass and run. HC Ryans will continue their massive roster turnover, hoping he can turn more games into W while he develops their young talent.

Indianapolis Colts – 5-12
The Colts have fallen quickly attempting to maintain playoff levels with veteran passers. They turn the page with raw rookie QB Anthony Richardson. Stud runner Jon Taylor may move in a trade which could begin a bigger house cleaning. Their young defense has failed to improve and a big reason they could land in the basement.

WEST
Kansas City Chiefs – 12-5
Chiefs look for their 8th consecutive West title behind elite QB Patrick Mahomes. He will rely on TE Travis Kelce to lead a changing receiving corps. Their defense looks to CB McDuffie and edge rusher Karlaftis to become playmakers.  Veterans DT Chris Jones ranks with the best interior linemen in the league. SB contender plays in the toughest conference and will be pushed to the fullest with every team capable of West title.

San Diego Chargers – 11-6
The Chargers look to young QB Justin Herbert to lead this potent offense to the playoffs again. Herbert was outstanding and adds top pick WR Quinten Johnston. The line looks to a healthy LT Slater to stabilize their front. They can surprise for the West title, though need improvement from their young defense especially healthy vets, LB Joey Bosa, CB J.C. Jackson and safety Darwin James.

Denver Broncos – 9-8
Broncos have missed the playoffs since 2016 with vet QB Russell Wilson playing poorly. He must return to prior levels for this club to compete in the tough AFC. Their highly regarded defense performed only average with marginal pressure and average coverage.  Club is hoping new HC Sean Payton can get Wilson right and defense returns to prior levels.

Oakland Raiders – 7-10
Raiders parted ways with talented QB Derek Car and replaced by vet Jimmy Garoppolo. This club has fall significantly off horrible draft classes from 2019 thru 2021 with five of six top picks released or let go. Wideout Davante Adams and runner Josh Jacobs need to carry this offense.  Edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones are difference makers, though have a marginal supporting cast. Raiders will be hard pressed to play over .500 in the tough AFC and probably a few draft classes from postseason.

Divisional Champs
Bills, Bengals, Jaguars and Chiefs

Wild Card Clubs
Jets, Dolphins & Ravens

AFC Championship
Bengals beat the Chiefs

Super Bowl Matchup
Bengals over 49ers
Joe Burrow drives Bengals to a SB title

NFL Opening Week Schedule 2023

Thursday, September 7th – 8:20 pm EDT – NBC
Lions (0-0) vs Chiefs (0-0)

Sunday, September 10th

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
Panthers (0-0) vs Falcons (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Texans (0-0) vs Ravens (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Bengals (0-0) vs Browns (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
Jaguars (0-0) vs Colts (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Buccaneers (0-0) vs Vikings (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Titans (0-0) vs Saints (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
49ers (0-0) vs Steelers (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
Cardinals (0-0) vs Commanders (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – FOX
Packers (0-0) vs Bears (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – CBS
Raiders (0-0) vs Broncos (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – CBS
Dolphins (0-0) vs Chargers (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – CBS
Eagles (0-0) vs Patriots (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – FOX
Rams (0-0) vs Seahawks (0-0)

8:20 pm EDT – NBC
Cowboys (0-0) vs Giants (0-0)

Monday, September 11th
8:15 pm EDT – ESPN, ABC, ESPN2
Bills (0-0) vs Jets (0-0)
 

Draft insiders’ Top NFL Defensive Rookies for 2023

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

Edge Will Anderson – Texans
Impact edge rusher should excel under the tutelage of new HC DeMeco Ryans. Capable of taking this unit up a few levels this season and become an elite NFL difference maker.

Photo – DL Lukas Van Ness – Packers

DL Lukas Van Ness – Packers
Emerging versatile playmaker has improved significantly over his recent career. Gives the Packers a diverse front seven defender who can create big mismatches.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time scout from mini-camp through training camps prior to the regular and postseason. He is a consultant to many NFL player agents related to all levels of preparation for both NFL Free Agency and the NFL Draft process. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

LB Jack Campbell – Lions
Gritty backer will be counted on to be the anchor in this defense. He reflects HC Dan Campbell’s mentality and should be an early three down starter.

CB Devon Witherspoon – Seahawks
Quick cover man has been hindered in camp by hamstring issues, but has the makeup and level of development to become a top flight NFL corner early in his career.

CB Tre Banks – Giants
Prototypical cover man stepped in like a veteran this preseason. Capable of being a shutdown corner in time and counted on to be a tough starter now.

DT Jalen Carter – Eagles
Big agile athlete joins a potent front line. Capable of impact in limited reps where his initial burst can be very disruptive from the inside.

CB Emmanuel Forbes – Commanders
Ball hawk was a welcome addition here. He will benefit from a strong front four and hopes to continue his legacy to intercept passes.

LB Drew Sanders – Broncos
Instinctive defender will get reps both inside and outside and should become a fixture in this front seven within a short time.

CB Christian Gonzalez – Patriots
Long cover man should excel in a Bill Belichick defense and become a fixture in this defense. His skill set allows Belichick to play diverse schemes.

Safety Brian Branch – Lions
Savvy versatile defender gives this secondary a leader and playmaker who can provide impact this fall from a few roles.

Edge Keion White – Patriots
Athletic versatile edge defender has the talent to become a three down difference maker with refinement. Probably starts as a key rotational front seven for pass rushing sets.

CB Mekhi Blackmon – Vikings
Quick savvy cover man has a high level of development to be a mainstay in this secondary and possible a fulltime rookie starter.

NFL Top Offensive Rookies for 2023

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

WR Zay Flowers – Ravens

Highly developed playmaker should become a favorite for Lamar Jackson immediately. Capable of opening up this attack and giving them a huge boost

Photo – WR Zay Flowers – Ravens (school)

RB Bijan Robinson – Falcons
Complete back should be the linchpin here and get 200+ touches this season.

WR Quenton Johnston – Chargers
Huge athlete will give this air attack a huge boost for strong armed Justin Herbert and has the talent to be the #1 here within a short time.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs – Lions
Playmaker gives the Lions their best three down runner since Barry Sanders. Probably becomes their feature performer this fall in this attack.

QB Bryce Young – Panthers
Overall top pick has responded well to HC Frank Reich’s coaching and gets the starting call opening day. Shows the makeup to handle the big stage.

TE Dalton Kincaid – Bills
Big agile receiver gives QB Josh Allen a highly developed weapon with impact ability in this attack especially in the red zone.

WR Marvin Mims – Broncos
Coming off a great preseason, this speedster is perfect fit for three wideout sets. Capable of becoming an early favorite of veteran passer Russell Wilson.

TE Michael Mayer – Raiders
Sure-handed two-way athlete gives QB Jimmy Garoppolo an excellent weapon in the short and intermediate zones and can become a fixture in this attack.

WR Jonathan Mingo – Panthers
The prototypical numbers teams covet in a #1 receiver. Should become rookie QN Bryce Young’s favorite receiver, though must prove consistent catching the ball and route running.

C John Michael Schmitz – Giants
Took to the pivot like a seasoned veteran this preseason. Capable of being a fixture inside here with a strong career.

TE Sam LaPorta – Lions
Developed receiver gives QB Jared Goff an excellent playmaker in the middle zones to move the chains.

WR Jalin Hyatt – Giants
Speedster can take the top off the defense and open this attack for Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Capable of impact in three wideout sets.

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Poll

ACC Rules Opening Week
Duke and Florida State Win Major Matchups

 Draft Insiders’ Top 25 Poll 2023 – Week Two
Frank Coyle / Publisher

Teams of the Week
Duke Shocks Clemson
Florida State Pounds LSU

Draft Insiders’ Top 25 Poll

1          Georgia            1-0                   
2          Michigan          1-0                   
3          Ohio State        1-0                   
4          Alabama          1-0                   
5          USC                 2-0       
6          Florida State    1-0                               
7          Notre Dame      2-0       
8          Washington      1-0       
9          Penn State       1-0       
10         Texas               1-0                   
11         Tennessee        1-0                   
12        LSU                  0-1                   
13         Utah                 1-0                   
14         Oregon             1-0                   
15         Kansas State    1-0                   
16         Clemson          0-1       
17         North Carolina 1-0       
18         Oregon State    1-0                   
19         Wisconsin        1-0                   
20         Oklahoma        1-0                   
21        Ole Miss           1-0
22         Texas A&M      1-0                   
23         Duke                1-0                   
24         Tulane              1-0                   
25         Colorado          1-0                   
 
Complete Rankings
Others receiving consideration: Iowa, Florida, Miami, Kentucky, South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Fresno St., UCLA, Louisville, Maryland, Auburn, UTSA, Arkansas, Boise State, Troy and Kansas

Coaches Poll – Top 25 Poll

            Team             Record    Points
1          Georgia (63)     1-0        1647
2          Michigan (1)      1-0        1534
3          Alabama (2)      1-0        1515
4          Ohio State        1-0        1422
5          Florida State     1-0        1388
6          USC                 2-0        1283
7          Penn State        1-0        1216
8          Washington       1-0        1115
9          Tennessee        1-0        1099
10         Texas               1-0        957
11         Notre Dame      2-0        950
12         Utah                 1-0        924
13         Oregon             1-0        904
14         LSU                  0-1        738
15         Kansas State    1-0        630
16         North Carolina   1-0        546
17         Oklahoma         1-0        543
18         Oregon State    1-0        499
19         Wisconsin         1-0        445
20         Ole Miss           1-0        411
21         Clemson           0-1        287
22         Tulane               1-0        255
23         Texas A&M       1-0        236
24         Duke                1-0        222
25         Colorado           1-0        161

Complete Rankings
Others receiving votes: Iowa 111, Pittsburgh 53, Kentucky 50, UCLA 44, TCU 40, Fresno State 30, Miami 22, Auburn 22, Arkansas 18, Maryland 14, Missouri 13, Troy 11, Oklahoma State 11, NC State 10, Illinois 9, Wyoming 8, Air Force 7, Washington State 7, Wake Forest 7, Minnesota 6, Mississippi State 5, South Carolina 4, Kansas 4, Texas Tech 3, SMU 3, UCF 3, Houston 2, UTSA 1, James Madison 1, Memphis 1, Michigan State 1, Louisville 1, Arizona 1

Dropped from rankings: TCU 16, Texas Tech 24

College Football 2023 All-American Teams

Draft Insiders’ – Frank Coyle /Head scout

Draft Insiders’ publishes All-American teams annually 
 Photo – WR Marvin Harrison – Ohio St (school)

Draft Insiders’ College Football All-America Teams

First Team
Offense

QB Caleb Williams, USC
RB Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
RB Blake Corum, Michigan
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
WR Rome Odunze, Washington
WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
OL Joe Alt, Notre Dame
OL Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
OL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
OL JC Latham, Alabama
C Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
All-Purpose Travis Hunter, Colorado

Defense
DL Jared Verse, Florida State
DL JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
DL Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
DL Bralen Trice, Washington
LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
CB Kalen King, Penn State
S Malaki Starks, Georgia
S Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Specialists
K Joshua Karty, Stanford
P Tory Taylor, Iowa
KR Jaylin Lucas, Indiana
PR Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
 
Second Team
Offense

QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
RB Rocket Sanders, Arkansas
WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
WR Dorian Singer, USC
WR Juice Wells, South Carolina
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
OL Graham Barton, Duke
OL Christian Haynes, UConn
OL Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
OL Zak Zinter, Michigan
C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
All-Purpose Will Shipley, Clemson

Defense
DL Tyler Davis, Clemson
DL Demeioun ‘Chop’ Robinson, Penn State
DL Mykel Williams, Georgia
DL Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
LB Barrett Carter, Clemson
LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
LB Laiatu Latu, UCLA
LB Junior Colson, Michigan
CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
CB Fentrell Cypress II, Florida State
S Calen Bullock, USC
S Cole Bishop, Utah

Specialists
K John Hoyland, Wyoming
P Kai Kroeger, South Carolina
KR Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State
PR Anthony Gould, Oregon State

Third Team
Offense

QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
RB Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss
RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
WR Malik Nabers, LSU
WR Jalen McMillan, Washington
WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State
TE Brant Kuithe, Utah
OL Beaux Limmer, Arkansas
OL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
OL Christian Mahogany, Boston College
OL Tailese Fuaga, Oregon State
C Drake Nugent, Michigan
All-Purpose Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Defense
DL Mekhi Wingo, LSU
DL Junior Tafuna, Utah
DL Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois
DL Kris Jenkins, Michigan
LB Jaylan Ford, Texas
LB Dallas Turner, Alabama
LB Abdul Carter, Penn State
LB Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
CB Will Johnson, Michigan
S Javon Bullard, Georgia
S Demani Richardson, Texas A&M

Specialists
K Jonah Dalmas, Boise State
P Mason Fletcher, Cincinnati
KR Milan Tucker, Appalachian State
PR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
 

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Poll

Draft Insiders’ Top 25 Poll 2023 – Opening Week

Frank Coyle / Publisher
All-American Teams – Monday, August 28th

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Poll

1          Georgia            0-0                   
2          Michigan          0-0                   
3          Ohio State        0-0                   
4          Alabama          0-0                   
5          USC                 0-0       
6          LSU                  0-0                   
7          Florida State    0-0                   
8          Clemson          0-0                   
9          Notre Dame      0-0       
10         Washington      0-0       
11         Penn State       0-0       
12         Texas               0-0                   
13         Tennessee        0-0                   
14         Utah                 0-0                   
15         Oregon             0-0                   
16         Kansas State    0-0                   
17         TCU                  0-0                   
18         North Carolina 0-0       
19         Oregon State    0-0                   
20         Wisconsin        0-0                   
21         Oklahoma        0-0                   
22         Texas A&M      0-0                   
23         Ole Miss           0-0                   
24         Tulane              0-0                   
25         Iowa                 0-0                   

Complete Rankings
Others receiving consideration: Florida, Texas Tech, South Carolina, Pittsburgh, UCLA, UTSA, Arkansas, Boise State, Kentucky, Troy, Kansas, Louisville and Auburn  

 
Coaches Poll – Top 25 Poll

            Team               Record Points
1          Georgia (61)     0-0        1643    
2          Michigan          0-0        1510    
3          Alabama (4)      0-0        1489    
4          Ohio State (1)   0-0        1485    
5          LSU                  0-0        1294    
6          USC                 0-0        1228    
7          Penn State       0-0        1181    
8          Florida State    0-0        1145    
9          Clemson          0-0        1078    
10         Tennessee        0-0        991      
11         Washington      0-0        941      
12         Texas               0-0        848      
13         Notre Dame      0-0        841      
14         Utah                 0-0        839      
15         Oregon             0-0        820      
16         TCU                  0-0        655      
17         Kansas State    0-0        440      
18         Oregon State    0-0        365      
19         Oklahoma        0-0        320      
20         North Carolina 0-0        315      
21         Wisconsin        0-0        309      
22         Ole Miss           0-0        303      
23         Tulane              0-0        225      
24         Texas Tech      0-0        200      
25         Texas A&M      0-0        196      

Complete Rankings
Others receiving votes: Iowa 169, South Carolina 89, Florida 63, UTSA 59, Pittsburgh 52, UCLA 42, Kentucky 34, Baylor 28, Troy 25, Arkansas 20, Fresno State 19, NC State 19, Boise State 18, Auburn 18, Miami 16, Minnesota 16, Mississippi State 13, Oklahoma State 12, Missouri 11, Maryland 10, SMU 8, South Alabama 8, Illinois 7, Air Force 6, Wake Forest 6, Toledo 5, Washington State 4, Houston 3, BYU 2, Duke 2, Arizona 2, Kansas 1, James Madison 1, Memphis 1

2023 Lombardi Award Watch List

The 80-player watch list for the Lombardi award was released this week. The awards highlights college football fans the nation’s best linemen and linebackers on both sides of the ball. The list is below.

The winner of the award will be announced on December 6, 2023.

Keep people of Maui, Hawaii in thoughts and prayers. Donate generously.

Lombardi Award Award History below

Last year’s winner was LB Will Anderson of Alabama who was a #1 pick of the Houston Texans as the 3rd overall selection in the NFL Draft 2023. The only two-time winner of this prestigious award was OT Orlando Pace of Ohio State in 1995 and 1996. He was a #1 overall pick of the St. Louis Rams in the NFL Draft 1997. He earned both the College football HOF and the NFL HOF over his illustrious career.  

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in college player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a consultant to many NFL player agents related to all levels of preparation for the NFL Draft process. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

2023 Lombardi Award Watch List

Jaylon Allen – DL – Memphis (Sr.)
Joe Alt – OT – Notre Dame (Jr.)
Kelvin Banks Jr. – OT – Texas (So.)
Jaishawn Barham – LB – Maryland (So.)
Graham Barton – OT – Duke (Sr.)
Cooper Beebe – OG – Kansas State (Sr.)
Brock Bowers – TE – Georgia (Jr.)
Jacob Busic – DE – Navy (Sr.)
Barrett Carter – LB – Clemson (Jr.)
DeWayne Carter – DT – Duke (Sr.)
Abdul Carter – LB – Penn State (So.)
Brandon Coleman – OT – TCU (Sr.)
Junior Colson – LB – Michigan (Jr.)
Marley Cook – DT – Middle Tennessee (Jr.)
Dontay Corleone – DL – Cincinnati (So.)
Tyler Davis – DT – Clemson (Sr.)
Justin Dedich – OC – USC (Sr.)
Brandon Dorlus – DE – Oregon (Sr.)
Ethan Downs – DE – Oklahoma (Jr.)
Jamon Dumas-Johnson – LB – Georgia (Jr.)
Tommy Eichenberg – LB – Ohio State (Sr.)
D’Mitri Emmanuel – OG – Florida State (Sr.)
Olumuyiwa Fashanu – OT Penn State (Jr.)
Troy Fautanu – OT – Washington (Jr.)
Jaylan Ford – LB – Texas (Sr.)
Javon Foster – OT – Missouri (Sr.)
Zach Frazier – OC – West Virginia (Jr.)
Tailese Fuaga – OG – Oregon State (Jr.)
Dallas Gant – LB – Toledo (Sr.)
AJ Gillie – OG – Louisiana (Jr.)
Delmar Glaze – OT – Maryland (Jr.)
Cedric Gray – LB – North Carolina (Sr.)
Michael Hall Jr. – DT – Ohio State (Jr.)
Christian Haynes – OG – UConn (Sr.)
Jason Henderson – LB – Old Dominion (Jr)
Branson Hickman – OC – SMU (Jr.)
Jaylon Hutchings – DT – Texas Tech (Sr.)
Nick Jackson – LB – Iowa (Sr.)
Donovan Jackson – OG – Ohio State (Jr.)
McKinnley Jackson – DT – Texas A&M (Sr)
Kris Jenkins – DT – Michigan (Sr.)
Michael Jurgens – OC – Wake Forest (Sr.)
JT Killen – LB – Coastal Carolina (Sr.)
J.C. Latham – OT – Alabama (Jr.)
Laiatu Latu – DE – UCLA (Sr.)
Beaux Limmer – OT – Arkansas (Sr.)
Christian Mahogany – OG – Boston College (Sr.)
Jonah Monheim – OT – USC (Jr.)
Jordan Morgan – OT – Arizona (Sr.)
Gabriel Murphy – DE – UCLA (Jr.)
Jer’Zhan Newton – DT – Illinois (Jr.)
Maema Njongmeta – LB – Wisconsin (Sr.)
Mike Novitsky – OC – Kansas (Sr.)
Drake Nugent – OC – Michigan (Sr.)
Thor Paglialong – OC – Air Force (Sr.)
Josh Pearcy – DE – Rice (Jr.)
Harold Perkins – LB – LSU (So.)
Owen Porter – DE – Marshall (Sr)
Keith Randolph Jr. – DT – Illinois (Jr.)
Tate Ratledge – OG – Georgia (Jr.)
Luke Reimer – LB – Nebraska (Sr.)
Chop Robinson – DE – Penn State (Jr.)
Ja’Tavion Sanders – TE – Texas (Jr.)
Jackson Sirmon – LB – California (Sr.)
Brevyn Spann-Ford – TE – Minnesota (Sr.)
Kingsley Suamataia – OT – BYU (So.)
Junior Tafuna – DT – Utah (Jr.)
Bralen Trice – DE – Washington (Sr.)
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. – LB – Clemson (Jr.)
JT Tuimoloau – DE – Ohio State (Jr.)
Dallas Turner – LB – Alabama (Jr.)
Princely Umanmielen – DE – Florida (Jr.)
Sedrick Van Pran – OC – Georgia (So.)
Jared Verse – DE – Florida State (Jr.)
Nathaniel Watson – LB – Mississippi State (Sr.)
Marlowe Wax – LB – Syracuse (Jr.)
Damonic Williams – DT – TCU (So.)
Mykel Williams – DL – Georgia (So.)
Mekhi Wingo – DT – LSU (Jr.)
Zak Zinter – OG – Michigan (Sr.)

By Conference: Big Ten (19), SEC (14), Big 12 (12), Pac-12 (11), ACC (11), American (4), Sun Belt (4), Independent (2), MAC (1), Mountain West (1)

Lombardi Award Winners – History

Year     Player                         School
2022     Will Anderson Jr.         Alabama
2021     Aidan Hutchinson        Michigan
2020     Zaven Collins               Tulsa
2018     Ugo Amadi                   Oregon
2017     Bryce Love                  Stanford
2016     Jonathan Allen             Alabama
2015     Carl Nassib                  Penn State
2014     Scooby Wright             Arizona
2013     Aaron Donald               Pitt
2012     Manti Te’o                    Notre Dame
2011     Luke Kuechly               Boston College
2010     Nick Fairley                  Auburn
2009     Ndamukong Suh          Nebraska
2008     Brian Orakpo               Texas
2007     Glenn Dorsey               LSU
2006     LaMarr Woodley           Michigan
2005     A.J. Hawk                     Ohio State
2004     David Pollack               Georgia
2003     Tommie Harris             Oklahoma
2002     Terrell Suggs               Arizona St
2001     Julius Peppers             North Carolina
2000     Jamal Reynolds           Florida St
1999     Corey Moore                Virginia Tech
1998     Dat Nguyen                  Texas A&M
1997     Grant Wistrom             Nebraska
1996     Orlando Pace               Ohio State
1995     Orlando Pace               Ohio State
1994     Warren Sapp                Miami
1993     Aaron Taylor                Notre Dame
1992     Marvin Jones               Florida St
1991     Steve Emtman             Washington
1990     Chris Zorich                 Notre Dame
1989     Percy Lee Snow           Michigan St
1988     Tracy Rocker                Auburn
1987     Chris Spielman            Ohio State
1986     Cornelius Bennett        Alabama
1985     Tony Casillas               Oklahoma
1984     Tony Degrate               Texas
1983     Dean Steinkuhler         Nebraska
1982     Dave Rimington           Nebraska
1981     Kenneth Wayne Sims  Texas
1980     Hugh Donell Green      Pitt
1979     Brad Edward Budde     USC
1978     Bruce M. Clark             Penn State
1977     Ross Dean Browner     Notre Dame
1976     Wilson Whitley Jr.       Houston
1975     Lee Roy Selmon          Oklahoma
1974     Randy White               Maryland
1973     John Hicks Jr.             Ohio State
1972     Richard Glover             Nebraska
1971     Walter Patulski             Notre Dame
1970     Jim Stillwagon             Ohio State

Doak Walker Award Watch List – Backs, Braelon Allen, Blake Corum & Raheim Sanders Head List

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced the Doak Walker Preseason Watch list which consisted of 75 players. Heading the list is Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen, Michigan’s Blake Corum and Arkansas’s Raheim Sanders. The junior Allen will attempt to rush for his third straight 1200+ yards this fall. He fits the mold of great Badger running backs. He will get heavy competition especially from Corum and Sanders who totaled over 1400+ yards last fall.

Photo – Braelon Allen – Wisconsin / Las Vegas Bowl MVP 2021
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

The Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee comprises past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members, and selected special representatives.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in college player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a consultant to many NFL player agents related to all levels of preparation for the NFL Draft process. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

The 2023 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards.

The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back, Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.

Doak Walker 2023 Award Watch List

Rasheen Ali, Marshall
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
LeQuint Allen, Syracuse
Emani Bailey, TCU
Sieh Bangura, Ohio
Jovantae Barnes, Oklahoma
Kevorian Barnes, UTSA
Trey Benson, Florida State
Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Antario Brown, NIU
Jermaine Brown Jr., UAB
Noah Cain, LSU
Marcus Carroll, Georgia State
Blake Corum, Michigan
Marquis Crosby, Louisiana Tech
CJ Donaldson Jr., West Virginia
Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Justice Ellison, Wake Forest
Davion Ervin-Poindexter, WKU
Audric Estime’, Notre Dame
Samson Evans, Eastern Michigan
Pat Garwo, Boston College
Rodney Hammond Jr., Pitt
Deion Hankins, UTEP
Rahjai Harris, East Carolina
RJ Harvey, UCF
Roman Hemby, Maryland
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Daniel Hishaw Jr., Kansas
George Holani, Boise State
Bucky Irving, Oregon
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Kobe Johnson, Colorado State
Austin Jones, USC
Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss
Reggie Love III, Illinois
Jaylin Lucas, Indiana
Jo’Quavious Marks, Mississippi State
Damien Martinez, Oregon State
Tony Mathis Jr., Houston
Alton McCaskill, Colorado
Josh McCray, Illinois
Chez Mellusi, Wisconsin
Devin Mockobee, Purdue
Devin Neal, Kansas
Nate Noel, App State
Jaydn Ott, Cal
Frank Peasant, Middle Tennessee
Richard Reese, Baylor
Aidan Robbins, BYU
Kairee Robinson, San Jose State
Raheim Sanders, Arkansas
Trey Sanders, TCU
Will Shipley, Clemson
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
Jabari Small, Tennessee
Dontae Smith, Georgia Tech
E.J. Smith, Stanford
Kavosiey Smoke, Colorado
Carson Steele, UCLA
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Kimani Vidal, Troy
Treshaun Ward, Kansas State
Dre’lyn Washington, Louisiana
Nakia Watson, Washington State
La’Damian Webb, South Alabama
Noah Whittington, Oregon
Michael Wiley, Arizona
Sy’veon Wilkerson, Colorado
Josh Williams, LSU
Miyan Williams, Ohio State
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
 

2023 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List

Tallahassee, FL – The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, released the 2023 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List.

Photo – Marvin Harrison – Ohio State (courtesy of school)

Frank Coyle rates Marvin Harrison the #1 prospect for the NFL Draft 2024 regardless of position. Harrison heads a strong Biletnikoff class which should have a huge impact on the 2023 college season at one of the game’s elite impact positions.

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver.

The 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner and unanimous 1st-team All-America was Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee. Frank Coyle voted for Hyatt last year. Hyatt was drafted in the 3rd round by the New York Giants and was one of the top values in the NFL Draft 2023.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in college player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a consultant to many NFL player agents related to all levels of preparation for the NFL Draft process. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

The semifinalists, finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 650 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.

Receivers are frequently added to the watch list as their season performances dictate. Actual, not potential, performance is the basis for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

The Biletnikoff Award candidate eligibility and voting criteria, transparently explicit and detailed, are available for review at BiletnikoffAward.com/criteria.

2024 Biletnikoff Award keynote speaker and College Football Hall of Famer Danny Wuerffel

During his senior year in 1996, Danny Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy while leading the Florida Gators to their first national championship. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. He received the Draddy Trophy, which is presented annually by the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame to the nation’s top football scholar-athlete. His career pass efficiency rating of 163.56 was the best in major college history and his percentage of passes which went for a touchdown (9.74) ranked first in collegiate history.

The name Biletnikoff is synonymous with the term receiver. Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the pro and college football halls of fame, was a consensus All-America receiver at Florida State University and an All-Pro receiver for the Oakland Raiders. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns in his 14-year Raiders career from 1965 through 1978. Fred was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI.

The 2023 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List

   Additional receivers will be added as their season performances dictate

Alex Adams, Akron
Elijhah Badger, Arizona State
Brock Bowers, Georgia
Jerand Bradley, Texas Tech
Jalon Calhoun, Duke
Dante Cephas, Penn State
De’Corian Clark, UTSA
Keon Coleman, Florida State
Malachi Corley, WKU
Jacob Cowing, Arizona
Corey Crooms Jr., Minnesota
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Zakhari Franklin, Ole Miss
Troy Franklin, Oregon
Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
Corey Gammage, UCF
Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Khaleb Hood, Georgia Southern
Tory Horton, Colorado State
Tyrone Howell, ULM
Jeremiah Hunter, California
Ali Jennings III, Virginia Tech
Tez Johnson, Oregon
Caullin Lacy, South Alabama
Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
Dominic Lovett, Georgia
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Jalen McMillan, Washington
Malik Nabers, LSU
Jerjuan Newton, Toledo
Rome Odunze, Washington
Ryan O’Keefe, Boston College
Sam Pinckney, Coastal Carolina
Brennan Presley, Oklahoma State
Bradley Rozner, NC State
Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt
Dorian Singer, USC
Tyrin Smith, UTEP
Elijah Spencer, Minnesota
J.Michael Sturdivant, UCLA
Jamari Thrash, Louisville
Devin Voisin, South Alabama
Devontez Walker, North Carolina
Tahj Washington, USC
Antwane Wells Jr., South Carolina
Sam Wiglusz, Ohio
Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Xavier Worthy, Texas

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot or inside receiver, wingback, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award.

(BiletnikoffAward.com/about_award)

Important Dates

August 7, 2023:
Preseason Watch List announcement

Sept. 27, 2023:
FanVote opens

Nov. 13 – 19, 2023:
Vote by the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee to determine Semifinalists

Nov. 20, 2023:
Semifinalists announcement

Nov. 20 – 25, 2023:
Vote to determine 3 Finalists

Nov. 28, 2023:
3 Finalists announcement

Nov. 28 – Dec. 2, 2023:
Final vote to determine Biletnikoff Award Winner

Dec. 7, 2023:
Biletnikoff Award Winner announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards
The Home Depot College Football Awards airs live on ESPN Dec. 7, 2023, 7 – 8:30 PM (EST)

The Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration honors the 2021 Biletnikoff Award Winner on Saturday, March 9, 2024
The Dunlap Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida