Georgia broke the mold in two ways last season. The Bulldogs showed they could win a national championship after four decades without one. They also proved that defense could go the distance in the College Football Playoff.
Before Georgia, every other CFP winner had been propelled mainly by its offense and/or quarterback play. There’s a good chance the trend will resume in 2022, especially with Alabama (Bryce Young) and Ohio State (C.J. Stroud) as the two strongest title favorites.
At the top, college football is still largely driven by quarterbacks and record-setting offenses. Here at Future Power Rankings headquarters, it’s time to project the nation’s 25 best offenses over the next three seasons: 2022, 2023 and 2024. This list will have some crossover with the quarterback rankings unveiled last month, but there will be some key differences, too.
Several teams that just missed the cut for QB rankings — mainly because they lacked depth behind strong players who would depart after the 2022 season — project better for overall offense. Tennessee fits the description. So does Purdue. Other teams that look strong at quarterback had too many question marks with the offensive unit to make this list.
As always, coaching changes and transfers factor into the rankings. Several offenses that placed in last year’s FPR top 10 — Oklahoma, Clemson, USC, North Carolina — could look quite different entering the 2022 season. A reminder: All of the offenses were evaluated based on who is on the roster right now and the recruits committed to play for the teams. While transfers and other changes are inevitable, these projections are based on a snapshot of what we know now.
2022 future QB ranking: 1
2021 future offense ranking: 4
Scouting the Buckeyes: The effect of several strong recruiting cycles under coach Ryan Day is showing with an Ohio State offense that should be loaded through the 2024 season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud enters what’s likely his final college season as a top Heisman Trophy candidate, after passing for 2,165 yards and 21 touchdowns in his final five games last season. Kyle McCord should be ready to step in for 2023 and possibly 2024, and QB recruiting remains strong. Ohio State could have the nation’s best triple threat with Stroud, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back TreVeyon Henderson, who will play at least two more seasons in Columbus after rushing for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman. Smith-Njigba (1,606 receiving yards) will lead a wideout group that will lean more on Julian Fleming, Marvin Harrison Jr. and dynamic sophomore Emeka Egbuka. Sophomore Miyan Williams, who averaged 7.2 yards per carry, will back up Henderson.
Ohio State hired Justin Frye to upgrade an offensive line not short on talent but needing a boost after being overpowered by Michigan late last fall. Dawand Jones and Paris Johnson Jr. form one of the nation’s top tackle tandems, while center Luke Wypler and guard Matt Jones each earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2021. Wypler and projected starting guard Donovan Jackson each have sophomore eligibility, as does Josh Fryar, a rotation piece at guard. The Buckeyes will miss Jeremy Ruckert at tight end, and should turn to veteran Mitch Rossi, junior Gee Scott Jr. and others.
2022 future QB ranking: 3
2021 future offense ranking: 2
Scouting the Tide: Alabama has become the epicenter for offensive star power in college football. The Tide have produced the past two Heisman Trophy winners in wide receiver DeVonta Smith and quarterback Bryce Young, who returns this fall to lead the unit in what should be his final college season. Alabama has recruited well behind Young with Ty Simpson, ESPN’s No. 33 recruit in the 2022 class, and should be in the mix for Arch Manning and other top quarterback prospects for 2023. The Tide also picked up versatile running back Jahmyr Gibbs, a transfer from Georgia Tech who last year earned All-ACC honors at three different positions. Gibbs will have sophomore eligibility for Alabama, and joins Trey Sanders, Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams in the backfield. The team has strong short-term depth at tight end with Cameron Latu (26 receptions in 2021) back for a final season. Alabama recently added three tight end recruits, including ESPN 300 prospect Amari Niblack.
There are more immediate questions at wide receiver than normal after the departures of Jameson Williams and John Metchie III. Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton hopes to replicate the impact Williams had, as he leads a young group. Sophomore Ja’Corey Brooks had 15 receptions last season and should grow into a bigger role. Agiye Hall, Traeshon Holden and JoJo Earle, who returns from a knee injury, also will have opportunities to produce. There’s plenty of experience in the interior offensive line with Emil Ekiyor Jr. (29 career starts) and others. Alabama must replace both starting tackles but recruited ESPN’s top two tackle prospects in the 2021 class with Tommy Brockermeyer and J.C. Latham.
2022 future QB ranking: 2
2021 future offense ranking: 7
Scouting the Trojans: Coach Lincoln Riley’s move to USC signaled a guaranteed upgrade for the offense. Although the Trojans weren’t bad on offense under the previous coaching staff, Riley’s track record for quarterback development and overall production is virtually unmatched. The addition of quarterback transfer Caleb Williams, who shined under Riley as a true freshman at Oklahoma in 2021, gives USC a case for the top spot. The Trojans are in line to get two years of Williams at quarterback, as well as at least one year of other transfers such as wide receivers Mario Williams (Oklahoma) and Terrell Bynum (Washington), and running backs Travis Dye (Oregon) and Austin Jones (Stanford). USC also added wide receiver C.J. Williams, an ESPN 300 prospect, and running back Raleek Brown, ESPN’s No. 63 player in the 2022 class.
USC must replace standout wide receiver Drake London, who led the team with 88 receptions for 1,084 yards in 2021. But Gary Bryant Jr. and Tahj Washington are solid wideouts with multiple seasons of eligibility left. They should form a strong group of targets with the transfers and newcomers. Dye (4,337 career all-purpose yards) is the team’s second-most important transfer, as he provides short-term stability at running back and allows time for Brown and others to develop. USC needs a tight end to emerge after Michael Trigg‘s transfer to Ole Miss. Four offensive line starters return, and USC adds Virginia transfer Bobby Haskins (20 career starts) at tackle. But depth beyond 2022 is a question, and USC’s O-line recruiting under Riley and Josh Henson will be worth monitoring. So will the running back room beyond the portal.
2022 future QB ranking: 4
2021 future offense ranking: 6
Scouting the Aggies: The next three seasons will shape coach Jimbo Fisher’s tenure in College Station, and anything short of a CFP appearance would be a major disappointment. Texas A&M signed a historically strong 2022 recruiting class, and while many of the biggest names are on the defensive line, the team added two of ESPN’s top four receivers (Evan Stewart, Chris Marshall) and ESPN’s top-rated quarterback in Conner Weigman. Quarterback projects as a strength as Weigman joins LSU transfer Max Johnson and Haynes King, who opened 2021 as the starter before sustaining a broken leg. The QB depth should help as the Aggies lose standouts at running back (Isaiah Spiller), tight end (Jalen Wydermyer) and offensive tackle (Kenyon Green). Spiller’s loss should be offset by junior Devon Achane, who averages 7.4 yards per rush for his career but has yet to be featured. Texas A&M’s ability to develop other backs this fall, including LJ Johnson Jr. and incoming freshman Le’veon Moss, an ESPN top-50 recruit, will be important.
Wide receiver might be the biggest spot to watch as the Aggies aim for fewer drops and more consistency. Junior Ainias Smith will lead the group for at least one more season after recording 90 receptions and 12 touchdowns the past two years. There are high hopes for veteran Caleb Chapman, Moose Muhammad III, Yulkeith Brown and others. Wide receiver Demond Demas (15.6 yards per reception in 2021) is suspended from school following his arrest on a family violence assault charge. Swedish import Theodor Ohrstrom could help fill the production void left by Wydermyer. Despite losing Green, the line projects well with tackle Reuben Fatheree II and center Bryce Foster, who both earned freshman All-America honors in 2021. Junior Layden Robinson is a promising interior lineman, especially with run blocking.
2022 future QB ranking: 5
2021 future offense ranking: 5
Scouting the Bulldogs: Georgia has more to replace on defense than offense, which returns quarterback Stetson Bennett and other key players from the title team. Bennett headlines a quarterback room that includes more heralded prospects Brock Vandagriff, Carson Beck and incoming freshman Gunner Stockton, ESPN’s No. 5 dual threat in the 2022 class. The Bulldogs must reload at running back after losing James Cook and Zamir White, and will turn to Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton, who combined for 114 carries last season. Georgia also welcomes Branson Robinson, ESPN’s top running back and No. 35 overall recruit in the 2022 class. Wide receiver will be an interesting spot to watch following Burton’s departure, but Georgia brings back promising young players such as Ladd McConkey and Adonai Mitchell, alongside veteran Kearis Jackson and junior Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. Will LSU transfer Arik Gilbert emerge this year? Georgia also could get contributions from Arian Smith and Dominick Blaylock.
Tight end Brock Bowers likely will remain the centerpiece of Georgia’s offense after recording team highs in receptions (56), receiving yards (882) and receiving touchdowns (13) as a freshman in 2021. Bowers and junior Darnell Washington form an excellent tandem in coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme, and Georgia added ESPN 300 recruit Oscar Delp. New line coach Stacy Searels takes over a group that returns veteran tackle Warren McClendon, sophomore center Sedrick Van Pran, senior guard Warren Ericson and others. Georgia added tackle Earnest Greene III, ESPN’s No. 69 overall recruit in the 2022 class, and has a commitment from top-100 junior tackle Bo Hughley.
2022 future QB ranking: 7
2021 future offense ranking: 1
Scouting the Sooners: No unit in college football has been impacted more by offseason changes than Oklahoma’s offense. Riley went to USC, along with both Williamses, and several other notables have left the program. While the characters will be different in Norman, the results might not change very much. Quarterback transfer Dillon Gabriel is the key to providing stability in the short term. He passed for 7,223 yards and 61 touchdowns in his first two seasons at UCF, and worked under new OU offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby in 2019 with the Knights. The Sooners need Gabriel to produce and stay healthy, as his likely backup will be true freshman Nick Evers, ESPN’s No. 7 pocket passer in the 2022 class. If Gabriel stays a second season in Norman, Oklahoma’s offense should be in really good shape. Running back is a bit of a mystery after the exit of Kennedy Brooks (3,320 career rushing yards). Will Tennessee transfer Eric Gray take control after a disappointing 2021 season? Marcus Major brings some experience, and OU signed two of ESPN’s top seven running back recruits in Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes.
Other than Gabriel, the offense’s most important short-term player is wide receiver Marvin Mims, who led the team with 705 receiving yards in 2021. Mims and Theo Wease, who had 37 catches in 2020 before missing last season with injury, likely will lead the group along with Drake Stoops. But there’s plenty of opportunity for players such as Trevon West and Jalil Farooq. Tight ends Brayden Willis and Daniel Parker Jr., a Missouri transfer, help in the short term, but how Lebby uses the position going forward will be interesting. OU retained respected line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who oversees a group that needs improvement across the board. The interior should be solid with center Andrew Raym, Chris Murray and Robert Congel, and if tackle Anton Harrison elevates his play, the line likely will be fine this coming season. OU signed two ESPN 300 linemen in the 2022 class (Jake Taylor, Jacob Sexton).
2022 future QB ranking: 6
2021 future offense ranking: 18
Scouting the Canes: The excitement for coach Mario Cristobal’s arrival is justified at the U. His connection to both the school and the city should upgrade talent and depth in the coming years. He inherits a promising young quarterback in Tyler Van Dyke, who earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 (2,931 passing yards, 25 touchdowns). Cristobal’s history with developing the offensive line, a weakness for Miami for many years, also bodes well. There are some immediate concerns, though, as the Hurricanes lack guaranteed star power at wide receiver and running back. Van Dyke and Jake Garcia give new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis two exciting young options at quarterback. Gattis, who cut his teeth coaching receivers, takes over a group with solid veterans (Key’Shawn Smith, Frank Ladson) but also several exciting young players, such as Romello Brinson, Brashard Smith and Jacolby George, who averaged 26.1 yards per reception in limited action as a freshman. Veteran tight end Will Mallory gives Miami a proven option, and Cristobal signed Jaleel Skinner, ESPN’s No. 3 tight end in the 2022 class.
The offensive line might take some time to upgrade, but Cristobal and longtime line coach Alex Mirabal inherit good building blocks with tackles DJ Scaife (40 career starts, second-team All-ACC in 2021) and Zion Nelson, who excelled in pass protection last season. Center Jakai Clark has started most of the past two seasons. But Miami’s struggles in the run game (3.7 yards per rush last fall) suggest there will be shuffling under the new staff. Miami returns some running backs with experience, such as the versatile Jaylan Knighton and Don Chaney Jr., but both are limited in spring practice. But expect competition for carries as Miami added Ole Miss transfer Henry Parrish and ESPN 300 recruit TreVonte’ Citizen.
2022 future QB ranking: 10
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Wolverines: There’s a lot to like about this unit, not only for 2022 but beyond. Although Gattis’ departure in the wake of coach Jim Harbaugh’s NFL flirtation came as a surprise, Michigan will have schematic continuity with quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss joining Sherrone Moore as co-coordinators, and sharing the playcalling duties. Weiss spent a year coaching Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, who will compete for the QB1 job throughout the offseason. Both have multiple years of eligibility left. Michigan also returns the “lightning” in its rushing tandem, as junior Blake Corum is back after a 952-yard, 11-touchdown season. Corum steps into the lead role but will have help from sophomore Donovan Edwards, who averaged 5 yards per carry with three touchdowns in limited work. Michigan got a big short-term boost when tight end Erick All (38 receptions, 437 yards in 2021) chose to return. The team will need to build tight end depth for 2023 and 2024.
Wide receiver projects as a strength. Senior Cornelius Johnson (team-high 39 receptions) leads the group, which will get a lift if Ronnie Bell returns at full strength from a torn ACL. Mike Sainristil provides a veteran presence, and both Roman Wilson and Andrel Anthony should be big-play contributors through the 2023 season. The two combined to average 18.1 yards per catch last season. Michigan loses two starters from a line that won the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s best in 2021. The guard spot is solid with returning starters Zak Zinter and Trevor Keegan, while Ryan Hayes enters his third and final season as Michigan’s starting left tackle. Michigan added Virginia transfer Olusegun Oluwatimi, a Rimington Trophy finalist in 2021, as a short-term answer at center. Trente Jones and Karsen Barnhart are both experienced linemen, and junior Reece Atteberry could soon emerge.
2022 future QB ranking: 8
2021 future offense ranking: 9
Scouting the Longhorns: Coach Steve Sarkisian’s impact in Austin should begin to show more during the next three seasons, both in recruiting and on the field. Texas’ quarterback competition between Hudson Card and Quinn Ewers will be a top national storyline, and the team has some insurance with Maalik Murphy, an ESPN 300 prospect in the 2022 class. Whoever wins the starting job will share a backfield with Bijan Robinson, who rushed for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. Although Robinson is almost surely gone to the NFL after the 2022 season, Texas has other options with senior Roschon Johnson, junior Keilan Robinson and incoming freshman Jaydon Blue, an ESPN 300 recruit. Texas will have a featured receiver through at least 2023 in Xavier Worthy, who earned Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors after leading the team in receptions (62), yards (981) and touchdowns (12). The Longhorns added a key transfer in Wyoming‘s Isaiah Neyor (878 yards, 12 touchdowns in 2021), and will look for a healthy Jordan Whittington to produce. Marcus Washington (seven starts) adds a veteran to the mix.
Offensive line is the area where Texas needs the most upgrades, and they could be on the way. The team’s top three incoming recruits are linemen, headlined by Devon Campbell, ESPN’s top-rated guard and No. 9 overall player in the 2022 class. How soon Campbell, Kelvin Banks, Neto Umeozulu and other young players enter the rotation will be interesting. Texas returns interior line experience with center Jake Majors (12 starts as a redshirt freshman) and guards Junior Angilau and Hayden Conner. Texas has experience at tackle, but Banks (ESPN’s No. 32 recruit for 2022) could make an early push for playing time. Sarkisian added tight end transfer Jahleel Billingsley, whom he coached at Alabama in 2020, to a group that lost production.
2022 future QB ranking: 12
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Bulldogs: Coach Mike Leach needed only two years to establish Mississippi State as the SEC’s top passing offense, and the trend lines are strong in Starkville. After a record-setting 2021 season, quarterback Will Rogers is back for an encore and could lead the high-powered offense through 2023. Rogers, who has 6,715 pass yards in his first two seasons, headlines a quarterback room that also includes Sawyer Robertson, ESPN’s No. 56 overall recruit in the 2021 class. The Bulldogs’ backfield also features versatile junior Jo’quavious Marks, an ideal back for Leach’s offense. Marks led the team in carries (106) and rushing touchdowns (6) last season, while also finishing second in receptions with 83. Mississippi State also returns junior Dillon Johnson, who led the team with 485 rushing yards in 2021 and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Leach said in November he would like to incorporate more tight ends. Antonio Harmon, designated as a receiver, was an ESPN 300 tight end recruit in 2021.
Mississippi State loses 1,000-yard receiver Makai Polk but regains more than enough production. Junior Jaden Walley could become one of the SEC’s top wideouts after recording 55 receptions, including six touchdowns, in 2021. The Bulldogs also return veterans Austin Williams (52 receptions, 617 yards last fall) and Jamire Calvin (29 receptions, three touchdowns) and younger players such as Rara Thomas, who will factor in the rotation in 2023. The offensive line loses a superstar in left tackle Charles Cross, and two non-senior transfers — Percy Lewis and Steven Losoya III — could help fill the void. The group got a short-term boost when center LaQuinston Sharp received a sixth year of eligibility. Linemen such as Albert Reese IV and Gabe Cavazos Jr. should be factors for 2023 and 2024.
2022 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2021 future offense ranking: 17
Scouting the Knights: Since 2019, UCF ranks fifth nationally in scoring, sixth in total yards and ninth in yards per play. Although the quarterback outlook isn’t quite as solid as in the past, the overall unit projects quite well during the next few years, which include the Big 12 transition. Quarterback Mikey Keene might turn out to be the next great Knights signal-caller, as he faced a tough situation last year as a true freshman thrust into action following Dillon Gabriel’s collarbone injury. Keene still completed 63.8% of his passes with 17 touchdowns and only six interceptions. UCF has other options at quarterback with Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee, sophomore Parker Navarro and incoming freshman Thomas Castellanos. Even more excitement comes at running back, as junior Johnny Richardson returns after averaging 7 yards per carry in 2021. Richardson joins workhorse senior Isaiah Bowser, who logged a team-high 159 carries last fall. Veteran Mark-Antony Richards remains, and other young backs should enter the mix in 2023.
The offense’s strength could be at wide receiver, as Jaylon Robinson returns from injury to complement top target Ryan O’Keefe (84 receptions, 812 yards in 2021) and others. Kobe Hudson, who had 44 receptions for Auburn in 2021, transferred to UCF to rejoin coach Gus Malzahn and has three years of eligibility left. Quarterback Joey Gatewood, who made stops at Auburn and Kentucky, also could be an option at receiver, and UCF has a nice rotation piece in senior Amari Johnson. The offensive line received a big boost when tackle Samuel Jackson (33 career starts) returned for a sixth season. Jackson forms a nice nucleus with center Matthew Lee, who enters his third year as a starter, and second-team All-AAC guard Lokahi Pauole. The additions of transfers Ryan Swoboda (Virginia) and Tylan Grable (Jacksonville State) solidify the line for 2022. Malzahn has featured tight ends in the past and could emphasize the spot more with Florida transfer Kemore Gamble (48 career receptions, 632 receiving yards).
2022 future QB ranking: 9
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Wolfpack: After nearly a decade of solid results under coach Dave Doeren, NC State is poised to break through during the next three seasons. The offense projects well, especially at quarterback, where Devin Leary returns after a huge season (3,433 pass yards, 35 touchdowns, 5 interceptions). Leary could lead the offense through 2023, and even if he departs next year, NC State has Ben Finley and others waiting their turn. NC State must replace key losses elsewhere on offense, including left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The Wolfpack also must fill holes at running back (Zonovan Knight, Ricky Person Jr.) and wide receiver (Emeka Emezie). But Doeren recruits well, and several players are ready to step in. Wideouts Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter both return after combining for 82 receptions, 14 touchdown catches and 1,152 yards in 2021. NC State needs to create more depth, and will look to sophomore Porter Rooks, junior Keyon Lesane and others.
Junior Jordan Houston (163 career carries) gets his opportunity to become NC State’s featured back after playing behind Knight and Person. Other options around Houston include sophomores Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, Delbert Mimms III and Demarcus Jones, as well as Micah Crowell, an ESPN 300 recruit in 2021 who shifted from wide receiver to running back. The line gets versatile veteran Bryson Speas back for one more year, and could use him at tackle or guard. Sophomore Timothy McKay was a valuable rotation piece in 2021 and could end up replacing Ekwonu at left tackle. All-ACC center Grant Gibson returns for his final season, and both junior Derrick Eason and sophomore Dylan McMahon have starting experience from 2021. NC State also is fighting to get guard Chandler Zavala, the Division II transfer, a sixth year of eligibility. Junior Trent Pennix and sophomore Christopher Toudle aren’t listed as tight ends but essentially fill the role. They combined for 35 receptions, including seven touchdowns, last fall.
2022 future QB ranking: 17
2021 future offense ranking: 3
Scouting the Tigers: Clemson’s offense enters a pivotal season after taking a step back in 2021 and losing long-time playcaller Tony Elliott, who took the Virginia head-coaching job. New coordinator Brandon Streeter played quarterback at Clemson and coached the Tigers’ QBs throughout the program’s historic run since 2015, but the offense is undoubtedly in a transition period. The first step is figuring out the starting signal-caller, as D.J. Uiagalelei tries to keep his job from challenger Cade Klubnik, ESPN’s No. 2 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class. There’s more certainty at running back with sophomore Will Shipley and junior Kobe Pace, who combined for 1,379 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2021. Both could solidify the backfield through the 2023 season, and bruising sophomore Phil Mafah adds depth. Tight end Davis Allen has 44 receptions and seven touchdowns the past two seasons, and could play through 2023. Sophomore Jake Briningstool, an ESPN top-100 recruit in 2021, is a long-term starting option.
New line coach Thomas Austin will try to upgrade a group that opposing coaches have long viewed as a weak spot. Clemson returns anchors in senior tackle Jordan McFadden, a second-team All-ACC selection in 2021, and senior guard Will Putnam (22 career starts). Junior Mason Trotter and sophomore Marcus Tate both boast starting experience and multiple years of eligibility left. Tackle Tristan Leigh, a top-25 national recruit in 2021, enters his second season after redshirting. Coach Dabo Swinney is pivoting from his longtime transfer portal stance, as the program seeks an experienced center. Clemson will look for more from a receiving corps returning senior Joseph Ngata, sophomore Beaux Collins and juniors Brannon Spector and E.J. Williams. The team also signed two top-100 receiver recruits in Adam Randall and Antonio Williams.
2022 future QB ranking: 25
2021 future offense ranking: 23
Scouting the Cougars: Since 2019, BYU has averaged 34.8 points (14th nationally) and 471.7 yards per game (eighth nationally), and should maintain a strong trajectory the next three seasons. Quarterback Jaren Hall returns after a productive first season as the starter (2,583 pass yards, 20 touchdowns, 307 rushing yards) to lead the offense, and BYU has insurance with Jacob Conover, ESPN’s No. 109 overall recruit in the 2019 class. The passing game could be even better in 2022 and beyond with Puka Nacua (805 receiving yards, six touchdowns) and Gunner Romney (594 receiving yards, three touchdowns) both back, along with a promising group of younger wideouts. Sophomore Keanu Hill averaged more than 19 yards per reception in 2021, while third-year wideout Kody Epps is finally healthy and generated a lot of buzz in spring practice. Chase Roberts is also at full strength, and BYU’s top two incoming recruits are receivers, including ESPN 300 prospect Cody Hagen.
BYU likely will lean more on the pass game after losing 1,600-yard rusher Tyler Allgeier. The team picked up a short-term solution in Cal transfer Christopher Brooks, who has 1,734 career rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, and also can contribute in the passing game. Veteran Lopini Katoa (242 rush yards in 2021) will help Brooks and others this season, although BYU needs to build for 2023 and 2024. The offensive line will continue to be a strength as the Cougars return two anchors in junior tackle Blake Freeland and junior guard Clark Barrington. BYU also gets experienced guard Joe Tukuafu for a sixth season, and adds Oregon transfer Kingsley Suamataia, ESPN’s No. 97 overall recruit in the 2021 class. Tight end Isaac Rex last fall had 18 receptions, including three touchdowns, but a late-season injury allowed Dallin Holker and others to get more time in spring practice.
2022 future QB ranking: 20
2021 future offense ranking: 14
Scouting the Irish: The Irish lose a few offensive standouts — running back Kyren Williams, wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. — and go through some transition at quarterback and on the coaching staff, but the overall outlook remains strong. There’s excitement around the program to see what coordinator Tommy Rees does with more playcalling autonomy, and with a quarterback in Tyler Buchner who could elevate the entire unit. Buchner and Drew Pyne are competing to see who likely will lead the offense through 2023. Whoever wins the job will be throwing to arguably the nation’s best tight end in Michael Mayer, who led the team with 71 receptions in 2021 and has 113 through two college seasons. Although Mayer will be gone in 2023, Notre Dame’s track record at tight end suggests others will emerge, such as Cane Berrong, ESPN’s top tight end and No. 51 overall recruit in the 2021 class. The key for Rees and new coach Marcus Freeman will be developing more options at receiver. Braden Lenzy and Avery Davis both return for a final season, but the continued development of sophomore Lorenzo Styles Jr. (24 receptions, 344 yards in 2021), sophomore Deion Colzie and others is essential. Notre Dame could also add Carnell Tate, ESPN’s No. 60 prospect in the 2023 class.
Notre Dame’s best offenses have been elite up front, and the 2022 line projects very well under coach Harry Hiestand, who begins his second stint with the Irish. Center Jarrett Patterson surprisingly turned down the NFL for another year at Notre Dame, where he’ll lead a line also featuring tackles Blake Fisher and Joe Alt, who both have multiple years of eligibility left. Sophomore Andrew Kristofic and veteran Josh Lugg fill the guard spots, and sophomore Rocco Spindler and others solidify the line’s future. Notre Dame signed four ESPN 300 linemen in 2022, headlined by tackle Aamil Wagner. The line should help both the new quarterback and the running backs, as Chris Tyree and others try to break through. Tyree, Logan Diggs and Audric Estime all have multiple years of eligibility remaining.
2022 future QB ranking: 16
2021 future offense ranking: 11
Scouting the Tigers: Brian Kelly has produced solid to excellent offenses throughout his coaching career, and aims to replicate his success on the Bayou. His first LSU offense features plenty of talented pieces, but how they come together in Year 1 and beyond will be fascinating. The quarterback room is quite full, as LSU has two veteran options for 2022 in Myles Brennan, who returns from injury, and Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels, a three-year starter trying to recapture his 2019 form. The future at QB also looks bright with Garrett Nussmeier and incoming freshman Walker Howard, both ESPN top-65 national recruits in the past two classes. Whoever wins the job this year will throw to one of college football’s best receivers in Kayshon Boutte, who had nine touchdown receptions in only six games last fall. Receptions leader Jack Bech returns as a sophomore, and LSU has several other interesting non-seniors, including Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers. Also, ESPN 300 junior Omarion Miller is committed to LSU.
The big short-term areas of concern are the offensive line and tight end. LSU has some versatile linemen such as sophomore Garrett Dellinger and junior Anthony Bradford, who can play both guard and tackle. Kelly and line coach Brad Davis, a holdover from the previous staff, need transfers Miles Frazier (Florida International) and Tre’Mond Shorts (East Tennessee State) to pan out this coming season. LSU also could get a boost if oft-injured senior Cam Wire stays healthy. There’s good news in recruiting, as LSU added five-star tackle Will Campbell (ESPN’s No. 13 overall recruit) and four-star guard Emery Jones in the 2022 class. Tight ends Kole Taylor and Jack Mashburn both played 12 games last fall but have room to grow, and LSU has a commitment from Mac Markway, ESPN’s No. 121 junior prospect. Running back John Emery Jr. returns after academic issues cost him all of last season. LSU also added Penn State transfer Noah Cain, who rushed for eight touchdowns as a freshman in 2019.
2022 future QB ranking: 13
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Bruins: UCLA’s offense surged in coach Chip Kelly’s fourth season, as the Bruins averaged 36.5 points and 6.2 yards per play. A veteran backfield gives the unit a chance to keep things rolling in 2022. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson returns for his fourth season as the starter, after showing strong dual-threat skills and efficiency last season. UCLA seems set up well for the post-DTR era, as Washington transfer Ethan Garbers and three notable recruits — Parker McQuarrie, Kajiya Hollawayne and Justyn Martin — provide depth. Running back Zach Charbonnet will join Thompson-Robinson for one final season after piling up 1,137 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in his Bruins debut. The key for Kelly is finding others to spell Charbonnet and ultimately take over in 2023 and 2024. UCLA loses leading receiver Kyle Phillips and will turn to Kam Brown, Kazmeir Allen and Duke transfer Jake Bobo in the short term. The 2023 outlook rests on players such as Logan Loya, UCF transfer Titus Mokiao-Atimalala and Jadyn Marshall, an ESPN 300 recruit in the 2022 class.
UCLA also will miss standout tight end Greg Dulcich (42 receptions, 725 yards) in the pass game. Senior Michael Ezeike could step in but hasn’t contributed much so far, and UCLA might be anxious to turn to incoming freshmen Jack Pedersen and Carsen Ryan, two of ESPN’s top four tight end-Y recruits in the 2022 class. New line coach Tim Drevno takes over a group trying to build on a strong year, while replacing several key pieces. Veterans Jon Gaines II, Sam Marrazzo and Atonio Mafi should stabilize the unit this year, along with Rutgers transfer tackle Raiqwon O’Neal (21 starts).
2022 future QB ranking: 15
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Spartans: Coach Mel Tucker’s background is on defense, but his first top-10 Michigan State team surged behind its offense. The immediate question is how much of MSU’s offensive success hinged on Kenneth Walker III, the running back transfer who won the Doak Walker Award (1,636 rush yards, 18 touchdowns) before departing for the NFL. MSU can’t expect impact transfers such as Walker every year, but if Tucker’s recruiting and development go as planned, the team won’t need them. Quarterback Payton Thorne somewhat quietly produced one of the best passing seasons in team history, including a record 27 touchdown passes. He should lead the offense through 2023, and MSU has a potential successor in place in Katin Houser, a four-star recruit in the 2022 class. Thorne also will be throwing to two of his top three targets this fall, as Jayden Reed (1,026 receiving yards in 2021) and Tre Mosley (530 yards) both return. Reed departs next year, but Mosley could play through 2023. MSU has other non-senior options, such as Montorie Foster and Keon Coleman, who has drawn strong reviews this spring.
MSU again went to the transfer portal for two running backs with starting experience in Jarek Broussard (Colorado) and Jalen Berger (Wisconsin). Broussard earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2020. Other backs include veterans Elijah Collins and Jordon Simmons. The offensive line must overcome some attrition, but left tackle Jarrett Horst returns for a final year, alongside left guard J.D. Duplain (23 career starts). Center Nick Samac and guard Matt Carrick are both veterans with starting experience. Line coach Chris Kapilovic must develop tackle Spencer Brown and other non-seniors for 2023. MSU has a commitment from ESPN 300 junior Johnathan Slack. Top tight end Connor Heyward departs, but the Spartans have options with senior Tyler Hunt, redshirt sophomore Maliq Carr, Illinois transfer Daniel Barker and incoming freshman Jack Nickel, an ESPN four-star prospect.
2022 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cougars: The Third Ward defense fueled Houston’s 12-win season in 2021, but the offense should soon break out as the program prepares for its move to the Big 12. Coach Dana Holgorsen’s patience with quarterback Clayton Tune paid dividends as he passed for 3,294 yards and 28 touchdowns. Tune enters his final season and will lead an offense that again features wide receiver Nathaniel Dell (1,177 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns) and running back Alton McCaskill IV (922 rush yards, 16 touchdowns). Both Dell and McCaskill have multiple years of eligibility left. Houston returns several productive seniors, including backup running back Ta’Zhawn Henry, tight end Christian Trahan and wide receiver KeSean Carter, who appeared in only nine games last year because of a foot injury. Houston bolstered its wide receiver room with transfers Sam Brown (West Virginia) and Joseph Manjack IV (USC), and incoming freshman Matthew Golden, an ESPN 300 recruit.
Offensive line is the key area to watch as Houston ranked 105th nationally in sacks allowed last season (2.79 per game). The group loses three starters but has a foundational piece in Patrick Paul, who started at left tackle as a redshirt freshman throughout the 2021 season. Paul should play at least through 2023, and guard Tank Jenkins also has multiple years of eligibility left after starting last season. The competition at center is worth monitoring as true freshman Demetrius Hunter, an ESPN 300 recruit, enters the mix alongside junior Jack Freeman. A concern with Houston, and why I didn’t include the team in the quarterback rankings, is what happens at quarterback in 2023 and 2024. Houston likely will be active in the transfer portal.
2022 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2021 future offense ranking: 19
Scouting the Rebels: I nearly included Ole Miss in the quarterback rankings, based on coach Lane Kiffin’s history on offense and the promise of transfer Jaxson Dart. Although there still are some questions at QB with Dart and Luke Altmyer, the overall unit projects well, especially if there’s some development this coming season. Since 2019, Ole Miss ranks fifth nationally in yards per game (494.3). Whoever wins the quarterback competition should lead the unit through 2023, at least. The starter will share a backfield for at least one season with Zach Evans, the TCU transfer and former five-star recruit who averaged 7.3 yards per rush despite being underutilized with the Horned Frogs. Self-proclaimed portal king Kiffin also added SMU transfer Ulysses Bentley IV, who led the AAC in rushing in 2020 and should be a feature back after Evans departs to the NFL. Junior tight end Casey Kelly had 17 receptions in 2021, and Hudson Wolfe, an ESPN four-star recruit in 2021, enters his second season in the program. Michael Trigg‘s arrival from USC gives the group a chance to become special.
Like other areas of Ole Miss’ offense, the wide receivers could face some initial turbulence, especially trying to replace Dontario Drummond‘s production. But the long-term forecast is good. Senior Jonathan Mingo (61 career receptions) has a chance to lead the group, which adds Louisville transfer Jordan Watkins (15.1 yards per catch in 2021) and Jalen Knox, who was ineligible last season but started 16 games for Missouri. The offensive line appeared headed for a rebuild before veteran tackle Nick Broeker announced he would return for a final season. Ole Miss also picked up Western Kentucky transfer Mason Brooks, a first-team All-CUSA selection. Along with junior tackle Jeremy James and others, the Rebels should be stout up front.
2022 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Vols: Tennessee hired Josh Heupel to energize the offense, and the coach delivered in Year 1. The Vols set team records for scoring and total offense, improving their points average by nearly 18 from 2020. I strongly considered including the Vols for the quarterback rankings, and would have if Nicholaus Iamaleava, ESPN’s No. 24 recruit in the 2023 class, had committed before the list came out. Now that Iamaleava is on board, Tennessee has a stronger plan for life after Hendon Hooker, who generated 2,945 pass yards and 31 touchdowns with only three interceptions in his first season under Heupel. Tayven Jackson and other quarterbacks also have time to develop. The Vols return their top rusher and receiver in Jabari Small (796 rush yards, nine touchdowns) and Cedric Tillman (1,081 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns) but must build depth, especially at receiver. Junior Jalin Hyatt is back after a 21-catch season, and the development of ESPN four-star recruit Cameron Miller and others is worth watching. Tennessee returns a solid group of backs behind Hyatt, including sophomore Jaylen Wright. The team also adds ESPN four-star recruit Justin Williams.
Offensive line should be a team strength in 2022, as four starters return. Left tackle Darnell Wright, a top-five recruit in 2019, is poised for a big senior season, and Tennessee has experience at both guard spots and with center Cooper Mays, who has two years of eligibility left. Tennessee must address right tackle after losing All-SEC performer Cade Mays, although junior Dayne Davis has starting experience. Senior Ollie Lane is a valuable reserve, and Tennessee has young talent up front, including incoming freshman tackle Addison Nichols, ESPN’s No. 110 recruit in the 2022 class. The tight end spot got a boost as Princeton Fant and Jacob Warren (34 receptions combined, four touchdowns in 2021) both return. Miles Campbell is a post-2022 option, and Tennessee has a commitment from Ethan Davis, ESPN’s No. 114 junior prospect.
2022 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Panthers: The reigning ACC champions lose their quarterback (Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett) and playcaller (Mark Whipple, who left for Nebraska) from a record-setting offense, but return enough to continue producing at a high level. Quarterback Kedon Slovis, a transfer from USC, brings 26 career starts and impressive numbers (7,576 pass yards, 58 touchdowns). There’s some insurance behind him with Nick Patti, Davis Beville and Joey Yellen, although Pitt will need to firm up its plan for 2023 and 2024. Slovis will throw to an elite group of wide receivers, headlined by Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison, who led the FBS with 17 touchdowns and set a team record with 100 receptions in 2021. Pitt also gets senior Jared Wayne (47 receptions, 658 yards, 6 touchdowns last fall), as well as Akron transfer Konata Mumpfield, who earned freshman All-America honors in 2021 and likely will lead the group when Addison and Wayne depart. The Panthers lose top tight end Lucas Krull but regain Gavin Bartholomew, who had 28 receptions for 346 yards last year and is only a sophomore. Pitt’s run game should remain strong under veteran coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., as top rushers Israel Abanikanda, Vincent Davis and Rodney Hammond Jr. all return after eclipsing 500 yards in 2021. Abanikanda and Hammond have multiple years of eligibility left.
Offensive line is another strength, at least in the short term, as Pitt returns its entire starting five, including third-team All-ACC selections Gabe Houy at tackle and Marcus Minor at guard. The concern is that all five are set to depart after the 2022 season, so building depth for 2023 and 2024 will be essential for veteran line coach Dave Borbely. Pitt’s recruiting isn’t overly glitzy, but coach Pat Narduzzi’s program has a track record of identifying and developing really good players. That will be put to the test after so many players leave following this fall.
2022 future QB ranking: 14
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Utes: I’m always a bit leery of ranking Utah in the quarterback or offense rankings, but there’s enough evidence to suggest the Utes will continue to produce on that side of the ball. Coach Kyle Whittingham is no longer changing coordinators annually, as veteran playcaller Andy Ludwig returns for his fourth straight season (ninth overall as Utah’s OC). The quarterback forecast is particularly promising after Cameron Rising‘s breakthrough in 2021. Rising, who ranked sixth nationally in total QBR (84.2) last fall, should lead the offense through 2023. Utah’s addition of quarterback Nate Johnson, a top-100 prospect for 2022, shows the team is making progress on the recruiting trail. There are some short-term holes to fill, especially record-setting wide receiver/returner Britain Covey and No. 2 running back TJ Pledger. But Utah’s pass game got a huge boost when tight end Brant Kuithe, a three-time All-Pac-12 selection with 1,670 career receiving yards on 129 receptions, opted to return for a final season. Tight end projects extremely well for the fall with Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid (36 receptions, team-high eight touchdowns in 2021), while several young players will have time to develop.
Utah gets at least one more year with running back Tavion Thomas, who earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in his first season with the team, rushing for 1,108 yards and 21 touchdowns. Sophomore Micah Bernard (523 rush yards in 2021) looks like Thomas’ successor, and Utah added a strong recruit in Florida product Jaylon Glover. The offensive line loses center Nick Ford and left tackle Bamidele Olaseni but returns a solid nucleus, led by tackle Braeden Daniels and guard Sataoa Laumea, who both earned All-Pac-12 honors in 2021. Laumea and fellow guard Keaton Bills likely will at least play through 2023. The only immediate concern might be wide receiver. Devaughn Vele, who has multiple years of eligibility left, is an interesting option there, and Solomon Enis has started at least two games in each of the past four seasons. But Utah needs a bit more, especially after its tight ends move on to the NFL.
2022 future QB ranking: 23
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Demon Deacons: Wake Forest might not be one of the 25 most talented offenses in college football. But a combination of talent, development, scheme and coaching has made the Demon Deacons an offensive force in the ACC. Since 2019, Wake Forest ranks 10th nationally in scoring (36.4 points per game) and 14th in yards per game (460.6). The team returns one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Sam Hartman, who last season passed for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns, while adding a team-high 11 rushing touchdowns. Even if Hartman plays only one more year, Wake Forest has shown the ability to produce quarterbacks under coach Dave Clawson and offensive coordinator Warren Ruggiero. Despite losing top running back Christian Beal-Smith (transfer) and wide receiver Jaquarii Roberson (NFL), Wake Forest returns plenty of contributors. Wide receiver A.T. Perry set a single-season team record with 14 touchdown receptions in 2021 and has two years of eligibility left. Taylor Morin (43 receptions, 621 yards last year) is a third-year sophomore, while Ke’Shawn Williams averaged 15 yards per reception as a true freshman. The Deacs also regain Donavon Greene, who averaged 20.1 yards per reception in 2020 before missing last season with injury.
Beal-Smith’s departure doesn’t sting as much because both Christian Turner and Justice Ellison return with multiple years of eligibility. The two combined for 1,047 rush yards and 12 touchdowns on 233 carries last season. Top tight end Blake Whiteheart (15 receptions) also is back with two years of eligibility left. Wake Forest’s offensive line loses left tackle Zach Tom but returns an interior featuring All-ACC honorees in guards Sean Maginn and Loic Ngassam Nya, and center Michael Jurgens, a team captain in 2021. The group also regains Je’Vionte’ Nash, who started nine games at right tackle in 2020 before missing last season with injury.
2022 future QB ranking: Not ranked
2021 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Terps: Mike Locksley is just 13-23 at Maryland, but he has started to deliver talent and results with his primary unit, the offense. The Terrapins finished fourth in the Big Ten in scoring last fall, and return many of their core pieces, including quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. A redshirt junior, Tagovailoa last fall set single-season team records for passing yards (3,860), completions (328), completion percentage (69.2%), touchdowns (26) and 300-yard passing games (7). Maryland could get two more years out of Tagovailoa, although there isn’t much insurance behind him and the team might have to look into the portal again. Wide receiver projects well with top wideout Rakim Jarrett (62 receptions, 829 yards) back for at least another year, and Dontay Demus Jr. (1,233 career receiving yards) returning for a final season. Maryland also adds transfer Jacob Copeland, who led Florida with 607 receiving yards last season and has two seasons of eligibility remaining. There’s some long-term depth with Marcus Fleming, ESPN 300 incoming recruit Shaleak Knotts and others.
Maryland loses leading rusher Tayon Fleet-Davis but brings back Colby McDonald and Challen Faamatau, who combined for 560 rushing yards and five touchdowns last season. McDonald is just a sophomore, and the Terps add Ramon Brown, ESPN’s No. 9 running back and No. 125 overall recruit in the 2022 class. Tight end Corey Dyches returns after a 19-catch season, and has three more seasons of eligibility left. Developing a second option, such as sophomore CJ Dippre, is key. Offensive line projects as a strength, as Maryland returns all five starters who finished the 2021 season, including center Spencer Anderson and tackle Jaelyn Duncan, who both have earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Linemen such as Delmar Glaze and Mason Lunsford should lead the unit in 2023.