College Football Preview 2022: 11. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Sam Hartman, Wake Forest

 

11. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The offense will be elite again, but the defense will determine whether Wake challenges Clemson & NC State in the Atlantic

2021 Review

Wake Forest took advantage of a soft schedule over the first two months off the season to get off to a fast start, ending October 8-0. With the back-loaded slate, the Demon Deacons naturally had a difficult November, losing a shootout to North Carolina and a road tilt with Clemson. Fortunately, their biggest win of the year came on November 13th, as their 45-42 victory over NC State gave them the tiebreaker in the ACC Atlantic, becoming the first team in the division not named Clemson or Florida to secure a division title since 2008. However, the offense sputtered in the ACC Championship Game, a 45-21 defeat to Kenny Pickett. The Demon Deacons hoped for a huge victory in a Gator Bowl matchup with Texas A&M, but due to COVID issues with the Aggies, they settled for 5-7 Rutgers. It proved to be an easy win for Dave Clawson's club, securing them an 11-3 campaign. Those 11 victories mark the most Wake Forest has had since Jim Grobe's 2006 team, which won the ACC that year.

2022 Outlook

Offense: The explosive Demon Deacon offense was the fuel for the successful 2021 campaign. They finished fourth in the country in scoring offense, averaging 41 PPG, while finishing 11th in total offense. The architect of that scheme, OC Warren Ruggiero, is back to run the show in Winstom-Salem once again.

Ruggerio and Clawson have the luxury of a proven, veteran quarterback under center in Sam Hartman, who enters 2022 within 600 yards of becoming Wake's all-time leading passer. Hartman put up big numbers last year, with over 4,000 yards and 50 total touchdowns, but he has to improve as a decision-maker. Despite his vast experience, Hartman still tossed 14 interceptions and his play in big games wasn't quite up to par. If he can figure that out, he's without a doubt one of the best in the ACC and could become one of the top signal-callers nationally.

Wake Forest has leaned on a committee approach for several seasons under Clawson, and that's likely to be the case again this fall. While leading rusher Christian Beal-Smith is gone, the Demon Deacons feature a dangerous 1-2 punch in Justice Ellison and Christian Turner. Both were productive in 2021, but you wonder if both can reach another level this season. True freshman Demond Claiborne comes in as one of the gems of the 2022 Class and could also be bound for loads of action.

Quietly, Wake Forest is becoming quite the factory at receiver. In just the last few years, they've sent Sage Surratt and Jaquarii Roberson off to the NFL, and A.T. Perry should be next in line. Perry led the team in every major receiving category last year and is a legit Biletnikoff Award candidate heading into 2022. He'll benefit from a quality group around him, namely Taylor Morin, Ke'Shawn Williams, and a healthy Donovan Greene. Greene was expected to do damage last season before a preseason injury and may be the most talented pass-catcher on the roster. This foursome has a chance to be terrifying this year and could be one of the best in the entire nation.

The aerial attack also features a capable tight end in Blake Whiteheart, who had 15 catches for 185 yards a season ago. Don't expect him to be heavily featured in the passing game, but with so much talent on the outside, there should be ample opportunities underneath.

Much like the receiver corps losing Greene, the Demon Deacon O-Line lost a key contributor in last year's preseason when tackle Je'Vionte Nash was lost for the season. Nash is now healthy, bolstering an experienced and strong offensive line. Nash is likely to move across the line, from right to left tackle, with sophomore DeVonte Gordon set to handle his former position. At left guard, senior Sean Manginn was an All-ACC pick a year ago and will anchor the interior of the unit.

This offense has a chance to be special, with a host of important names returning, while Nash and Greene return from injury. Wake Forest won a lot of shootouts in 2021 and while they hope the defensive will be improved, don't be shocked if that's the case again. Fortunately, they have all the ingredients offensively to get away with that, and should be a thrill to watch all season long.

Defense: While the Demon Deacon offense smashed records, Wake's defense allowed 42 or more points on five separate occasions. They were at least respectable against the pass, finishing fifth in the ACC, but were gashed all year long on the ground, showcased perfectly by allowing 56 points to Army.

In response, Dave Clawson waded into the coordinator market and hired Brad Lambert to serve as the team's next defensive coordinator. Lambert comes over from the same role at Purdue, after he turned the Boilermakers completely around on that side of the ball.

The front seven has potential to be fairly decent, but there's a long way to go. The defensive line does return a pair of starters, but loses an important name, with Luiji Vilain departing after notching nine sacks in 2021. Sophomore end Jasheen Davis proved to be a disruptive force off the edge a season ago and looks like he will take over as the team's top pass rusher, although junior Rondell Bothroyd may have something to say about that. Up the middle, seniors Kobie Turner and Dion Bergan Jr. are the likely starters. Turner was an underrated get from Richmond, where he was a three-time All-CAA selection, and he should start right away.

It's the linebacker corps that will determine whether this Wake Forest is bound to take a step forward or not. Senior Ryan Smenda has been a staple in the program for years now, and finished second on the team in tackles a season ago, but may have to reach another gear for this rush defense to improve. Junior Chase Jones returns alongside him in this 4-2-5 scheme, but the lack of depth is the primary concern, especially considering some of the rush-oriented teams that lie on the schedule. 

The secondary may have been respectable last fall, but there are three major contributors now gone. Luke Masterson, Traveon Redd, and Ja'Sir Taylor were three of the real leaders of this group in 2021, leaving a massive void. That doesn't mean there isn't talent, but the Demon Deacons will need new faces to emerge.

Sophomores Caelen Carson and Gavin Holmes are the projected starters at cornerback, but senior Isaiah Wingfield should also be heavily featured. At the ever-important "Rover" position, Wake Forest is hoping junior Chelen Garnes can step up in a big way; he played in seven games in 2021 after transferring in from Navy.

The two safety spots are likely to be manned by two of the trio of Nick Andersen, Malik Mustapaha, and Coby Davis. Andersen was one of the best defenders on the team during the shortened 2020 season, but was a disappointment a year ago. If he can regain his old form, he has a chance to be an All-ACC talent. Mustapaha is a prime breakout candidate after flashing significant upside last season.

Lambert has his work cut out for him turning around this unit after the frustrations they suffered through last season. There's potential to be better, but they have to be more disciplined and physical at the point of attack. I think the Demon Deacon defense will improve, but by how much will determine their ceiling in 2022.

Special Teams: It's difficult to find better kickers in the world of college football than Nick Sciba. He went 23-25 on field goals in 2021 and finishes as the second-most accurate kicker in NCAA history. Redshirt freshman Matthew Dennis is the favorite to replace him, and will have awfully big shoes to fill. Ivan Mora will handle punter duties once more, but is still recovering from an injury sustained in the Gator Bowl win.

Bottom Line: Dave Clawson's program has not only become extremely consistent, they've evolved to legitimate ACC Title contenders. The offense has serious talent at every level and a strong offensive line leading the way, but Lambert will have to turn around the defense if the Demon Deacons are to defend their Atlantic Division Title, particularly with Clemson likely to rebound. The season likely comes down to their meeting with Clemson on September 24th, and the late October-early November stretch. Even if they don't upset the Tigers this year, there's still potential for 9-10 wins on the regular season if they take care of business the rest of the way. If the defensive issues show up once again, this is more likely a team with a ceiling right around eight victories, which has been more of the norm under Clawson than what they accomplished a season ago. Either way, the Demon Deacons should still be a tough out in a fascinating division and earn a trip to their seventh straight bowl game.

Program Profile

Coaching Staff

Dave Clawson began his head coaching career at Fordham all the way back in 1999. He's spent nearly his entire career on the East Coast, beginning with Wake Forest in 2014. After back-to-back 3-9 campaigns to open up his time in Winston-Salem, Clawson has led the Demon Deacons to a bowl game every single season. Offensive coordinator Warren Ruggiero has been a longtime Clawson assistant, going back to their time together at Bowling Green. He does have some head coaching experience, coaching for two seasons at Glenville State in West Virginia. On the defensive side of the ball, Brad Lambert was brought back as coordinator after spending 2021 with Purdue. He was head man at Charlotte from 2011-2018 and has familiarity with Wake Forest, serving as LB coach and DC from 2001-2010. 

Recruiting Breakdown

The smallest Power Five school in the nation in a state with several other major universities, Wake Forest has natural disadvantages when it comes to recruiting. Instead, they focus on players that fit their culture and develop them the right way. The 2022 Class ranks 71st in the 247Sports composite and is highlighted by a pair of four-star prospects, both on offense. Wide out Wesley Grimes was a quality pickup from inside the state who may not play much in 2022, but has a bright future. Tailback Demond Claiborne comes over from the talent-rich "DMV" area and may contribute right away. The defensive recruits are headlined by strong-side defensive end Eli Hall, a three-star who had a bunch of interest from other Power Five schools. Cornerback Zamari Stevenson also comes in and may have an opportunity to see snaps fairly quickly with how thin Wake Forest is at the position.

2022 X-Factor: Nick Andersen, S

The Wake Forest secondary may have been the strength of the defense in 2021, but with so many heavy losses, Nick Andersen is going to play a crucial role in determining their success. Andersen was one of the breakout stars of the ACC back in 2020, notching 63 tackles and four interceptions, but his encore was underwhelming. Essentially every single defensive category he regressed in, and wasn't the playmaker he was in 2020. If the Demon Deacons are going to improve on this side of the ball with Brad Lambert, they absolutely need more from Andersen. He's never been the most athletic player on the field, but his instincts and feel for the game were his strengths; hopefully another full, normal offseason can be what he needs to get back on track.

Five-Year Trend

2022 Projections

Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3 ACC)

Offensive MVP: WR A.T. Perry

Defensive MVP: LB Ryan Smenda

Breakout Player of the Year: S Malik Mustapha

Impact Freshman: RB Demond Claiborne

College Football Preview 2022: 12. Michigan Wolverines

 

Cade McNamara, Michigan

12. Michigan Wolverines

With so many staff changes and personnel losses, a repeat Big Ten Title is unlikely, but never count out Jim Harbaugh

2021 Review

Michigan's 2021 season is evidence of just how rapidly things can change in the world of college football. The COVID-shortened 2020 campaign was a brutal one in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines went just 2-4 and were dispatched handily by the only two ranked teams they played on the year, Indiana and Wisconsin. Head coach Jim Harbaugh went into 2021 on a flaming hot seat, needing a huge year to assure himself a job at his alma mater. With his back up against the wall, Harbaugh delivered; the Wolverines won their first seven games of the year and would have gone undefeated on the regular season if not for a furious, come-from-behind win by Michigan State. Even more important than finishing the regular season 11-1 was what Harbaugh and the Wolverines did at the end of the year. They secured their first win over Ohio State in a decade, with an impressive 42-27 victory, before routing Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game. Their first trip to the College Football Playoff might not have gone as planned, as they were no match for the future National Champion Georgia Bulldogs. That loss certainly stung, but Michigan fans have to be thrilled with the overall results: a 12-2 record, win over their most hated rival, and a conference title. After a chaotic offseason, there are hoping Harbaugh can keep the momentum going, even as he replaces several key staff members and players from the '21 team.

2022 Outlook

Offense: After engineering an offense that was 16th nationally in scoring and 25th in total offense, Josh Gattis took the offensive coordinator job at Miami. Harbaugh opted to replace the reigning Broyles Award winner with two internal hires as co-coordinators, Matt Weiss and Sherrone Moore.

Fortunately for Weiss and Moore, there is loads of talent back at the skill positions and along the offensive line. However, their offensive success this year may depend on the quarterback competition, featuring Cade McNamara and talented youngster J.J. McCarthy.

McNamara has proven to be a capable Big Ten starter, throwing for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021. There's nothing flashy about his game, but he's a prototypical Harbaugh quarterback; a good leader, fierce competitor, and smart decision-maker. It will be hard to unseat a guy who led the Wolverines to their first ever Playoff appearance, but expect McCarthy to apply the pressure. The former five-star prospect played some as a true freshman, throwing for 516 yards on 59 attempts. He has a live arm and is the type of playmaker at the position Harbaugh and Michigan have lacked. I still think he will probably finish the year as a backup, but don't be surprised if we see his role expand.

Hassan Haskins was the top runner on a team that led the Big Ten in rushing last fall, but he's now off to the NFL. Fortunately, the Wolverines have a more-than-capable replacement ready to go in junior Blake Corum, who totaled 952 yards a season ago. Corum doesn't run as hard as Haskins, but is a shifty runner with more speed in the open-field. Michigan's rushing attack may look a bit different with him in charge, but it should be one of the best in the league. Add in sophomore Donovan Edwards, who flashed plenty as a true freshman, and UM will give teams headaches once again.

The receiver corps took a major hit early on in 2021, when star Ronnie Bell tore his ACL and was done for the year. His absence allowed others to show their stuff, namely veteran Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson. Bell is back and should be 100 percent for the season opener, providing the Wolverines a proven, reliable perimeter receiver. However, his health is the key; he's proven his worth time and time again on the gridiron, but injuries have kept him off it too long. 

The trio of Bell, Johnson, and Wilson has played a bunch of ball and are the unquestioned leaders in this position group. With that being said, there's some exciting younger talent hoping they can shine through in this new-look offense, namely A.J. Henning and Andrel Anthony. Henning isn't exactly "young" now that enters his third year in the program, but the dynamic weapon is still awaiting his breakthrough, while Anthony is a super impressive talent. Much like at quarterback, Michigan simply hasn't had these types of weapons regularly, which has resulted in some mediocre offenses. If the playmaking can open things up, it could be a fun watch.

Tight end has been a position Michigan has been able to develop regularly, and Erick All has a chance to be a key contributor once again. He finished second on the team in receptions and receiving yardage last year, but is hoping to become more of a presence in the red zone. Senior Luke Schoonmaker is also back, likely to be All's backup this year.

Even if the offense is able to open things up, the Wolverines are at their best when they have a strong O-Line. That was certainly the case last season, as Michigan won the Joe Moore Award, but they must replace two starters. Fortunately, newcomer Olusegan Oluwatimi was a massive addition, as he was a Rimington Trophy finalist while at Virginia. He'll anchor a group that also returns Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan, and Zak Zinter.

Michigan's offense seems to be in an awfully good spot considering they lose the top assistant in college football and a back who ran for over 1,300 yards. It will likely still be a ground-and-pound offense, but I am curious if the new coordinators try to be a bit more creative. Harbaugh has been notoriously slow to change and I doubt he will be eager to do so after winning a league title. But, with how difficult the division is poised to be, the Wolverines might need to change things up a bit to stay on top.

Defense: Defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald gave as a recommendation from John Harbaugh based on their work with the Baltimore Ravens and he oversaw a major turnaround defensively. Unfortunately, he's pretty clearly an NFL guy, and jumped at the opportunity return to the Ravens as their defensive coordinator.

In his place, Michigan will turn to Jesse Minter, who also has NFL experience. Minter will have his work cut out for him, rebuilding a defensive group that was hit hard by attrition at every level. 

The heart and soul of the defense last year was the 1-2 punch of defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo. The pair combined for 25 sacks in 2021 and was so impressive that Hutchinson was invited to New York as a Heisman finalist. Now that they're both off to the NFL, there will be some fresh faces up front.

Senior defensive tackle Mazi Smith is going to be the anchor of the line, a proven run stopper who has played plenty of snaps in Ann Arbor. An underrated part of his game? His ability to get his hands in passing lanes over the middle, disrupting opposing crossing routes. It's an unproven cast of characters joining him, especially at the end spots. Seniors Taylor Upshaw and Mike Morris simply haven't got the opportunities necessary to make a significant impact. Junior Braiden McGregor could be a name to watch, as the former prized recruit is too talented to keep staying on the sidelines.

There's better news at linebacker, where the Wolverines have a rising superstar in Junior Colson. Colson wasn't projected to play a significant role as a true freshman, but he started seven games and finished fourth on the team in tackles. This year, Michigan is hoping he takes the next step and becomes one of their defensive centerpieces. Junior Nikhail Hill-Green is the projected starter alongside Colson at linebacker, while veteran Michael Barrett should also rotate in.

Losing do-it-all defensive back Daxton Hill is a huge hit to this secondary. He was all over the field for this defense a season ago, finishing with 69 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections. However, the Wolverine secondary still has a chance to be solid, with enough pieces back in the fold.

Senior corner D.J. Turner has elite playmaking ability, but he has to learn to be more consistent. He brought one of his two interceptions to the house in 2021 and teams should be scared to throw on him. Gemon Green is likely to man the other corner spot, but depth is the primary concern at this position. Behind those two, there's not much, which means highly touted true freshman Will Johnson has a fantastic shot to play from Day One.

Rounding out the unit, there are a few questions, but this is a position group the Wolverines tend to develop well. R.J. Moten and Rod Moore both saw playing time at the safety spots a year ago and project as the two starters there, while nickelback may fall to Mike Sainristil. Sainristil has been a receiver his entire Michigan career, but with the Wolverines so loaded there, he made the move to defense. 

Even at a school that recruits the way Michigan does, replacing program staples like Hutchinson, Ojabo, and Hill will be difficult, not to mention MacDonald. Even so, Harbaugh has shown time and time again he's able to reload on the defensive side of the ball, and the cupboard is far from bare. A step-back is likely, but this could still be one of the stronger groups in the Big Ten.

Special Teams: Kicker Jake Moody and punter Brad Robbins were both terrific in 2021 and will return to lead the special teams. Moody in particular was superb last fall, hitting on 23 of his 25 field goal attempts. A.J. Henning handled punt returns last year and is a good candidate to do so once more, but kickoffs could be a different story, as the Wolverines hope to avoid any further punishment for their lead back, Blake Corum. 

Bottom Line: 2021 was not the first time Jim Harbaugh had a strong season built going into the final weeks of the season but unlike 2016 and 2018, the Wolverines were able to finish the job by beating Ohio State and winning the Big Ten Title. That success has elevated expectations for Michigan, even after an offseason full of staff shakeups and personnel losses, but the fact of the matter is, the program has been very consistent under Harbaugh. They've lost more more than four games just once (although the COVID-shortened 2020 might have been made it two) over the past seven years, despite in one of the toughest divisions in college football. Those that still argue that's not enough at a school like Michigan seem quick to forget just how low the program was under the previous two head coaches; there's little denying the job Harbaugh has done in Ann Arbor. That level of consistency leads me to believe the Wolverines will again hover around 9-10 wins in 2022, but I'm not sure their ceiling is much higher with McNamara under center and so many losses defensively. That should be a solid encore following the breakthrough of 2021 and set the stage for another Playoff run in '23.

Program Profile

Coaching Staff

Jim Harbaugh enters his eighth season as head coach at his alma mater, taking prior to the 2015 campaign. He openly flirted with several NFL head coaching positions over the offseason, namely the Minnesota Vikings, but instead decided to remain in Ann Arbor. He will have new coordinators alongside him on both sides of the ball, beginning with co-offensive coordinators Sherrone Moore and Matt Weiss. Moore has been on the UM staff since 2018 as their TE coach, while Weiss also spent time with John Harbaugh in Baltimore before joining the Wolverines as QB coach. The defensive coordinator replacing Mike MacDonald will be Jesse Minter, yet another guy with previous experience with Jim's brother on the Ravens. Minter spent the 2021 season as defensive coordinator/safeties coach at Vanderbilt.

Recruiting Breakdown

Michigan's success on the field was reflected on the recruiting trail, with one of their best classes in years. The headliner comes from inside in the state of Michigan, as Harbaugh and the staff landed five-star cornerback Will Johnson. At 6'3", 190 pounds, Johnson already looks the part and comes in at a need position, with the Wolverines lacking much depth at corner. He'll be joined in the secondary by a pair of four-star prospects, Keon Sabb and Zeke Berry, both safeties. Sabb is the higher-rated of the two, a former Clemson commit who spent the 2021 season at IMG Academy. Offensively, the staff continues to do a great job adding talent at the receiver positions, bringing in four-stars Tyler Morris and Darrius Clemons. Clemons was quite the get from the staff, as they traveled all the way out to the West Coast and the Portland area.

2022 X-Factor: Mazi Smith, DT

With Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo now playing on Sundays, Mazi Smith will play an outsized role on the Michigan defensive line. Smith showed last year that he was ready to play a leadership role, as he started all 14 games, but the Wolverines are hopeful the reliable contributor can reach an even higher gear. If his play down the stretch was any indication, he could. Even as Michigan entered the meat of their Big Ten schedule, Smith seemed to play better and better, including impressive performances against Nebraska, Maryland, and Indiana. If he can continue his growth and emerge as one of the better interior defensive linemen in the league, Michigan's run defense should remain stout.

Five-Year Trend

2022 Projections

Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)

Offensive MVP: RB Blake Corum

Defensive MVP: LB Junior Colson

Breakout Player of the Year: WR Andrel Anthony

Impact Freshman: CB Will Johnson

College Football Preview 2022: 13. USC Trojans

Gary Bryant Jr., USC

13. USC Trojans

It's only a matter of time before Lincoln Riley restores the program to greatness, but there will be growing pains in Year One

2021 Review

For years, Clay Helton was a regular fixture on hot seat head coaches lists and USC finally decided to move on in early 2021 following a two-touchdown loss to Stanford. It wasn't surprising that the Trojans finally moved on from Helton, but the timing was interesting. Doing so just two weeks into the season essentially assured that 2021 was a lost campaign and unsurprisingly, USC had a rough go of it the rest of the way. Interim head coach Donte Williams battled injuries and apathy as the Trojans sunk to the bottom of the Pac-12, winning just two games over the final three months of the fall. It was clear the once-proud program needed a serious jolt of life, and they got just that when AD Mike Bohn secured Lincoln Riley as their next head coach. Riley was ultra-successful during his time as Oklahoma head coach and has the type of personality that fits the Los Angeles culture, which wasn't the case with Helton. His big-time additions in the transfer portal over the offseason has electrified the program and created plenty of hype heading into 2022.

2022 Outlook

Offense: Riley made quite the early impression with Trojans fans by managing to lure sophomore superstar Caleb Williams away from Oklahoma and to Los Angeles. Williams became an immediate sensation in the world of college football by guiding OU to a come-from-behind win in the Red River Showdown and finished with 1,912 yards and 21 touchdowns. He made some freshman mistakes down the stretch in 2021, but may be the most hyped quarterback USC has had since Matt Leinart and playing in an offense that has produced not one, but multiple Heisman Trophy winners.

Williams immediately comes in and becomes the focal point of the Trojan offense, but he shouldn't overshadow the other offensive talent Riley and staff managed to bring in as well. A pair of veteran tailbacks from Pac-12 rivals should come in and revamp a rush offense that was mediocre at best a season ago.

Oregon transfer Travis Dye was fifth on the school's all-time rushing list before deciding to start anew in Los Angeles and provides a proven, workhorse tailback for this offense. He'll likely be the team's feature back, but Stanford transfer Austin Jones and holdover Darwin Barlow should also be key pieces on the ground. Jones was a three-year contributor for the Cardinal whose numbers were down in 2021, but still found a way to make an impact. Barlow is their top returning rusher, notching 289 yards on 62 carries last fall.

USC loses their best receiver, first-rounder Drake London, and yet may still have the nation's best receiver corps. A trio of returnees, Tahj Washington, Gary Bryant Jr., and Kyle Ford provided enough fuel to the offense a season ago, but it's all the additions that have USC fans foaming at the mouth. The biggest one is unquestionably Jordan Addison, the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner. Fans and media members have raised concerns about the nature of Addison's transfer and what it means in the NIL era, but that doesn't change the fact that he was the best receiver in college football last year and now plays in an offense called by the best offensive mind in the sport. 

Addison's arrival was a major storyline this offseason, but the more significant news story may be the addition of three other former Power Five transfers. Mario Williams was the first Oklahoma Sooner to follow Riley to the West Coast and may be the fastest player in college football. He'll spread defenses thin with all the different ways he can contribute to an offense, while Washington's Terrell Bynum and Colorado's Brenden Rice also arrive. Rice is the son of NFL legend Jerry, and put up solid numbers with the Buffaloes despite having some questionable quarterbacks getting him the ball.

The skill position talent on the roster is staggering, but the secret sauce to Oklahoma's offensive success all those years was their offensive line. Riley was unable to convince his OL coach, Bill Bedenbaugh, to follow him to 'SC, but still managed to land a big name in Josh Henson, who comes from Texas A&M.

Riley and Henson have four returning starters at their disposal and they also managed to land an instant-impact transfer (surprise, surprise!) in Bobby Haskins from Virginia. Haskins is likely to start right away at left tackle, but the anchor of the group will be senior guard Andrew Vorhees.

USC's skill position talent is pretty much just a college football all-star team, built primarily through the transfer portal. They're going to need time to gel and Williams is still a young QB who hasn't even played a full season of FBS ball, but it's difficult to imagine this group not being one of the best offenses in college football. There may be difficulties early on as they figure things out, but I shudder to think what opposing defenses are going to have to face down the stretch this fall.

Defense: As good as the offense looks on paper, the key to USC's success this season will hinge on the defense. It's a group that has struggled for years now, including 2021, when they ranked second-to-last in the Pac-12 in scoring defense and 103rd nationally.

Riley brought his defensive coordinator with him in Alex Grinch, a name that's been fast rising in the coaching ranks for some time now. Grinch did a fine job with the Sooners, but wasn't able to engineer a true Top 25 unit, which becomes his goal in Los Angeles.

The defensive front is loaded with talent, but didn't play with any edge in 2021. Junior end Tuli Tuipulotu is a big-time returnee, coming off a year in which he led the team in sacks and earned All-Conference recognition. He's joined by a pair of seniors, tackle Brandon Pili and end Nick Figueroa. Figueroa has flashed potential at multiple times during his time with the Trojans, but will have to kick it up another gear to replace NFL-bound Drake Jackson, while Pili is back and ready to go after missing all of 2021. 

There's plenty of new faces at the linebacker position, a group that didn't play very well last season. The most significant addition is yet another Pac-12 transplant, Eric Gentry, who comes from Arizona State. Gentry was a Freshman All-American for the Sun Devils last year and should start right away at one of the two inside linebacker spots. The other starting spot inside is either going to be veteran Ralen Goforth or former Alabama transfer Shane Lee. Goforth was second on the team in tackles a year ago and has been in the program for several years, but the new staff may prefer Lee, who is the more talented of the pair.

Both outside linebacker spots are unsettled, but the Trojans are hoping Auburn transfer Romello Height can provide immediate pass rushing ability off the edge. He played in just ten games during two years on The Plains, but Height looks the part and was considered a significant addition over the offseason. The other name to watch here is Korey Foreman, who could play defensive end or outside linebacker. Formerly the top recruit in the country, Foreman had some moments in 2021, but didn't provide the sort of immediate impact many had hoped. There's no guaranteed playing time with a new staff in place, but Foreman is way too talented not to be making a larger impact on this defense.

The secondary is unsettled and could be a concern heading into the regular season, but USC is hopeful that safeties Calen Bullock and Xavion Alford provide enough of a core to lead the group. Alford is a former Texas transfer who led the team in interceptions a season ago and could get even better, while Bullock is a former Freshman All-American. Depth is a bit of a concern behind them, but the 1-2 combo at safety might be the strength of the defense.

Cornerback is the primary concern, with Chris Steele and Isaac Taylor-Stuart moving on. Once again, it's up to a cast of newcomers to lead this position, as the Trojans will lean heavily on Colorado transfer Mekhi Blackmon, Oklahoma transfer Latrell McCutchin, and true freshman Domani Jackson. Blackmon is a good bet to start with his experience in this league and McCutchin's previous expertise in this defensive scheme gives him an advantage. But, it's going to be hard to keep Jackson off the field, a five-star prospect who was one of the top-ranked players in the entire country coming out of California powerhouse Mater Dei. Jackson may not be 100 percent after missing most of his senior year due to injury, but he's a good bet to see immediate playing time from a small recruiting class.

It's difficult to get a read on this defense as a new era begins. There's so many new faces and while there's talent, I don't doubt that there will be some major ups-and-downs. The key will be how this front seven can perform, whether it's able to live up to its upside. The Trojans simply haven't been physical enough to contend with some of the big boys in the league, particularly Utah. If the front isn't up to the task this year, any chance of overtaking the Utes goes out of the window.

Special Teams: As if the offense and defense weren't mysterious enough, USC is also starting anew at kicker and punter. Alex Stadthaus went 6-6 on field goal attempts in 2021 but was primarily a kickoff specialist; he's set to take over for the departed Parker Lewis. Punter is in anybody's guess, as the Trojans will be without Ben Griffiths. The good news is that the return game should be in good hands, as 'SC returns both Gary Bryant Jr. and Tahj Washington, with the former leading the team in both kick and punt returns a year ago.

Bottom Line: Few teams have seen their fortunes shift so rapidly as USC over the past calendar year. The once-proud program was mired in mediocrity for years under Clay Helton, but has now upgraded with one of the best coaches in college football, who was subsequently loaded up through the transfer portal. However, things take time in the world of college football and imagining the Trojans to be serious CFB Playoff contenders already in Year One seems unrealistic. There's simply too many moving pieces, and the fact of the matter is, this team went 4-8 a season ago. With that being said, I don't mind predicting the Trojans to be serious Pac-12 Title contenders, considering they are the most talented team in the conference and things are pretty wide-open beyond the trio of Utah, Oregon, and UCLA. If all this talent can acclimate quickly, I'm picking USC to play in the Pac-12 Championship Game, but they are certainly boom-or-bust, with real potential of disappointment. Fortunately, they don't have to get past Utah to play for a Pac-12 Title, with the conference eliminating the division requirement over the offseason. That gives them an increased chance at a conference title, something they've done just once since 2008, but only adds to the chaos and uncertainty pervading the program. Picking them to land somewhere in the middle of a booming or busting seems the most fair, with 9-10 wins a very attainable goal in Year One.

Program Profile

Coaching Staff

After five seasons as Oklahoma head man, Lincoln Riley makes the jump to the West Coast. It was certainly a shocking decision among the college football public, and his decision to bring in Caleb Williams earned him plenty of ire among the Sooner faithful. Yet, Riley now gets an easier path to CFB Playoff contention and will be able to recruit the most fertile recruiting area of the country, quite a selling point for the 38-year old. The offensive coordinator will be Josh Henson, who Riley snagged from Texas A&M, where he was the OL coach. Henson is an Oklahoma native who played at Oklahoma State, where he coached the O-Line from 2016-18. The defense will be led by Alex Grinch, considered a rising name in the collegiate coaching ranks. His big break came as Washington State DC from 2015-2017, as he parlayed it into a position at Ohio State. After three years full of highs and lows with Oklahoma, he's hoping for more consistency in Los Angeles.

Recruiting Breakdown

Helton's struggles on the recruiting trail were a major part of his firing, perhaps an even larger part of the reason than his lack of on-field success. Riley should be able to restore USC as a serious power player in recruiting, not just on the West Coast, but nationally. His first class is incredibly small, with just ten players, as the Trojans focused on fixing immediate needs through the portal. That doesn't mean there isn't some impressive talent coming in from this group, namely five-star Domani Jackson, the top player in the state of California. Four other high four-star prospects dot the recruiting class, including tailback Raleek Brown, defensive back Zion Branch, wide out C.J. Williams, and corner Fabian Ross. Brown followed Riley from Oklahoma, where he was originally committed, as did several members of the Class of 2023. One other name to watch is junior college transfer Cooper Lovelace, who comes from Butler C.C. in Kansas. Considering all the other names USC brought in from the transfer market, obviously Lovelace isn't going to measure up, but you can always use interior line help at this level. Lovelace may not even play during his time in 'SC, but depth up front is never a bad thing.

2022 X-Factor: Calen Bullock, S

For all the frustrations USC suffered through in 2021, one bright spot was Calen Bullock. Despite not being a very highly rated recruit, Bullock came on and made an immediate impact, playing multiple different positions in the 'SC defensive backfield. He finished with 40 tackles and two interceptions in just 11 games, earning Freshman All-American honors for his work. As one of the few returning starters from last year's defense, Bullock is now expected to take a leadership role, especially considering the secondary lost some key pieces. If he can emerge as a reliable playmaker on the back-end, the prognosis for this entire defense becomes significantly better. This defense doesn't have to elite for the Trojans to contend for a Pac-12 Title, but it must be improved; there's no reason the shaky defensive performances of the last several years should continue being the norm with so much talent here.

Five-Year Trend

2022 Projections

Projected Record: 10-3 (8-1 Pac-12, Lose Pac-12 Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: QB Caleb Williams

Defensive MVP: S Calen Bullock

Breakout Player of the Year: DL Nick Figueroa

Impact Freshman: CB Domani Jackson

College Football Preview 2022: 14. Cincinnati Bearcats

Tyler Scott, Cincinnati

14. Cincinnati Bearcats

Another undefeated regular season is too much to ask for 2022, but the Group of Five's premier program has earned the benefit of the doubt

2021 Review

Cincinnati's 2021 schedule opened with a pair of easy wins in the friendly confines of Nippert Stadium, as they pounded Miami (Ohio) and Murray State to begin the year. The road trip to Indiana originally looked like it could be a Top 25 clash, but the Hoosiers were one of the most disappointing teams in the country, and the Bearcats dispatched them with a 38-24 victory. 3-0 going into their bye, any chance of a CFB Playoff run for the Bearcats hinged on beating Notre Dame in South Bend; after building a 17-0 lead, Cincy let the Irish make it interesting before securing a massive victory. The schedule the rest of the way held various traps to avoid, but Cincinnati answered the call at every opportunity. They survived upset bids from Tulsa and Navy, then went on to defeat one-loss Houston in the AAC Championship. With enough help from teams losing around them and a perfect record, Cincinnati became the first Group of Five team to gain entry into the four-team Playoff field. They unsurprisingly struggled against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl, losing 27-6, but the entire program deserves all the credit in the world for their achievements during the 2021 campaign. Naturally, head coach Luke Fickell was once again the subject of coaching carousel rumors over the offseason, but remains with Cincinnati, gearing up for an encore in 2022.

2022 Outlook

Offense: Cincinnati was not known for their offense in 2021, but the unit finished with solid numbers across the board and was 13th nationally in scoring offense, averaging 36.4 PPG. However, the offense underwent a major renovation over the offseason, leaving some questions.

Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock left to join Brian Kelly's staff at LSU, but was quickly replaced by UC's QB coach, Gino Guidugli. Guidugli did a fabulous job with quarterback Desmond Ridder over the last several seasons, but will now have to make do without him, as the program's winningest QB in school history is off to the NFL. 

The absence of Ridder has resulted in a fascinating quarterback conundrum. Ben Bryant backed up Ridder for several years before transferring to Eastern Michigan for the 2021 campaign; he started 11 games for the Eagles, led them to a bowl, and tossed for over 3,000 yards. He opted to transfer back to Cincinnati this offseason, but will now face off against Evan Prater, the highest-rated recruit in program history. Prater hasn't seen the field much during his first few years on campus, but he's an electrifying player with the raw tools to be even better than Ridder. Don't be surprised if Bryant starts the year, but it's going to be hard for this staff to keep Prater off the field; I wouldn't be shocked if he's one of the breakout stars of this college football season.

Running back is also due for a change-of-pace, as Jerome Ford is gone after running for 1,319 yards in 2021. Cincinnati has several veteran holdovers waiting in the wings with Ryan Montgomery and Charles McClelland, but don't be surprised if a transfer quickly asserts himself here in LSU's Corey Kiner. The Cincinnati native had flashes of brilliance playing for LSU as a true freshman, with 324 yards, with the potential to be a real game-changer. 

Leading receiver Alec Pierce may have graduated, but the receiver corps has a chance to be a real strength. Tyler Scott emerged last season as the team's top deep threat and the type of dynamic weapon that has at times alluded UC during the Fickell era. He'll take as the top target, but will have plenty of help on the outside, with Tre Tucker and Jadon Thompson returning. Thompson played in just eight games a year ago but has vast upside; he could be a breakout star even with in this deep and experienced depth chart.

Tight end has been a position Cincinnati has done a superb job at developing in recent years and they have two legit John Mackey Award candidates in Leonard Taylor and Josh Whyle. "Matchup nightmare" can often be overused with tight ends, but Taylor fits the description; it's not common you see players his size move the way he does. Whyle had six touchdown receptions a season ago and will be a red zone threat once more this fall.

Even though Prater, Kiner, and Scott will add some real explosiveness to this offense, the Bearcats at their core are a physical, smash-mouth football team. Fortunately, just about every big name is back along the offensive line and three were All-Conference selections in 2021 in Jake Renfro, Dylan O'Quinn and Lorenz Metz. The other two starters are likely to be seniors James Tunstall and Jeremy Cooper, set to handle left tackle and left guard.

It's going to be a bit strange seeing a Cincinnati offense without Desmond Ridder under center, but the offense should still be among the best in the American Athletic. Although both quarterback and running back will have position battles unfolding through fall camp, both position groups have players the program feels comfortable with competing for the starting job. This unit finished 58th in total offense last fall; I actually wouldn't be surprised if they crack the Top 50 with so many pieces returning at wide out and on the O-Line.

Defense: Mike Tressel took over as Cincinnati defensive coordinator following Marcus Freeman's departure to Notre Dame and oversaw a unit that finished Top 10 nationally in both scoring and total defense. Doing so in 2022 will be a bit tougher; with several key pieces off to the NFL, there will be some reloading at multiple levels for the Bearcats.

The defensive line may be short on star power, but brings back a proven veteran trio in Jabari Taylor, Malik Vann, and Jowon Briggs. Briggs proved to be a quality addition after transferring in from Virginia, with 42 tackles and three sacks, while the returns of Vann and Taylor should be more than enough to make up for the loss of Myjai Sanders. 

Junior outside Deshawn Pace headlines a linebacker corps that loses program stalwarts Joel Dublanko and Darrien Beavers. Pace was one of the team's breakout stars a season ago, finishing fourth in tackles, adding 9.5 tackles for loss, and picking off four passes. Is he ready for a leadership role? He's now joined by his brother, Ivan, an All-MAC player at Miami (Ohio) who comes in and has a good shot to start at the opposite, weak-side linebacker spot. Senior Ty Van Fossen is also set to play important snaps after finishing just behind Pace in tackles last fall, but the big question is at middle linebacker. Sophomore Jaheim Thomas is expected to fill in, and there's no question he can contribute, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a drop in production here.

 

The group that fueled Cincinnati's success last season was on the back-end, as the nation's second-best pass defense allowed just over 169 yards per game. Unsurprisingly, that group sent a trio of stars to the NFL, including shutdown corners Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and Coby Bryant. That's not an ideal scenario in a conference with some fun quarterback play, but the Bearcats are hopeful others can step up in their place.

A trio of seniors, Taj Ward, Justin Harris, and Ja'quan Sheppard, will battle for starting snaps at the two corner spots. It goes without saying, they probably aren't going to be able to replicate what Gardner and Bryant did; those two were a special pair and the type of talents that don't come around a Group of Five program often, even a successful one like UC. However, these three have spent several years in the program at this point and play the brand of physical, man-to-man defense that Cincinnati covets. Again, it's fair to suspect a slight drop-off here, but I don't envision a major one.

It helps that there's plenty of experience and All-Conference talent elsewhere in the secondary, namely nickelback Arquon Bush and Ja'Von Hicks. Bush is the type of long, athletic defensive back that makes life incredibly difficult for opposing quarterbacks. He notched three interceptions and six pass deflections in 2021 and will be all over the field this fall. Hicks had some early growing pains in his first season as starting safety a season ago but acclimated quickly and finished the year with 56 tackles. With those two back in the fold, the Bearcats could still manage one of the top pass defenses in the AAC, regardless of the cornerback position.

It's always a bit concerning when you lose so many familiar faces from either side of the ball and it's impossible to fully define what Gardner, Bryant, Sanders, Dublanko, and Beavers meant to this program. But, the fact of the matter is that this staff has recruited well and has a track record of developing this side of the ball. Expecting another Top 10 unit may be a slight stretch, but Top 25-30 seems within the realm of possibility.

Special Teams: As if all the new faces on both offense and defense weren't enough, Cincy will also be breaking in a brand new placekicker. The thing is, Delaware transfer Ryan Coe may actually be an improvement over what the Bearcats had last season, when three players combined to go 9-19 on field goals. Punter will be a strength, as Mason Fletcher returns after a solid freshman season where he averaged nearly 43 yards per punt.

Bottom Line: The group of guys that departed this offseason changed the trajectory of the program and will forever be legends on Cincinnati's campus. Sure, this program had long been a respectable one, but managing to break through and reach the CFB Playoff was an inspirational story and one that will be difficult to ever repeat, even when they move to the Big 12. The expectations should and will be a bit more reasonable; there's still enough talent here to win the American Athletic and earn a spot in a New Year's Six Bowl. There's also forces of nature working in Cincinnati's favor that they didn't quite have in 2021. For one, not having to travel to South Bend is the major one (although going to Arkansas isn't exactly easy), plus the fact they didn't get Houston during the regular season and get a bye before their toughest two-game stretch of the year, at SMU and at UCF. With those items working in their favor and a superb coaching staff, I have no qualms about picking the Bearcats to once again be a Top 15 team in the nation.

Program Profile

Coaching Staff

Luke Fickell is an Ohio native who enters Year Six on the sidelines in Cincinnati. Before taking the job, he was a long-time assistant at his alma mater and operated as their interim head coach when Jim Tressel was let go right before the 2011 season. He's become one of the most popular names on the coaching carousel but so far has stuck firm with the Bearcats and unless OSU opens up, I don't envision him leaving anytime soon. Gino Guidugli gets his first crack at a coordinator position, after previous stints as the team's QB and RB coach. He's a Cincinnati alum who spent time in the NFL, IFL, AFL, and CFL before beginning his coaching career with Central Michigan. Mike Tressel is in Year Two as the defensive coordinator here; he's most well-known for his work as Michigan State defensive coordinator, but he has previous experience with the Bearcats, serving as their LB coach and ST coordinator from 2004-06.

Recruiting Breakdown

Cincinnati has become the recruiting power in the Group of Five, once again landing the top group among non-P5 schools. It's a class punctuated by a trio of four-star recruits, all coming in on the defensive side of the ball. Mario Eugenio is a four-star from the Tampa area who has an NFL future but will need to bulk up before he sees major playing time. Safety J.Q. Hardaway and linemen Derrick Shepard are the other two four-star prospects to arrive. Hardaway was quite a big get from SEC who looks the part at 6'2", 190 pounds. Offensively, the name I'm keeping a close eye on is back Stephan Byrd, who the staff managed to keep in-state. Byrd had a bunch of interest from major Power Five schools before deciding on Cincinnati and has a bit more wiggle than the last couple tailbacks we've seen carrying the load in this offense; he could end up being a big get for this program.

2022 X-Factor: Deshawn Pace, LB

Losing arguably the best QB in school history and a tailback who ran for 1,300 yards will negatively impact any offense, but the Bearcats return enough on that side of the ball to feel good about their chances in 2022. Defense is the much larger concern, as the back seven were hit hard by departures, most notably losing Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant. There isn't just a loss of production here, but a loss of leadership and playmaking. That means the defenders that do return, like junior linebacker Deshawn Pace, will play an outsized role for this defense this fall. Pace was a revelation a season ago, finishing fourth on the team in tackles and also picking off four passes. He's a fearless defender off the edge with a limitless motor; expect him to be all over the field. Can he not only become a better linebacker, but a real leader for this defense? If so, Pace has a chance to be one of the best overall defenders in the American Athletic and spearhead a defensive group that should still be a Top 25 group.

Five-Year Trend

2022 Projections

Projected Record: 11-2 (7-1 AAC, Win AAC Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: WR Tyler Scott

Defensive MVP: LB Deshawn Pace

Breakout Player of the Year: QB Evan Prater

Impact Freshman: DL Derrick Shepard

College Football Preview 2022: 15. Miami Hurricanes

Tyler Van Dyke, Miami

15. Miami Hurricanes

With Tyler Van Dyke at the controls and a re-energized coaching staff, the 'Canes will take the final ACC Coastal Title

2021 Review

Opening the season against the reigning National Champions is never a fun way to start and Miami was no match for Alabama, losing 44-13. Things didn't get much easier over the next several weeks; the Hurricanes managed to squeeze by Appalachian State before losing at home to one of the season's greatest surprises, Michigan State. After throttling Central Connecticut State, ACC play also began shaky, as Virginia snuck out a 30-28 victory and North Carolina won a close 45-42 contest. The Hurricanes eventually figured things out down the stretch, winning five of their final six, with the lone loss coming to rival Florida State in Tallahassee. Despite the strong finish, the 7-5 record wasn't enough to save the job of Manny Diaz, as Miami seized the opportunity to bring back alum Mario Cristobal as head coach. Cristobal becomes the sixth head man to take over at "The U" this century (not including interim coaches) and the latest tasked with bringing the program back to national relevance.

2022 Outlook

Offense: Cristobal made quite the early impression in Coral Gables, bringing in last year's Broyles Award winner Josh Gattis as his offensive coordinator. Gattis will inherit a group that was 23rd nationally in scoring and had a Top 10 passing offense, but struggled to move the ball on the ground.

Miami entered 2021 expecting quarterback D'Eriq King to be running the show offensively, but a season-ending shoulder injury quickly forced redshirt freshman Tyler Van Dyke into a larger role than expected. Van Dyke quickly proved he was up to the job and finished the season on fire, totaling 2,931 yards and 25 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. With a full offseason as the projected starter under his belt, Van Dyke is not only one of the best in the ACC, but has the potential to be one of the best nationally. 

No matter what, Van Dyke's return puts the Hurricanes in a good position offensively but to reach their ceiling, this group needs more from their rushing attack. There's potential here, with the returns of Jaylan Knighton and Don Chaney Jr., but there needs to be more consistency. Knighton led the team with 561 yards in 2021, but he struggled to open things up, averaging under four yards per rush. Chaney is a powerful runner who has dealt with injuries; slated to be fully healthy for the fall, he could have a big year. Sophomore Thaddius Franklin Jr. will also figure into the rotation heavily after rushing for 172 yards on just 23 carries (7.5 YPC). His dynamic rushing ability will add much-needed explosiveness to this backfield.

Miami has had plenty of talent at receiver over the last half-decade, but the results haven't always shown up. Gattis has proven to be terrific working with receivers, coaching up Jordan Matthews at Vanderbilt and Biletnikoff Award winner Jerry Jeudy at Alabama. Can he unlock this unit's potential in 2022?

With Charleston Rambo and Mike Harley gone, sophomore Key'Shawn Smith is the top returning receiver on the Hurricane roster. Smith can blow the top off of defenses, but drops were an occasional problem a season ago; he has the tools to form a fearsome combo with Van Dyke. Fellow sophomores Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George will also see plenty of targets after flashing real playmaking ability a season ago. One other name to watch is Clemson transfer Frank Ladson, a former highly touted recruit who never got it going with the Tigers. He's a tremendous athlete with elite speed, but needs to become a better route runner to make an impact in this offense.

Tight end has long been a position where Miami produces NFL talent, and senior Will Mallory could be the next in line. He's not quite as athletic as some of the past tight ends at "The U" but has reliable hands and a wide catch radius. He's the unquestioned starter entering the fall, but the 'Canes have two youngsters who may be too good to keep off the field. Sophomore Elijah Arroyo could see his role expand this year, while newcomer Jaleel Skinner was a big get for this new staff.

Cristobal, a former Miami offensive linemen himself, has a terrific offensive front at his disposal in Year One. The headliner of the group is junior left tackle Zion Nelson, an All-American candidate and future NFL Draft selection who should handle Van Dyke's blindside. In addition to Nelson, center Jakai Clark and tackle D.J. Scaife Jr. are also returning starters. The guard spots aren't as strong, which could hurt Miami's plans to improve their ground game.

There's a lot to like about this Miami offense and the addition of Gattis should only help; the personnel on this roster better fits the scheme he wants to run more than Michigan's. If the ground game can improve, it should be among the best in the ACC and a potential Top 10-15 unit nationally.

Defense: Diaz has been known as an aggressive and innovative defensive coach, but the defense was the weak spot on this team last fall. They were ninth in the ACC and 82nd nationally in scoring defense and were particularly susceptible through the air, allowing over 250 yards per game. 

Cristobal brought on Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator, after he briefly accepted the same position at Maryland earlier in the offseason. Steele will lead a group that was awfully inexperienced in 2021, but could be ready for major improvements.

Up front, the defensive line remains inexperienced, but there's potential here. A pair of sophomores, Leonard Taylor and Jahfari Harvey, are both prime breakout candidates. Harvey had seven tackles for loss in just nine games and returned an interception to the house, while Taylor is an impressive athlete for the defensive tackle position. Two former Power Five transfers arrive, and could both start right away. UCLA's Mitchell Agude tallied 55 tackles for the Bruins last year, while West Virginia's Akheem Mesidor is a former Freshman All-American.

Senior Waynmon Steed Jr. and sophomore Corey Flagg Jr. will be the starting linebackers in this 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Both have proven to be capable defenders, finishing first and second on the team in tackles a season ago, but is there another level they can reach? This is another position Miami is known for developing and Steele has coached up plenty of elite linebackers. Flagg topped the team in tackles last year and has the higher upside.

Simply put, Miami's pass defense has to be better if they want to seriously contend for an ACC crown. Fortunately, the lack of experience that permeated this group in 2021 shouldn't be as much of an issue this season, with plenty of pieces back.

Junior Tyrique Stevenson, a former Georgia transfer, was one of the team's best defenders before getting hurt late in the year. He's the most talented cornerback on this roster and should be fine handling No. 1 CB duties. The starting cornerback spot opposite of him is a bit more of a question, but the 'Canes return four others with starting experience at the position, including projected starter D.J. Ivey.

At safety, Miami loses Bubba Bolden, a leader for the group in 2020 who suffered through an injury-plagued 2021 campaign. A pair of sophomores, Avantae Williams and Kameron Kinchens, should handle starting safety duties and are a duo with the potential to be among the best in the ACC. Williams was a former five-star recruit who was dismissed from the team briefly last summer before being reinstated; he made 18 tackles in just four games. At the "Star" position, expect to see another former big-time recruit, James Williams. He was also limited down the stretch by injury in 2021 and still managed 31 tackles and two interceptions. His size and versatility makes him a real weapon for this defense and Steele should be creative with how he uses him.

It's unlikely Miami will be bitten by the injury bug the way they were last fall again and there's real star power on this side of the ball, plus a skilled defensive mind coaching it up. There is still lots of youth, so a complete defensive turnaround might not be in the cards, but I think this group will still be among the top-half of the ACC. 

Special Teams: Special teams should be a real strength for the 'Canes this season, as they return quite the character at punter in Lou Hedley. Hedley looks more like a linebacker than specialist, but he's proven he has quite the leg, earning All-American honors in 2020. Kicker Andres Borregales was extremely inconsistent in 2021, but that's to be expected of a true freshmen thrust into his role; he has a huge leg and the potential to be one of the best in the conference.

Bottom Line: There's a lot to like about the Hurricanes and the overall direction of the program, even if Cristobal and staff haven't coached a game yet in Coral Gables. The new staff has brought much-needed enthusiasm back into the program and their work on the recruiting trail is already receiving rave reviews from Miami fans and the general college football public. Sure, there will be an adjustment period as the new pieces fit into place, but it helps that this lineup has former five-stars dotting the roster all over and a budding superstar at QB in Tyler Van Dyke. It also helps that the 'Canes don't have to open up against Alabama this year and also play in a wide-open ACC Coastal, with Pittsburgh rebuilding and several new head coaches in the division. The 'Canes do get Texas A&M on the road this fall, but they should get a nice little warmup beforehand, opening up against Bethune-Cookman and Southern Miss, which should help their chances. A College Football Playoff berth is way too much to expect this early, but they have a good shot at winning the ACC Coastal before the conference gets rid of divisions next year, and go on to play in a quality bowl game.

Program Profile

Coaching Staff

Mario Cristobal is a former two-time National Champion with Miami thrilled to be coaching back at his alma mater. He's 62-60 as a head coach during previous pit stops at Florida International and Oregon. Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis was a big-time hire by Cristobal, coming off a Broyles Award-winning 2021 season. He's ascended the coaching ranks rapidly, getting his start as a grad assistant at UNC in 2010 before getting his first shot as a receivers coach with Western Michigan in '11. He spent a season with Nick Saban at Alabama as co-OC and WR coach before spending the last three years as the sole offensive coordinator at Michigan. Kevin Steele will run the defense, a football-lifer who has made his rounds around the collegiate ranks. He parlayed the Carolina Panthers LB job into the Baylor head coach position from 1999-2002 but was let to after going just 9-36 there. Since then, he's rehabilitated his image; after getting fired as DC at Clemson back in 2011 he spent time with Alabama and since then has been DC at LSU and Auburn. 

Recruiting Breakdown

Recruiting remained strong throughout the Manny Diaz era, but this new staff has a chance to be even better on the trail. They kept together most of the Class of 2022 after getting hired, finishing 13th nationally. The defensive line is where the big names arrive, with a pair of high four-star prospects coming in, with Cyrus Moss and Nyjalik Kelly. Moss was quite the addition coming from Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman, while Kelly comes from Miami's own backyard in Fort Lauderdale. Tight end Jaleel Skinner was another big-name addition from inside the state, playing at IMG Academy, but the player who might have the best chance to play key snaps in 2022? Look no further than Athlete Chris Graves, who played primarily receiver in high school but could make the transition to cornerback. Graves is a long, fluid athlete who could play either side of the ball or make his presence felt on special teams this year.

2022 X-Factor: Jaylan Knighton, RB

After a solid debut back in 2020, Jaylan Knighton emerged as Miami's most consistent tailback last season, leading the team with 561 yards and eight scores. He also proved to be a real weapon as a pass-catcher, adding 280 yards receiving. However, the 'Canes are hopeful Knighton can do even more this fall and provide this offense with the balance they desperately need, especially with some losses at wide out. It was a season with ups-and-downs last year; a two-touchdown performance in the upset of Pittsburgh followed up by a 162-yard showing against Georgia Tech looked like a coming out party for him. However, he followed that up with a rough three-game stretch to conclude 2021; despite carrying the ball 43 times, Knighton managed just 100 yards against three average-to-bad defenses (Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Duke). He has the potential to be so much more for the 'Canes, but now it's about putting it together for an entire season.

Five-Year Trend

2022 Projections

Projected Record: 9-4 (7-2 ACC, Lose ACC Championship Game)

Offensive MVP: QB Tyler Van Dyke

Defensive MVP: LB Corey Flagg Jr.

Breakout Player of the Year: S James Williams

Impact Freshman: ATH Chris Graves 

College Football Preview 2022: 16. Oregon Ducks

Kris Hutson, Oregon

16. Oregon Ducks

A new era will bring growing pains, but there's too much talent for a major step-back in Eugene

2021 Review

Oregon quickly asserted themselves as a Pac-12 favorite within the first several weeks of the 2021 season, going into Columbus and upsetting the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. However, the lack of offensive consistency quickly caught up to the Ducks, as they were shocked by Stanford just two weeks later, a team that would finish 3-9 on the year. Over the next month-and-a-half, Oregon managed to survive the meat of their Pac-12 schedule before the offensive struggles once again caught with them, as they were blown out by eventual conference champion, Utah, 38-7. They had a chance for vengeance against the Utes in the Pac-12 Championship Game but were again no match, costing them a shot at a Rose Bowl appearance. The bowl game wasn't much better, as the Ducks were shredded by Oklahoma, dropping them to 10-4 on the season. It's hard to be too disappointed about double-digit victories and a Pac-12 North Title, but considering the start, it was slightly underwhelming. With a new coaching staff in place after head coach Mario Cristobal took over at his alma mater Miami, a fresh approach could be just what the program needs to return to Pac-12 supremacy. 

2022 Outlook

Offense: Even before Cristobal's departure to Miami, Oregon was likely looking at re-shuffling the offense. It wasn't necessarily a bad unit in 2021 but was simply average across the board, with the exception being a lethargic pass offense that ranked 76th nationally.

New offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham was brought in to reinvigorate the offense. He'll do so without many of the core pieces from the last several years, including QB Anthony Brown, who graduated. Instead, Dillingham and first-year head coach Dan Lanning are overseeing a quarterback competition between Auburn transfer Bo Nix and unproven holdovers Ty Thompson and Jay Butterfield.

Nix is going to have a good shot to be the Day One starter after spending three years on The Plains. He never was quite able to live up to the massive expectations that surrounded him when he arrived on campus, but he did show real growth in 2021. He had his highest completion percentage (61%) and highest passer rating (130.0) since arriving in college, even if the numbers don't jump out at you. Nix will reunite with Dillingham, who was his offensive coordinator in 2019 when Nix won SEC Rookie of the Year. 

If Nix is unable to acclimate to the Pacific Northwest, the Ducks won't wait long in turning to Ty Thompson, a former high-profile recruit who played sparingly in 2021. Thompson is a tremendous athlete with a huge arm, but it wouldn't be surprising if the new coaching staff was cautious in utilizing the youngster.

The running back situation will look a bit different this fall, as last year's leading rusher Travis Dye, transferred to USC, and C.J. Verdell went pro. That leaves sophomore Byron Cardwell as the top returnee, a playmaker who was a pleasant surprise a season ago. He played in all 14 games and added 417 yards, while averaging nearly seven yards per rush. He's not the workhorse Dye was, but is an explosive runner that may remind observers of the days when LaMichael James was running wild in the Oregon backfield. 

In addition to Cardwell, the Ducks boast an incredibly deep running back room. Sean Dollars saw some action in both 2019 and 2020 before missing all of 2021 and should feature into the rotation, but it's a pair of newcomers that have fans excited. Noah Whittington comes to the Pacific Northwest after rushing for over 600 yards for Western Kentucky a year ago, while Mar'Keise "Bucky" Irving arrives from Minnesota. Irving took advantage of an injury-plagued Gopher running back room and ended up leading the team in all-purpose yards as a true freshman; he was a big get for the Ducks.

The aerial attack will need more from an unproven, but talented, receiver corps. A trio of sophomores are projected to spearhead the unit: Kris Hutson, Troy Franklin, and Dont'e Thornton. Hutson in particular impressed as a true freshman and appears ready for the moment; he's a good bet to be the offense's breakout star. In addition, the Ducks will lean on UCLA transfer Chase Cota and converted tailback Seven McGee. Cota, an Oregon native, spent four years with the Bruins and totaled over 800 receiving yards, while McGee played sparingly in 2021.

Every once in awhile, Oregon has a tight end that is simply too good not to be featured heavily in this offense. That may be the case this year, as the Ducks feature several players who could contribute at the position, namely Terrance Ferguson and talented youngster Moliki Matavao. Ferguson will be an asset over the middle-of-the-field, while Matavao flashed last year. This position took an unfortunate turn this offseason, with the tragic passing of Spencer Webb, a talented pass-catcher who seemed primed for big things. 

Cristobal and his staff's work upgrading and developing the offensive line should pay dividends for this new group in 2022. All five starters are back and there's plenty of depth and experience at every position. The left side of the unit is particularly strong, with tackle Steven Jones and guard T.J. Bass in place, while center Alex Forsyth is an All-Conference talent who struggled through back problems last fall. 

Dillingham has been considered a rising name in the coaching ranks the last several years and now is the time for him to earn that billing. The Ducks have no shortage of talent, but the lack of experience and questions at quarterback likely mean growing pains are on the horizon. Even so, I like this group enough to believe it can finish among the top half of the league.

Defense: There is less questions defensively, but this is a group that should be better than what we saw in 2021. They were near the bottom of the Pac-12 in both scoring and total defense and if not for a turnover-creating secondary, would have likely finished even lower. Former Alabama defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi will be tasked with creating a more consistent group at every level.

Losing a superstar pass rusher like Kayvon Thibodeaux is a challenge for any program, but Oregon returns enough up front to feel good about their D-Line entering 2022. Junior Brandon Dorlus had a breakout season in 2021 and should have no issues acclimating to a leadership role, although he was limited in the spring due to injury. Sophomore Keyon Ware-Hudson and Popo Aumavae are projected to be the pair of starting defensive tackles, while Bradyn Swinson will also rotate in at end. Aumavae is a proven run stopper ready for even more, while Swinson notched three sacks last year despite limited playing time.

Linebacker may be the greatest strength on Oregon's roster. Noah Sewell, the brother of former Oregon great and current Detroit Lion Penei, was a five-star prospect who has lived up to all the hype surrounding him coming out of high school. He did it all for this defense a season ago, leading the way with 114 tackles, four sacks, five pass deflections, and even two forced fumbles. Now in his third year with the program, Sewell is a Butkus Award frontrunner and future first-round NFL Draft selection.

In addition to Sewell, Oregon has two capable linebackers in Mase Funa and Jeffrey Bassa, but all eyes are on Justin Flowe. Flowe arrived on campus with Sewell as the other piece of a five-star linebacker duo, but injuries have killed his first two seasons on campus. If he can stay healthy, the Ducks have a potential superstar on their hands; he was the top linebacker in his class coming out of high school and notched 14 tackles in last year's season-opening win over Fresno State, before being lost for the year. Again, health is the key, but it's fair for Duck fans to be excited about what him and Sewell can do in 2022.

The pass defense was bad last season, despite having one of the best defensive backs in the nation in Verone McKinley II, who totaled six interceptions. To be fair, this was an incredibly young group in 2021 and it didn't help they lost one of their top contributors, Bennett Williams, early on in the season. However, rebuilding this group will be the top priority for Lupoi, especially with some of the quarterbacks Oregon faces on the year.

Sophomore Dontae Manning is another former high-profile recruit who could be ready to take the next step and be the team's top corner, but a better bet may be Colorado transfer Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez had a huge year during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, while Manning is hoping to work himself back from a knee injury suffered during the spring. Expect Avante Dickerson, an incredibly talented sophomore, to also feature in the corner rotation. He played both ways as a star high-schooler from the state of Nebraska, but didn't play very much as a true freshman in 2021.

The rest of the secondary is in good hands, as nickelback Jamal Hill, junior Steve Stephens IV, and a healthy Williams are back in the fold. Hill is the perfect type of defender to play nickel; massive, athletic, and rangy, but Williams' versatility will be an even more important asset. In just four games in 2021, Williams recorded three interceptions and was well on his way to Jim Thorpe Award consideration before the untimely injury.'

Oregon's defensive struggles last year and be somewhat forgiven; they were ravaged by injuries that crippled their chances down the stretch. With improved health and a defensive-minded head coach in Dan Lanning, who just happened to coach one of the greatest defenses in the sport's history last fall, I suspect massive improvements across the board. With names like Dorlus, Sewell, Flowe, and Williams, the Duck defense should keep NFL scouts busy this fall.

Special Teams: Placekicker Camden Lewis is among the best returning specialists in the Pac-12, coming off a 2021 in which he went 13-16 on field goals. Punter Tom Snee was set to return, but wasn't with the team during the spring. It's unclear what his future looks like, but Oregon doesn't have much beyond them, making an eventual return imperative. The return game should be fine, as Kris Hutson led the team in kick returns last year, while Seven McGee should take over for Mycah Pittman as punt returner.

Bottom Line: Oregon fans and their views on Mario Cristobal seem to be pretty split after he ditched the program for Miami this past offseason, but there shouldn't be any denying that he restored the program to national relevance and brought in a bunch of talent. Cristobal wasn't able to get them back to the CFB Playoff, which has alluded them since playing in the first CFB Playoff National Championship, which now becomes the goal for Dan Lanning and the new staff. That might be a bit lofty for Year One with all the fresh faces on the staff and on this offense, but Pac-12 Title contention seems a realistic one. With that being said, there are some circumstances not working in Oregon's favor in 2022. While they don't have to go on the road and play Ohio State this fall, the schedule may actually be trickier, as they open with the defending National Champion Georgia Bulldogs and also play BYU. The Pac-12 eliminating divisions may also end up hurting their chances at contending for a conference title. While the Ducks would be my clear favorite in the North Division, they'll have a tough securing a spot over the former South Division schools, Utah, USC, and UCLA. Even so, hovering around double-digit wins and playing in a respectable bowl would mark a solid debut campaign for Lanning and company.

Program Profile

Coaching Staff

36-year old Dan Lanning gets his first head coaching job of his career with the Ducks, fresh off three seasons leading a dominant Georgia defense. It's not shocking Oregon went with a young, rising name in the coaching ranks, but first-time head coaches are always in for a bit of a learning curve and Lanning will have to learn the Pacific Northwest. To help him out, the new head man brought in two big-name coordinators in Kenny Dillingham and Tosh Lupoi. Dillingham has had an amazing ascent through the coaching ranks; a decade ago, he was QB coach at a high school in Arizona, now he's on his way third big-time OC stop. Lupoi is a California native with prior experience coaching in the Pac-12. He earned his recognition as DC for Alabama back in 2018 before several years in the NFL. Returning to college, he should benefit from having so much talent on his side of the ball.

Recruiting Breakdown

Cristobal and the former staff were doing an elite job on the recruiting trail before departing, and the new staff managed to hold it together for the most part. Oregon finished 13th in the 247Sports composite and top in the Pac-12, just edging out David Shaw and Stanford. The lone five-star prospect is Josh Conerly Jr., a late addition to the Class of 2022 who Oregon managed to keep away from USC. The powerful offensive tackle showed Oregon is still a recruiting power in the PNW, as he hails from the Seattle area. While Conerly is the biggest name, the best bets to play right away? Look no further than corner Jahlil Florence or wide out Kyler Kasper. Florence was one of Lanning's first major gets as Oregon head man and offers help at a need position, while Kasper isn't your typical freshman wide out; at 6'5", he should be a real load for opposing defensive backs. The Ducks also brought in a tremendous pair of linebackers who may not see much action this year, but should be important assets in the near future in four-stars Devon Jackson and Harrison Taggart.

2022 X-Factor: Justin Flowe, LB

Although the Ducks are in a good spot at linebacker regardless of the health of Justin Flowe, can you imagine this defense with him healthy? Flowe is the real deal, a skilled physical specimen with incredible instincts, but his body has betrayed him the last two seasons. Even so, we saw enough in the opener last year to be excited about what he can bring to the table; he was the Ducks best defender, recording 14 tackles, five of them of the solo variety. Duck fans have been waiting to see Flowe and Noah Sewell on the same field together; finally, this will be the year, giving Oregon one of the top 1-2 combos at linebacker in the entire country.

Five-Year Trend

2022 Projections

Projected Record: 9-3 (7-2 Pac-12)

Offensive MVP: RB Byron Cardwell

Defensive MVP: LB Noah Sewell

Breakout Player of the Year: WR Kris Hutson

Impact Freshman: CB Jahlil Florence