The 2022 college football season is right around the corner and most of the usual suspects are considered the favorites to contend for the national championship.
There hasn’t been much parity atop the rankings, but these teams aren’t completely flawless. Below, we highlight the biggest question marks and points of uncertainty surrounding the top teams entering the season.
(Odds via BetMGM)
Alabama
AP poll ranking: 1
National championship odds: +190
In a season Nick Saban recently characterized as a “kind of a rebuilding year,” Alabama played in the national championship game for the sixth time in a seven-year span. Instead of adding an eighth national title to his trophy case (seventh at Alabama), the Crimson Tide lost to Georgia, which of course is coached by longtime Saban assistant Kirby Smart.
Entering 2022, Alabama is the favorite to get that next national title and you know Saban will have this group motivated. The Tide return Heisman Trophy-winning QB Bryce Young and All-American linebacker Will Anderson, who had 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. Those two highlight arguably the most-talented roster in college football, but there are still a few areas of concern.
That starts on the offensive line. Alabama struggled to protect Young at times last year and that was with first-rounder Evan Neal at tackle. Without Neal, the Tide dipped into the transfer portal to bolster its group of tackles and landed Tyler Steen from Vanderbilt. Steen is a solid player, but may be a bit below the standard we’re used to seeing from an Alabama tackle. He’s battling for a starting spot as both tackle positions are open competitions in camp.
The interior of the unit has experience but there was quite a bit of inconsistency last year. Expect the coaches to mix and match different lineups until they find one that sticks. And they won’t be afraid to move underclassmen up the depth chart if they’re the best options.
The other question marks come on the outside. At receiver, Alabama lost John Metchie, Jameson Williams and Slade Bolden to the NFL. While Jermaine Burton from Georgia was a strong addition, this group may not be as explosive as Williams and Metchie were a year ago.
The Tide also need two new starters at corner. Kool-Aid McKinstry is expected to be one of them with LSU transfer Eli Ricks and Khyree Jackson competing on the other side.
Ohio State
AP poll ranking: 2
National championship odds: +320
Ohio State had a national…