Big-Name College Football Programs Aiming for Bounce-Back Season in 2023

College football is a cyclical sport, and even the most successful programs can experience down years. But in 2023, several big-name programs are looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons and return to prominence.

Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are one of the most storied programs in college football history, but they have not been to the College Football Playoff since 2018. In 2022, the Wolverines finished with a 7-6 record, their first losing season since 2014.

But Michigan is loaded with talent in 2023, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum. The Wolverines also have a strong defense, led by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

If Michigan can stay healthy, they have the potential to be a contender in the Big Ten and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns are another program that is looking to bounce back in 2023. Texas has not won a Big 12 title since 2009, and they have not been to the College Football Playoff since 2014.

But Texas has a new head coach in Steve Sarkisian, and he has brought in a lot of talent, including quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class. The Longhorns also have a strong defense, led by linebacker DeMarvion Overshown.

If Texas can stay healthy and gel as a team, they have the potential to be a contender in the Big 12 and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Florida Gators

The Florida Gators are another program that is looking to bounce back in 2023. Florida has not won a national championship since 2008, and they have not been to the College Football Playoff since 2017.

But Florida has a new head coach in Billy Napier, and he has brought in a lot of talent, including quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is one of the most exciting players in college football. The Gators also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Ventrell Miller.

If Florida can stay healthy and play up to their potential, they have the potential to be a contender in the SEC and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

These are just a few of the big-name college football programs that are aiming for a bounce-back season in 2023. With so much talent on these rosters, it will be interesting to see which programs can take the next step and return to national prominence.

Other Programs to Watch

In addition to the Michigan Wolverines, Texas Longhorns, and Florida Gators, there are a few other big-name programs that are looking to bounce back in 2023.

• Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have not won a national championship since 1988, but they have been a consistent contender in recent years. In 2022, the Irish finished with a 11-2 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
• USC Trojans: The USC Trojans are another program that is looking to return to prominence. USC has not won a national championship since 2004, but they have a rich history of success. In 2022, the Trojans finished with a 5-7 record, but they have a lot of talent returning in 2023.
• Ohio State Buckeyes: The Ohio State Buckeyes are always a contender in the Big Ten, but they have not won a national championship since 2014. In 2022, the Buckeyes finished with a 10-2 record, but they were upset by Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game.

These are just a few of the big-name programs that are looking to bounce back in 2023. With so much talent on these rosters, it will be interesting to see which programs can take the next step and return to national prominence.