While NIL and the transfer portal have been polarizing among those who love college football, it has undoubtedly created more parity. The quality of football at the top is not the same as in the past, but I have been impressed by so many teams this season. Who are the teams that have impressed you the most in 2023 (not necessarily the best teams)? I have my list below.
1) Washington. Their offense is absolutely firing right now. Statistically speaking, they have the best WR's in the country, and they certainly have been the most explosive. Penix looks to be a Heisman favorite right now. We'll see if their defense holds up against teams like Oregon, USC, Utah, Oregon State, and Washington State, but I think they deserve to be ranked in the top 2 right now.
2) Penn State. They may not have the best win in the B1G, but they definitely have been the most impressive team in the conference. Easily controlled a solid West Virginia team, and annihilated Iowa (although Iowa tends to annihilate Iowa). Their defense may be the best in the country, and I won't lie, I really wish Drew Allar was a Buckeye. Effortless throwing motion and great arm strength. Their run game is suspiciously ineffective right now, especially Singleton, but they're still effective at times.
3) Duke. People are saying that Notre Dame should be on upset watch this weekend against Duke, but I think this is a toss-up game because Duke is that good. Riley Leonard is kind of a reincarnation of Daniel Jones at Duke, although Leonard has much better talent surrounding him. I would love to see them make a run at the ACC title.
4) Oklahoma. Really flying under the radar but their offense looks much improved while their defense is starting to look like a true Venables defense. I personally would pick them over Texas in a couple weeks.
5) Washington State. Cam Ward is a dawg. Beating Wisconsin in consecutive years is not easy. Impressive win against Oregon State, as well.
Honorable mentions: Kansas, Fresno State, and Georgia State (shout out to their first 4-0 start in program history)
