10 players to watch in college football for the 2022-23 season
College football is just around the corner with Week 0 marking the unofficial kickoff of the 2022 season.
As we turn our attention to the college gridiron, we'll look at 10 players to watch ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, including the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the biggest name to enter the transfer portal.
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
It's next to impossible not to begin this list with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Bryce Young led the SEC with 4,872 passing yards to go along with 47 touchdowns. Expect more off-platform throws and precision passes as the Crimson Tide embark on another quest for national dominance.
The third-year signal-caller lost a few of his favorite targets from last season. Still, there's the belief that some new faces, such as Jermaine Burton and halfback Jahmyr Gibbs, will elevate Alabama's offensive arsenal.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
One of the nation's more exciting runners, Bijan Robinson brings a blend of power, speed, and elusiveness at tailback. He racked up 1,422 scrimmage yards (1,127 rushing, 295 receiving) for 15 total touchdowns in 2021 despite missing a pair of games. The junior halfback dazzles with a consistent ability to make incredible cuts out of the backfield. It's only fitting that the Texas star landed a NIL deal with Lamborghini.
Robinson is poised to be a Heisman Trophy contender on an improved roster in what could be his final campaign as a Longhorn.
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Although the reigning national champions lost several key members to April's draft, the Bulldogs return their most explosive offensive weapon. Brock Bowers' 56 catches last season were more than double the next leading Georgia pass-catcher, and his 882 receiving yards were nearly double the second-ranked Bulldog. With the speed to outpace linebackers and the strength to bulldoze over defensive backs, the sophomore receiver is just tapping into his potential.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Caleb Williams is expected to be a keystone of Lincoln Riley's rebuild at USC after shooting up to stardom during his freshman season with Oklahoma. The sophomore signal-caller threw for 1,912 yards, rushed for 435, and accounted for 27 touchdowns in his collegiate debut.
The Washington D.C. native can dial up the deep ball or call his own number when a running lane is available. He'll also have reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison to help him revamp a Trojans offense aiming to recapture its former glory.
Will Anderson, linebacker, Alabama
Considered among many to be the top prospect in next year's draft, Will Anderson Jr. returns to the Crimson Tide to continue his reign of terror. The All-America pass-rusher is virtually unblockable - he racked up a nation-leading 31 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks last season. With the ability to convert power to speed in his pass rush, No. 31 is a one-man wrecking crew.
If Alabama coach Nick Saban considers the 2021 season a "rebuild," it's frightening to imagine the improvement Anderson is set to display with a more experienced supporting cast following last year's run.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson wasted little time establishing himself in Ohio State's backfield. The former five-star tailback rushed for 1,248 yards to go along with 27 receptions for 312 yards and 19 total touchdowns as a freshman.
With C.J. Stroud under center and one of the nation's most potent receiving corps sharing the huddle, Henderson appears poised to enter the Heisman Trophy discussion.
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Despite suffering a season-ending leg injury in October and playing on an underachieving LSU team, Kayshon Boutte still managed to lead the Tigers with 38 receptions for 508 yards and nine scores.
Donning the vaunted No. 7 jersey under new head coach Brian Kelly, the junior is set to carry on an impressive lineage of LSU receivers that includes Odell Beckham Jr., Justin Jefferson, and Ja'Marr Chase.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma
After posting impressive numbers during his three seasons at UCF (8,037 passing yards, 70 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) and a brief pit stop at UCLA, Dillon Gabriel is set to take the reins of Oklahoma's offense. With offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and a Sooners roster that's rife with offensive talent, the Hawaiian is expected to produce video game-like numbers.
Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Braelon Allen is the next man up in a long tradition of great Wisconsin tailbacks. He broke out on the scene in 2021 as a freshman following injuries to more experienced players on the depth chart. Despite only starting four times, Allen tallied 100-plus yards in eight games and finished with 1,268 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 6.8 yards per carry.
Whether Allen can be the next Ron Dayne or Jonathan Taylor remains to be seen. However, his 829 yards after contact suggest he's more than capable of brilliance with the ball tucked under his chest.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Richardson no longer finds himself splitting snaps under center this season. It should be a welcome change for the Gators signal-caller, who's a textbook dual-threat passer. If the pregame backflips and uber athleticism with the ball in his hands don't win you over, his determination to carry the offense should. This may be the most exciting player to wear No. 15 for Florida since you-know-who.