ESPN computer predicts the four College Football Playoff teams in 2023

What to expect when the College Football Playoff rolls around, according to the ESPN football index preseason computer models in 2023

Summer is here, which makes it just the beginning of Talkin' Season and the right time to get in our early predictions for college football and the top 25 rankings ahead of the 2023 season, and a preview of what's to come in the national championship race.

This year's College Football Playoff will make some history, as the 2023-24 postseason will be the final tournament featuring four semifinal teams as the format prepares to expand to 12 teams starting next year.

ESPN jumped on the bandwagon most recently, revealing its preseason Football Power Index rankings and alongside the analytic formula for ranking teams also came up with its early picks for which teams are in the race for the final four playoff.

Here's your look at which four teams are in the mix for the semifinal.

College Football Rankings: ESPN Reveals Preseason 2023 Poll

College football predictions: ESPN computer picks playoff teams in 2023

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1. Ohio State (82.2%): The computer's favorite out of the Big Ten even over Michigan despite losing the last two editions of The Game, the Buckeyes sit in pole position to make the playoff according to the index. That's despite not yet having a sure thing at quarterback and with some holes to fill on the offensive line. But what Ohio State has at the skill positions isn't up for debate with some of college football's best receivers and running backs toting the rock this fall. Road games at Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Michigan will tell the story on this team.

2. Georgia (63.1%): College football's two-time defending national champion have spots to fill on the defensive front seven and at offensive tackle, but otherwise are characteristically loaded just about everywhere. Transfer receivers like Dominic Lovett and RaRa Thomas pair up with returners Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, all vital release valves for presumptive starting quarterback Carson Beck and Georgia boasts a very winnable schedule from start to finish.

College football schedule: Early 2023 games, TV networks announced

3. Alabama (62.1%): There are still plenty of questions around the Alabama roster that Nick Saban and his two new coordinators are looking to answer, principally at quarterback to replace Bryce Young, in the front seven after Will Anderson's departure, and in the backfield after Jahmyr Gibbs left for the NFL. Jalen Milroe is the likely favorite to step in at QB and he's surrounded by plenty of potential at receiver and running back, with Jase McClellan stepping into a starting role, but the Crimson Tide needs to beef up in the secondary with home tilts against Texas and LSU to come.

4. Texas (34.2%): Always a favorite on the ESPN index rankings, the Longhorns are getting preseason hype again thanks to a burgeoning offensive attack that returns some very capable receiving threats, continuity on the offensive line, and the player who could be the next big star in college football in quarterback Quinn Ewers, who now has the added pressure of Arch Manning sitting behind him. Texas gets one last chance to push teams around in the Big 12 and make a run for the league title before moving to the considerably-tougher SEC slate next season.

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