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What's next for college football's ranked non-playoff teams

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The moment we've been waiting for all season came Sunday.

Georgia, Michigan, TCU and Ohio State all wrapped up College Football Playoff spots -- as we all expected heading into the season -- and now we can spend the holidays predicting what happens when these four teams meet on New Year's Eve.

But what about all those ranked teams that didn't make the CFP? Sure, there are bowl games, but how will the rest of the top 25 make sure their name is called a year from now on Selection Day?

Our staff goes over the key losses, best recruits and biggest questions facing the best of the rest of the college football rankings ahead of another hectic offseason.


5. Alabama Crimson Tide

2022 record: 10-2

Key player losses: QB Bryce Young*, OLB Will Anderson Jr.*, RB Jahmyr Gibbs*, LT Tyler Steen, RG Emil Ekiyor, TE Cameron Latu, MLB Henry To'oTo'o, S Jordan Battle, S/CB Brian Branch*

Key 2023 recruits: S Caleb Downs, RB Richard Young, RB Justice Haynes, QB-PP Eli Holstein, S Tony Mitchell, QB-PP Dylan Lonergan, WR Jalen Hale

Projected players leaving with an asterisk (*)

Who's going to play quarterback if Bryce Young goes to the NFL as expected?

Replacing Will Anderson Jr. won't be easy, and you can expect a shake-up on the coaching staff after a disappointing season on both sides of the ball. But there's no doubt which question looms largest:

Young has been a superstar from the moment he became the starter as a sophomore, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2021. This past season, he's had to do more with less -- specifically less talented receivers. Still, he managed to throw for 3,000 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions.