Georgia football is projected to be back on top of the college football world following a denial from the 2023 College Football Playoffs.
The Bulldogs were the top-ranked team in the USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-134 released Tuesday. Georgia lost to rival Alabama in the SEC Championship last season to snap a 29-game winning streak, ultimately keeping the Bulldogs out of the CFP field despite being the defending two-time champions. The Bulldogs closed the season with a 63-3 blowout victory over undefeated Florida State in the Orange Bowl.
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However, USA TODAY’s re-ranking has Georgia ahead of No. 2 Ohio State and new SEC addition No. 3 Texas. The SEC has plenty of representation, with five teams among the top 10 and eight in the top 25. Oregon, Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, Clemson, Penn State and Ole Miss are the top 10. Georgia was also the No. 1 overall team in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll released on Aug. 5.
The defending national champion Michigan is ranked No. 16, while the runners-up Washington is ranked No. 47. The Wolverines and Huskies are replacing several starters on both sides of the ball, as well as head coaches this year.
The number of FBS teams has increased to 134 this year from 133 with the addition of the in-state Kennesaw State. The Owls are ranked No. 132 in their inaugural spot in the rankings. In-state rival Georgia Tech is ranked No. 52.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia football ranked No. 1 in USA TODAY 1-134 college football re-rankings
