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2023 NCAA Football- New Rules, Player Updates and Top College Teams
Photo: Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs with the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second quarter of the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2023 NCAA Football- New Rules, Player Updates and Top College Teams

College football is on a roll, especially as it’s almost time to kick off this season. Although there are less than 100 days left, there are still lingering questions about the roster, freshman recruits, positions, rules, and even the preseason's top teams.

With constant changes and updates, the heat of the NCAA will never cease.

And so, to prepare you before the actual football match happens, here are the latest must-knows on the new rules this season, the top three player transfers, and the top college teams to look out for:

Football Rule Changes

College football is looking to make every fan's NCAAF odds more exciting this season. Such would be achievable by making the matches shorter with three rule changes in the handbook. Additionally, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved these rules to control a consistent flow of the match.

Preventing Consecutive Timeouts

Consecutive timeouts often happen whenever teams attempt ice kickers. Ice kicker refers to a football effort made before the kicker tries a field goal, hoping it will affect the kicker's ability to make it successfully.

However, that will change during the 2023 NCAA football season. Implementing such a rule prevents any team from making timeouts right after another, so you can expect a game without consecutive breaks.

Running Clock

Under the old rule, the game clock would stop whenever a team gained a first down. If an offensive team gained the first down, the clock would then restart. However, you’ll no longer see this rule in the upcoming season.

According to the new rule, the clock will run even after the offensive team gains a first down. The only exception for the running clock will be for the last two minutes of each half of the match. This change was made to reduce overall match time.

Banning the Extension of Quarters

When the first or third quarter ends with a defensive penalty, banning the extension of quarters stops an untimed down from happening. This means that the down or penalty would be timed and carried over during the next quarter.

Player Tracker

Player transfers are inevitable in college football. With so many changes, the only thing you can do is to keep track of each one. So, to keep you up to date, here are the best three players entering the transfer portals:

Wide Receiver Keon Coleman

From Michigan State, Wide Receiver Keon Coleman moves to Florida State University. Although Coleman is still 20 years old, he now boasts eight touchdowns and 65 catches over 848 yards in just two seasons. As a sophomore, he was already ranked among the Big Ten Leaders with 58 catches over 798 yards. With such a record, Coleman is one player to look out for in the big leagues.

Wide Receiver Tyler Harrell

You'll see Tyler Harrell in the transfer portal from Alabama to Miami this season. As a Wide Receiver, Harrell played in five games for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he caught two passes for 18 yards. In 2021, Harrell scored six times from 18 catches - and you can expect more from him this season!

Quarterback Casey Thompson

Casey Thompson went looking for options after transfer Jeff Sims was in the lead during the spring practice. Although Thompson was last year's starter for Nebraska, this Quarterback has now switched lanes to the Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

Nonetheless, Casey Thompson stuns with 173 completed passes out of 274 attempts. During the last season, Thompson also held 17 touchdowns and ten interceptions, a stunning record looking to add grit to FAU's roster.

Top College Teams

Familiarizing yourself with the new rules and the player transfers isn’t the only thing to do. Whether you’re a fan looking to support your favorite team or a bettor analyzing the best wager, you also need to check out the team rankings even during the preseason.

Below, you'll find the top three teams of the season and their latest records, games, and stats:

Number 3: Georgia

Although Georgia once earned the first spot, being third now isn't all that bad. This two-time defending national champion team lost their top spot due to questions about their Quarterback. Not only that, Coach Kirby Smart won't have Stetson Bennet or Jalen Carter on his roster, either. However, Georgia has also gained wide receiver Dominic Lovett, who boasts 846 yards and 56 receptions.

Number 2: Alabama

Standing at number 2, Alabama has the potential to grow this season with two new coordinators and a new mandate to play offensively. These additions can become Alabama's game changers to improve their Quarterback with Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner. As long as this team plays its cards well this season, you’ll surely see Alabama fight for the top spot.

Number 1: Ohio State

This team has plenty of skills, which is evident in their successful recruits. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best wideout with a dominant force and versatile catch radius. Moreover, he has the stats to back up his skill, boasting 77 passes for 1,263 yards in only 13 matches.

And Emeka Egbuka isn't too far behind, with 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and ten touchdowns in his football career. Running back TreVeyon Henderson will also return to the field, ensuring that his athletic skills, paired with his speed, will serve his team well this season.

Final Thoughts

With this, you have an overall view of the latest updates of the 2023 NCAA. By knowing the information listed above and staying up to date, you’ll surely have a good gist of where the games may head. But don’t be too arrogant with your predictions. While it’s good to have reliable intel on your side, these matches can turn into anything. So, make sure to keep a good head on your shoulders before welcoming this season with a bang!