This week marked the end of the deadline for draft-eligible underclassmen to declare, with Monday acting as the final day to submit paperwork for the 2023 NFL Draft. There is now a 72-hour opportunity for reconsideration before the league’s ultimate approval on Friday.
Some announcements did not come as a surprise to fans or, most likely, their coaches, but there was turmoil around a few superstars right up until Monday’s deadline. But now that these guys — all of whom were at least three years away from high school and had remaining college eligibility — have elected to go on to the next level, we on the college football side will flip the page to the next wave of rising stars who will fill their shoes.
As there is still plenty to discover before the 2023 season begins, including another transfer portal window following spring practice, these are only forecasts for how the top college football players will be replaced at their original institution. In the dearth of NFL Draft first-round talent in their respective position rooms, though, these are certainly important names to know moving into spring practice. These players will be expected to assume greater responsibilities.
When 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young was injured during the 2022 season, Milroe was named the offense’s new leader. The former four-star recruit was able to exploit his height and agility successfully, but the passing assault of the offense had an altogether new appearance. With Young as quarterback, Alabama threw the ball an average of 31 times per game. When Milroe played the entirety of the game against Texas A&M, the Crimson Tide tossed the ball 19 times and ran the ball 51 times. Milroe’s season-long passing statistics (58.5% completion percentage, five touchdowns to three interceptions) have left this race wide open, despite the fact that he will have more experience than Ty Simpson in 2023.
Keep Reading
There hasn’t been a classic Nick Saban quarterback fight in a while, but with Milroe’s experience going up against Simpson’s five-star credentials, Tuscaloosa is full of interest. Also noteworthy are any prospective changes to the offense or offensive staff, as well as how these changes may affect the quarterback best equipped to help the Alabama offense achieve its goals in the post-Bryce Young era.
Turner shone his route to earning Freshman All-American accolades as a freshman, and the former five-star continued to add excellent achievements to his CV in 2022 in preparation for what should be a spectacular third season in 2023. Turner finished tied for second on the team in sacks (4.0 for -18 yards) and fourth in tackles for loss (8.0 for -29 yards), consistently overcoming blocks and making his presence felt in the backfield. Turner, a pass-rushing specialist who also displayed his athleticism with a scoop-and-score against Tennessee, will be among the best defensive players in the league in 2023.
In recent months, Florida’s quarterback situation has deteriorated. First, backup Jalen Kitna was kicked off the team after an arrest on child pornography charges. Then, Anthony Richardson’s decision to not only enter the NFL Draft but also opt out of the bowl game left the Gators with former Ohio State quarterback Jack Miller, the third-string option on the depth chart. Miller threw for 180 yards on 13-of-22 attempts against Oregon State in the Gators’ 30-3 loss, despite the absence of numerous offensive key players.
Florida, seeing the need to bolster its quarterback depth, accessed the transfer portal and finally secured the commitment of Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz. Miller and Mertz were expected to be joined by top-tier quarterback Jaden Rashada, but with Rashada’s commitment and enrollment uncertain, it looks like Miller and Mertz are the strongest choices for Billy Napier coming into his second season in Gainesville.
Replacing Robinson will really be a team effort, as responsibility is pushed to other players and incoming stars in light of Robinson’s significant impact on the Texas offense. This upcoming star is being highlighted not because he will take over all of Robinson’s carries, but because Steve Sarkisian is thrilled about the immediate impact he can have on the offense. Robinson became a rising star as a freshman and started the final six games of the season.
Baxter, a consensus five-star talent from Orlando whom 247Sports ranks as the No. 2 running back for the 2023 cycle, might face a similar scenario. Andrew Ivins, the national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, likened Baxter to Joe Mixon and said that he “looked the part” physically to be a difference-maker at the next level even before his senior year of high school. With both Robinson and Roschon Johnson having entered the NFL Draft, Texas will begin over at the position in 2023. As the season develops in Austin, Jonathan Brooks, a redshirt sophomore, and Jaydon Blue will have the advantage in the competition for snaps, but keep an eye on Baxter.
