New Year's Special: Early 2023 Preseason Top 25

<h2>We are many months away from the Fall football season but how about an early look at who the top teams should be going into the 2023 year. </h2>   (Note - Some changes to rosters could/will be made between now and the start of the Fall season)     #PRZTN TN HS Football Top 25   1. Brentwood Academy Eagles   - The 2023 season could be a big year for these Eagles as they are loaded with star players on every level, led by star 2025 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre']. Playing in front of him is a strong offensive line with [player_tooltip player_id='149181' first='Andrew' last='Pedersen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='305915' first='Graham' last='Gilmer'] leading the way. The Eagles also have a stout defense returning next Fall with star players out front in [player_tooltip player_id='149168' first='Hank' last='Weber'], [player_tooltip player_id='362094' first='A.J.' last='Barbat'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219407' first='Kolbe' last='Harmon']. It will be a battle for BA playing in the D2-Class AAA ranks but they have the roster to play and win another state football title.    2. Baylor Red Raiders   - The defending D2-Class AAA champs have a great shot at repeating next Fall, especially with stud quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] returning to run the show. The Red Raiders must replace some key seniors off this past season's championship squad but they have some serious talent returning in [player_tooltip player_id='148873' first='Amari' last='Jefferson'], [player_tooltip player_id='207309' first='Joshua' last='Hampton'], [player_tooltip player_id='219421' first='Cameron' last='Sparks'], [player_tooltip player_id='219445' first='Jimmy' last='Bryson'] and others to find themselves in the state title game yet again in the Fall.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/wmuschamp2.jpg?w=731" alt="" class="wp-image-538338" width="281" height="393" /></figure>   3. Oakland Patriots   - How can you not put the Pats up here in the top five with head coach Kevin Creasy at the helm for another year. Three years running, the Patriots are your 6A state champions and I see no reason why they won't be competing for yet another one in the 2023 season. Oakland must replace some key starters but they have enough talented returning to be formidable again, especially with a potent backfield, spearheaded by running backs [player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'] and Aivery Haynesworth.    4. McCallie Blue Tornado    - This past football season was a building and growing year for this McCallie team as they played a lot of underclassmen but that should pay off this Fall as the Blue Tornado should have enough pieces to compete for the D2-Class AAA title. They have one of the best QB's in the state returning in [player_tooltip player_id='287027' first='Jeremy' last='St-Hilaire'] and a strong defensive front, led by future SEC edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='149842' first='Carson' last='Gentle'] and an under the radar talent in [player_tooltip player_id='285346' first='Olivier' last='Camerlain']. This Blue Tornado football program knows how to win championships and they looked primed to compete for another one in 2023.    5. Pearl Cohn Firebirds   - Coming off a state runner-up season for the Firebirds, this Middle Tennessee program might be ready to bring another football state title back to campus as Pearl Cohn returns tons of talent that was able to taste the big stage earlier this month. Led by senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='258845' first='Keshawn' last='Tarleton'], the Firebirds offense should be loaded with athleticism and skill everywhere with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='193750' first='D'Arious' last='Reed'], [player_tooltip player_id='239250' first='Malachi' last='Cromwell'], Javion Kinnard and others returning for the 2023 season.    6. Lipscomb Academy Mustangs   - It will be a brand new era for the Mustangs as they are transitioning up to the D2-Class AAA ranks while also bringing in a whole new coaching staff, that has yet to be named but this program is loaded with young talent that is capable of being there to compete for a title at the end. A lot of veteran pieces must be placed on this team, which means tons of youthful talent will be given the opportunity to start to become household names. One area that will be strong in 2023 for LA will be their O-line, led by 2025 stud [player_tooltip player_id='219412' first='Chauncey' last='Gooden'].    7. CPA Lions   - Head coach Ingle Martin did a great job of battling through a tough season and schedule to place his team in the D2-Class AA title game for the 2nd year in a row and he could do that again in 2023 as his Lions have some strong talent returning, especially on defense and up front. The Lions have two Power Five studs on defense in [player_tooltip player_id='228694' first='Crews' last='Law'] and [player_tooltip player_id='149166' first='Ondre' last='Evans'] and a solid defensive line in front of them while also sporting a good O-line as well, led by P5 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='149856' first='John' last='Wayne Oliver'] and up and comer [player_tooltip player_id='323140' first='Brady' last='Smith'].    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/claw.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-420691" width="265" height="265" /></figure>   8. Germantown Red Devils   - If this football team can find a replacement for [player_tooltip player_id='302318' first='Isaiah' last='Tate'], the Red Devils might be a team to watch for that Class 6A title as they return a lot of young talent that received great experience this past season and should be poised for big years in 2023. Where Germantown should be especially strong is on defense where they have some dudes up front in [player_tooltip player_id='258668' first='D.J.' last='Allen'], [player_tooltip player_id='258818' first='Daniel' last='Anderson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='316782' first='Kylan' last='Dickey'] along with an athletic secondary, led by [player_tooltip player_id='316766' first='Jabari' last='Jackson']. Junior athlete [player_tooltip player_id='219401' first='Jamarion' last='Morrow'] will be one of the best overall talents in the state for the 2023 season.    9. Knox. Webb Spartans   - Knox. Webb put together one of their best season's in quite some time last Fall and the winning could continue in 2023 as the Spartans return some athletic juice on offense with [player_tooltip player_id='219041' first='Markeis' last='Barrett'] and sophomore speedster Shavar Young along with some strong parts on defense, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='372281' first='Xavier' last='Hickman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='362093' first='Cooper' last='Cameron']. The biggest reason why these Spartans could be a state title threat is the potential of sophomore gunslinger [player_tooltip player_id='402537' first='Elias' last='Childers'] and his ability to throw it anywhere on the field.    10. Houston Mustangs   - Battling with Germantown for that top 6A spot in Memphis should be these Mustangs as they return possibly the best offense in the city, led by Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='277794' first='Damon' last='Sisa']. Joining Sisa in the backfield will be junior passer Chandler Day and he has a strong #1 option at wideout to throw to in [player_tooltip player_id='446635' first='Shawne' last='Jones']. Houston must replace some pieces on the O-line but they should be solid in their defensive front with returning juniors in [player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='362010' first='Kedrick' last='Donald'].    11. Alcoa Tornadoes    - The only reason the Tornadoes are not in the preseason Top 10 is because they are having to replace a lot of good seniors on offense but this is still “Alcoa” and they will find replacements but what should lead the way for this program in the 2023 season is their defense. The Tornadoes will be strong within their front seven, led by standouts [player_tooltip player_id='258669' first='Joe' last='McCord'], [player_tooltip player_id='149381' first='Elijah' last='Cannon'], [player_tooltip player_id='197517' first='Brayden' last='Cornett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='306264' first='Kaden' last='Bogan'] along with versatile two-way threat Brennen Duggan roaming on the back end. Watchout for junior receiver Luke Cannon to have a breakout season on offense for Alcoa.    12. Haywood Tomcats   - The Tomcats fell just short in their aspirations of winning a state title last season but they should remain hungry for their 2023 campaign as they return some serious firepower on offense and some future college studs on defense that will help them compete for the 4A title. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='149844' first='Cordero' last='Walker'] should be one of the best at his position in the West Tennessee region while he has a workhorse at RB in [player_tooltip player_id='466233' first='Camarion' last='Miller'] to lean on. Over on defense, the Tomcats have two stars in [player_tooltip player_id='222286' first='Bishop' last='Owens'] and Elijah Fateux that will lead the way with other talented underclassmen behind them.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/cammiller.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-490825" width="278" height="278" /></figure>   13. Collierville Dragons   - For most of the 2022 season, the Dragons looked like the best team in the 6A ranks but now they must replace a strong senior class and lean on several replacements. What they do have however is the best quarterback in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='258673' first='Aidan' last='Glover'] and a solid O-line up front to protect him. They also have a nice piece in the secondary to build around in [player_tooltip player_id='301382' first='Kameron' last='Herring']. Watch out for rising junior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='220241' first='Joakim' last='Dodson'] to have a breakout year and position himself as one of the top prospects from his recruiting class.    14. Page Patriots    - This is one of the most consistent programs in the state right now and after back to back state title appearances and returning some future college players for the 2023 year, I expect the Patriots to remain in the 5A title mix next season. It all starts up front for Page with [player_tooltip player_id='149171' first='Ronan' last='O'Connell'], A.J. Johnson and basically the rest of the starters from last year returning along a fierce defensive front seven, led by star juniors [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes']. If the Patriots can find some replacements at receiver and in the secondary, watch out for Page yet again in 2023.    15. Centennial Cougars   - The Cougars busted out during the 2022 season to become one of the best teams from the Mid-Tennessee region and a lot of that talent returns this coming Fall. They look like a well balanced team with [player_tooltip player_id='149149' first='Taner' last='Lee'] and Jyrine Otey on offense along with Keenen Scruggs, [player_tooltip player_id='277761' first='D.J.' last='Curll'] and [player_tooltip player_id='316773' first='Dominic' last='Reed'] on defense as well as athletic studs Kani Johnson and [player_tooltip player_id='345967' first='Jayden' last='George'] going both ways. If the Cougars can find a good replacement for [player_tooltip player_id='147570' first='Brendan' last='Jones'] at QB, watch out for this Williamson County program.    16. MUS Owls    - Over the course of the 2022 season, these Owls got better and better and they did that winning with a bunch of young guys who will be seasoned and ready to breakout next year. The Owls like to lean on a veteran quarterback, so that position is still up in the air but around them is a multitude of athletic talent, led by two-way player [player_tooltip player_id='258805' first='Brandon' last='Nicholson']. MUS should be solid on offense but it's their defense, led by studs [player_tooltip player_id='332296' first='Dion' last='Stutts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='286596' first='Gavin' last='Helton'], that will lead the way.    17. Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders   - The Highlanders had a banner year in 2022 and they return a lot of talent from that team for the 2023 campaign in which could finally be the year where they break past Alcoa for the region title. Pittman is loaded on offense with [player_tooltip player_id='207312' first='Brady' last='Hammonds'] slinging the ball at QB and strong weapons around him in senior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='149163' first='Carlos' last='Orr'] and junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='219342' first='Tegan' last='Avera']. Senior two-way talent [player_tooltip player_id='149400' first='Whittman' last='Whaley'] is a game changer as well that could be in the mix for Mr. Football after the 2023 season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/corr.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-390016" width="303" height="303" /></figure>   18. Brentwood Bruins   - This could be the surprise team from the 6A ranks next season as the Bruins started to come on strong down the stretch last year and they did that with a lot of young players who began to come into their own by season's end. What this Bruins program likes to do is beat you up front physically and that should remain the recipe for the 2023 season. Their defense should lead the way with several key parts returning, including seniors Cooper MacAfee and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='207329' first='Jackson' last='Lowe'].    19. Fayetteville Tigers   - That elusive “Gold Ball” that these Tigers thought was in their grasp last year did not come true but they could change that in 2023 as Fayetteville returns some firepower and up and coming prospects on defense that could lead this program back to the 1A title game. Their rushing attack is what will be the Tigers main force next season, led by college future players in senior back [player_tooltip player_id='258804' first='K.J.' last='Jackson'] and junior quarterback/athlete [player_tooltip player_id='258659' first='Sam' last='Willoughby']. The Tigers must replace some key players up front but [player_tooltip player_id='390595' first='Cole' last='Cash'] is a talented piece to build around.    20. Riverdale Warriors   - This is a sneaky good team for me going into the 2023 season due to the return of one of the best quarterbacks in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='119096' first='Braden' last='Graham'] and an athletic and talented secondary (led by [player_tooltip player_id='286599' first='Keshawn' last='Williams']) that should put a few guys into the college ranks. Yes this Warriors team must place star players ([player_tooltip player_id='102249' first='Caleb' last='Herring'], Issac Oglesby) but they have enough talent spread throughout their roster to grow this offseason and become a formidable opponent next Fall.    21. Mt. Juliet Golden Bears   - Mt. Juliet is an intriguing team for me that could build off their 2022 success or take a step back due to a big senior class graduating. The Golden Bears have some nice young pieces to build around, especially in the offensive backfield with [player_tooltip player_id='219402' first='Tyler' last='Travers'] at quarterback and Jon-Mikeal Crudup and [player_tooltip player_id='344645' first='Harrison' last='Edwards'] carrying the ball. They also have some solid pieces on defense with [player_tooltip player_id='250859' first='Atticus' last='Fiorita'] and [player_tooltip player_id='258687' first='Cayson' last='Walz'] but the Golden Bears must find some horses up front if they want to become the best team they can be.   22. Oak Ridge Wildcats   - For several seasons now, these Wildcats have had the talent that many felt could lead them to possible state titles but that hasn't happened yet but maybe the 2023 season could finally be the year. While the Cats must replace Hundley and a few others, they return some strong pieces, especially on offense with some serious firepower in [player_tooltip player_id='149157' first='Brandon' last='Heyward'] and DeJauvis Joiner at running back. [player_tooltip player_id='1067315' first='Elijah' last='Bradley'] is a name to watch on defense along with a new starter at quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='305880' first='Ethan' last='Garza'].    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Elijah-Bradley3.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-555644" width="248" height="371" /></figure>   23. MASE Phoenix   - The Phoenix came up one game short this past season but their spirits shouldn't be down as they return a talented group of seniors next year that very well could lead them to the Class 1A title. Everything starts for the Phoenix with Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='207328' first='Kumaro' last='Brown'], who is a future D1 player along with a physical defense, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='228698' first='Lance' last='Taylor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='207307' first='Jaden' last='Lenore']. MASE must find some guys to step up at the skill positions but the Phoenix has enough talent to make a run into the championship game.    24. Powell Panthers   - Many people might look past the Panthers going into next year as they will lose their stars (Potts, Greene, Redmond) but don't sleep on these guys as they may be just as good but done so in different ways. The Panthers had to groom a young O-line last season and most of those guys will be back next year but they also have a talented running back to lean on in Conner Wheeler and a star on defense in [player_tooltip player_id='207299' first='Steven' last='Soles, Jr'] to build around. It might take a few weeks to gel together but watch out for these Panthers by season's end.   25. Jefferson Co. Patriots   - The Patriots put forth a winning record and a solid season in 2022 but they should have big expectations going into 2023 as they have a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield that can lead them on a deep playoff run. That potent duo includes senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='150269' first='Izaiah' last='Hall'] and his backfield teammate in running back [player_tooltip player_id='150272' first='Omarian' last='Mills']. Those two seniors have played a lot of snaps for the Patriots and should be the focal point of every defense they come across throughout the 2023 campaign.    --------   Others Considered   South Pitt, Riverside, Lewis Co., Union City, East Nashville, Marshall Co., Stone Memorial, Red Bank, Macon Co., Hardin Co., Southwind   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Aidan-Glover4.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-555478" width="299" height="449" /></figure>