https://www.espn.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/37811590/college-football-future-power-rankingsCollege football Future Power RankingsThe Future Power Rankings train has reached its final stop for 2023: the team rankings.
By now, we've broken down the outlooks for quarterbacks, defenses and offenses for the next three seasons: 2023, 2024 and 2025. FPR doesn't get too wrapped up in current rosters, especially if significant turnover is on the horizon. Track records matter, as certain programs and coaches have earned the benefit of the doubt. So does recruiting and the transfer portal, an increasingly significant factor in shaping personnel projections.
The three previous 2023 breakdowns aren't the only predictors for the team rundown, but they certainly inform the philosophy. Some teams that didn't rate well in one particular category still made it in the overall rundown because their trendlines are promising. There aren't many surprises at the top.
At its core, FPR is a personnel-based forecast, and it assesses how current and future players will impact performance for their teams. Recent recruiting or projected success in 2023 carries weight. But some programs consistently outperform their recruiting rankings and deserve to be recognized appropriately in the team list.
Alabama has led off the past two team rankings, but there's a new No. 1 team this year, which will surprise no one. The 2022 rankings had Texas A&M at No. 4, a prediction that totally fell flat, and left out TCU entirely. But promising forecasts for teams like Michigan, USC and LSU worked out.
Now it's time to rank college football's top 25 teams during the next three seasons.
18. Kansas State Wildcats2023 Future QB ranking: 17
2023 Future defense ranking: Not ranked
2023 Future offense ranking: Not ranked
2022 Future team ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Wildcats: These rankings are personnel-based, but coaching and team trajectory also factor in, especially for the overall forecast. Kansas State's roster doesn't jump out as much as some, and the team lost four players to the NFL draft. But coach Chris Klieman has the program on a great path after winning the Big 12 in 2022. There's continuity with offensive coordinator Collin Klein, whom Notre Dame briefly pursued, and veteran defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman. Both the offense and defense nearly made their respective top 25s. Quarterback Will Howard was very good in league play last season, and could play through 2024. But Kansas State has recruited well with Jake Rubley and Avery Johnson, both ESPN top-80 prospects. Senior Phillip Brooks will lead a mostly revamped wide receiver group this fall after a 45-catch season. Iowa transfer Keagan Johnson should help, but others must emerge. Top tight end Ben Sinnott is back after 447 receiving yards in 2022. Florida State transfer Treshaun Ward gives Kansas State an experienced running back to help replace star Deuce Vaughn, while sophomore DJamer Giddens will factor in more the next few years. Guard Cooper Beebe, the Big 12's Offensive Lineman of the Year, leads a line with ample experience in tackles KT Leveston and Christian Duffie, center Hayden Gillum and others.
Kansas State's defense loses star power, namely NFL first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah at end and lengthy cornerback Julius Brents. But there are areas of promise, including linebackers Austin Moore and Daniel Green, who will lead their unit this season. Moore could contend for league player of the year honors. Senior end Brendan Mott should fill Anudike-Uzomah's production after recording six sacks last fall, and end Khalid Duke (three sacks in 2022) also is back for his final season. Mississippi State transfer Jevon Banks brings experience to the nose guard spot. The secondary is retooling a bit, although veteran safety Kobe Savage (three interceptions in 2022) is back, alongside safety V.J. Payne, who made four starts as a true freshman. Transfers Marques Sigle (North Dakota State) and Tyler Nelome (Southeast Missouri State) add to the mix. Kansas State will remain a development-focused program, but the recent success should open the team up to more high-caliber recruits.