Top 10 Struggling Power 5 Football Programs of 2023

Updated on: October 15, 2024 2:22 pm GMT

As college football fans gear up for the 2023 season, a harsh reality set in for some of the most storied programs in the Power 5 conferences. These teams, rich in history and tradition, face considerable challenges on the gridiron. With dwindling fan engagement, lackluster performances, and coaching changes causing turmoil, some of these once-dominant teams struggle to find their footing. In this article, we will explore the top 10 struggling Power 5 football programs of 2023, examining their recent records, coaching situations, and potential paths back to success.

1. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have faced a challenging decade, with numerous coaching changes and disappointing seasons. Despite a rich history, including multiple national championships, the Cornhuskers have not claimed the Big Ten title since joining the conference. They ended 2022 with a 4-8 record.

Head Coach: Matt Rhule, who previously turned around programs at Temple and Baylor.

Key Issues: Inconsistent quarterback play and a defensive unit that struggled to stop opponents.

2. Vanderbilt Commodores

While Vanderbilt is known for its academic success, its football program has lagged behind. The Commodores have not won more than three SEC games in a season since 2018.

Head Coach: Clark Lea, a former Vanderbilt player, aims to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the conference.

Key Issues: Limited recruiting success and a lack of depth in key positions.

3. Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats have seen their fortunes dwindle among Power 5 teams. The 2022 season saw them finish with a 5-7 record, underscoring their struggles.

Head Coach: Jedd Fisch, who hopes to revitalize a historically inconsistent program.

Key Issues: Subpar defensive performance and difficulty securing wins in crucial matchups.

4. Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffaloes are entering a critical phase after finishing their 2022 season with an abysmal 1-11 record. The team is in the midst of rebuilding under new leadership.

Head Coach: Deion Sanders, bringing excitement but also added pressure to produce results quickly.

Key Issues: A weak roster hampered by injuries and lack of effective recruiting strategies.

5. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers remains in a difficult position within the Big Ten. Their struggle to compete consistently is highlighted by their 4-8 record in 2022, and they are searching for stability.

Head Coach: Greg Schiano returns for his second stint, aiming to improve a struggling program.

Key Issues: Offensive inconsistency and difficulties in attracting top players.

6. Duke Blue Devils

Duke has historically focused on basketball, but their football program has made modest improvements. However, finishing the 2022 season with a 5-7 record shows they still have room for growth.

Head Coach: Mike Elko, who has been trying to instill a winning culture.

Key Issues: Inconsistent performances and a need for more depth in high-pressure situations.

7. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest has enjoyed recent success, but their 2022 campaign saw them slump to a 7-6 record. With a young team, the program faces growing pains.

Head Coach: Dave Clawson, known for developing players and building competitive teams.

Key Issues: Key player injuries and struggles on defense.

8. Maryland Terrapins

The Maryland Terrapins have struggled to find consistent success in the Big Ten, recording a 7-5 finish in 2022. However, their recent performances indicate challenges lie ahead.

Head Coach: Mike Locksley, who aims to build on previous recruiting classes.

Key Issues: Defensive lapses and the need for offensive cohesion.

9. Oregon State Beavers

The Beavers have made strides in recent seasons, but there remain hurdles to overcome. Their 2023 campaign is a crucial test for their program.

Head Coach: Jonathan Smith, known for his innovative offense.

Key Issues: Consistent competition within a tough conference.

10. Washington State Cougars

The Cougars have had an uneven performance over the past few years, ending the 2022 season with a 7-6 record. They continue to work on solidifying their presence in the Pac-12.

Head Coach: Jake Dickert, who took over mid-season to uplift the program.

Key Issues: Depth and competition within a difficult conference landscape.

Why Are These Programs Struggling?

The struggles of these Power 5 football teams stem from various factors:

Coaching Instability: Frequent changes in leadership can disrupt player development and team culture.

Recruiting Challenges: Competing with higher-profile teams for top recruits impacts the strength of the roster.

Finances and Facilities: Some programs face challenges with funding, which can limit their ability to upgrade training facilities and attract talent.

Fan Engagement: A lack of support can impact morale and recruitment, creating a vicious cycle of underperformance.

The Path Forward

While these programs face uphill battles, several strategies could help them regain their footing:

Investment in Facilities: Upgrading training and game facilities can attract recruits.

Emphasis on Recruiting: Building strong relationships with local high schools can enhance recruitment efforts.

Fostering Team Culture: Creating a positive and resilient team environment is critical to overcoming adversity.

These factors contribute significantly to how quickly these programs can turn around their fortunes and begin competing once more among the elite teams in college football.

As football fans get excited for the 2023 season, they see that some big teams are having a tough time. But there’s still hope for them to get better. Each team has its own problems to solve, and they need to work hard and make smart choices to come back strong. With effort and planning, they can find their way back to winning games again.