2023 College Football Spring Games: Georgia, Texas, Ohio State, USC Headline Loaded Schedule This Weekend

The first spring games arrive this weekend as several of the nation’s top programs give their first look at their 2023 rosters. Reigning national champion Georgia takes the field on Saturday, while the man College Football Playoff participants TCU and Ohio State will entertain their fans on Friday and Saturday.

Two of the highest-profile quarterback battles of the offseason are on display as Georgia and Ohio State try to replace a pair of Heisman finalists. In addition, no. 1 overall recruit Arch Manning to make their debut in Texas, though incumbent starter Quinn Ewers is expected to keep his job this fall.

Here are some of the top storylines to watch from the first big weekend of spring games, followed by a look at the other notable teams in action on Saturday.

The stories of the spring games

Georgia – Key quarterback battle:For the first time in about 57 years, Stetson Bennett IV is not Georgia’s starting quarterback. There are three extremely talented quarterbacks waiting in the wings, but none have starting experience. Adding to the complications is the return of offensive coordinator Todd Monken NFLleaving the ‘Dawgs with a new chapter in alum Mike Bobo’s career as offensive coordinator.

Junior Carson Beck is the betting favorite after waiting his turn behind Bennett. Beck was the starting point guard the last two seasons and has thrown 58 passes in his career. Sophomore Brock Vandagriff, the group’s lone five-star recruit and former No. 1 QB in the class of 2021, will get a chance to make his case. Freshman Gunner Stockton is a long shot, but he also has a lot of talent. All three quarterbacks should get snaps in the spring game as the staff evaluates how they handle the bright lights of Sanford Stadium.

TCU – Skill Development:The Frogs will lose the quarterback who led the program to a national championship game with Max Duggan leaving for the NFL, but opening day starter Chandler Morris should have the position locked up. However, with potential first-round pick Quentin Johnston, All-American lineman Steve Avila and top pass rusher Kendre Miller removed, the offense is starting over.

TCU raided Alabama for depth pieces, adding former blueliners in WR JoJo Earle, RB Trey Sanders and OT Tommy Brockermeyer. The Horned Frogs also added receivers Jaylon Robinson from Ole Miss and John Paul Richardson from Oklahoma State. With Duggan’s rushing ability gone, TCU just can’t sustain its passing game. Morris needs weapons to reach another level, and early returns will be on display in the spring game.

Ohio State – Kyle McCord Test:The Buckeyes have an open quarterback competition, but the dynamic changed after Devin Brown was ruled out of the spring game with a hand injury. Now a sophomore, McCord has the spotlight on himself trying to showcase some of the tools that earned him five-star status as a high school recruit.

I’ve been talking to our guys about making routine plays routinely, Ohio State coach Ryan Daysaid in March. “We need people to take care of the football. They need to look at the first chapter, and if it’s there, take it, and if not, work on twos and threes and then make a plan from there.”

If McCord can come on strong, hit big plays and avoid turnovers, it will make the decision much easier for Day heading into summer workouts.

Clemson – Finding Garrett Riley’s Vision:Tigers coach Dabo Swinney went outside the box for the first time in a decade to find an offensive coordinator, tapping Broyles Award-winning TCU assistant Garrett Riley for the same position. Riley, the brother of USC coach Lincoln Riley, brings a dynamic, formulaic element to an offense that has become stale since the graduation of Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne.

Riley has a background in both the Air Raid and zone running systems at Appalachian State, giving him a unique perspective to improve the offense. Helping out is important, and he has plenty of familiarity with prospect quarterback Cade Klubnik as he tries to recruit Texas’ SMU. While the spring game won’t feature all the plays, here’s a look at Klubnik’s development in his first showing since a disappointing 31-14 loss in the Orange Bowl at Tennessee.

USC – Defensive Transfer Integration:Lincoln Riley’s first season in Los Angeles was a success, but the defense only regressed after Riley brought defensive coordinator Alex Grinch with him to USC. The Trojans gave up more than 40 points in a game in their three losses, highlighted by giving up 15 points in four minutes in a Cotton Bowl loss against Tulane.

USC hit the portal hard for the second year in a row to fill some of the gaps. Anthony Lucas, a 2022 Top247 five-star prospect, was a big addition flexing USC’s muscles out west. Purdue’s Jack Sullivan and Oklahoma State’s Mason Cobb should compete for starting roles. Arizona transfer Kyon Barrs was a rare bright spot in a struggling Arizona defense with 4.5 tackles for loss. All will take the field in the spring game looking to improve on an inconsistent defensive campaign.

Spring games schedule, how to watch