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College football is almost here meaning ranking season is in full swing. Sportscaster Tim Brando unveiled his preseason top 10 this week, and it might be the most surprising you’ll see.
The college sports personality has a new national champion as well as a few unpopular picks on his list. It’s gotten a major reaction from fans online.
Brando has been in the business for some time, working for CBS, ESPN, Fox, and even Raycom Sports. The announcer has been a part of college football’s biggest stages, and he’s one of the more respected broadcasters in the game.
He appeared on the Crain and Company podcast in early August to discuss the upcoming 2023 season. His outlook on the year has many talking.
Brando picked the Michigan Wolverines to finish on top after making two straight trips to the College Football Playoff. He believes Jim Harbaugh finally gets over the hump, presumably beating two-time defending champion Georgia, who he ranks No. 2.
The rest of his preseason top 10 can be seen below.
.@TimBrando dropped his CFB Top 10. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/NWaX3tC5Op
— Crain & Company (@CrainCompany) August 2, 2023
Of note, Brando has three programs from both the Big Ten and SEC in that top 10. Based on the list, it seems he’ll have LSU and UGA competing the SEC title, with the Bulldogs winning a championship game rematch from 2022.
Surprisingly, he chose Oregon to emerge from the PAC 12 as opposed to Heisman winner Caleb Williams and USC, who many believe will win the league in their final year as members. The Trojans will be off to the B1G in 2024 alongside UCLA.
He sees Clemson winning the ACC (again), spurning trendy pick Florida State who seems primed for a breakout season.
Not listed are the Texas Longhorns, which is no shock given Brando’s disdain for the university. His Big XII representation comes in the form of Kansas State, who won the league last season.
Rounding out the preseason top 10 was his most surprising pick on the list. Brando predicts Group of Five school Tulane, who won 12 games and a Cotton Bowl versus USC, to have another big year.
His social media following quickly replied to his thoughts. It was a mixed reaction, to say the least.
Really? Pretty sure USC and Kansas St. thought the same thing last year. 👍😊
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 2, 2023
Some agreed, giving him credit for going off the beaten trail.
Thanks a lot. You’re damned right there are 133, and the hell with the Power 5, Group of 5, and Autonomous 5, it’s D-1 by God Football👊🏈
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 2, 2023
Others, however, reamed him for not including some of the media darlings.
Dem’s da breaks 🤦♂️🤷♂️😂
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 2, 2023
Brando had some fun with followers in the comments section whether they agreed with his choices or not.
And I always love your awful reactions to
my awful predictions 🤦♂️😂— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 2, 2023
We’ll see how the preseason top 10 predictions shape up soon enough.