Greg McElroy unveiled his top 10 preseason ranking for the 2023 season on Thursday.

McElroy has 3 SEC programs in his top 5: LSU, Alabama and Georgia.

The Tigers snuck into that group with a No. 5 ranking. LSU is widely-regarded as one of the top teams in the country after winning the SEC West a year ago.

“We all know that last year was a huge surprise,” McElroy said. “Nobody anticipated Brian Kelly winning the SEC West in Year No. 1. Nobody anticipated Jayden Daniels playing that well down the stretch.

“That was Year No. 1. Let’s not forget that. Year No. 1 and it was a resounding success. Now you return arguably the best receiver corps in the SEC and you bring back an offensive line that was bookended by true freshmen and you’re adding more. They should be bigger, stronger, better than just about anyone in the league.”

Alabama also cracked the top 5 and is ranked No. 3 nationally, according to McElroy. The former Crimson Tide QB said he is not worried about Alabama’s future at that position.

Alabama will have a quarterback competition in fall camp to determine who will start for the Tide in 2023. Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner is a contender, as are returning passers Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe.

“When was the last time the quarterback spot was a liability at Alabama?” McElroy said. “It has not been a liability to the point where they were losing a bunch of games because of their quarterback play.

“I’m just not worried about the quarterback spot at Alabama. I think they’re going to be fine. I think Tommy Rees’ offense will protect that guy.”

At No. 1, McElroy has Georgia. That’s not a surprise given the Bulldogs’ status as back-to-back defending National Champions. McElroy said he believe in UGA’s ability to replace Stetson Bennett and other key losses from last year’s team.

“At No. 1, it shouldn’t require a whole lot of explanation,” McElroy added. “Part of it has to do with the schedule, part of it has to do with the fact that they’ve won consecutive national championships. It’s difficult for me to justify putting anyone else on the 1-line that’s not named Georgia Bulldogs.”

No. 4 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan round out McElroy’s top 5.

Here video of McElroy’s full analysis of his top 10 preseason rankings: