Agree with the above - a returning QB like Huff should get Furman into the conversation if they deserve a pre-season top-ten ranking.
I want to return to Gman's comment about the core top three (NDSU, SDSU, Montana St).
All three of those programs emphasize linemen. I'll add they build linemen. The stud NDSU tackle Cody Mauch was a walk-on TE enrolled at 6-4 220. He's now 6-6 303 and will be a draft pick.
It's hard to believe I'm saying this, Furman had more depth at DL than OL. Furman was legit 10 men deep along the defensive line. Due to injuries and attrition Furman played a max of seven offensive linemen.
Getting Vollmer and Petit back will be a big help. A big offensive line recruiting class is probably a priority. Let's hope Furman retains most of the 2022 offensive line for 2023.