2024 Preseason Top-25;
Retirements, power-shifts, and conference realignment affect the college football landscape.
14 July 2024
Jake McCreven
The preseason top-25; an article surely not to stew any controversy and no arguments at all! Your favorite team has been correctly ranked whether you like it or not, and these rankings are 100% full proof… right?
1. Georgia
2023 Record: 13-1
Returning Production: 47th (65%)
The Bulldogs return almost every key offensive weapon from last season and added Trevor Ettienne from the portal. The offensive line is one of the best in the country and quarterback Carson Beck is on first pick watch. On defense, the Dawgs are one of the most star-studded units in college football, headed by safety Malaki Starks and defensive end Mykel Williams. There is a contender at every position on Georgia’s roster for a positional award in 2024.
2. Ohio State
2023 Record: 11-2
Returning Production: 70th (61%)
The Buckeyes were declared winners of the offseason after retaining most of their core and bringing in key pieces like safety Caleb Downs and runningback Quinshon Judkins. Arguably a more talented roster than Georgia on paper, Ohio State will look to return to the National Title game for the first time since 2020 under new transfer quarterback Will Howard. The Buckeyes return nine starters to a defense that ranked top five in the country last season, including one of the most vaunted fronts in the country.
3. Oregon
2023 Record: 12-2
Returning Production: 28th (69%)
The Ducks may posses one of the most talented rosters in the program’s history, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel transferring in from Oklahoma and Texas A&M wide receiver Evan Stewart coming over from College Station. The Ducks return playmakers at every level of the defense and sport one of the biggest offensive lines in the Big-Ten, as they gear up for their maiden voyage in the conference in 2024.
4. Texas
2023 Record: 12-2
Returning Production: 25th (70%)
After Quinn Ewers announced his return to the Forty Acres in December of last year, Texas dove head first into the transfer portal to surround the former blue chip recruit with as many weapons as possible, bringing in Isaiah Bond from Alabama and Silas Bolden from Oregon State at wide receiver and Amari Niblack at tight end (Also of Alabama). The defense does lose some production, but five returning starters warrants optimism in Austin as the Longhorns gear up for a title push in year four under Coach Sark.
5. Ole Miss
2023 Record: 11-2
Returning Production: 68th (61%)
Another team deemed an offseason champion, the Rebels enjoyed the boon of the transfer portal after bringing in key defensive pieces such as Walter Nolen and Princley Umanmielen on the defensive line and Trey Amos from rival-Alabama at cornerback. Wide receiver Juice Wells will fit into an offense already overflowing with playmakers, and quarterback Jaxson Dart is a darkhorse Heisman candidate.
6. Alabama
2023 Record: 12-2
Returning Production: 115th (44%)
What’s the saying? Don’t be the guy after the guy? Kalen DeBoer, formerly of Washington, was hired as the coach after “the guy” following Saban’s retirement in January. Luckily for Tide fans, DeBoer is “a guy” in his own right, leading Washington to the National Championship Game just last season under one of the best offenses in America. He will be working with a hotbed of talent in Tuscaloosa, including the other-worldly athlete Jalen Milroe and receiver Ryan Williams (freshman), who looks to make an immediate impact.
7. Notre Dame
2023 Record: 10-3
Returning Production: 74th (60%)
Another offseason chalk-full of Irish fans claiming its “their year” — college football at its finest. Notre Dame brought in Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard (who nearly beat the Irish last season) to replace Sam Hartman, and weapons including Mitchell Evans at tight end and the usual sturdy ND offensive line hope to make Leonard’s acclimation painless. On defense, ND may very well have the best secondary in the country, led by All-Americans Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison.
8. Florida State
2023 Record: 13-1
Returning Production: 83rd (56%)
Head coach Mike Norvell made it adamant that 2024 will be a reload — and not a rebuild —for a Seminoles team that he felt was robbed from the CFP in 2023. Kicking things off with bringing in DJ Uiagalelei from Oregon State, the Seminoles dominated the portal to refurbish nearly half of 2023’s lost production. There are anchors on both sides of the ball and at every level of the defense, including potential All-American Patrick Payton at defensive end, and playmakers on the offense such as Malik Benson that will keep the Noles competing for a spot in the CFP this season.
9. Missouri
2023 Record: 11-2
Returning Production: 31st (68%)
The Tigers lose runningback Cody Schrader, defensive coordinator Blake Baker, and a bevy of defensive production from the intrepid 2023 squad, yet return vital pieces such as quarterback Brady Cook and wide receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr.. The offensive line was shored up with the addition of Oklahoma transfer Cayden Green, and the duo of Marcus Carroll and Nate Noel at runningback will revitalize a backfield that lost a Burlsworth Award winner. The defense returns five starters and looks to improve on a solid 2023 without coordinator Blake Baker.
10. Michigan
2023 Record: 15-0
Returning Production: 128th (36%)
Over 60% of last year’s production is gone, and the Wolverines rely now on a new quarterback, head coach, and defensive coordinator. The lone returning starter on offense is, fortunately, the nation’s best tight end; Colston Loveland. Quarterback Alex Orji and runningback Donovan Edwards will keep defenses on their toes with a lethal option threat. The defense, built on a bedrock of toughness, returns preseason All-Americans at every position, and will more than likely be the backbone of this Wolverines team as Michigan looks to contend in a cramped Big-10 under new coach Sherrone Moore.
11. Utah
2023 Record: 8-5
Returning Production: 16th (72%)
The success of the 2024 Utah Utes will be contingent on the health of quarterback Cameron Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe. The two playmakers missed virtually the entire 2023 season due to knee injuries, and the Utes were lead astray by mediocre quarterback play. Over two-thirds of that same core returns, however, including eight defensive starters and receiver Money Parks (who will be paired with transfer Dorian Singer at wideout). Behind Rising, the Utes have won back-to-back PAC-XII titles and have been to two Rose Bowls, including four top-ten finishes in the AP Poll. With his return pending this fall, the Utes look to contend in their first season as a member of the Big-XII.
12. Penn State
2023 Record: 10-3
Returning Production: 23rd (70%)
A lot is back in State College, including a band of offensive playmakers in Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and Tyler Warren. Six defensive starters return from 2023 as well, including the nightmarish Abdul Carter and stout safety Kevin Winston Jr.. The Nittany Lions also nabbed former Ohio State receiver Julian Fleming out of the portal to be Allar’s number one option, pairing the former Buckeye with Kaden Saunders. The play of Allar at quarterback will need to be less of a question mark in 2024 if the Nittany Lions look to contend for a spot in the CFP (the last team in right now).
13. Oklahoma State
2023 Record: 10-4
Returning Production: 4th (77%)
Nearly three-fourths of the roster returns in Stillwater, and head coach Mike Gundy confirms that runningback Ollie Gordon II, amidst a recent arrest, will play week one. The number one runningback in the nation will run behind an offensive line returning all five starters for twelve games straight — sounds like winning to me. Ten starters return on defense for Pokes, including Leaders Collin Oliver and Nick Martin, as the Cowboys look to claim their first Big-XII title in 13 years.
14. LSU
2023 Record: 10-3
Returning Production: 60th (63%)
Contrary to the team directly above them, the Tigers lose a chunk of production from 2023, including All-Americans Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Heisman Jayden Daniels. Taking the reigns at quarterback is Garrett Nussmeier, who will have a plethora of options to throw to, including Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels, and Mason Taylor. He is protected by the top two offensive tackles in the country in Campbell and Jones, and will rely on a step up from a less than ideal defensive performance in 2023 to contend for a spot in the CFP. Major Burns and Harold Perkins Jr. are leaders on a defense oozing with talent.
15. Tennessee
2023 Record: 9-4
Returning Production: 94th (52%)
With Nico Iamaleava now front in center on Rocky Top, the Vols look to return to their 2022 glory under head coach Josh Heupel and contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. There is the starpower available to do so, with defensive anchors James Pearce Jr. and Omari Thomas returning up front, and wide receivers Bru McCoy and Squirrel White finally healthy to start 2024. A lethal runningback duo of Dylan Sampson and Cam Seldon will take the load off of Iamaleava and a solid offensive line will serve as the base of the team.
16. Clemson
2023 Record: 9-4
Returning Production: 54th (64%)
Can the Tigers finally return to their late 2010s dominance, or will a portal-less Clemson team sink amongst a sea of new age CFB teams? That question will be answered this season, as Clemson (one of four schools to not bring in a transfer) looks to contend in the ACC under head coach Dabo Swinney and returning quarterback Cade Klubnik. There is plenty of returning production back, including eight offensive starters and almost the entire offensive line, but explosiveness will have to improve overall. On defense, the usual Tiger-tough unit will be stout, looking to return to the CFP for the first time in four years.
17. NC State
2023 Record: 9-4
Returning Production: 80th (59%)
Expectations are high in Raleigh as the Wolfpack, behind a bevy of new offensive weapons, look to contend in the ACC with the likes of FSU and Clemson. Quarterback Grayson McCall finally made the jump to the Power level, and four star freshman Terrell Anderson will pair nicely with proven stud Kevin Concepcion. Jordan Waters will provide a stable attack out of the backfield, and the offensive line returns four starters. The defense does raise some question, as only three starters return, but the Wolfpack are notorious for good units overall.
18. Miami
2023 Record: 7-6
Returning Production: 45th (66%)
In Mario Cristobal’s make-or-break year, expectations could not be higher, as the Hurricanes, behind a strong transfer class, look to make noise in the ACC. Cherished transfer quarterback Cam Ward will start for the Canes, and Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez was added to the laundry list of weapons when he transferred in the spring. The offensive line is anchored by two excellent tackles and the defensive front is treacherous; the Canes improved in the trenches. Receivers Xavier Resptrepo and Jacolby George are difference makers out-wide, and Miami looks the best they have in years.
19. Kansas
2023 Record: 9-4
Returning Production: 78th (59%)
The job that coach Lance Leipold has done in Lawrence is nothing short of amazing, as the Jayhawks, once winners of two games a season, are now solidly contenders in the Big-XII behind dark horse Heisman candidate Jalon Daniels and NFL-caliber Devin Neal. Kansas missed Daniels last season, as a 4-0 start quickly fizzled out and the Jayhawks ended 9-4. With Daniels healthy, the Jayhawks are dangerous, especially now since a stable defensive presence returns behind All-American Cobee Bryant.
20. Kansas State
2023 Record: 9-4
Returning Production: 82nd (58%)
In comes Avery Johnson, the definition of a dual threat quarterback, for the Wildcats. Behind a stout defense and solid offensive line, the sophomore quarterback will look to take the Wildcats where Will Howard could not; the College Football Playoff. With weapons such as DJ Giddens and Keagan Johnson at his disposal, a lot rests on the shoulders of Johnson, and the Wildcats now find themselves at the forefront of Big-XII title talks as the conference expands in 2024.
21. Louisville
2023 Record: 10-4
Returning Production: 44th (66%)
The Cards bring in a top-five transfer class and return seven starters to a defense that guided them to an ACC Championship appearance in 2023. The receiver duo of Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy is one of the ACC’s best, and head coach Jeff Brohm has his guys playing A1 football, as the Cardinals aim to take down the likes of Notre Dame, Clemson, and Miami this season. Quarterback remains a concern, with Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough being the projected starter despite playing in four, unimpressive games last season before getting hurt.
22. Arizona
2023 Record: 10-3
Returning Production: 43rd (66%)
There was a lot of turnover in Tucson, yet quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan remain as head coach Brent Brennan is ushered in to replace Jedd Fisch who is now in Seattle. The Wildcats are coming off of their best season in a decade as an Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma gave UofA their tenth win of the season. The defense returns five starters, including star cornerback Tacario Davis and reliable safety Gunner Maldonado, and with offensive tackles Jonah Savaiinaea and Raymond Pulido protecting the sophomore quarterback, Arizona could be dangerous in Brennan’s first season.
23. Virginia Tech
2023 Record: 7-6
Returning Production: 1st (86%)
Blacksburg is buzzing with the return of a nation leading 86% production from 2023, and a young, spirited quarterback in Kyron Drones. There are weapons littered all over the offense, including Ali Jennings, Da’Quan Felton, and Jaylin Lane out wide and Bhayshul Tutten out of the backfield. On defense, the Hokies are eight strong with the three remaining positions filled by transfers like Aeneas Peebles. Brent Pry has finally established his program at VT, and the Hokies may very well be in contention in a crowded ACC in 2024.
24. Iowa State
2023 Record: 7-6
Returning Production: 2nd (85%)
Rocco Becht is an up-and-coming star in Ames and the Cyclones are gearing up for a Big-XII push behind a team returning 85% of their 2023 roster. Iowa State finished just 7-6 last season, yet a gambling scandal and injuries to key players cost them important games at the end of the year. This season, with most of the team back, the Cyclones could be dangerous behind Becht, Sama, and Jaylin Noel. On defense, the secondary is outstanding and the front is stingy. Coach Campbell is starting to turn things back around in year nine, as the Cyclones stayed faithful through the rebuild.
25. Oklahoma
2023 Record: 10-3
Returning Production: 67th (62%)
Change is apparent in Norman as the Sooners pioneer the SEC behind sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold and five brand new starters up front. Ironically, its the OU defense that is looked at as the more established unit, with six returning starters that includes star linebacker Danny Stutsman. On offense, the Sooners will rely on Sawchuck to get things going on the ground, and a trio of excellent weapons in Deion Burks, Nic Anderson, and Jalil Farooq at wide receiver. Arnold will have growing pains in the SEC as the Sooners look to start anew outside the Big-XII.
Breaking Things Down By Conference:
SEC: 8
ACC: 6
Big-XII: 6
Big-10: 4
IND: 1