How did Sporting News come up with a Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2024?
The task is more difficult than ever given the circumstances. The Big Ten will have 18 teams. The SEC has 16 teams. Those two conferences inevitably will dominate the preseason polls next season as a result, and our rankings reflect that for one simple reason.
The scramble for the 12-team College Football Playoff – which begins next season – will revolve around those two conferences. Alabama, Georgia and Texas are top-five teams, and the fact the conference is scrapping divisions will make that race more intriguing. Ditto for the Big Ten with national champion Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and Washington. A total of 14 teams from the Big Ten and SEC made our Top 25.
That doesn’t mean there will be no room for the other conferences. The Big 12 and ACC will get automatic berths in the new format, and Notre Dame brings back a top-10 team. It is tough to forecast a true Top 25 because, well, the NFL Draft and transfer portal are still at work. One can just dismiss a Way-Too-Early Top 25 and say, “What’s the point?”
BENDER: Michigan beats everybody: No one could stop Jim Harbaugh’s national title team
Our response? It’s always fun to stack these teams up. Michigan and Alabama were top-five teams in our rankings to start last season, and we had Washington at No. 10. We even had Texas at No. 20 when that bandwagon had fewer passengers after 2022.
Yes, it’s early, but we are ready for the excitement for the new playoff push, especially in the new-look Big Ten and SEC.
With that, a look at Sporting News’ Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2024.
2024 College Football Way Too Early Top 25
1.Georgia (13-1 in 2023)
The Bulldogs will be right back in the national championship hunt because Kirby Smart has amassed so much talent through recruiting. Carson Beck is back at quarterback, and Florida running back Trevor Etienne and Miami receiver Colbie Young were key additions through the portal. The defense is loaded with four- and five-star talent that will be playing with a reborn edge. The opener at Clemson (Aug. 31) precedes road games at Alabama (Sept. 28) and Texas (Oct. 19). This team has the depth built to handle that schedule and a 12-team CFP run.
2. Alabama (12-2 in 2023)
This is a default setting, right? Jalen Milroe returns for the Crimson Tide, and five-star quarterback Julian Sayin adds depth at the most important position. Justice Haynes will step into a more-prominent role in the backfield, and safety Caleb Downs will be a centerpiece for the defense. The schedule features road trips to Wisconsin (Sept. 14), LSU (Nov. 9) and Oklahoma (Nov. 23) and home games against Georgia (Sept. 28), Tennessee (Oct. 19) and Missouri (Oct. 26). That’s life in the new-look SEC, but Nick Saban will accept the challenge.
MORE: Tommy Rees faces questions after Alabama’s failed OT run
3. Texas (12-2 in 2023)
Texas appears ready for the SEC. The Longhorns made the College Football Playoff, and Steve Sarkisian is maximizing the talent out of a talented roster. Houston receiver Matthew Golden and Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba were solid additions via the portal. Quinn Ewers has not made a decision yet whether he is returning, so the Arch Manning question lingers. C.J. Baxter, Johntay Cook and Ryan Wingo will see increased roles, and sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill will anchor the defense. The Longhorns get Michigan (Sept. 7), Oklahoma (Oct. 12) and Georgia (Oct. 19) before what will be a much-anticipated rivalry renewal at Texas A&M (Nov. 30).
4. Michigan (15-0 in 2023)
This might seem high given the uncertainty swirling in Ann Arbor with coach Jim Harbaugh given the NFL and two NCAA ongoing investigations are in the forefront. J.J. McCarthy has not made an NFL decision, and there will be heavy losses to the 2024 NFL Draft. Michigan did get Northwestern tackle Josh Priebe and Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the transfer portal, and there is enough talent to make a run at a fourth Big Ten championship depending on who stays. The schedule is absurd with Texas (Sept. 7), USC (Sept. 21) and Oregon (Nov. 2) coming to the Big House and road trips to Washington (Oct. 5) and Ohio State (Nov. 30).
MORE: Michigan president, AD won’t guarantee Jim Harbaugh’s return to Wolverines
5. Oregon (12-2 in 2023)
The Ducks were close in Dan Lanning’s second season, and this roster is prepared to compete for a Big Ten championship from Day 1. Dillon Gabriel will be a prolific fit at quarterback – and the Ducks have several key pieces that have not made 2024 NFL Draft decisions. If the right pieces stay then Oregon could be able to replicate the run Washington made this season. The Ducks get Ohio State (Oct. 12) and Michigan (Nov. 2), and the new regular-season finale is Washington (Nov. 30). This will be fun.
6. Ohio State (11-2 in 2023)
The Buckeyes are looking to reclaim the Big Ten throne, and pressure is mounting on Ryan Day after three straight losses to Michigan. The Buckeyes, however, still have a loaded offense that added Kansas State quarterback Will Howard. Several key playmakers haven’t made NFL Draft decisions, but the receiver room will be stacked with potential breakout performers in Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. Ohio State allowed 11.2 points per game this season, and it hinges on which players stay in school for third-year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. That race with Oregon (Oct. 12) and Michigan (Nov. 30) will be fun, but don’t forget about a trip to Penn State (Nov. 2).
MORE: What QB Will Howard brings to Ohio State
7. Ole Miss (11-2 in 2023)
Lane Kiffin has earned the nickname “The Portal King,” and the Rebels appear ready to challenge for an SEC championship after an 11-win season. Kiffin added eight players via the transfer portal from other SEC schools, including Florida edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, who had seven sacks last season. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is back for another season. Running back Quinshon Judkins – who rushed for 1,158 yards and 15 TDs last season – has entered the transfer portal, however. This is the Rebels’ best shot to make a run with Kiffin in a loaded conference. Can they handle the increased expectations?
8. Notre Dame (10-3 in 2023)
The Irish will maintain independent status in the 12-team CFP era, and this first season is an interesting test run. Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard is the new answer for Marcus Freeman, and sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love and receiver Jaden Greathouse are set for larger roles. Clemson receiver Beaux Collins should thrive, too. The offensive line remains solid, and SN All-Americans Xavier Watts and Howard Cross III are back for the defense. Notre Dame opens with Texas A&M and could easily be 9-0 when Florida State comes to Notre Dame Stadium on Nov. 9. Will they have the strength of schedule of their SEC and Big Ten counterparts in the hunt?
9. Washington (14-1 in 2023)
It’s going to be a different look for Kalen DeBoer in Year 3, especially with the loss of Michael Penix Jr. and the expected departures via the 2024 NFL Draft. Still, this was a program that got to this point because those players returned. DeBoer has built depth on the roster, and Mississippi State transfer Will Rogers – who has 94 TD passes – will be the next experienced quarterback for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The offensive and defensive lines will remain solid, and that will keep Washington in the hunt with the move to the Big Ten. Michigan (Oct. 5) and USC (Nov. 2) come to Husky Stadium, and the road tests at Penn State (Nov. 9) and Oregon (Nov. 30) will be tough. Since when were the Huskies afraid of a one-score game?
MORE: Rome Odunze is Washington’s game-changer
10. Florida State (13-1 in 2023)
The Seminoles’ future in the ACC will remain a topic of conversation after this year’s playoff snub, but this remains the most-talented roster in the ACC. DJ Uiagalelei – a former Clemson quarterback who played at Oregon State last season – is back in the conference. Running back Lawrence Toafili and a talented receiver room returns, and Georgia transfer Marvin Jones will add depth on the defensive side. Mike Norvell is building a contender through recruiting and the portal, and the Orange Bowl loss to Georgia is not a huge setback given how many players opted out. Florida State opens against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 24 and plays at Notre Dame on Nov. 9. There is no time to dwell on what could have been in 2023.
MORE: What’s next in Florida State vs. ACC lawsuits
11. Arizona (10-3 in 2023)
The Wildcats easily could be the Big 12 favorite to start 2024 after a 10-win season with Jedd Fisch. Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan will be one of the most-exciting quarterback-receiver duos in the country, and linebacker Jacob Manu returns after compiling 116 tackles. Arizona does have a tough road schedule in the new conference with dates at Kansas State, TCU, UCF and Utah, so that sleeper tag comes with a prove-it price. Fisch built one of the most-exciting teams of 2023. Will they keep that momentum rolling?
12. Missouri (11-2 in 2023)
Welcome to the party, Missouri. The Tigers could be ranked in the top-10 in the preseason polls after a break-through season with Eli Drinkwitz. Quarterback Brady Cook announced his return, and star receiver Luther Burden is back for one more year. Yes, the Tigers will have to replace running back Cody Schrader and defensive back Kris Abrams-Draine, and the pressure to duplicate that success in the SEC is a year-by-year endeavor. The schedule is set up for a fast start before road tests at Texas A&M (Oct. 5) and Alabama (Oct. 26).
13. LSU (10-3 in 2023)
The Tigers have won 10 games each of the last two seasons, but Brian Kelly will deal with a massive overhaul in 2023. Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. are gone. Presumed starter Garrett Nussmeier will have at least a push from Vandebilt transfer AJ Swann at quarterback. The defensive staff is undergoing a complete overhaul, and the new defensive coordinator must get the most out of edge rusher Harold Perkins. LSU cannot allow 28 points per game again, not against a schedule that includes USC in the opener. Ole Miss (Oct. 12), Alabama (Nov. 9) and Oklahoma (Nov. 30) all come to Death Valley.
14. Tennessee (9-4 in 2023)
Josh Heupel averaged nine wins the last three seasons at Tennessee, and the Vols got a glimpse of the future with Nico Iamaleava’s impressive performance in the 35-0 victory against Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Iamaleava is a five-star talent who could push the Vols back toward the 40-point mark on offense. Notre Dame tight end Holden Staes and Tulane receiver Chris Brazzell II were nice additions via the portal. James Pearce Jr. should build on a 10-sack season, too. Road trips to Oklahoma (Sept. 21) and Georgia (Nov. 16) and a home date against Alabama (Oct. 19) will be the pressure points as usual.
15. Penn State (10-3 in 2023)
Penn State was one of the “it” teams heading into the 2023 season, but the losses to Ohio State and Michigan in the regular season and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss means the same-old questions about James Franklin are back. When will the Nittany Lions break through? Quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are back, and the addition of Ohio State transfer wide receiver Julian Fleming should help the passing game. Linebacker Abdul Carter is a first-round talent. Back-to-back home games against Ohio State (Nov. 2) and Washington (Nov. 9) will determine whether the Nittany Lions stay in the Big Ten championship hunt.
16. Clemson (9-4 in 2023)
Clemson did not make the College Football Playoff the last three seasons, but the Tigers still averaged 10 wins per year in that stretch. Dabo Swinney still is sticking with his approach – the Tigers lost 10 players to the transfer portal including safety Andrew Mukuba, who went to Texas. Cade Klubnik is back, and the Tigers still have enough depth through recruiting to win the ACC and make some noise in the new 12-team format. It’s on Swinney to get this program back in the national championship hunt. The Chick-fil-A Kickoff game against Georgia (Aug. 31) is a chance to prove it.
17. Utah (8-5 in 2023)
Utah flirted with CFP berths during the four-team era, and now a new opportunity emerges with the move to the Big 12. Kyle Whittingham has led the Utes to 29 wins over the last three seasons, and Cam Rising is returning at quarterback. Jonah Elliss, Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki entered the NFL Draft, so the defense will need to be re-tooled. Oklahoma State will be a tough road game, but Arizona and TCU have to come to Rice-Eccles Stadium – where the Utes should have an advantage against their new conference competition.
18. Oklahoma (10-3 in 2023)
The Sooners bounced back with a 10-win season in Year 2 for Brent Venables, but quarterback Dillon Gabriel was among the 18 players to enter the transfer portal. Leading tackler Danny Stuntsman entered the NFL Draft. Five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold showed promise as a freshman, but there will be an adjustment period with the move to the SEC. The SEC opener against Tennessee will attract a lot of attention given the ties to Heupel, and a brutal back-half of the schedule ends with Alabama (Nov. 23) and LSU (Nov. 30).
MORE: Early 2024-25 CFP National Championship odds
19. Oklahoma State (10-4 in 2023)
The Cowboys return Alan Bowman – who was granted a seventh year of eligibility at quarterback – and Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon – who had 1,732 rushing yards and 21 TDs this season. The Cowboys lost nine players to the transfer portal, which isn’t bad. Linebacker Nickolas Martin had 140 tackles. Mike Gundy has a chance to establish Oklahoma State as the Big 12 leader with Oklahoma and Texas out of the picture.
20. Kansas State (9-4 in 2023)
The Wildcats have averaged nine wins over the last three seasons with Chris Klieman, and Avery Johnson offered a glimpse of what’s to come at quarterback in the Pop-Tarts Bowl victory against NC State. Former Utah State and Texas Tech coach Matt Wells was hired to replace Collin Klein at offensive coordinator, but the overall stability of the program resonates. Still, the Wildcats had 15 players enter the transfer portal. The Big 12 home opener against Arizona (Sept. 14) wil be a good barometer to see where the season is headed.
21. USC (8-5 in 2023)
Caleb Williams has not declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, but that move is expected. Miller Moss’ six-TD performance in the Holiday Bowl might have answered the quarterback question for third-year coach Lincoln Riley with the Trojans moving to the Big Ten, and the hiring of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn from UCLA was a huge get. The Trojans get LSU in the opener at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sept. 1, and they travel to Michigan in their Big Ten opener on Sept. 21. It’s not an easy schedule, but the Trojans will have enough talent to make it interesting every week.
22. Louisville (10-4 in 2023)
The Cardinals were a fantastic story in Jeff Brohm’s first season, but now the trick will be maintaining that momentum after losses in the ACC championship game and Holiday Bowl. Tyler Shough – a seventh-year quarterback – will try his hand in an offense that will have to rebuild its running game after losing Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo. Edge rusher Ashton Gillotte – who had 11 sacks – also returns. Louisville added 17 players via the portal, so Brohm should continue to improve the roster in his second season.
23. SMU (11-3 in 2023)
The Mustangs won the American Athletic Conference, and now they are upgrading to the ACC. Look for SMU to be competitive in their first season. Quarterback Preston Stone passed for 3,197 yards, 28 TDs and six interceptions. Coach Rhett Lashlee crafted an offense that scored 38.7 points per game. Florida State comes to Gerald J. Ford Stadium, and the toughest road games are Louisville and Duke.
24. Kansas (9-4 in 2023)
Jalon Daniels should be healthy, and leading rusher Devin Neal might return for his senior season. Lance Leipold continues to stay with the program, which is the biggest victory of all. The Jayhawks had only six players to the transfer portal. Leipold has improved the win total with each season, and the chance to break through as a College Football Playoff contender in a wide-open Big 12 is there for the taking. Daniels has to stay healthy this year.
25. Georgia Tech (7-6 in 2023)
Brent Key is building an ACC contender with the Yellow Jackets, and the return of quarterback Haynes King – who had 2,842 passing yards, 737 rushing yards and 37 total TDs is a good start. Running back Jamal Haynes (1,059 yards) is back, and Kyle Efford will anchor the defense. The Yellow Jackets added nine players via the portal. There is excitement heading into the Aug. 24 season-opener in Dublin, Ireland, against Florida State.
