The ranked battle between No. 14 Clemson and No. 1 Georgia set the tone for an enthralling Week 1 of the 2024 college football season. With five straight days of the best sport on the globe, there was no shortage of entertainment for fans to enjoy.
How do Week 1’s results impact the 2024 College Football Power Rankings, which sort all 134 FBS programs from worst to first?
Week 1 2024 Season College Football Power Rankings
Note: A change from the previous week’s ranking will be indicated within the parentheses next to the team names.
134) Massachusetts Minutemen (-1)
The 2024 season will be UMass’ last as a FBS Independent, as the Minutemen will officially join the MAC next year. Don Brown’s squad hasn’t won more than four games since rejoining the FBS in 2012, and with 1,000-yard RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams off to Michigan State, it’s unlikely they’ll break the trend this season.
The Minutemen’s final score of 28-14 against Eastern Michigan doesn’t tell the whole story, as UMass didn’t put up points until midway through the third quarter, and both of their TD drives were aided by pass interference penalties.
133) Kent State Golden Flashes (-1)
The Golden Flashes can only go up after posting a 1-11 record in head coach Kenni Burns’ inaugural season. While there is no debating Kent State’s immense struggles, it was the first year of a colossal rebuild, with Burns inheriting just four starters following Sean Lewis’ departure.
Losing 55-24 is never confidence-inducing, but the offense flashed at times, and the defense should hold up better against MAC opponents. Unfortunately, the Golden Flashes face Tennessee and Penn State in Weeks 3 and 4, crushing any optimism gained from a home matchup with St. Francis next week.
132) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (+2)
While first-year (and first-time) head coach Bryant Vincent has the potential to turn the program around, don’t expect the Warhawks to vastly improve on the 2-10 record they posted in 2023. Defeating a talented Jackson State squad 30-14 in Week 1 was a great start, but the Tigers are an FCS program … and not a playoff contender at that.
True freshman Ahmad Hardy was a revolution on the ground, rushing for 103 yards and a score on 19 carries. But can General Booty carry the passing game when UL-Monroeneeds to pass, as it will often this season?
131) Kennesaw State Owls (–)
Last season, the Owls went 3-6, with all three of their wins coming against Division II programs. That’s not the whole story, as head coach Brian Bohannon redshirted many of his best players after guiding Kennesaw State to four FCS playoff berths from 2017-2021. Still, with question marks at QB and along the offensive line, Kennesaw State’s inaugural season in the FBS won’t be the most welcoming.
The defense suffocated UTSA’s ground game, allowing just 2.3 yards per carry. Yet, the Roadrunners got whatever they wanted through the air, as QB Owen McCown exploded for 340 yards and three TDs. The Owls’ run-heavy attack gained just 64 yards on 38 carries and can’t throw itself back into games.
130) Temple Owls (–)
The Owls haven’t won more than three games in a season since 2019, and it’s unlikely the streak ends in 2024. QB E.J. Warner left for conference rival Rice, All-AAC OT Victor Stoffell transferred to Cal, and the team’s top four tacklers are gone.
Temple rolled with junior Forrest Brock under center against Oklahoma, and it went about as well as you’d expect: Sooners 51, Owls 3.
The last time Brock started a game was in 2022 at Santa Monica Community College in front of an audience of 110 spectators. In Norman, Okla., he played with crowd noise bellowing from over 80,000 fans — his vision was probably shaking like in EA Sports College Football 25. But it wasn’t all on Brock, as the Owls turned the ball over six times.
129) Akron Zips (–)
Since Terry Bowden left the program in 2018, Akron has been a bottom-of-the-nation team, posting no more than two wins in any season. If Joe Moorhead doesn’t produce results in 2024, the Zips will likely oust their head coach after just three years once again (Tom Arth, 2019-2021).
MORE:Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Of course, they weren’t expected to put up much of a fight against Ohio State in Week 1, but praise the defense for keeping the score 17-3 at halftime (it’s about the little victories).
128) New Mexico State Aggies (–)
New Mexico State just had its best two-year stretch (17 wins) in six decades, but with its head coach, offensive coordinator, QB1, and TE1 off to Vanderbilt, the program will likely return to Earth in 2024.
New HC Tony Sanchez has been with the school as a WRs coach since 2022, so there’s at least some continuity. However, his head coaching track record isn’t all that exciting, as UNLV posted a 20-40 record during his time leading the Rebels (2015-2019).
The Aggies beat Southeast Missouri in Week 1, but the offense lookedugly. Three players threw passes, combining for 60 yards, no TDs, and one INT on 7-of-23 passing. At least the rushing attack got going, but that won’t be enough — even in the CUSA.
127) East Carolina Pirates (–)
East Carolina ended a drought of back-to-back winning campaigns in 2021-22, but the Pirates crashed through the atmosphere in 2023, going 2-10 — their worst record since 2004. A 42-3 win over Norfolk Stateshould provide reason for optimism, but the offense committedsix turnovers. If Jake Garcia doesn’t rein his arm in against FBS competition, the Pirates will be in for a long season.
126) Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (–)
Following two straight 3-9 campaigns to begin his tenure, Sonny Cumbie’s seat is heating up. Only six starters return, and much of the team’s projection rests on the shoulders of QB Jack Turner.
Turner exited the Week 1 contest against Nicholls after only eight passes due to injury, and the offense suffered because of it. The Bulldogs can’t turn the ball over and expect to win vs. FBS teams.
125) Connecticut Huskies (-5)
With Notre Dame practically a member of the ACC and UMass joining the MAC in 2025, UConn is the only true FBS Independent remaining … perhaps not for long.
The Huskies have surpassed the four-win mark just twice in the last decade, but the arrow seemed to be pointing up with Jim Mora at the helm. His squad has one of the easiest schedules in the country this year, buoyed by a stretch of six straight home games with an off-week in the middle. Yet, a 50-7 loss to a middling Maryland team is far from the start UConn hoped for.
124) Buffalo Bulls (+1)
Maurice Linguist is out, and Pete Lembo is in. Longtime fans of the MAC should remember Lembo as Ball State’s HC in the early 2010s. He led the program to back-to-back bowl appearances and 9+ campaigns. Can Lembo do the same with the Bulls?
Lembo added Virginia offensive analyst Dave Patenaude to run the unit, and he leaned on his rushing attack to defeat a stout Lafayette team in Week 1. QB CJ Ogbonna isn’t an accurate passer, but he doesn’t need to be when the Bulls can get rolling on the ground. If the offense operates at a conference-average level, Buffalo could surprise some teams due to its talent-laden defense.
123) Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (–)
For the first time since 2006, Middle Tennessee will have a new head coach at the helm, as Derek Mason succeeds Rick Stockstill.
The last time we saw Mason as a leading man, Vanderbilt went 0-8 (he posted zero winning seasons across seven years in Nashville). And the last time we saw him at all, he coached the 2022 Oklahoma State defense that allowed 440 yards per game, one of the worst marks in the nation.
In short, I’m not sure Mason was the correct hire, but he’ll have a chance to prove me wrong. The offense returns some intriguing skill-position talents and will be led by QB Nicholas Vattiato once again. The offensive line will have four new starters, which isn’t ideal, and the defensive first team only has two familiar names from last season.
The result of the turnover was a closer-than-you’d-like win against Tennessee Tech, but we’ll see how the Blue Raiders gel as the season progresses.
122) Nevada Wolf Pack (+2)
The Wolf Pack moved up a couple of spots last week despite losing to SMU because of the unexpected gumption they showed with a new head coach (Jeff Choate) and 56 newcomers, including 34 transfers.
Nevada moves up once again after overcoming a scoreless first quarter to upset Troy, 28-26. Brendon Lewis has found his groove, and with Savion Red in the backfield, the offense can keep pace with opponents in 2024.
121) Old Dominion Monarchs (+1)
Jason. Henderson. The All-American LB single-handedly raises Old Dominion’s floor, but the entire unit came together against South Carolina. Alas, the offense couldn’t do enough to upset the SEC program, with QB Grant Wilson throwing two picks and the running game barely averaging over three yards per attempt. Regardless, it was an impressive showing from the Monarchs — here’s hoping they can continue the momentum.
120) Southern Miss Golden Eagles (-3)
Southern Miss burst onto the Sun Belt stage with a 7-6 record in 2022 but fell to 3-9 in 2023. Will the real Golden Eagles please stand up? It isn’t difficult to envision both finishes in 2024 — it all depends on how their transfer additions pan out. Head coach Will Hall didn’t just dip into the portal; he dove in.
The offense replaces nine starters, and four transfers will play major roles on defense. The most notable newcomer is Florida State QB Tate Rodemaker, whose play will determine much of Southern Miss’ success … or lack thereof.
As a team finding cohesion, facing an SEC team in Week 1 wasn’t favorable. Rodemaker threw two picks, and the running game picked up *checks notes* five yards. Yikes. While the 31-0 loss to Kentucky wasn’t pretty, it could’ve been worse.
119) Charlotte 49ers (-3)
First-year head coach Biff Poggi brought in 24 transfers last season, and after the 49ers went 3-9, he added 27 more. Florida QB Max Brown and Iowa State RB Cartevious Norton are the most intriguing.
Neither looked the part of Power Four transfers in Week 1, with Brown completing under 50% of his passes and tossing two INTs to James Madison and Norton falling forward for 11 yards on 10 carries. With the Dukes undergoing their own coaching and roster turnover this season, the 49ers don’t have many excuses for losing 30-7.
118) UTEP Miners (-3)
UTEP went 38-85 under the previous two coaches, but that’s going to change with Scott Walden now at the helm. He began his head coaching career at 26 with Division III East Texas Baptist, becoming the youngest NCAA coach to hold the title in 2016.
Walden’s program went 7-3, and he left the following year to be an assistant at Southern Miss. Then, in 2020, he got his next HC shot at FCS-level Austin Peay, leading the Governors to a 26-14 record, two conference titles, and a playoff bid across four years.
He brought many of his players with him to UTEP, so there’s reason to believe in an improvement from the Miners’ 3-9 performance last year. A 40-7 Week 1 loss to Nebraska could throw fans into an early maelstrom, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.
117) New Mexico Lobos (+3)
New Mexico fans are used to seeing their team at the bottom of power rankings, but it’s a new era with Bronco Mendenhall at the helm. While the Lobos blew a 31-14 lead, allowing 21 points in the fourth quarter, they impressed against Montana State, who has emerged as a powerhouse in the FCS.
It was a similar finish in Week 1, with New Mexico going band for band with a high-octane Arizona offense before stalling out in the second half.
New Mexico’s last three HC hires went a combined 7-25 in their inaugural seasons, and while Mendenhall’s squad may not finish with a winning record, Devon Dampier and Co. should show vast improvements over 2023.
116) Florida Atlantic Owls (+2)
Tom Herman is a good coach, but the Owls underperformed in Year 1, posting a 4-8 record. Despite one of the easiest schedules in the country this season, it’s difficult to see FAU returning to its form under Lane Kiffin due to massive roster turnover.
Marshall transfer Cam Fancher is the starter behind center, and he isn’t on the same level as now-Florida A&M passer Daniel Richardson. He proved as much against Michigan State, completing 12 of his 25 passes for 116 yards, one TD, and two picks. Perhaps more concerning was his 25 carries for 67 yards — not because of the inefficiency, but because of the effect on his body.
The defense did its job, holding the Spartans to 16 points, their fewest in a win since 2018, but if Fancher and Co. can’t move the ball, it won’t matter.
115) Sam Houston Bearkats (+4)
Sam Houston had a rude awakening in the FBS last season, going 3-9. But a closer look shows reason for optimism. The Bearkats ended the year strong, winning three of their final four games. Additionally, they dropped six contests by 10 points or less, including a five-point defeat to 2023 CUSA champ Liberty and an overtime loss to Jacksonville State.
The defense should remain strong, even after coordinator Joe Morris left. HC K.C. Keeler hired former Abieline Christian DC Skyler Cassity to run the unit after he helped his former program hold 14 of its 19 FCS opponents under their season scoring averages from 2022-2023.
The offense just needs to score more than 20 points per game (second lowest in the CUSA last season). They did just that against a veteran-laden Rice defense, winning 34-14. Hunter Watson beat out Central Michigan transfer Jase Bauer for the starting QB job, and while it wasn’t always pretty, the offense averaged 6.2 yards per play with him at the helm.
114) San José State Spartans (–)
Brent Brennan’s departure, NFL Draft declarations, and graduations resulted in a mass exodus of talent, but the cupboard isn’t bare for new HC Ken Niumatalolo. WRs Justin Lockhart and Nick Nash returned, Grambling State’s Floyd Chalk IV is a legitimate RB1, and the defense should remain solid under longtime DC Derrick Odum.
Sacramento State checked in at No. 9 on our preseason FCS Top 25, and the Spartans were only 2.5-point favorites. However, SJSU found its stride in the fourth quarter, going on a 21-0 run to put the game away. If the Spartans can maintain their momentum against FBS competition, they could jump up the 2024 College Football Power Rankings.
113) North Texas Mean Green (–)
The Mean Green lost QB Chandler Rogers, RB Ayo Adeyi, WR Ja’Mori Maclin, and 20+ players to the transfer portal after a 5-7 debut in the AAC.
However, the roster isn’t bereft of talent and showed as much in a high-flying 52-38 win over South Alabama that included a 28-point third quarter. The defense let WR Jamal Pritchett (10-197-1) have his way with them and allowed 582 total yards, but the offense kept them ahead with a relentless attack. If North Texas can shore up defensively, they might surprise a few teams in the AAC this season.
112) Northwestern Wildcats (–)
David Braun took the Wildcats from 1-11 to 8-5 in his first season, marking one of the biggest one-year turnarounds in recent memory. However, Northwestern may have a reality check in 2024.
While the schedule is rather manageable, with only Ohio State and Michigan posing guaranteed defeats, Braun’s squad is bereft of top-tier talent, specifically on offense. That was clear in Week 1, as the Wildcats barely knocked off Miami (OH), 13-6. Mike Wright may not be the answer under center after completing 18 of 30 passes at 5.9 yards per clip and losing two fumbles.
111) Ball State Cardinals (–)
The 2024 season is a make-or-break campaign for HC Mike Neu. In his eight years in Muncie, the Cardinals have had justone winning season, albeit a good one: 7-1 with a bowl victory in 2020.
Rising QB Kadin Semonza seemingly forced veteran Kiael Kelly into an all-purpose role and will have three starters returning up front. Yet, the Cardinals lost RB Marquez Cooper to San Diego State and will have 10 new first-teamers on defense. Their first game will come next week against Missouri State.
110) Eastern Michigan Eagles (-3)
Chris Creighton’s Eagles have predominately been an above-average MAC team, making six bowl games in the last eight years. The roster had several holes to fill in the offseason, and Creighton used the transfer portalto do so.
Former Buffalo QB Cole Snyder will take over under center, with NC State transfers RB Delbert Mimms III and WR Porter Rooks bolstering the offense. WR JB Mitchell III and TE Jere Getzinger lead the returning talent, and JUCO recruit Oran Singleton could make a name for himself early on.
The Eagles could’ve — and should’ve — defeated UMass by more than 14 points, but a win is a win, especially to kick off the season.
109) Central Michigan Chippewas (–)
Coming off a 1-11 season in 2018, the Chippewas were at an all-time low and tabbed HC Jim McElwain as the program’s savior. He answered prayers immediately, guiding Central Michigan to an 8-6 record and the New Mexico Bowl. A 3-3 pandemic-shortened season and a 9-4 return to glory followed, but McElwain’s squad has lost its luster over the last two years, going a combined 9-15.
There isn’t much to glean from their 66-10 route of Central Connecticut State other than Iowa transfer Joe Labas played spectacularly after battling incumbent Bert Emanuel Jr. for the starting job. Emanuel suffered a nondisclosed injury before the game, thrusting Labas into the starting role. But after completing 18 of 24 passes for 342 yards, three TDs, and no turnovers, Labas could earn an extended look even when Emanuel returns.
108) Tulsa Golden Hurricane (–)
Like the Chippewas, the Golden Hurricane handled business against a low-level FCS school, although it was more of a game than it should’ve been. Tulsa left the first quarter tied 14-14 with Northwestern State but ultimately routed the Demons 62-28.
After four different signal-callers took snaps for HC Kevin Wilson last season, Kirk Francis was the only QB under center on Thursday, and the result was 299 passing yards, four TDs, and a 77% completion rate.
Maintaining that level of play against stiffer competition won’t be easy, but with Anthony Watkins and Bill Jackson in the backfield and Kamdyn Benjamin and Jeremiah Ballard outside, the offense should score points.
107) Arkansas State Red Wolves (-7)
After going 2-10 and 3-9 to kick off the Butch Jones era, the Red Wolves played their way to six wins and a bowl appearance in 2023.
There’s reason to believe they can take another step forward this season. The schedule is a bit more difficult, and Jones didn’t add much high-profile talent from the transfer portal. But that’s not a negative, as the offense was led by freshman QB Jaylen Raynor and six sophomores, and they’re all back in 2024.
The Red Wolves were nearly upset by FCS-level Central Arkansas, winning 34-31. Raynor was erratic throwing the ball, and the running backs did him no favors by gaining 3.3 yards per attempt.
106) Air Force Falcons (-1)
Air Force entered the season dead last out of 134 FBS teams in returning production (28% on offense; 23% on defense). And due to service academy requirements, the Falcons weren’t able to fill their holes with transfer portal additions.
Yet, if anyone can dampen the impact of roster turnover, it’s Troy Calhoun and his coaching staff. The foundation is there, but Air Force needs several young athletes on both sides of the ball to step up and help the team fly.
The nature of the Falcons’ ground-and-pound offensive scheme limits their output, and eight players were able to run the ball in the 21-6 win over Merrimack. They’ll need to find a difference-maker in the backfield in order to run on higher-quality challengers.
105) Troy Trojans (-11)
Jon Sumrall joined the Trojans in 2022, led them to back-to-back conference titles and 11+ win seasons, and left to become Tulane’s HC this offseason. Former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker will take the reigns, but fans shouldn’t expect a third straight Sun Belt Championship.
Justfive starters — both offensive and defensive — return, putting immense pressure on several transfer portal acquisitions to hit. The Trojans are still talented, but it will take time for the team to reach its stride under Parker.
On total statistics, the Trojans should’ve beaten Nevada, but a closer look points to the Wolf Pack being more efficient in all phases. They ran all over Troy’s defense, and while the offense played well in Week 1, it didn’t do enough to quell concerns.
104) Stanford Cardinal (+2)
Head coach Troy Taylor only won three games in Year 1, but there’s some reason for optimism heading into Year 2. Elic Ayomanor is one of the best WRs in the game, and Ashton Daniels should show growth as the year progresses.
Nonetheless, Stanford had one of the worst scoring defenses in the entire FBS (37.7 points per game), and they allowed 34 to TCU in Week 1.
103) Navy Midshipmen (–)
A season finale loss to Army dropped Navy to 5-7 overall and out of bowl contention in Brian Newberry’s first year. Tai Lavatai and Xavier Arline led the QB room in 2023, but Braxton Woodson and Blake Horvath will take over this season.
They should see more success with former Mercer head coach Drew Cronic coming over to call the plays after leading the Bears to their first-ever FCS playoff appearance. Having Eli Heidenreich and Alex Tecza certainly makes his job easier, and Newberry will ensure the defensive side of the ball keeps up its end of the bargain.
Dropping Bucknell in Week 1 was expected, and Temple shouldn’t cause the Midshipmen to sweat much next week, but they’ll need to fire on all cylinders when Memphis comes to town in Week 3.
102) Utah State Aggies (–)
The Aggies have a Blake Anderson-sized problem off the field, but on the field, interim HC Nate Dreiling has a ship to right. The Aggies went 0-7 against bowl teams last season and fielded a defense that routinely allowed 30+ points.
Without vast improvements, Utah State will struggle to stay in the middle of the pack, especially with bouts against USC and Utah on tap early in the year. Getting a win in Week 1 is never a negative, but the QB play was. Spencer Petras appeared notably worse than Bryson Barnes against Robert Morris, and as the saying goes, if you have two QBs, you have none.
101) Ohio Bobcats (-6)
Ohio has won 10 games in two straight seasons under Tim Albin, but keeping the streak alive will be tough in 2024. The transfer portal decimated the roster, with Kurtis Rourke, Miles Cross, Sieh Bangura, Will Kacmarek, and Keye Thompson leaving the Bobcats.
The depth chart still has talent, specifically on offense, but the defensive side of the ball is more concerning. Ohio led the MAC in points allowed per game (15.8) last season but returned just three starters, putting pressure on new DC John Hauser, who was an in-house promotion after Spence Nowinsky left for Memphis, to get his unit up to speed.
Although Syracuse gave Navarro fits through the air, the rushing attack, led by Anthony Tyus III — notably not Rickey Hunt Jr. — averaged 6.5 yards per clip en route to 255 and two scores. The defense even held the Orange to zero points in the first quarter before bending in the second and third.
100) Arizona State Sun Devils (+10)
While the Sun Devils are on the rise in Year 2 of Kenny Dillingham’s tenure, the move to the Big 12 could stunt their growth. Herm Edwards tied the program’s hands behind its back, and Dillingham is dealing with the fallout as best he can.
You wouldn’t be able to tell by their Week 1 thrashing of Wyoming, 48-7. The Sun Devils had their way offensively, with Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt looking solid under center.
99) San Diego State Aztecs (–)
San Diego State is going through an identity change with Sean Lewis at the controls. Usually, the defense blitzes the offense, but Lewis’ unit will pressure its opponents to keep up. That said, he’ll have an unproven starting QB in true freshman Danny O’Neill.
The Aztecs’ defense should remain in the top half of the conference with the help of several transfers, including Tennessee State DB Bryce Phillips, the younger brother of former Utah Ute and current Atlanta Falcon Clark Phillips III.
Marquez Cooper (27-223-2) has brought the uber-productive running back archetype back to San Diego State, and all is right in the world. O’Neill didn’t play out of his mind, but he was poised in his collegiate debut.
98) UAB Blazers (–)
Trent Dilfer was a controversial hire last season, and a 4-8 record in his inaugural campaign didn’t quell concerns. That said, the offense showed promise, with OC Alex Mortensen scheming the plays and QB Jacob Zeno delivering on the field.
MORE: 2024 Conference USA Weekly Football Schedule
The real issue was the sieve of a defense that allowed 31+ points to all 11 of their FBS opponents. Dilfer hopes an infusion of transfer talent, especially LB Octavius “OC” Brothers and DBs Adrian Maddox and Troy Jakubec, helps steady the unit in 2024. Defeating Alcorn State 41-3 was a start, but the Blazers’ first real test comes on the road against Arkansas in Week 3.
97) BYU Cougars (–)
BYU hasn’t had back-to-back losing seasons since 2003-2004, but the Cougars are in danger of that streak ending.
Week 1 was promising, with BYU thoroughly outplaying Southern Illinois, who could make the FCS Playoffs this year. The running game was rather stagnant, but Jake Retzlaff was letting it rip under center, connecting on 20 of 30 throws for 348 yards and three scores.
96) FIU Panthers (-6)
Did FIU go 4-8 last year? Yes. Does HC Mike MacIntyre return 11 starters, including rising true sophomore Keyone Jenkins? Also yes. Lexington Joseph, who put up 536 yards and five TDs in 2022, returns from injury, bolstering a backfield that already has Shomari Lawrence and Kejon Owens.
Losing star WR Kris Mitchell to Notre Dame will sting, and the offensive line must improve after allowing 46 sacks last fall, but there is enough talent on both sides of the ball to make a bowl game for the first time since 2019.
Dueling Indiana in Week 1 was a tough draw, as the Panthers couldn’t move the ball through the air or on the ground. The only positive takeaway was the defense’s ability to keep the score relatively respectable (31-7).
95) Wyoming Cowboys (-13)
Wyoming will have a new HC patrolling the sidelines for the first time in a decade after Craig Bohl retired. However, Jay Sawvel is a familiar face in Laramie, as he has served as the team’s DC since 2020.
His unit is one of the most talented in the conference this year, with DT Jordan Bertagnole, EDGE DeVonne Harris, LB Shae Suiaunoa, DB Wrook Brown, and S Wyatt Ekeler all returning.
The same can’t be said for the offense, especially with RB Harrison Waylee on the mend following knee surgery last month.QB Evan Svoboda is also a question mark after a 48-7 loss to Arizona State that didn’t see Wyoming score until the final quarter. He has a strong arm and is relatively athletic, but we’ll need to see more before stopping the Cowboys’ slide in the 2024 College Football Power Rankings.
94) Houston Cougars (-7)
Houston hired Willie Fritz to turn the program around after he led Tulane to back-to-back 10+ win seasons. A quick glance at the depth chart shows he got to work quickly, using the transfer portal to his advantage.
With so much turnover, it will take the Cougars some time to get the engine running, but QB Donovan Smith can generate points on his own early on. That wasn’t the case in Week 1, as Smith completed 50% of his passes for 135 yards, zero TDs, and two INTs in a 27-7 loss to UNLV. Backup Ui Ale led the Cougars’ only scoring drive and could threaten Smith’s job if he doesn’t rebound in the coming weeks.
93) Army Black Knights (–)
If there’s one word to describe Jeff Monken’s Black Knights, it’s consistent. They’ve only suffered one losing season after his first two years with the program (2014-15), and they closed the 2023 campaign with four straight wins, including victories over Air Force and Navy for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy.
Monken handed the offensive keys to Cody Worley this offseason, and he played to QB Bryson Daily and RB Kanye Udoh’s strengths in Week 1, albeit against Lehigh. The rushing attack reinstituted its supremacy, taking 56 carries for 375 and six TDs, but a road matchup with FAU will be a better litmus test for what we can expect from the Black Knights in 2024.
92) Georgia State Panthers (–)
With HC Shawn Elliott leaving to become the TEs coach at South Carolina, the Panthers were in need of new leadership. Enter longtime Georgia assistant Dell McGee. His only head coaching experience came at the high school level, but he was a proven winner, leading Georgia’s Carver-Columbus to an 85-21 record, six conference titles, and one national championship.
McGee inherits a Georgia State team fresh off a 7-6 season with a bowl victory, but there was significant turnover after Elliott’s departure.
Christian Veilleux won the four-QB battle and played as well as he could against a stifling Georgia Tech defense. Outside of an interception, the defense was a sieve, allowing the Yellow Jackets to have everything they wanted on the ground and through the air.
91) Vanderbilt Commodores (+13)
Vanderbilt has been a perennial bottom-feeder in the SEC, but perhaps the arrival of the New Mexico State contingent will be enough for the Commodores to crawl themselves out of the cellar.
QB Diego Pavia single-handedly drove the team to a win over Virginia Tech, even if it required overtime. Still, HC Clark Lea has gone 2-22 in the conference in his first three years, and if he doesn’t add to the win total this year, he may not be around to see the unveiling of FirstBank Stadium’s renovations in 2025.
90) Purdue Boilermakers (+6)
Transitioning from Jeff Brohm to Ryan Walters didn’t provide immediate results, and Year 2 may not be much better. Hudson Card is a better QB than given credit for — 24 of 25 passing for 273 yards and four TDs in the opener against Illinois State — and has Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love III in the backfield.
Yet, the transfer portal giveth and taketh away, with WR Deion Burks (Oklahoma) and EDGE Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) leaving for the SEC. S Dillon Thieneman and LB Kydran Jenkins return to lead the defense, but Purdue is still a couple of years away from putting up any sort of resistance in the Big Ten.
89) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (+13)
After 31 wins in three years with HC Jamey Chadwell and QB Grayson McCall at the helm, the Chanticleers fell to a middle-of-the-road team in Year 1 of the Tim Beck era. The 2024 season will be the real test, with McCall off to NC State and the majority of the defense gone.
QB Ethan Vasko struggled against Jacksonville State’s staunch defense, but the Chanticleers cruised to a 55-27 victory, largely thanks to the rushing attack and the Gamecocks’ own poor QB play. Coastal Carolina ran the ball56 times for 297 yards and three scores, while the defense held JSU to 1-of-10 on third down and forced three turnovers.
88) Rice Owls (-12)
Losing JT Daniels to retirement and WR Luke McCaffrey to the draft hurts, but Rice returns practically everyone else. That wasn’t enough to overcome Sam Houston in Week 1, as the Owls fell 34-14.
Temple transfer QB E.J. Warner completed just 27 of 44 passes for 227 yards, one TD, and two INTs, handcuffing the offense’s success. But the defense didn’t fair much better, conceding 400+ yards on the day.
87) South Alabama Jaguars (-7)
HC Kane Wommack, starting QB Carter Bradley, leading rusher La’Damian Webb, and all-world receiver Caullin Lacy are gone, but all is not lost in Mobile. South Alabama promoted Major Applewhite from within, and he has largely been able to keep the roster together.
Most of the Jaguars’ transfer additions were freshmen and sophomores, pointing to Applewhite’s belief in his returners. And if sophomore QB Gio Lopez picks up where he left off in the bowl game vs. Eastern Michigan (14 of 19 passing for 192 yards and three TDs; 7-88-1 rushing line), South Alabama will be in good hands.
Lopez did just that in the opener, producing 432 yards and three TDs through the air while rushing for another 62 yards and a score. But he was one of the only Jaguars to show up offensivelyordefensively as North Texas triumphed 52-38. If the team performs similarly against Ohio in Week 2, South Alabama will tumble down the rankings.
86) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+5)
Moving on from Gavin Wimsatt for Minnesota’s Athan Kaliakmanis might have been a mistake, but time will tell. At least he can lean on Kyle Monangai, who bullied Howard to the tune of 165 yards on 19 attempts. Losing LB Mohamed Toure for the year will test the unit’s depth, but the Scarlet Knights got off on the right foot and should take another positive step with Akron on deck.
85) Cincinnati Bearcats (+4)
Indiana’s Brendan Sorsby started Game 1 under center, and he showcased his potential with 383 passing yards, two TD tosses, and another two goal-line dives past the pylon.
Head coach Scott Satterfield needs a bounce-back campaign now, as he’s gone 28-33 (25-24 over four years at Louisville) as a Power Five head coach after winning three straight Sun Belt titles at Appalachian State. A 38-20 win over Townson is a win, but it’s not the most promising.
84) Virginia Cavaliers (+4)
Tony Elliott has won exactly three games in each of his two seasons as Virginia’s leading man. If the Cavaliers win three or fewer contests in 2024, expect a new face in place entering 2025. QB Anthony Colandrea flashed at times as a true freshman, and the school used the transfer portal to bolster the WR corps.
The Cavaliers kicked the year off with a 34-13 win over a talented Richmond team, but their 3-of-11 performance on third down must improve. With 14 players who started 6+ games returning, the Cavaliers should show improvement — just not enough to earn a higher placement on the 2024 College Football Power Rankings.
83) Georgia Southern Eagles (+3)
With OC Bryan Ellis leaving for Alabama and QB Davis Brin graduating, the Eagles’ offense seems to be in a state of flux. HC Clay Helton promoted TEs coach and passing coordinator Ryan Aplin to OC, and former Memphis transfer QB J.C. French will start.
WRs Derwin Burgess Jr. and Dalen Cobb return, as do RBs Jalen White and O.J. Arnold. In short, the offense should be fine, but the defense needs to improve in Year 2 under DC Brandon Bailey.
After being held scoreless in the first quarter, the Eagles scored 14+ points in each of the final three quarters against Boise State, pushing the Broncos to the brink. Yet, it was too little too late, as Georgia Southern fell 56-45. Still, it was an impressive outing by the offense — let’s just hope this was the defense’s floor.
82) Western Michigan Broncos (+2)
Lance Taylor’s first season in Kalamazoo wasn’t anything to write home about (4-8), but Year 2 could be. The Broncos stepped into Camp Randall as 24.5-point underdogs but took Wisconsin the distance, falling 28-14 due to a fourth-quarter rally by the Badgers.
Turnovers (two) and third-down efficiency (3-of-10) were Western Michigan’s downfall, but it was as good of a loss as you can have, especially due to the secondary’s performance.
81) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+4)
Dave Clawson’s Demon Deacons have been a middle-of-the-road ACC competitor for most of his tenure, but they ranked last with a 1-7 conference record in 2023. It looked like the disappointment would continue in 2024 after they entered halftime up only 17-10 to North Carolina A&T, but it was all Wake Forest in the second half, pulling out to a 45-13 victory.
WR Taylor Morin remains electric, and RB Demond Claiborne cruised to 135 yards and a score on 17 carries. If QB Hank Bachmeier can turn the clock back to his eye-opening 2021 campaign at Boise State, the ‘Deacs can make some noise.
80) Mississippi State Bulldogs (+3)
Jeff Lebby is an offensive guru, but he’ll need time to implement a winning culture and sustained success. With Baylor QB Blake Shapen under center, the Bulldogs could score some points, but don’t expect much more in Year 1 under a new head coach. Eastern Kentucky was a good punching bag to begin the season with, as Shapen and Co. unloaded 56 points on the Colonels.
79) Pittsburgh Panthers (+2)
Pittsburgh won the ACC title in 2021 and then went 9-4 in 2022. However, the Panthers face-planted to a 3-9 record in 2023, and the pressure is on HC Pat Narduzzi to get the team back on track.
MORE: 2024-2025 College Football Playoff Schedule
Transfers ransacked the defense, and the offense returned nine starters from a unit that ranked near the bottom in most statistical categories last year. Yet, QB Eli Holstein and RB Desmond Reid showed promise in Week 1 — albeit against Kent State.
78) Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (+1)
The biggest favorite of Week 0 (-39.5), Hawaii only beat Delaware State by 21 points (35-14) after a horrendous first half. The poor play followed the Rainbow Warriors into Week 1, as prolific QB Brayden Schager averaged 6.0 yards or fewer per attempt for the second straight game. The defense kept them in the contest, but against higher-powered offenses, Hawaii will likely be blown back to its island this season.
77) Michigan State Spartans (–)
Jonathan Smith’s turnaround in Corvallis, Ore., took a few years, and Michigan State fans should prepare for the same in East Lansing, Mich. Camp star Aidan Chiles’ debut was anything but impressive, as he completed just 10 of 24 passes for 114 yards and two picks.
It didn’t help that RB1 Nate Carter couldn’t get anything going on the ground (19-48-0), but UMass transfer Kay’ron Lynch-Adams was a sight for sore eyes, rumbling for 101 yards and a score on just nine attempts. The defense played its role, holding FAU to 10 points, but Chiles needs to find his rhythm quickly.
76) Northern Illinois Huskies (+2)
Rocky Lombardi is gone, but the Huskies are a run-first team anyway — and who better to hand the ball off to than 1,300-yard RB Antario Brown? Plus, having WR Trayvon Rudolph, TE Grayson Barnes, and one of the best OLs in the conference will make the transition to QB Ethan Hampton smoother.
Speaking of Hampton, he had himself a day against Western Illinois, throwing three more TDs (five) than he had incompletions (two). It was an expected win, but Northern Illinois’ utter dominance was surely welcomed.
75) Colorado State Rams (-2)
The Rams are on a six-year stretch without a winning season — that could change in 2024. Starting QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is back with his rocket arm, and so is arguably the best player in the conference: WR Tory Horton.
Jay Norvell established Nevada as a perennial contender in the MWC, and if Fowler-Nicolosi reins in the turnovers and the defense bounces back after a rough season, he could do so again with Colorado State in Year 3 of his tenure.
We knew the Rams would lose in Week 1 against Texas; we just didn’t know it would be so one-sided. Fowler-Nicolosi completed just 10 of 18 passes for 59 yards and a pick — not great. Norvell’s group will have a get-right game against Northern Colorado next, and they need it.
74) Marshall Thundering Herd (+1)
Bob Pruett. Doc Holliday. Charles Huff. The Thundering Herd have had some excellent coaches patrolling their sidelines over the years, and Huff has a chance to cement his place next to all-time program greats.
The transfer portal hit the team hard, but Huff did his best to fill the holes. With former Wake Forest QB Mitch Griffis stepping away from football, Tulsa’s Braylon Braxton is the starter under center. OC Seth Doege has the talent to work with, and the Herd exhibited a taste of it against Stony Brook, winning 45-3.
73) Toledo Rockets (+1)
Toledo may have lost Dequan Finn to Baylor, but Tucker Gleason and John Alan Richter played well against Duquesne. Still, RB Jacquez Stuart and the team’s top three WRs buoy the offense, sporting an entirely new offensive line from last season.
DC Vince Kehres’ unit has finished among the top three MAC teams in scoring in three consecutive seasons, and with all-conference defenders DT Darius Alexander and S Maxen Hook in-house, a fourth such campaign is within reach.
72) Duke Blue Devils (–)
Although Mike Elko was Duke’s head coach for only two seasons, the team had its most successful back-to-back campaigns since 2014-2015. Manny Diaz will attempt to keep the momentum going, which won’t be easy, with QB Riley Leonard, RB Jordan Waters, DT Aeneas Peebles, and EDGE RJ Oben all transferring out.
Texas’ Maalik Murphy is a tools-rich passer, but he completed just 65% of his passes against Elon. The rushing game didn’t perform much better, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry. That won’t cut it in the ACC — just rip it to WRs Jordan Moore and Eli Pancol and thrive.
71) UCLA Bruins (-1)
Chip Kelly is out, and DaShaun Foster is in. The roster and fanbase have seemingly bought into his style of coaching, but they were repaid with a 16-13 win over Hawaii that brought more questions than answers. While the defense surpassed expectations after losing D’Anton Lynn to USC, the offense couldn’t doanything.
Ethan Garbers completed 19 of 38 passes for 272 yards, one TD, and two picks, adding his name to the list of collegiate QBs that fell flat in Week 1. But more troubling was the running game’s ineptitude, as it gained 71 yards on 20 carries with no scores.
70) Jacksonville State Gamecocks (-13)
Rich Rodriguez’s Gamecocks wasted no time introducing themselves to the FBS, going 9-4 with a bowl victory. The element of surprise is gone, but Jacksonville State has the talent to repeat its success in 2024 — if it finds an answer at QB.
Logan Smothers (7-of-13 for 61 yards, one lost fumble) and Tyler Huff (7-of-14 for 171 yards, one TD, and two INTs) couldn’t get anything going offensively, and neither could RB1 Anwar Lewis, although he wasn’t allowed to find rhythm due to the scoreboard.
RB2 Ron Wiggins will miss significant time with injury, which is a blow to the backfield’s projected production, but none of it matters if Rodriguez doesn’t find stability at the sport’s most important position.
69) Washington State Cougars (+2)
The Cougars saw a mass exodus of talent via the portal, losing 27 players and adding just 12. Among the losses was uber-talented starting QB Cam Ward, who is now a Miami Hurricane. Head coach Jake Dickert is facing an uphill battle in Year 3, but redshirt sophomore John Mateer dazzled in Week 1 against Portland State, throwing for 352 yards and five TDs, adding another 55 yards with a score on the ground.
If WRs Kyle Williams (4-141-2) and Kris Hutson (4-101-1) can continue to create separation against tougher opponents, the Cougars could surprise in 2024.
68) Oregon State Beavers (+2)
Following three straight losing seasons to begin his tenure, Jonathan Smith turned Oregon State into a Pac-12 competitor, owning a 25-13 record and three bowl appearances over the last three years. Yet, he saw the writing on the wall for the conference and jumped ship for the leading role at Michigan State, taking several coaches and players with him.
Perhaps the most impactful athlete joining the head coach in East Lansing is highly touted QB Aidan Chiles. His loss hurts even more with starter DJ Uiagalelei departing for Florida State earlier in the offseason.
While an early season contest with Oregon looms, the Beavers’ schedule does not include any obvious losses, and kicking off the year with a 38-15 victory against Idaho State should only boost their confidence. RBs Jam Griffin (20-160-2) and Anthony Hankerson (24-155-2) ran all over the Bengals and should be the offense’s engine this season.
67) Bowling Green Falcons (+1)
TE Harold Fannin Jr. and RB Terion Stewart — that’s all you need to know. Well, and QB Connor Bazelak, who has completed just over 60% of his passes for 9,305 yards, 48 TDs, and 34 INTs across five seasons and three programs. The trio powered the Falcons to a 20-0 first-quarter lead over Fordham before letting off the gas, but Stewart still finished with an outrageous 14-161-3 rushing line.
HC Scot Loeffler’s offense has the chance to be the best in the MAC this season, and the defense isn’t too far behind. LBs Darren Anders and Cashius Howell and CBs Davon Ferguson and Jalen Huskey will be missed, but the other seven starters return, including one of the best defenders in the entire conference, CB Jordan Oladokun.
66) Indiana Hoosiers (+1)
The Hoosiers haven’t had a winning season in three years — that could change in 2024. Curt Cignetti ransacked the transfer portalfor reinforcements, bringing in several of his most talented players from James Madison.
The second half of the schedule is no cakewalk, but the additions of QB Kurtis Rourke, WR Elijah Sarratt, EDGE Mikail Kamara, DTs CJ West and James Carpenter, LB Jailin Walker, and CB D’Angelo Ponds give Indiana a fighting chance.
The defense held FIU underwater, and the offense rode the run game to a 31-7 victory.
65) Baylor Bears (+1)
The 2024 season could be Dave Aranda’s last in Waco if he doesn’t tilt the scales back in the Bears’ favor. Since going 12-2 and winning the Sugar Bowl in 2021, Baylor has gone 9-16. Landing Toledo star Dequan Finn was huge and makes new OC Jake Spavital’s job easier.
Will that be enough for the Bears to turn back the clock? Probably not, but crazier things have happened in the Lone Star State.
Finn tossed a pair of TDsand INTs against Tarleton State, but if there was a game to be reckless with the ball, it was this one. The Bears left their home stadium with a 45-3 dub, but they’ll need to tighten up before taking on tougher competition in the coming weeks.
64) Maryland Terrapins (+1)
Even behind an offensive line rooting outfour new starters, Billy Edwards Jr. impressed in a 50-7 Week 1 victory, completing 20 of 27 passes for 311 yards and two TDs. UConn may not be a vaunted opponent, but the Huskies are no FCS program.
63) Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (+1)
Michael Desormeaux has posted back-to-back 6-7 seasons since taking over for Bill Napier, and his squad could take a big leap in 2024. The roster was largely intact this offseason, with nine defensive starters and most of the offensive line and skill-position corps returning.
QB Zeon Chriss is off to Houston, but Ben Wooldridge played well in a 40-10 win over Grambling and should keep the Cajuns battling for position near the top of the Sun Belt.
62) California Bears (+1)
Traveling across the country for most away games is certainly a factor, but Cal could make some noise in its first year in the ACC. RB Jaydn Ott is a monster on the ground, and both QBs (North Texas transfer Chandler Rogers and Fernando Mendoza) are capable of leading the team to wins.
However, the Bears’ 31-13 Week 1 win over UC Davis easily could’ve gone the other way. The Aggies led in total yards (301 to 283), first downs (20 to 14), and time of possession (30:19 to 29:41), but three turnovers and going 0-for-4 on fourth downs cut their upset attempt at the knees.
61) Minnesota Golden Gophers (–)
P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota tenure has been defined by “culture.” However, culture can only take you so far, especially with four more teams joining the conference. Fleck knows this and put his chips on former New Hampshire star Max Bosmer to provide stability at QB.
He played fine enough against North Carolina, but the Golden Gophers desperately missed one-man wrecking crew Darius Taylor, with Marcus Major averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. The defense did all it could to contain Doak Walker Award finalist Omarion Hampton, but if the offense doesn’t get back on track, their efforts will be null and void.
60) Arkansas Razorbacks (+2)
Since reaching a 9-4 record in 2021, Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks have steadily declined. Boise State’s Taylen Green and Utah’s Ja’Quinden Jackson are taking over for QB KJ Jefferson (UCF) and RB Raheim Sanders (South Carolina), and if Week 1 is any indication, they could be upgrades.
MORE: 2024 SEC Weekly Football Schedule
New OC Bobby Petrino hand-picked both players, and they combined for 189 yards and four TDs on the ground against UAPB. Were the Razorbacks heavy favorites? Yes — by 50 points, to be exact. But you can only move up the 2024 College Football Power Rankings when you win 70-0.
59) UTSA Roadrunners (+1)
UTSA has been one of the top Group of Five teams in recent years, but HC Jeff Traylor will have to prove he can keep his squad afloat without longtime QB Frank Harris. Although Owen McCown isn’t the Roadrunner legend, he has flashed when on the field, including in Week 1 against a Kennesaw State defense that quietly has some all-conference talent.
If he can keep the offense humming, which shouldn’t be a huge ask with a strong WRs corps and a stable of RBs, UTSA should remain competitive in the AAC.
58) Kentucky Wildcats (+1)
With Barion Brown and Dane Key back, the Wildcats boast one of the fastest offenses in the nation. QB Brock Vandagriff, a high-profile transfer from Georgia, will need to get the ball to them, but he’s a relative unknown with limited on-field experience.
Veteran-laden offensive and defensive lines buoy the roster, and DT Deone Walker, LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and CB Maxwell Hairston rank highly — if not lead — at their respective positions in the conference.
Vandagriff didn’t eviscerate Southern Miss in Week 1, but he still game-managed his way to a 31-0 win. Can he keep up when the game script requires him to?
57) Texas Tech Red Raiders (-2)
With strong recruiting and transfer portal classes, there’s optimism in Lubbock. Health has been QB Behren Morton’s biggest hurdle, but he has the tools to thrive on the field.
He proved as much in Week 1, going 30-of-42 for 378 yards and five TDs. However, the defense allowed Abilene Christian to force overtime and end the night with 51 points. The Red Raiders had a couple of FCS scares a few years ago, but that’s not how you start a season.
56) South Florida Bulls (+2)
Former Josh Huepel assistant Alex Golesh hit the ground running in his first year at USF, leading the Bulls to their first winning season since 2018, and it wasn’t a fluke.
QB Byrum Brown exploded as a redshirt freshman, generating over 4,000 yards of offense with 37 total TDs. He’ll have his top target (Sean Atkins), backfield mate (Nay’Quan Wright), and four starting offensive linemen back in 2024.
The defense was inconsistent but should improve with the majority of starters returning for Year 2 of DC Todd Orlando’s system. The Bulls set the tone for 2024 with a dominant 48-3 win over Bethune-Cookman in Week 1, showing they’re ready to build on last season’s success.
55) Miami RedHawks (-1)
Can the Miami RedHawks repeat as conference champions?
Brett Gabbert knows a thing or two about longevity. Entering his sixth season in Oxford, Gabbert’s collegiate experience is only rivaled by Bazelek. He battled injuries the last two years, but a fully healthy Gabbert is the undisputed QB1 in the MAC.
Two of the team’s three leading wide receivers (Cade McDonald and Javon Tracy) are also back, and EDGE Brian Ugwu, LB Ty Wise, and LB Matt Salopek will help the defense suffocate offenses once again.
The defense did just that in Week 1 against Northwestern, holding the Wildcats to 13 points. But it wasn’t enough, as the offense scored just six on the back of two Gabbert INTs.
54) Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (-3)
Tyson Helton has led the Hilltoppers to eight or more wins in four out of the last five seasons, and they’re the biggest threat to Liberty in the CUSA. Texas State’s T.J. Finley transfers in to man the offense and has the arm talent to mitigate any drop-off from Austin Reed.
Malachi Corley’s departure to the NFL diminishes the WR corps, but there are several standout options still available, including Dalvin Smith, Kisean Johnson, and Michael Mathison.
Although the Hilltoppers weren’t expected to defeat the Crimson Tide, they also weren’t expected to score zero points and allow 63. Still, WKU has time to get right, as it doesn’t have many tough matchups before squaring up against Liberty and Jacksonville State to end the season.
53) TCU Horned Frogs (+3)
TCU was in the national championship just two years ago, but that fact already seems a distant memory. Considering the 65-7 final score against Georgia, it’s probably best for the Horned Frogs. Regardless, QB Josh Hoover flashed in his redshirt freshman season and threw for 353 yards and two scores to defeat Stanford in Week 1.
The game wasn’t pretty, with the Horned Frogs losing two fumbles and committing seven penalties for 100 yards, including three straight 15-yard personal fouls in the first quarter. Nevertheless, the victory showed TCU’s grit, which it’ll need to win games in the Big 12.
52) James Madison Dukes (+1)
Curt Cignetti and the Dukes blitzed the FBS in their first two seasons, going 19-5. And while the team is nearly unrecognizable after Cignetti took the Indiana job, James Madison is still on the cusp of being a top-50 team in the CFN College Football Power Rankings.
HC Bob Chesney took Holy Cross to five straight conference titles and four FCS playoff appearances in his six-year tenure and hopes to build off the foundation Cignetti established in Harrisonburg, Va.
Chesney inherited sophomore QB Alonza Barnett III, who beat out Washington transfer Dylan Morris for the first-team role. He was inconsistent as a passer vs. Charlotte, but he also showcased his dual-threat ability with 89 yards on nine carries.
51) Syracuse Orange (+1)
Ohio State decided to move on from Kyle McCord; that doesn’t mean he is a bad quarterback. He isn’t the athlete Garrett Shrader was, but Shrader wasn’t the passer McCord is. Paired with WR Oronde Gadsden II and OC Jeff Nixon, who helped Matt Rhule turn Baylor from 1-11 to 11-3 in three years, McCord is primed to prove the doubters wrong this season.
He threw 354 yards and four TDs in his Orange debut, making up for a ground game that couldn’t impose its will on Ohio in Week 1.
50) Tulane Green Wave (–)
I’m as much of a Tulane fan as the next Green Waver, but moving on from a head coach (Willie Firtz) and an elite QB (Michael Pratt) in the same offseason won’t be easy for the program. Yes, Jon Sumrall is an excellent coach, as his track record at Troy proves, but that doesn’t guarantee immediate success.
Now, Tulane still checks in in the top 50 of the 2024 College Football Power Rankings due to its mix of returning and transfer talent and the fact Sumrall was able to retain both of his coordinators from Troy, providing familiarity and stability not common with head coach transitions.
A 52-0 win over SE Louisiana is a great start, and Darian Mensah looked poised under center, but back-to-back ranked matchups with Kansas State and Oklahoma will test the make-up of this team.
49) Illinois Fighting Illini (–)
Following a bowl appearance and an 8-5 record, Illinois fell to 5-7 last season. We know how the defense will perform under HC Bret Bielema, but the offense could reach new heights in 2024. The Illini were among the top five in the Big Ten in passing (third), yards (tied for fourth), and scoring (fifth) in OC Barry Lunney Jr.’s second season, and he’ll have more trust in Luke Altmyer to push the ball downfield.
MORE: 2024 Strength of Schedule For All 134 FBS Teams
Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin lead an underrated receiving corps, and 6’3″, 250-pound bowling ball Kaden Feagin can crush opponents behind an offensive line led by three returning starters and two elite transfers (OT J.C. Davis from New Mexico and G Kevin Wigenton II from Michigan State).
Their 45-0 route of Eastern Illinois (a solid FCS program) should put Kansas on notice entering Week 2.
48) South Carolina Gamecocks (-6)
If the 2024 College Football Power Rankings were predicted solely on potential, South Carolina would be muchhigher.
At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, QB LaNorris Sellers has the size, athleticism, and arm strength to take the driver’s seat in the conference. Having Rocket Sanders in the backfield should relieve pressure, and five-star WR Nyck Harbor is a generational size (6’5″, 242)/speed (10.12 100-meter) threat on the outside.
If everything comes together offensively, the Gamecocks could play spoiler to some teams higher on the list. It didn’t in Week 1, and although South Carolina eeked out the 23-19 victory over Old Dominion, there are plenty of offensive concerns to drop the Gamecocks down the rankings.
47) Florida Gators (-7)
Head coach Billy Napier’s seat isn’t warming up after an in-state blowout to Miami — it’s on fire. Making matters worse, Graham Mertz did not look like the answer in Week 1.
In fairness, the offensive line was roasted by Miami’s defensive line, and the offensive scheme didn’t help, but Mertz didn’t elevate the talent around him. He was injured right before the fourth quarter, allowing five-star true freshman DJ Lagway to receive valuable reps. Napier could hand the keys to the rising star sooner rather than later.
46) Boston College Eagles (+1)
Boston College seemed to be trending up after its first bowl win since 2016, but a bit of a reset is in order with HC Jeff Hafley leaving for the Green Bay Packers’ DC job and Bill O’Brien taking his first collegiate HC position since his time at Penn State.
With QB Thomas Castellanos and RBs Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward in the backfield, scoring points shouldn’t be difficult, but not allowing them could be. A standalone Labor Day matchup with FSU will be an early test for the Eagles’ revamped roster and new leadership.
45) UCF Knights (+1)
The Knights’ first year in the Big 12 wasn’t great, resulting in a 6-7 campaign — their first losing season since 2016. To avoid a repeat performance, Gus Malzahn paired 1,000-yard rusher RJ Harvey with Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson and Toledo RB Peny Boone.
Their Week 1 57-3 dusting of New Hampshire should inspire confidence, but Jefferson and the passing attack faltered. Were it not for the ground game’s utter dominance (54-454-5 team line), the score would be a lot less lopsided.
44) Auburn Tigers (+1)
Who can stop a receiving corps of KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Cam Coleman, Robert Lewis, and Sam Jackson V? Payton Thorne.
There’s a reason Hugh Freeze didn’t announce a starting signal-caller until Aug. 17. With a difference-maker under center, the Tigers might sit higher in the CFN College Football Power Rankings due to their talent on both sides of the ball. But with Thorne at the helm, 6-7 may be their ceiling.
Of course, the Tigers dispatched Alabama A&M with ease in Week 1, but we’ll wait and see how Thorne does against Cal before moving the Tigers up the rankings.
43) Colorado Buffaloes (+1)
All press is good press … unless you aren’t performing on the field. Deion Sanders and Colorado took the country by storm early last season but fell off their own hype train, stumbling to a 4-8 record.
The Buffaloes were able to avoid a repeat performance against FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in Week 1, hanging on to win 31-26 behind the right arm of Shedeur Sanders and the God-given two-way abilities of Travis Hunter. Still, the offensive line and running game looked shaky, and they could rear their ugly heads against FBS programs.
42) Nebraska Cornhuskers (+1)
Five-star true freshman Dylan Raiola has the spotlight, but Matt Rhule has placed the talent around him to succeed early. Transfer WRs Isaiah Neyor (Texas) and Jahmal Banks (Wake Forest) lead the pass-catching unit, and the RB and OL rooms are serviceable.
The defense should keep the momentum on the Cornhuskers’ side, with EDGE Ty Robinson, CB Tommi Hill, and DB Malcolm Hartzog manning the fort. It wouldn’t be surprising if Nebraska posted its first winning season since 2016. Blitzing UTEP 40-7 was a solid introduction for Raiola, but Week 2’s contest with Colorado will be more telling.
41) North Carolina Tar Heels (–)
Despite Drake Maye’s obvious talent, the Tar Heels underperformed in his tenure, going 17-10 record with two bowl losses. Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson was tabbed to take the reigns, but he suffered a broken leg and is out for the season, thrusting sophomore Conner Harrell into the starting lineup.
He secured the win over Minnesota with a 32-yard completion to set up the game-winning field goal, but can his late-game heroics translate to four quarters? At least he can lean on RB Omarion Hampton and TE Bryson Nesbit as he gets his feet wet.
40) Washington Huskies (-1)
This is an all-new Washington team after HC Kalen DeBeor left for Alabama. Most players on the national championship-contending roster either entered the NFL, graduated, or transferred out (several joining DeBeor in Tuscaloosa, Ala.), leaving Jedd Fisch with just two starters from last year.
The former Arizona head coach didn’t mind, as he brought a handful of Wildcats with him and used the transfer portal to add even more playmakers.
After scoring zero points in the first quarter against Weber State, the Huskies put up 14 in the second and third, mostly on the back of RB Jonah Coleman, who finished with 16 carries, 127 yards, and three scores. Will Rogers and the passing game wasn’t all that imposing, but they didn’t need to be.
39) Fresno State Bulldogs (-1)
Fresno State has the offensive talent, including QB Mikey Keene, RB Malik Sherrod, and WRs Jalen Moss and Jacob de Jesus, to upset power-conference teams — just not the elite.
MORE: Must-See Games on the 2024 College Football Schedule
Head coach Jeff Tedford stepped away from coaching for the fourth time in his career due to health reasons, thrusting Tim Skipper into the role for the interim. It’s a change for the Bulldogs, but they’ll play for their fourth straight bowl victory and 9+ win season.
Keene and Co. couldn’t do much against Michigan, but at least the defense held Donovan Edwards to 27 yards on 11 carries and likely has the Wolverines’ coaching staff wondering if they made the right decision to start Davis Warren over Alex Orji at QB.
38) Texas State Bobcats (-1)
GJ Kinne led the Bobcats to their best FBS season (8-5) in his first year at the helm, and Year 2 could be even more special. The Jayden de Laura fiasco resulted in T.J. Finley transferring to Western Kentucky, but Texas State may have ended up with an upgrade in Jordan McCloud.
McCloud will have 1,300-yard rusher Ismail Mahdi to hand off to behind an OL that returns three starters and added ULM star Tellek Lockette. The WR corps is solid, and the defense has playmakers at every level, including one of the best defenders in thecountry:EDGE Ben Bell.
The final score of 34-27 against Lamar may cause fans to worry, but fret not, as the Bobcats’ starting lineup had the score 18-0 entering the second half.
37) Virginia Tech Hokies (-10)
Virginia Tech turned up the heat down the stretch last season, winning five of their last seven games to finish with a 7-6 record. Yet, the Hokies lost their momentum, falling to Vanderbilt 34-27 in overtime. The rushing attack, led by QB Kyron Drones and RB Bhayshul Tuten, could not find its footing. If that remains the case, VA Tech will fall even further down the rankings.
36) UNLV Rebels (+12)
Jayden Maiava’s departure was a blow, but UNLV added Holy Cross All-American Matt Sluka from the transfer portal. He was the 2023 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and left the Crusaders, having generated 5,916 passing yards, 3,583 rushing yards, and 97 total touchdowns over four years (three starting).
Pairing Sluka with offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and Rickey White III (88 catches, 1,483 yards, eight TDs in 2023) will keep the offensive onslaught coming, but Barry Odom’s squad is no longer flying under the radar.
The Go-Go offense pivoted to a run-first approach against Houston, owning the lead for the entire contest. Sluka needs to be efficient as a passer for the Rebels to win against better opponents, but it’s noteworthy that the unit can switch tactics and still finish on top.
35) Appalachian State Mountaineers (–)
Returning production is what sets Appalachian State apart in 2024. QB Joey Aguilar and his topsixpass catchers are back, along with 15 of 21 defenders who played meaningful snaps last season.
The Mountaineers took care of business against East Tennessee State, although the defense allowed RB Devontae Houston to run for 126 yards and a score on 15 touches.
September games against Clemson and Liberty are major stumbling points on the schedule, but those contests will show just how high the Mountaineers can climb in 2024 — possibly all the way to the top: the expanded College Football Playoff.
34) SMU Mustangs (+1)
After entering the contest as27-point favorites, SMU needed to score 16 unanswered points to defeat Nevada. QB Preston Stone received much of the flack, but the entire team struggled until the fourth quarter when Stone re-established his connection with star TE RJ Maryland.
With 15 returning starters, Rhett Lashlee’s squad was expected to get off to a fast start. While they struggled out of the gate, they at least showed the ability to fight back late in a contest. However, the ACC isn’t the AAC, so the Mustangs must get back on track quickly.
A 59-7 get-right game against Houston Baptist was just what the doctor ordered and allowed both Stone and QB2 Kevin Jennings to find a rhythm before facing stiffer competition.
33) Iowa State Cyclones (+1)
Entering his ninth season, Matt Campbell is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the conference. The Cyclones surprised many by posting a winning record last year, and now they return nearly every starter on both sides of the ball.
That continuity gives Iowa State a leg up on the competition, but the roster is still young. If QB Rocco Becht takes a step forward in his development, this team could reach double-digit wins. The Cyclones welcomed 30.5-point underdog North Dakota to Ames, Iowa, and only won 21-3. Becht and the aerial assault were fine, but the running game couldn’t generate 100 yards against their FCS opponent, which could be a concern.
32) Wisconsin Badgers (–)
Did Tyler Van Dyke flame out in Miami? Yes. Is he an above-average QB? Maybe, but not with Phil Longo calling the plays. The offense is stale with Longo at the helm, and while the Badgers will “air it out,” the ball isn’t moving that far.
The offensive line is strong as always and allowed Chez Mellusi and Tawee Walker to find daylight against Western Michigan, but can they do so against Alabama in Week 3?
31) West Virginia Mountaineers (-1)
Head coach Neal Brown only had one winning season (6-4 in 2020) entering 2023, and his seat was heating up. A 9-4 campaign and Mayo Bowl victory later, he received a contract extension. Were the Mountaineers a one-year wonder?
QB Garrett Greene and RBs CJ Donaldson Jr. and Jahiem White return after leading West Virginia to No. 4 nationally in rushing yards per game. The WR corps is deep, Wyatt Milum is one of the best OTs in the nation, and transfers have revamped the defense, particularly the secondary.
Yet, it wasn’t enough to upset Penn State, who throttled WVU 34-12. The closest the score was was 0-0 through the first quarter before the Nittany Lions opened it up in the second.
30) Kansas Jayhawks (+3)
In just three years, Lance Leipold has taken the Jayhawks from 2-10 to 9-4 with a bowl victory. With QB Jalon Daniels and RB Devin Neal back in 2024, could Kansas continue the linear progression? Daniels has missed 14 games in his career due to injury, so his health is a major factor in the team’s performance.
Losing OC Andy Kotelnicki to Penn State stifles anticipation, but QBs coach Jim Zebrowski was promoted to co-OC alongside former Baylor assistant Jeff Grimes.
29) Boise State Broncos (–)
Boise State’s roster is loaded with playmakers, namely RB Ashton Jeanty, WRs Cam Camper, Chris Marshall, Latrell Caples, DE Ahmad Hassanein, LB Andrew Simpson, and CB A’Marion McCoy. Redshirt sophomore Maddux Madsen being named the starter over USC transfer Malachi Nelson came as somewhat of a shock, but the coaching staff clearly believes he has the tools to lead the team to the promised land.
If Spencer Danielson wants to challenge for a CFP spot, all he needs to do is put the ball in Jeanty’s hands, as he carried the team to a 56-45 victory over Georgia Southern. The consensus All-American proved he’s a Heisman candidate, taking 20 carries for 267 yards and a program-record six TDs.
28) Clemson Tigers (-14)
The Tigers addedzero players from the transfer portal this offseason after posting their worst record since 2011 (9-4), and their 34-3 loss at Georgia’s hands points to a Dabo Swinney problem.
T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, Barrett Carter, and Avieon Terrell lead a talented defense, but QB Cade Klubnik and the offense may not have enough to reach double-digit wins in 2024.
27) Texas A&M Aggies (-4)
There was a bit of a mass exodus out of College Station, Texas, at the end of the 2023 season, but new head coach Mike Elko has replenished his talent pool via the portal, including potential future first-round pick Nic Scourton.
Conner Weigman looked like a top SEC QB last year before an injury sidelined him. If he can remain healthy, there are more than enough playmakers on both sides of the ball to improve on 2023’s 7-6 finish.
Taking on Notre Dame in Week 1 was never going to be easy, but Weigman and Co. made it look damn near impossible. Yes, he will need time to reacclimate to full speed, but he couldn’t tell the difference between the turf, his WRs, and defenders on Saturday. If Weigman can’t return to his early 2023 form, the Aggies are in for a rude awakening.
26) Iowa Hawkeyes (+2)
All eyes will be on OC Tim Lester and Iowa’s offense after a paltry 2023 outing. Cade McNamara and TE Luke Lachey are back, but is that enough? The Hawkeyes were anything but explosive in the first half against Illinois State, but they found their groove in the second.
At least the defense, led by preseason All-Americans LB Jay Higgins, CB Sebastion Castro, and S Xavier Nwankpa, can keep the team in games as the offense irons out its kinks.
25) Louisville Cardinals (+1)
There isn’t much to take away from Louisville’s drubbing of a depleted Austin Peay squad in Week 1, but it should set the tone for the year.
The Cardinals won 10 games and made the ACC Championship Game in Jeff Brohm’s first season at the helm. Could similar success be on the horizon in Year 2? Jack Plummer is replaced by another longtime collegiate passer in Tyler Shough, who may have more physical tools at his disposal.
With one of the best transfer portal classes in the nation, even with the loss of South Alabama WR Caullin Lacy to injury, expect Louisville to vie for another conference title bid in 2024.
24) Memphis Tigers (+1)
With SMU off to the ACC and Tulane undergoing change at HC and QB, Memphis is the cream of the AAC crop. Ryan Silverfield and Co. have overhauled the offensive line and added South Carolina’s Mario Anderson to replace star RB Blake Watson.
MORE: Top College Quarterback Rankings 2024
More importantly, QB Seth Henigan returns for his fourth year as the starter alongside his top three pass catchers from last season: Roc Taylor, Demeer Blankumsee, and Koby Drake. And of the 19 defenders who started at least one game in 2023, 12 are back, including leading tackler Chandler Martin, who recorded 94 tackles, three sacks, and two INTs a season ago.
Shutting North Alabama out 40-0 in the season opener was just another step toward proving they’re ready to contend for more than an AAC title.
23) Liberty Flames (-2)
Liberty marched to an undefeated regular season and the CUSA title in its conference debut. With QB Kaidon Salter and RB Quinton Cooley returning and a soft schedule on deck, the Flames are primed for a repeat performance in 2024.
The bulk of the team’s starters are back, although there’s some turnover on defense, specifically in the secondary. The Flames coasted to a 41-24 win over Campbell, but while the offense didn’t break a sweat, the same couldn’t be said for the defense.
A Sept. 28 date at Appalachian State is the Flames’ toughest on-paper matchup — a place in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is well within reach.
22) Florida State Seminoles (-6)
Any hopes of Florida State going undefeated in the regular season once again were dashed in Week 0. The massive transfer infusion wasn’t enough to make up for a defensive front seven that was manhandled down in and down out.
DJ Uiagalelei dinked and dunked his way to a 70% completion rate, although he made some key fourth-down throws in the final quarter. The real offensive takeaway was the play of WRs Malik Benson (4-38-0 receiving line) and Ja’Khi Douglas (4-55-0). Both flashed their release and route-running chops on nearly every down, even if DJU didn’t hit them in stride.
Mike Norvell needs to get his defense back on track to make up the ground they’ve already lost in a wide-open ACC. The Noles will get to do just that against Boston College on Monday.
21) Oklahoma State Cowboys (+3)
The Cowboys haven’t won a Big 12 title since 2011. Fresh off a 10-4 campaign that ended with a conference championship loss, can Mike Gundy lead his program back to the peak of the mountain?
Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon IV headlines the list of key returners, including seventh-year QB Alan Bowman, WR Brennan Presley, OT Dalton Cooper, LBs Collin Oliver and Nick Martin, CB Korie Black, and S Trey Rucker.
South Dakota State is fresh off back-to-back FCS National Championships, so they are far from a pushover. Defeating the Jackrabbits 44-20 was an excellent way to begin the season and could be a sign of things to come.
20) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+11)
The Yellow Jackets entered their Week 0 contest with Florida State as 10.5-point underdogs. But they left Dublin, Ireland, with an impressive 24-21 victory over their 10th-ranked conference rival.
Brent Key’s program owned the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, with the offense taking 36 rushes for 190 yards and three scores and the defense holding the Seminoles to just 98 yards on 31 carries.
MORE: Week 1 College Football Team of the Week
The Yellow Jackets came right back and thwarted Georgia State 35-12, having their way with their in-state opponent. First-year defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci has his unit firing on all cylinders, and if the passing attack continues to improve, Georgia Tech will continue its ascent up the 2024 College Football Power Rankings.
19) Arizona Wildcats (+1)
Jedd Fisch jumped ship for the Washington job, taking several coaches and players with him. Yet, QB Noah Fifita, OT Jonah Savaiinaea, WR Tetairoa McMillan, LB Jacob Manu, and CB Tacario Davis all decided to stay for new head coach Brent Brennan.
That’s a talented foundation to build on, and with bouts against Kansas State (Week 3) and Utah (Week 4) early in the season, we’ll get to see just how competitive Arizona will be in the new-look Big 12.
18) North Carolina State Wolfpack (-)
The quarterback room hasn’t exactly been the modicum of consistency for the Wolfpack, but Dave Doeren hoped he rectified the issue by bringing in Coastal Carolina’s Grayson McCall. It took until the fourth quarter for the offense to begin humming against Western Carolina, and it mostly had to do with the efforts of RB Jordan Waters and WR KC Concepcion.
We can chalk McCall’s play up to rust for now; with Tennessee on tap next week, he doesn’t have much time to return to his Conference Player of the Year ways.
17) Oklahoma Sooners (+2)
In Year 2 of Brent Venables’ tenure, the Sooners improved by four victories. And while momentum could stall out a bit in Year 1 in the SEC, especially with turnover at QB and OC, those around the program believe Jackson Arnold is a future star, and new play-caller Seth Littrell knows a thing or two about generating offensive production.
However, the Sooners went a paltry 1-for-12 on third downs against Temple — that can’t happen if they hope to make a dent in the SEC standings.
16) LSU Tigers (-3)
Heisman-winning QB Jayden Daniels and WRs Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. left for the first round of the NFL Draft, and OC Mike Denbrock fled for a reunion in South Bend. But the Tigers’ cupboard isn’t bare. Garrett Nussmeier has some collegiate experience and one of the strongest arms in the game. Zavion Thomas (Mississippi State) and CJ Daniels (Liberty) transfer in to bolster the WR room led by returner Kyren Lacy.
As for the 81st-ranked scoring defense and 118th-ranked passing defense, former Missouri DC Blake Baker has the pieces to work with, primarily EDGE Bradyn Swinson, LB Harold Perkins Jr., and CB Sage Ryan.
While the defense showed promise against the run (3.0 yards per carry allowed), it conceded 378 yards through the air in Week 1. Committing 10 penalties for 99 yards certainly hindered the team’s performance, but USC simply outplayed LSU in Allegiant Stadium.
The Tigers’ defeat stretched their season-opening winless streak to five years, including all three seasons under HC Brian Kelly.
15) Kansas State Wildcats (+3)
Avery Johnson. DJ Giddens. Dylan Edwards. Need I say more? The Wildcats have one of the most explosive backfields in the country, but we’ll need to see Johnson perform over a longer period of time as the QB1 before pushing the Wildcats any higher.
He wasn’t all that impressive against UT Martin, but the running game and defense powered the Wildcats to a 41-6 victory. If Johnson doesn’t win with his arm and relies solely on his legs, No. 15 may be Kansas State’s ceiling in 2024.
14) Tennessee Volunteers (+1)
Those in Knoxville, Tenn., have tabbed Nico Iamaleava as the chosen one, and with Josh Heupel directing traffic, it’s hard to dispute them. There are solid starters at every position on offense, and the defense returns many of its first-teamers from 2023, including game-altering EDGE James Pearce Jr.
Tennessee went 9-4 with Joe Milton III at the helm — if Iamaleava lives up to the hype, as he did with a 300+ yard and 3-TD opener against Chattanooga, a 10+ win campaign is on the horizon.
13) USC Trojans (+7)
The Trojans underperformed despite having No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams under center the last two years. A large reason for their failures was the defense, which new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has remodeled this offseason.
Lynn’s unit showed up in Week 1, holding LSU to 20 points and a 3.2-yard average on the ground outside of a 39-yard run. And for those worried about a significant drop-off from Willims to Miller Moss, Moss put those concerns to rest with 27 of 36 passing for 378 yards, slinging anticipation throw after anticipation throw.
12) Miami Hurricanes (–)
After going 12-13 in his first two years, Mario Cristobal needs results, and he tapped into the transfer portal to get them. Washington State’s Cameron Ward and Oregon State’s Damien Martinez form a lethal backfield duo, and Mark Fletcher Jr. and Ajay Allen proved to be more than competent depth pieces last season.
MORE: 2024 All-American College Football Preseason Team and Individual Honors
Meanwhile, Houston’s Sam Brown bolsters a receiving corps returning its top two playmakers in Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George. And defensively, EDGEs Rueben Bain Jr. and Tyler Baron, LB Francisco Mauigoa, and DBs Daryl Porter Jr. and Jaden Davis lead their respective units, each of which has received at least one transfer infusion this offseason.
The Hurricanes made quick work of the Gators in Week 1, and their next five games shouldn’t provide too much resistance: vs. Florida A&M, vs. Ball State, at USF, vs. Virginia Tech, and at Cal.
11) Missouri Tigers (–)
Missouri is fresh off their best season (11-2) in a decade and returns most of their offensive production. Doak Walker finalist Cody Schrader’s departure hurts, but the Tigers nabbed App State’s Nate Noel and Georgia State’s Marcus Carroll to dampen the impact.
The real star of the show is QB Brady Cook and the passing offense, as the top four WRs from last season return, includingpotential top-10 pick Luther Burden III. There are no major holes on the depth chart, but we’ll need to see how Eli Drinkwitz’s squad performs defensively with an entirely new secondary and DC Blake Baker gone.
Holding Murray State to zero points should give the unit confidence, but with Buffalo, Boston College, and Vanderbilt up next, the Tigers might not face a real challenge until Week 5 (at Texas A&M).
10) Utah Utes (–)
Kyle Whittingham, Cam Rising, and Brant Kuithe — a college trio as old as time (or at least the last seven seasons). Following back-to-back 10-4 campaigns, the Utes fell to 8-5 last year without the services of their starting QB and TE, but the two picked up where they left off, combining for four catches, 69 yards, and three TDs against Southern Utah.
Speaking of returners, the defense has eight starters back in 2024 and gives the Utes a real shot at the Big 12 crown in their first year in the conference.
9) Michigan Wolverines (-2)
The Wolverines will go as far as their QB situation takes them. Davis Warren received the nod in Week 1 vs. Fresno State, and he was not inspiring (15-of-25 for 118 yards, one TD, and one INT). If Alex Orji couldn’t beat him for the starting job, Michigan could be in trouble against elite offenses.
That said, the offense will have time to build chemistry with their all-new offensive line and young QB/WRs thanks to a championship-caliber defense led by DTs Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, EDGEs Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore, LBs Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann, and DBs Will Johnson, Makari Paige, and Ja’Den McBurrows.
8) Penn State Nittany Lions (+1)
While questions surrounding Penn State’s WR corps are warranted, Harrison Wallace III roasted West Virginia’s secondary for 117 yards and two TDs on five catches. Nicholas Singleton far outplayed Kaytron Allen in the backfield, but both are elite talents.
Former Kansas OC Andy Kotelnicki had the offense humming with Drew Allar behind center, even with a weather delay disrupting the middle of the game. The defense did exactly what you’d expect: execute. The Mountaineers averaged just 3.9 yards per play and went 4-of-14 on third down.
7) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+1)
Marcus Freeman’s hiring of Mike Denbrock from LSU was a power move, as was bringing in Riley Leonard from Duke. The Fighting Irish are pushing for a CFP bid in 2024, and scoring more points will only help their endeavor.
Clemson’s Beaux Collins and FIU’s Kris Mitchell give Leonard versatile weapons to target, and RBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are ready for bigger workloads with Audric Estimé now a Denver Bronco.
However, Notre Dame’s real strength lies in its defense, as it proved against Texas A&M in Week 1. Conner Weigman was seeing ghosts in the pocket and downfield, completing just 12 of 30 passes for 100 yards and two picks.
6) Alabama Crimson Tide (–)
Much of Alabama’s ranking rests in your belief in Kalen DeBoer. Filling a living legend’s shoes (Nick Saban) is no easy task and comes with unachievable expectations. Nonetheless, DeBoer knows how to coach, brought over much of his staff from the Huskies, and tasked former South Alabama HC Kane Wommack with calling the defense.
Despite several players jumping ship, the Crimson Tide are not bereft of talent, as indicated by their 63-0 rout of Western Kentucky. Jalen Milroe has seemingly already taken to DeBoer’s QB whispers, but a Week 3 road trip to Wisconsin will test the theory.
5) Ole Miss Rebels (–)
HC Lane Kiffin, QB Jaxson Dart, WRs Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, TE Caden Prieskorn, EDGE Jared Ivey, and safeties Trey Washington and John Saunders Jr. all return in 2024, and expectations are through the roof. Not only do the Rebels have a strong foundation of homegrown talent, but they attacked the transfer portal with more fervor than most.
EDGE Princely Umanmielen (Florida), DT Walter Nolen (Texas A&M), CB Trey Amos (Alabama), WR Antwane Wells Jr. (South Carolina), OT Diego Pounds (UNC), Gs Julius Buelow and Nate Kalepo (Washington), and two standout RBs (Henry Parish Jr., Miami-FL and Rashod Amos, Miami-OH) highlight a massive haul that Kiffin hopes pushes his team over the edge.
Early returns are promising, as the Rebels assaulted Furman 76-0. Dart had the same amount of TDs as incompletions (five), and Tre Harris exploded for an 8-179-2 receiving line.
4) Texas Longhorns (–)
Can Steve Sarkisian keep the momentum going in the SEC after guiding the Longhorns to 12 wins and a CFP berth in 2023?
Having Quinn Ewers back certainly helps, as does landing WR transfers Isaiah Bond (Alabama), Matthew Golden (Houston), and Silas Bolden (Oregon State). UTSA EDGE Trey Moore and Clemson S Andrew Mukuba were brought in to enhance their units, and they’ll need to as Texas’ pass defense struggled last season.
RB injuries will test Texas’ depth, but with one of the best offensive lines in the country, the Longhorns should have no issue moving the ball on the ground.
Dusting Colorado State 52-0 in Week 1 wasn’t all that surprising, but it showcased the Longhorns’ defensive prowess and gave the world a sneak peek at Arch Manning.
3) Oregon Ducks (–)
Dan Lanning has gone 22-5 with consecutive bowl victories in his two years in Eugene, but it’s time to take the next step. Dillon Gabriel meshes perfectly with OC Will Stein and will have no issue getting the ball to playmakers Evan Stewart and Tez Johnson, particularly downfield. Jordan James is one of the most efficient RBs in the country and has an elite offensive line in front of him.
Lanning will have the defense humming once again, and he used the transfer portal more than ever to ensure his unit lives up to standards in the Big Ten. The Ducks didn’t get off to the hottest start, beating Idaho by only 10 points (24-14), but both of the Vandals’ TDs came in the second half.
An October bout with Ohio State will push the Ducks to the brink, but their November schedule will determine whether they make the playoffs or not: at Michigan, vs. Maryland, at Wisconsin, and vs. Washington.
2) Georgia Bulldogs (–)
After finishing the 2023 campaign with a 13-1 record and missing the playoffs because of a loss in the SEC Championship Game to Alabama, which snapped a school-record 29-game winning streak, the Bulldogs will be seeing red in 2024.
They came out firing in Week 1, making quick work of Clemson, 34-3. The offense had a few miscues, but with poor Tennessee Tech on the docket in Week 2, Carson Beck and Co. should return to form.
1) Ohio State Buckeyes (–)
It’s championship or bust in Columbus. Ohio State has defeated all but one Big Ten opponent in the past three regular seasons — Michigan. That changes in 2024. Jim Harbaugh is gone, and the Wolverines are in a state of flux offensively.
QB Will Howard and RBs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson form the deadliest collegiate backfield; Emeka Egbuka and true freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith lead an elite WR corps; and Ryan Day hired his mentor, Chip Kelly, to call the plays.
KEEP READING: Week 1 College Football Players of the Week
But the offense isn’t the only championship-quality unit. The defense is battled-tested and comes equipped with an experienced, skilled, and athletically gifted front four (Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloa, Tyleik Williams, and Ty Hamilton) and secondary (Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, and Davison Igbinosun).
A dominant win over Akron doesn’t mean much, but it did take Howard some time to settle down under center.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest news and analysis, rankings, transfer portal information, top 10 returning players, the 2024 college football season schedule, and much more!