College Football underwent a seismic shift with Nick Saban’s retirement and Jim Harbaugh’s transition to the NFL, altering the landscape dramatically.
When we say it’s “still early” for the Top 25 in the upcoming college football season, we really mean it. And that’s never been more true than this year, when January saw a fresh wave of coaching changes and transfers. So, here’s the Top 25 Way Too Fast, Part II.
We already knew next season was going to be crazy – the 12-team playoffs and major conferences completely changed things – but the season ended on January 8. Since then, four of the top 25 teams have changed coaches. Three of the programs that participated in the last four-team College Football Playoff will be under new leadership. And the revised schedule, especially the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference, is just ridiculous.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
In these uncertain times, under the leadership of Kirby Smart, start with a program that ensures there is no shortage of talent and quality training. Carson Beck is back at quarterback after rushing for nearly 4,000 yards last season, and several key additions (including running back Trevor Etienne) have led him to stockpile weapons. The Bulldogs’ young defense should also regain an advantage it has lacked at times in 2023, but the failure to replace Caleb Downs was surprising. The No. 1 class. 1 in 2024 recruitment will also be added soon.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
There was an urgency in Columbus after ending Michigan’s first three-game losing streak since 1995-1997 and seeing the Wolverines win the national title. Star players who should have gone to the NFL were retained (WR Emeka Egbuka, RB Treveyon Henderson, DE JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, DT Tyreke Williams, DB Denzel Burke, OG Donovan Jackson). Several big fish ended up in the door (Mississippi State RB Quinshon Judkins, Alabama DB Downs and QB Julian Saine, and finally Kansas State QB Will Howard). Personnel reshuffles were also made, with Bill O’Brien finally taking over as offensive coordinator. The Buckeyes all want a national title, and if they don’t, Ryan Day will be on edge.
3. Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns have an established star at quarterback (Quinn Ewers) and a rising star behind him (Arch Manning). The offensive line needs to be healthy, the running backs should be more than adequate, and the receiving corps should be bolstered by the recent transfers of Isaiah Bonds from Alabama and Matthew Golden from Houston. There are holes on defense to fill, but signing Steve Sarkisian will help bring in more talent. Clemson offensive guard Andrew Mukuba is a big addition. The Texas-Michigan game on September 7th will be the national non-conference game of the year.
4. Oregon Ducks
Can the Ducks get into the Big Ten and win it all? They want a chance. The arrival of Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma State provides a quality quarterback and the rest of the roster should be ready. The offensive line should be very strong again. Oregon State has made only three trips to the Midwest, none since Oct. 19 has not yet arrived. A week ago, Ohio State traveled to Autzen Stadium for the Big Ten’s biggest game in 2024.
5. Mississippi Rebels
The Portal Kings took the other ball, which was hit by defensive end Walter Nolen (from Texas A&M), defensive end Juice Wells (from South Carolina) and linebacker Chris Paul Jr. Coach Lane Kiffin is looking to add impact players to bolster a weak defense. Kiffin struggled to beat Judkins, but returning quarterback Jackson Dart still has plenty of talent.
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Riley Leonard is the QB to transfer to the ACC this year, following Sam Hartman last year. Leonard is a good athlete, a productive runner, and still has something to prove as a passer, but Mike Denbrock, who returns as offensive coordinator after two seasons at LSU, thinks he is just the next player.It could be just what you need moving forward. The Fighting Irish defense will continue to be strong in 2023, especially in the second half. In an era when most programs are getting tough, Notre Dame is close in number of heavyweight contenders. Expect the Irish to have the best record in the country.
7. Missouri Tigers
The Tigers would have one of the best passing attacks in the country with Luther Burden III and Theo Weese Jr., who have nearly 1,900 yards as receivers, and quarterback Brady Cook. Replacing Cody Schrader and many older defensemen will be difficult, but Eli Drinkwitz found an open spot to sign a good player. Midfielder Williams Nwaneri, the third-ranked player in the country according to Rivals.com, could make an immediate impact.
8. Alabama Crimson Tide
Welcome to life after Saban. With the departure of the GOAT and the departure of many key players, a new era of uncertainty has begun for the Crimson Tide. Athletic director Greg Byrne did a great job signing Karen DeBoer from Washington, but the transition season could be tough if DeBoer takes on a larger role. However, if Jalen Milroe continues to develop as a QB, the offensive line improves, and some of the receivers improve, this rating could be significantly lower. Safety downs are a big loss, but there is no shortage of defensive talent. This plan is cruel.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions are expecting an offensive explosion with the arrival of new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas State. Task 1 in this episode: Innovate the passing game with quarterback Drew Allard, who is averaging just 6.8 yards per carry. The program was ranked 77th nationally. The Nittany Lions may feel the loss of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, currently the head coach at Duke, but they should stay strong. Linebacker Abdul Carter has a chance to make the first team All-American.
10. Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles face a massive rebuild after injuries and setbacks that ended the undefeated 2023 season. The transition was made easier by the return of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei to the ACC. Florida State needs to be better offensively on both sides of the ball, but the freshmen need to improve their offense and defense in the backfield. Saban’s departure from Alabama directly benefits FSU, which has five transfers from Tuscaloosa. A home game against Clemson and a trip to Notre Dame could be great.
11. Arizona Wildcats`
The Wildcats were the most-watched team in the country in the playoffs at the end of that season, winning seven straight and raising hopes for 2024… Jed Fisch, then coach of the Washington Pirates. San Jose State quarterback Brent Brennan celebrated two big wins early with quarterback Noah Fifita and fellow 6-foot-1 forward Tetairoa McMillan. A much-improved defensive core also returns. The move to the Big 12 will bring new challenges. But on paper, the path to the Finals is easier than facing Oregon or Washington State in the Pac-12.
12. Michigan Wolverines
That’s all about it. The NFL brought in coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J McCarthy and several veterans to chase (and win) the championship. The potential impact of the NCAA sanctions also remains to be seen. The Wolverines have decided to move forward with the promotion of offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and will look to keep their All-Star roster as consistent as possible. CB Will Johnson, DT Mason Graham and S Rod Moore will lead another outstanding Michigan defense as Coach Moore rebuilds the offense. The schedule is crazy with games against Texas, USC, Washington, Oregon and Ohio State.
13. Tennessee Volunteers
Volunteers fans are eagerly awaiting the appointment of Nico Iamareaba as the starting QB spot, hoping he can rejuvenate the offense set to begin in 2023. WR Chris Brazzell (Tulane) and TE Holden Stace (Notre Dame) will participate via the Blue McCoy website. while Rhys White will also take part. help. Defensively improved Tennessee loses several key veterans but gains players in the secondary, including running back James Pierce (who had 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season).
14. Utah Utes
The Utes went 8-5 without star quarterback Cam Rising, so we can expect a return to double-digit wins when he’s healthy again. Utah needs to improve its upside-down offense, especially on offense, but it can be done. Utah’s consistently solid defense returns plenty of talent, but lost two standout safeties.
15. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers were still finding their way to modern dominance, but after a “Tyler from Spartanburg” radio moment, they finished 2023 with five straight wins. The returning Will Shipley joins two defensive backs in the first draft, and as usual, the player pipeline for Clemson is almost entirely a way to lose players rather than add them. But the Tigers won’t be short of talent. Can quarterback Cade Klubnik regain the toughness he lacked in his first two college seasons? Can the program invent or create an explosive device?
16. LSU Tigers
Brian Kelly will rebuild for his third season in Baton Rouge. He had to abandon his defensive staff in favor of his offensive coordinator, a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and two 1,000-yard receivers. Does Garrett Nussmeyer have a chance to become QB1 after his strong bowling performance, or does Kelly still have his eye on a potential addition at the position? Peak in 2023.
17. Oklahoma Sooners
There was another major withdrawal of guards and personnel in Norman. Offensive coordinator Jeff Levy and quarterback Dillon Gabriel are gone, replaced by Seth Littrell and Jackson Arnold, respectively. (Arnold’s performance with three interceptions and a fumble was a bit concerning.) The Sooners’ defense improved from 2022-23, but they may need to take another step forward to compete in the SEC. The schedule is amazing: Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, LSU.
18. Kansas Jayhawks
Lance Leipold’s miraculous growth continues, going from 2 wins to 6-9 over the last three seasons. Although Leipold lost his offensive coordinator to Penn State, he retained his two best offensive players in quarterback Jaron Daniels and running back Devin Neal. The route needs to be rebuilt. Kansas’ defense has improved each season and returns enough key pieces to be even better in 2024.
19. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Inconsistent Mike Gundy posted a 10-win season in 2023, but that rose to 24 after star running back Ollie Gordon announced he would stay in school and quarterback Alan Bowman became eligible again.Ta. The Cowboys haven’t been much better on defense since coordinator Jim Knowles left for Ohio State two years ago, but several young players have continued to take on roles on that side of the ball. That should improve. The revamped Big 12 program is easier to use and gives the pockets the opportunity to do better.
20. North Carolina State Wolfpack
After nine successful seasons, the Wolfpack’s offense changed rapidly. They lost 20 players in the Portal game but added key players like QB Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina), RB Jordan Waters (Duke) and OL Zeke Correll (Notre Dame). NC State lost quarterback Peyton Wilson, the star of the defense, but most of the other key players on that side of the ball return. Charlotte’s opener against Tennessee could be an indicator.
21. Kansas State Wildcats
The Wildcats have overcome the recession under coach Chris Klieman, winning 27 games over the last three seasons. But after losing quarterback Will Howard to Ohio State and several transfers, there’s still work to be done in 2024. Avery Johnson is an exciting young quarterback talent who will be a two-way player, and DJ Giddens is a linebacker at center one. The junior defender, who completed 23 of 23 runs, should be a strong unit.
22. Louisville Cardinals
Jeff Brohm did wonders in his first season by winning 10 games and dominating the network. He’s done a good job in that area too and we have a lot of guys who can come in and play straight away. Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shaw has arrived and could be considered for the position if he can stay healthy. The Cardinals lost several players at running back and receiver early in the draft, but have depth at both positions. The most interesting defender is Harvard’s Thor Griffith, who has played for several programs in power conferences.
23. USC Trojans
Whether the Trojans can bounce back from last season’s disaster will largely depend on improving their defense and replacing star QB Caleb Williams. Coach Lincoln Riley boldly fired defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and replaced him with UCLA DC Anton Lin, adding another experienced defensive staff. Quarterback Miller Moss replaced Williams in the bowl game, throwing for 372 yards and six touchdowns, but UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava may provide some competition this spring.be. USC has a tough schedule with games against LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Washington and Notre Dame.
24. Boise State Broncos
The Broncos have a clear momentum heading into 2024. Interim coach Spencer Danielson was given the full-time job after a strong showing last season, releasing star Ashton Giunty and bringing in former USC five-star prospect Malachi Nelson. Boise State will have a great opportunity to wow the world on September 7th at Oregon State and will be the favorite to win the Mountain West Conference title.
25. Washington Huskies
Nine starters, four potential first-round picks and the No. 2 Heisman Trophy pick in six years are predictable losses. Then DeBoer successfully moved on to Alabama, leaving Seattle with several key personnel and players following him. Getting Arizona fish feels like a win. Another highlight of his stay was the transfer of quarterback Will Rogers to Mississippi State. He threw for over 12,000 yards in college. But this is a year of interesting change, with Michigan State and Penn State joining Oregon State and the University of Southern California, respectively.
