Josh’s College Football Rankings 2024–Preseason

I decided to do something different for my rankings this year. I will just post a picture like this, then mention any big changes, the honorable mentions, then my watch list. Followed by a preview of big games. Sound good?

The top five seems to be fairly consistent between most of the major rankings. Mine is no different, looking at the big things: returning players, transfer portal, recruiting, and coaching; it is clear to me who the top five schools are to start the year. You could probably flip a few around, like maybe Ohio State is #2 or #3, but for preseason purposes, I will start here.

I think Michigan and Washington are the biggest question marks. I have seen some rankings dropping Michigan out of the top ten. The Wolverines will still be a formidable team, they had a strong recruiting class (feels like things did not change too much with Harbaugh leaving in terms of recruitment). The Huskies on the other hand saw a huge dip in recruiting, but did have a decent run in the transfer portal. 

Finally, I have to mention Penn State. I am starting them off at #9 because I am nervous about the offense. They have a test against WVU in week one, and I am curious to see how Tom Allen’s defense looks. It will be interesting to see if Drew Allar improves in Andy Kotelnicki’s offense. 

Honorable Mentions
WVU–The Moutaineers were 9-4 last year, I like Garrett Greene as a QB
USC–The Trojans defense cannot be as bad as last year, right?
SMU–They are in the ACC now, so I guess I do not have a G5 school ranked at all to start the year
Auburn–I know people are ranking them high, but maybe give it a week or two
Iowa–The opposite of USC, their offense cannot be this bad 

Watch List
Florida
Duke
UCF
Kentucky
Georgia Tech

These are teams that interesting, and could make some moves into the Top 25. Georgia Tech looked good in their bowl game, and they open the season with Florida State. Imagine if they beat them?

There are a bunch of interesting games in Weeks 0 & 1. Obviously I mentioned #15 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech in Ireland. We also have #24 Miami at Florida, #16 LSU at USC, and #9 PSU at WVU. Then we have #11 Notre Dame at #22 Texas A&M. The big game is definitely #12 Clemson at #1 Georgia. But there are also some games that have me intrigued. First up we have Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State. Sun Belt vs. C-USA. The post-Grayson McCall era begins in Conway. I am down for it! Finally, we have two FCS powerhouses looking to upset P5 schools: North Dakota State heads to Colorado. The Bisons have a new coach, and his name would immediately be in the mix for every vacant job in 2025 if he came into Boulder and beat Coach Prime. Then the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State, the reigning FCS champs battle Oklahoma State. It could be (I know, very low possibility) a good game. 

College football is back!!!