Expectations are high as Brian Kelly heads into his third year at LSU and the season opener against USC in Las Vegas will set the tone for their season. If they can beat USC, 9, maybe even 10 wins and a bowl appearance is well within reason. Kelly has done well getting homegrown talent as well as dipping into the transfer portal. It’s looking like LSU’s defense will be in much better shape heading into 2024 than last year.
College football in 2024 has changed and changed forever. From NIL, the transfer portal, roster churn, conference realignment and an expanded College Football Playoff; long gone are the days of the BCS and the old college football that we knew.
It’s a new era in college football and 2024 looks to be one of new brands, mixed with some blue bloods – lots of drama on and off the field and, oh yea – an expanded playoff.
Mississippi State has taken action this season in the transfer portal by grabbing WR Kevin Coleman and OT Jacoby Jackson. Quarterback Blake Shapen is coming into Mississippi State this season as a starting quarterback from Baylor.
Grayson MCall finally hit the transfer portal and went from one Carolina to another. The Coastal Carolina transfer has put up massive numbers during his college career, and the Wolfpack hope that continues in 2024.
The Pack ranks fourth in the HG overall ACC power rankings as Dave Doeren continues to recruit well and put out a quality ball club at NC State.
Georgia missed a shot at a three-peat last year and were left out of the College Football Playoff, but things are far from over for the Bulldogs. The program has thrived under Kirby Smart and in the rapidly-changing landscape of college football, they have the potential to adapt and continue a winning tradition.
North Carolina has acquired solid talent from the transfer portal. Quarterback Max Johnson, running back Darwin Barlow, and Tight End Jake Johnson. All of these transfers will be factors on the field in 2024. Per the Hourglass, Tarheels ranks 28th nationally in recruiting.
Michigan has a notoriously tough defense. Last year they ranked 1st nationally in defensive efficiency. If they keep a similar scheme in 2024, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten. Michigan has hired Wink Martindale as its new defensive coordinator.
The Longhorns are BACK! Coming off their first ever playoff appearance this winter, Texas is gaining momentum at just the right time coming into the SEC.
Texas has one of best QBs in all of college football with Quinn Ewers returning for one more year.
Coach Steve Sarkisian has returned despite rumors of him replacing Nick Saban after the legend retired.
Of the top teams in the SEC, like Ole Miss, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma, Texas has one the easiest schedules.
The Longhorns hit the portal hard, signing 8 transfers and ranking higher than Alabama and Georgia.
Ohio State has acquired solid talent from the transfer portal. Quarterback Will Howard, defensive back Caleb Downs, and running back Quinshon Judkins will be factors on the field in 2024. Per the Hourglass, the OSU ranks 7th nationally in recruiting. Former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly will be joining the program as offensive coordinator, adding to an already talented coaching staff.
Alabama has a winning tradition.
Jalen Milroe has improved exponentially. Going into the 2023 season, Milroe was ranked 37th in the Power 5, he is now 9th per CFB Hourglass.
Although Alabama has lost some top talent to the transfer portal, they still rank just above Texas and Georgia in recruiting.
The Tide is ranked fifth in the HG Power 5 power rankings. Kalen Deboer is one of the best football coaches in the country, ranking at 4th in the 2024 HG coaching metrics. Deboer was also able to put Washington in the running for a national championship in 2023.
Florida State has acquired a talented roster with some amazing players who are ready to make an impact on the field. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is a strong quarterback who can make accurate throws as well as leading his team down the field. Per the Hourglass, the FSU ranks 10th nationally in recruiting.
The Oregon Ducks have many aspects about them that a person would like. One outstanding aspect being their explosive offense, as well as having a dynamic quarterback such as Dillon Gabriel. They also have a group of playmakers who can make big plays and put points on the board.
Coach Prime has been busy in the portal yet again this offseason. He’s signed the 2nd most total commits, tied for 3rd most 4-star transfers, and is currently a top 5 ranked team in the portal for the second year in a row. While it’s not last year’s historic 51 transfers, it should still show signs of progress.
The Ole Miss Rebels have a high-powered offense that is led by a talented quarterback Jaxson Dart. They have a roster full of skill players that have the ability to put up big numbers. Per the Hourglass, Ole Miss ranks 17th nationally in our 2024 Power Rankings.
The PAC 12 is going out with a bang, or at least week one would make you believe so.
The PAC 12 is the only conference after week one that is undefeated across the league and part of that is fantastic quarterback play. Many of my top 20 preseason quarterbacks live in this conference and a big shoutout to Shedeur Sanders who showed he totally belongs in the FBS.
Below are my PAC 12 quarterback rankings after week one.
Lincoln Riley has completely turned around the football program for USC since his debut in the 2022 season. The 2021 season the Trojans finished with a record of 3-6. Upon Riley taking over the program, the Trojans finished with a record of 11-3. The trajectory of the program is upward.
After a rocky 2021 season with a new coach, the Vols turned it around in 2022. Tennessee is still looking to move in that direction under Josh Heupel. Tennessee has moved to 12th in the nation in recruiting rankings with Heupel. This puts them above the NCC Contender Line. He is in the top 5 ranks of coaching in the SEC and top 10 in the nation.
History - the program and the status quo - The Tide is ranked second in the HG Power 5 power rankings, while Nick Saban is still one of the best football coaches in the country, checking in at 2nd in the 2023 HG coaching metrics.
Projecting the 2023 College Football Playoff we take a look now as I dissect the field.
Tier 3 teams have a lot of the ingrediencies that go into a playoff team, but things have to go right and they have more to navigate than tier two or one.
The 2023 season will be the final year of a 14 team league in the SEC, as the conference looks to welcome in Oklahoma and Texas in 2024. Before we get to the expansion and off deep in the weeds on 2024, 2023 is an interesting year in the South Eastern Conference.
The conference continues to throw handfuls of guys to the NFL, has the countries best talent and is home to the back to back champion, Georgia Bulldogs.
