1 The Bulldogs have nonetheless received 29 out of their final 30 video games. If not for a stumble in opposition to Alabama, they’d have been taking part in for a 3rd straight nationwide championship. With Carson Beck and most of a rock-solid protection returning, there is no disgrace in profitable three out of the final 4 nattys. 2 Nick Saban has stiff-armed retirement rumors as he turns 73 subsequent Halloween. The protection will take some hits, and there is a query whether or not Saban will go after a quarterback within the switch portal, however count on the Crimson Tide to be a slam dunk for the expanded School Soccer Playoff. 3 Disclaimer: This rating relies on what we all know the day after the nationwide title recreation. Jim Harbaugh continues to be the coach. He’s poised to land the No. 15 recruiting class, per 247Sports. J.J. McCarthy has a call to make, however with or with out Coach Khaki, the Wolverines aren’t going to slip a lot. 4 Bo Nix is gone. So is underrated runner Bucky Irving. However Dan Lanning may need one of the best quarterback room within the nation with Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore transferring in. The Geese might be some of us’ favourite to win the Massive 18 of their first yr as a part of the league. 5 What was Quinshon Judkins considering by coming into the portal? The nice and cozy embrace of Oxford, Mississippi, and the Lane Prepare would have made him a Heisman Trophy contender. Now? Properly, good luck with NIL riches, child. Kiffin has loads of working again depth even after making Judkins a star. 6 One of many strongest quarterback rooms within the nation is immediately in transition. Upset that freshman Avery Johnson was being promoted at Kansas State, Will Howard transferred to Ohio State to exchange Kyle McCord, who transferred out as a result of …? Will the Buckeyes be higher on the place in 2024? C.J. Stroud looks as if a decade in the past. 7 Quinn Ewers has determined to remain at Texas, and he may develop right into a Heisman finalist subsequent season. Arch Manning stays on the roster, too. The extensive receiver room is being rebuilt, and Steve Sarkisian has a lot to construct off following a transformative 2023 season. 8 Eli Drinkwitz misplaced defensive coordinator Blake Baker to his former employer, LSU. That is vital however nothing Drink cannot overcome with two-thirds of the Triplets coming again — Luther Burden and Brady Cook dinner. 9 Have you ever seen Notre Dame’s 2024 schedule? It’s Charmin delicate, which implies the Combating Irish shouldn’t have any downside profitable 9 video games. To get into the playoff, Notre Dame higher win 11 video games because it doesn’t have a convention affiliation to fall again on as an computerized qualifier. 10 Jedd Fisch for president — and another public workplace you need to call. The third-year Wildcats coach established himself as a big-timer and Arizona as a playoff contender in 2024 by profitable 10 video games for under the second time since 1998. Noah Fifita ought to contend for the Heisman. 11 Quarterback Jackson Arnold was spectacular in his bowl recreation debut. The Sooners ought to be OK after the lack of Gabriel. The protection improved considerably in 12 months 2 below Brent Venables. 12 The Grant Nussmeier period begins. Brian Kelly has made positive his QB will get loads of help on the opposite facet of the ball by blowing out the core of the defensive workers. By this metric, the sixth-best workforce within the SEC ought to be capable to make the CFP.      13 Quarterback Cam Rising’s return marks his twenty seventh yr of eligibility — and it makes the Utes a playoff contender. Simply kidding … in regards to the eligibility half. Utah is certainly a contender with its typical physicality throughout each traces. 14 Nico Iamaleava, the ground is yours. The much-hyped, NIL-fueled QB might be extra hyped after a powerful Citrus Bowl debut. He’ll function behind an offensive line that returns largely intact. There may be depth at working again, too. 15 There are too many roster losses to venture a top-10 end even after an inspiring run in 2023. Michael Penix Jr. and WR Rome Odunze are gone. It will likely be fascinating to observe Mississippi State switch — and Mike Leach prodigy — Will Rodgers take over. Cal WR Jeremiah Hunter additionally transfers in.       16 There have been six offensive coordinators within the final 10 years for James Franklin. The gifted Andy Kotelniki is the most recent. One challenge? Kotelniki is a grasp in squeezing most out of dual-threat QBs; Drew Allar is just not that.      17 Wildcat Nation cannot look forward to Johnson’s first full season. The native of Maize, Kansas, is amaz-ing. His seven dashing touchdowns tied the Ok-State freshman document. In his beginning debut in opposition to NC State within the bowl recreation, Johnson accounted for 249 yards and three whole touchdowns.     18 You are studying this proper. Based mostly on this rating, the Mustangs are the ACC favourite. The defending AAC champions received 11 video games for the primary time since pre-death penalty days in 1982. Preston Stone returns at QB. Rhett Lashlee is simply getting began. 19 Decide outs and accidents that impacted the Orange Bowl look gave us a glimpse of how a lot the Seminoles will lose in 2024. D.J. Uiagalelei is the most important get, however occurring his third faculty, DJU has a protracted method to go if he needs to depart a long-lasting school legacy and prepare for the NFL. 20 Here is how nice school soccer is coming into 2024. After profitable 9 video games for the primary time since 2007, the Jayhawks can legitimately contend for a playoff spot. Coach Lance Leipold will get again firestarter QB Jalon Daniels after an damage. The protection has made enormous strides since Leipold’s first yr in 2021. 21 The Tigers appears to be on their method again up after ending 9-4, profitable the final 5 video games in a row. Will Shipley declared for the NFL Draft. Cade Klubnik made progress, however the Tigers are a borderline playoff workforce except they win the ACC. 22 The Wolfpack are going to be attention-grabbing as hell. You may as properly pencil in NC State for not less than eight wins given Dave Doeren’s consistency. Grayson McCall comes over from Coastal Carolina to provide the Pack a distinction maker at QB. Kevin Concepcion might have a breakout season catching his passes. 23 The Cowboys will get a sniff on the Massive 12 title once more after shedding to Texas in 2023. Heisman-worthy RB Ollie Gordon is again together with QB Alan Bowman. There is a purpose there are 4 Massive 12 groups on this prime 25. The league goes to be entertaining as hell in its new configuration.      24 New coach Mike Elko has a lot to work with in his first season. Connor Weigman ought to progress if he stays wholesome. The offseason’s largest get was offensive coordinator Collin Klein from Kansas State. Klein is a play calling wizard. 25 Let’s face it. The Cardinals’ defensive effort in opposition to Florida State within the ACC Championship Sport stored the ‘Noles out of the CFP. In 12 months 2, Jeff Brohm has one of many prime switch courses. QB Tyler Shough (Texas Tech), WR Ja’Corey Brooks (Alabama) and RB Don Chaney (Miami) make the Cardinals darkhorse ACC contenders.