Preseason AP Top 25: A New Era in College Football Rankings

As the 2024 college football season approaches, the anticipation is palpable among fans, players, and coaches alike. The release of the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 preseason poll has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season. With Georgia claiming the top spot, followed closely by Ohio State and Oregon, the dominance of the SEC and Big Ten is unmistakable. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from this year’s rankings and what they mean for the teams involved.

Georgia Reigns Supreme

Georgia Bulldogs have once again established themselves as the team to beat, securing the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll with an impressive 46 out of 62 first-place votes. This marks the third time Georgia has opened the season at No. 1, reflecting their recent success, including back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. The Bulldogs' ability to reload talent has solidified their position as a powerhouse in college football.

Michigan’s Unprecedented Challenge

In a surprising twist, the Michigan Wolverines, the reigning national champions, find themselves ranked at No. 9—the lowest preseason ranking for a defending champion since Auburn in 2011. The Wolverines face a unique challenge as they transition to a new head coach, Sherrone Moore, after the departure of Jim Harbaugh. With significant losses on offense and leadership, Michigan must navigate a tough schedule to prove their worth in the title race.

Texas and Oklahoma: A New Frontier

The Texas Longhorns have made a statement by entering the season at No. 4, their highest preseason ranking since 2009. With high expectations as they join the SEC, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, their rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, are ranked just behind them at No. 16. Both teams will need to adapt quickly to the heightened competition in their new conference.

The Rise of New Contenders

While traditional powerhouses dominate the top of the rankings, several teams are looking to make their mark. Notably, the Oregon Ducks have matched their highest preseason ranking at No. 3, signaling their intent to compete for a national title. Additionally, the Miami Hurricanes are generating buzz with a strong transfer class, including quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez, positioning them as a potential spoiler in the ACC.

The Big Ten and SEC Showdown

The AP Top 25 reflects a clear divide in college football, with the Big Ten and SEC claiming eight of the top ten spots. This trend underscores the growing power of these two conferences, which have consolidated top talent and resources. As the season unfolds, the rivalry between these conferences will be a focal point, especially with teams like Alabama and Ole Miss facing unprecedented pressure to perform.

Who Will Fall from the Top 10?

Historically, the preseason rankings have not been kind to teams that start in the top 10. In fact, 20 of the last 21 seasons have seen at least one top-10 team fall out of the rankings by season's end. With Michigan and Florida State facing significant challenges, they may be prime candidates to tumble. Conversely, teams like Iowa State and Boise State could emerge as dark horses, taking advantage of opportunities in their respective conferences.

The Road Ahead

As we gear up for the opening weekend, the first ranked matchup will see No. 10 Florida State travel to Ireland to face Georgia Tech, setting the tone for the season. The Labor Day weekend will feature several exciting clashes, including No. 1 Georgia against No. 14 Clemson and No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M.

Lets Get Excited

The 2024 preseason AP Top 25 has set the stage for a thrilling college football season, with familiar faces at the top and intriguing storylines unfolding throughout the rankings.

As teams prepare to hit the field, fans can expect fierce competition and unexpected twists that could reshape the landscape of college football. Keep an eye on the rising stars and potential upsets as we embark on what we hope to be an unforgettable season.