2024 NCAA College Football Rankings & Polls
The road to the 2024 College Football Playoff is heating up, and the latest rankings and polls are out to provide a glimpse of the teams to watch as the season approaches. With several top programs returning key players and exciting newcomers joining the mix, the 2024 campaign promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
AP Top 25 Preseason Poll
The Associated Press (AP) released its preseason Top 25 poll on August 1, 2024, with Georgia taking the top spot. The defending national champions return a wealth of talent, including quarterback Stetson Bennett IV and running back Kenny McIntosh. They are closely followed by Alabama, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season under new head coach Hugh Freeze.
Ohio State, Michigan, and Clemson round out the top five, while Texas, LSU, Notre Dame, and USC are among other teams to watch in the preseason.
Coaches Poll
The Coaches Poll, released on August 2, 2024, mirrors the AP Top 25 but with a slight difference in the top five. Alabama narrowly edges out Georgia for the No. 1 ranking, while Ohio State, Michigan, and Clemson maintain their positions in the top five.
Other Major Polls
Several other major polls also released their preseason rankings, with the top teams largely consistent across the board. The USA Today Coaches Poll, ESPN FPI Rankings, and 247Sports Composite Rankings all have Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and Clemson in their top five.
Conference Standings and Playoff Implications
The 2024 season will be pivotal for teams hoping to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, with each major conference having a chance to make its mark.
- SEC: Georgia, Alabama, and LSU are considered the top contenders from the SEC, with other teams like Texas A&M, Kentucky, and Ole Miss looking to make a push.
- Big Ten: Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State are the teams to watch in the Big Ten, while Wisconsin and Iowa could make some noise.
- ACC: Clemson is the clear favorite in the ACC, but Florida State, Miami, and Wake Forest are teams to watch for potential upsets.
- Pac-12: USC and Oregon are the top teams in the Pac-12, with Utah and Washington looking to challenge them for a playoff spot.
Key Players to Watch
Several key players will be making an impact in the 2024 college football season:
- Stetson Bennett IV (QB, Georgia): The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is back to lead Georgia's high-powered offense.
- Bryce Young (QB, Alabama): The former Heisman Trophy winner is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2023 season.
- C.J. Stroud (QB, Ohio State): The talented sophomore quarterback will be a key factor in Ohio State's championship aspirations.
- J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan): The young quarterback is expected to take a leap forward in his second season as Michigan's starter.
- Domani Jackson (CB, USC): The highly-touted five-star recruit is poised to become a breakout star for the Trojans.
Predictions and Takeaways
The 2024 college football season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable one. Georgia and Alabama remain the favorites to reach the College Football Playoff, but teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and Clemson will be looking to challenge them. The conference races will be highly competitive, with several teams capable of making a statement. Ultimately, the 2024 season will be remembered for its memorable games and the crowning of a new national champion.