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The 2024-2025 college football season is just a week away! There is so much change in the sport this fall with Oklahoma and Texas now in the SEC and Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington in the Big Ten (and the demise of the Pac-12), Nick Saban’s retirment at Alabama, and the continued challenges of managing the transfer portal and NIL for coaches all around the country. Not to mention, the College Football Playoff has been expanded to 12 teams with the top five conference champions and seven at large teams making the field in December. College football now has a “Power Four” with the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC with Oregon State and Washington State the only remaining Pac-12 members. Florida State and Clemson are rumored to be leading an ACC exit movement but the legal work must be done for the conference to join the Pac-12 as done. But, now is the time to finally focus on Saturdays. A fourteen week season spanning from Labor Day weekend to rivalry weekend, November 30th includes at least two bye weeks for every team. Excitement and stress looms for the teams that believe they can not only make the first annual 12-team College Football Playoff but that they can win it all. But, in the pre-season every team can still win it all.
*Click each conference’s link to check out my game by game predictions for each team in the country*
*All statistics come from College Football Reference.*
2024-2025 Power 4, Pac-2, and Independents Projected Conference Standings:
ACC
Florida State 10-2 (8-1)
Clemson 9-3 (6-2)
Louisville 8-4 (6-2)
North Carolina State 8-4 (6-2)
Virginia Tech 9-3 (5-3)
Miami 8-4 (5-3)
Georgia Tech 7-5 (5-3)
SMU 7-5 (4-4)
Syracuse 7-5 (4-4)
Boston College 6-6 (4-4)
Pittsburgh 6-6 (3-5)
North Carolina 6-6 (3-5)
Duke 6-6 (2-6)
California 5-7 (2-6)
Wake Forest 5-7 (1-7)
Stanford 3-9 (1-7)
Virginia 2-10 (0-8)
Seven ACC schools, led by Clemson and Florida State, are actively looking for a way to exit the conference as California, SMU, and Stanford enter the league. But, they were unable to do so before the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. So, the focus returns to the football field for all seventeen teams. Last year’s ACC champion Florida State became the first undefeated conference champion to not make the College Football Playoff. That problem should not be there with the new twelve team format in 2024-2025. The Seminoles lost many players to the NFL Draft after their great 2023 season, including QB Jordan Travis. They expect to replace him with former Clemson and Oregon State signal-caller DJ Uiagalelei, who has had problems with his accuracy in the past. Last season’s leading rusher Trey Benson will be replaced by Caziah Holmes while seniorsKentron Poitier, Malik Benson,and Ja’Khi Douglas will catch passes from Uiagalelei after both Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson headed to the NFL. Defensively, they lost tremendous defensive end Jared Verse so junior Patrick Payton will look to help the Seminoles sure up the edge. In Clemson, Dabo Swinney’s offense will look to bounce back from a tough year in which quarterback Cade Klubnik was up and down. Phil Mafa will replace the talented Will Shipley in the backfield. Klubnik’s young receiving unit will make it hard for the media to believe that this offense can make big strides in Garrett Riley’s second season as offensive coordinator. Despite having many new starters defensively, second year coordinator Wes Goodwin should have a top unit again in the ACC. Louisville could not compete with Florida State last December in the conference title game. But, head coach Jeff Brohm has done wonders for the Cardinals so far. It will be up to Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough at quarterback to get it down the field to talented receiver Chris Bell. Cardinal defensive end Ashton Gillotte and defensive tackle Dezmond Tell will make things difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Miami, North Carolina State, and Virginia Tech also look to be ACC contenders this season.
Best Non-Conference Games
1.Clemson vs. Georgia (August 31; Atlanta; Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game)
Is Clemson for real? Have they improved their passing offense enough to compete with Georgia? Georgia will be focused on returning to and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship last season. The Bulldogs should handle the Tigers in their backyard.
2.Florida State @ Notre Dame (November 9)
If this game was in Tallahassee, it would be easier for me to pick Florida State to win this game. But, going on the road to face former Duke QB Riley Leonard, who the Seminoles beat last season, will be a challenge with all of his new weapons in South Bend.
3.Tennessee vs. NC State (September 7; Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic)
NC State can stop the “SEC! SEC! SEC!” chants if they defeat Tennessee in Charlotte. Former Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall will be challenged in what will be his second start against an SEC defense, led by the talented James Pearce Jr..
4.Louisville @ Kentucky (November 30)
Kentucky has five consecutive wins over Louisville in their instate rivalry. The Wildcats possess an offense that could be great in 2024, led by former Georgia signal-caller Brock Vandagriff and receiver Barion Brown. Vandagriff will be challenged by new Louisville QB Tyler Shough, who came over from Texas Tech. The winner of the game could be in the discussion for a College Football Playoff berth.
5.South Carolina @ Clemson (November 30)
South Carolina’s Shane Beamer is on the hot seat entering the season while Clemson’s Dabo Swinney led his team to its worst record since 2011. With uncertainty entering the season for the Gamecocks and the Tigers, a win for either team will mean so much good for their fanbase. If South Carolina loses, Beamer could be out the door and if Clemson falls, Swinney’s future will become even more questionable.
Best Conference Games
1.Clemson @ Florida State (October 5)
Clemson almost defeated Florida State last fall at home. But, Florida State came back and won the game. Many of the Seminoles’ contributors are gone from that team but head coach Mike Norvell believes he has a team that can defeat Clemson on their home field.
2.Louisville @ Clemson (November 2)
Clemson has a huge home schedule this season and when Louisville (last season’s ACC title game runners-up) comes to town, the Tigers must be focused on winning that game if they want to make the ACC Championship. A win for the Cardinals could mean a second consecutive ACC Championship game appearance.
3.NC State @ Clemson (September 28)
One of the best games in the ACC every season, NC State can challenge Clemson on the road with Dabo Swinney’s team potentially on the decline. The duel between Grayson McCall and Cade Klubnik should be fantastic to watch in this game.
4.Florida State @ Miami (October 26)
Can Miami finally beat Florida State again? Former Washington State signal-caller Cam Ward comes in to face a relatively young Florida State defense. An upset for Mario Cristobal’s team over FSU could mean big things for Miami in 2024.
5.Clemson @ Virginia Tech (November 9)
After struggling against ACC contenders Florida State, Louisville, and NC State last season Virginia Tech will look to defeat Clemson when they host the Tigers in early November. A win for Brent Pry’s team could mean surprising the league and earning a College Football Playoff bid.
Awards
MVP: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2023 Stats: 323-485, 3736 yards, 25 TDs, 7 INTs, 120 rushes, 144 yards, 8 TDs (@ Washington State)
Offensive Player of the Year: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
2023 Stats: 253 rushes, 1504 yards, 15 TDs, 29 catches, 222 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Player of the Year: Marlowe Wax, Syracuse
2023 Stats: 110 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 4 FF
Newcomer of the Year: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2023 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Jeff Brohm, Louisville
Conference Championship (Charlotte)
Florida State (11-2) over Clemson (9-4)
Florida State will beat Clemson yet again to send the Tigers into the off-season wondering about Dabo Swinney’s future.
Big 12
Utah 11-1 (8-1)
Kansas State 9-3 (6-3)
Oklahoma State 9-3 (6-3)
Kansas 9-3 (6-3)
West Virginia 8-4 (6-3)
Texas Tech 8-4 (5-4)
Iowa State 7-5 (5-4)
Arizona 7-5 (4-5)
TCU 7-5 (4-5)
UCF 6-6 (4-5)
Arizona State 5-7 (3-6)
Baylor 5-7 (3-6)
Houston 5-7 (2-7)
BYU 4-8 (2-7)
Cincinnati 4-8 (2-7)
Colorado 4-8 (2-7)
The Big 12 was reset when the conference’s two heavyweight teams Oklahoma and Texas officially left the conference for the SEC. Brett Yormark combatted losing the conference’s two high profile names with eight new teams over the last two years. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF impressed Big 12 fans last fall. This year’s entries Arizona, Arizona State, (former conference member) Colorado, and Utah will look to do the same. One of those new schools this year, Utah, has been one of the most successful programs in college football over the last few seasons, winning the 2021 and 2022 Pac-12 Championships. Veteran QB Cam Rising returns for his seventh season after sitting out last season with an injury. Rising’s favorite target, senior tight end Brant Kuthie, also sat out last season with an injury. Head coach Kyle Whittingham’s defense is always great and will be led by defensive lineman Junior Tafuna and linebacker Karene Reid this season. The Utes will face Oklahoma State in their official Big 12 opener, maybe their biggest competition to win the conference title. Ollie Gordon is the best tailback in the country but many thought he would not play the first few weeks of the season after he drove under the influence. Head coach Mike Gundy punished Gordon by bringing him to Big 12 Media Days and told reporters that he would not be suspended and would be punished by carrying the ball fifty times a game. Gordon will be joined in the backfield by seventh year signal-caller Allen Bowman. The Cowboys defense returns ten starters from a team that made the Big 12 Championship. However, they must be better after giving up almost 30 points per game last season. The Cowboys’ rival Kansas State will miss quarterback Will Howard (who transferred to Ohio State), who is replaced by upcoming sophomore Avery Johnson and offensive coordinator Collin Klein, who left for the same role at Texas A&M. Brown will play behind a veteran offensive line, will hand the ball off to returning running back starter DJ Giddens, and will hope to consistently get the ball to star sophomore receiver Jayce Brown. Head coach Chris Klieman’s defenses have been consistent over his tenure in Manhattan. His defense will look to live up to their talent this fall. Arizona may have lost head coach Jedd Fisch to former Pac-12 foe Washington but new head coach Brent Brennan has a roster, led by veteran quarterback Noah Fifita, who chose to stay in Tucson over joining his former coach in Seattle. I anticipate Lance Leipold’s Kansas Jayhawks, Neal Brown’s West Virginia Mountaineers, Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech Raiders, Matt Campbell’s Iowa State Cyclones, Sonny Dykes’ TCU Horned Frogs, and Gus Malzahn’s UCF Knights to contend in 2024 too.
Best Non-Conference Games
1.UCF @ Florida (October 5)
KJ Jefferson led Arkansas to its first win ever in “The Swamp” last November. He could do so again now as UCF’s quarterback. Gus Malzahn believes Jefferson is similar to one of his former quarterbacks at Auburn, former NFL great Cam Newton. A win for the Knights could mean Billy Napier is out as head coach of the Gators.
2.Pittsburgh @ West Virginia (September 14)
Another “Backyard Brawl” returns to the campus of West Virginia. The Mountaineers could win nine games again this season after they led the Big 12 in rushing last season. Their first big challenge of the season is hosting their rival, Pittsburgh.
3.*Arizona @ Kansas State* (September 13)
Originally scheduled as a nonconference game, new Big 12 member Arizona kept the Kansas State game on their schedule even if it delays them playing their first Big 12 conference game. The battle of the Wildcats should be a fantastic game in Manhattan. Playing at home and having the more experienced head coach should help Kansas State in this game.
4.Iowa State @ Iowa (September 7)
The battle for Iowa returns in week 2 of the 2024-2025 season. Matt Campbell’s team will be challenged when it goes to Kinnick Stadium to face the Hawkeyes. Cyclones’ star quarterback Rocco Becht will try his hand at scoring against what should be another great Iowa defense.
5.Colorado @ Nebraska (September 7)
Colorado is back in the Big 12 and they will look to defeat former Big 12 rival Nebraska for the second consecutive time under head coach Deion Sanders. It will be up to the Buffaloes’ defense full of newcomers next to Travis Hunter to succeed against heralded freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola for the Cornhuskers.
Best Conference Games
1.Utah @ Oklahoma State (September 21)
What could be a preview of the Big 12 Championship will open conference play for both teams. Cam Rising against Allen Bowman should be a show with home field advantage for the Cowboys being huge for them in this game against such a tough opponent in the Utes.
2.Kansas @ Kansas State (October 26)
The “Sunflower Showdown” should be pure cinema again in 2024. If the Jayhawks’ veteran signal-caller Jalon Daniels can avoid injuries this season after missing most of 2023, Kansas State will be challenged at home against the Jayhawks.
3.Oklahoma State @ Kansas State (September 28)
Kansas State’s first big home conference game will be Oklahoma State’s second consecutive challenging game in a row. The Cowboys must beat Utah if they go into Manhattan and lose to Kansas State because the Cowboys have had many September struggles the last few seasons.
4.Arizona @ Utah (September 28)
Two teams that succeeded in the last season of true Pac-12 football battle in Salt Lake City in late September. Like Oklahoma State, Utah will be challenged in consecutive weeks too. If the Utes look past the Wildcats, a College Football Playoff spot could be out of reach later this season.
5.BYU @ Utah (November 9)
The “Holy War” finally returns to the final month of the regular season as Utah has joined BYU in the Big 12. Most people want the two to square off to end their regular season but the most important part is that the game is back. BYU should be better after winning five games in 2023 but not good enough to beat a Utah team that should be competing to win the Big 12 title year in and year out under Kyle Whittingham.
Awards
MVP: Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State
2023 Stats: 285 rushes, 1732 yards, 21 TDs, 39 catches, 330 yards, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Karene Reid, LB, Utah
2023 Stats: 67 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD
Newcomer of the Year: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
2023 Stats: 108 catches, 1168 yards, 8 TDs, 8 rushes, 44 yards, 1 TD (@ Florida Atlantic)
Coach of the Year: Kyle Whittingham, Utah
Conference Championship (Arlington)
Utah (12-1) over Kansas State (9-4)
Utah proves they are the best team in the Big 12 in their first season in the league by defeating Kansas State in Arlington for the conference title.
Big Ten
Oregon 11-1 (8-1)
Michigan 10-2 (8-1)
Ohio State 10-2 (7-2)
Penn State 9-3 (6-3)
Wisconsin 8-4 (6-3)
Minnesota 8-4 (5-4)
Iowa 8-4 (5-4)
Nebraska 8-4 (5-4)
USC 6-6 (5-4)
Maryland 7-5 (4-5)
Rutgers 6-6 (4-5)
Washington 6-6 (3-6)
Michigan State 6-6 (3-6)
Northwestern 5-7 (3-6)
Illinois 5-7 (3-6)
UCLA 4-8 (1-8)
Indiana 4-8 (1-8)
Purdue 1-11 (0-9)
Ohio State may have its most talented roster in Ryan Day’s tenure in 2024 after adding former Ole Miss tailback Quinshon Judkins, former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, phenomenal freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith next to a returning receving group of senior Emeka Egbuka and sophomore Carnell Tate. Right guard Josh Fryar is the only starting offensive lineman to return but second year defensive coordinator Jim KNowles’ defense has nine projected returning starters coming back including defensive linemen JT Tuimolau, Jack Sawyer, Ty Hamilton, Tyliek Williams next to linebacker Sonny Styles and defensive backs Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosuun, Jordan Hancock, and Lathan Ransom. But, Day’s team has lost to reigining national champion Michigan three seasons in a row. The Wolverines’ lost head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now the Los Angeles Chargers head coach. The Wolverines promoted offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to be the new head coach after he became the interim coach during Harbaugh’s two suspensions last season. Moore will look to lead his team that lost both quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Blake Corum to the NFL. Former longtime NFL defensive coordinator “Wink” Martindale comes to lead one of the top defenses in the country in Ann Arbor. Junior cornerback Will Johnson joins junior defensive linemen Derrick Moore and Mason Graham as the leaders of the unit. With Oregon, UCLA, USC, and reigning national runners-up Washington joining the conference this year, the Big Ten should have much more depth this season. Oregon is the most talented of the four teams leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. Dan Lanning’s NIL money from Nike has helped him put together a roster that includes both high end incoming transfers and freshmen. Losing starting signal-caller Bo Nix is tough but former Oklahoma starter Dillon Gabriel is a plug and play guy Lanning can trust throwing to former Texas A&M target Evan Stewart and seniors Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden. The defensive only returns end Jordan Burch, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, cornerback Jahlil Florence, and free safety Tysheem Johnson. Returning Penn State QB Drew Allar will now look to get the ball down the field to former Ohio State receiver Julian Fleming with trusted tailback Nick Singleton next to him the backfield. On defense, Abdul Carter leads the way for the Nittany Lions. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, USC and Nebraska are also seen as potential contenders entering this season.
Best Non-Conference Games
1.Texas @ Michigan (September 7)
The top nonconference game in college football in 2024 pits two 2023 College Football Playoff teams at the Big House, the home of the reigning national champions. Michigan, with a new head coach in Sherrone Moore, will have to deal with Steve Sarkisian’s offense, led by Quinn Ewers, tailback CJ Baxter, and a new receiving unit led by former Alabama star Isaiah Bond.
2.LSU vs. USC (September 1; Las Vegas; Vegas Kickoff Classic)
Third year LSU head coach Brian Kelly is 0-2 in season opening games. Both of those losses happen to be to Florida State. The Tigers’ coach will look to get his first season opening game against Lincoln Riley, who enters his third season at USC as well. His first game without quarterback Caleb Williams will feature new signal-caller Miller Moss against an LSU defense that must be better in 2o24. Tiger linebacker Harold Perkins should lead a turnaround this fall but if not Riley’s team could open their season with a win in Las Vegas.
3.Alabama @ Wisconsin (September 14)
Kalen DeBoer’s first test at Alabama comes on Big Noon Kick-Off in Madison against the Wisconsin. Luke Fickell’s team should be much better in his second season at Wisconsin but they will be challenged against Jalen Milroe’s Crimson Tide.
4.USC @ Notre Dame (November 30)
USC must beat Notre Dame if they plan on making the College Football Playoff with their tough Big Ten schedule this season. Facing Riley Leonard’s offense and a defense full of All-Americans in South Bend should be a challenge for the Trojans.
5.Penn State @ West Virginia (August 31)
See in Best Big 12 Non-Conference Games
Best Conference Games
1.Michigan @ Ohio State (November 30)
Because of their tremendously talented roster, Ohio State does not beat Michigan for the second time in Ryan Day’s tenure, the Buckeyes might move on from their head coach.
2.Ohio State @ Oregon (October 12)
On September 11, 2021, Ohio State fell to Oregon 42-35 in Eugene. Now, the Buckeyes look to avenge that loss against the Ducks in the same place almost exactly three years and a month later. Two of the most talented rosters in the country and two veterans quarterback battling,Will Howard versus Dillon Gabriel, to determine who will be the frontrunner to win the Big Ten in the middle of October.
3.Oregon @ Michigan (November 2)
Oregon’s toughest road test of the season will be at the Big House against Michigan. Oregon’s great offense will test Michigan’s great defense to begin the last month of the regular season.
4.Ohio State @ Penn State (November 2)
Penn State will look to defeat Ohio State for the first time since they beat the Buckeyes in State College in 2016. The Buckeyes are tremendously talented on both sides but going to a tough environment at Penn State will be a challenge as they face their former receiver Julian Fleming, who will be catching passes from Drew Allar, who will be gaining more experience as the starter this year for head coach James Franklin.
5.Michigan @ Washington (November 30)
Michigan heads to Seattle to face Washington in a new conference match up in a rematch of last January’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Washington head cocah Kalen DeBoer left for the same job at Alabama so former Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch will fill in for him. Fisch will have a challenge facing Michigan’s tough defense with former Mississippi State signal-caller Will Rogers, who dealt with injury problems last fall in Starkville.
Awards
MVP: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
2023 Stats: 27 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
2023 Stats: 41 catches, 515 yards, 4 TDs, 5 rushes, 25 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
2023 Stats: See Above
Newcomer of the Year: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State / Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
2023 Stats: 271 rushes, 1158 yards, 15 TDs, 22 catches, 149 yards, 2 TDs (@ Ole Miss) / 38 catches, 514 yards, 4 TDs, 4 rush TDs (@ Texas A&M)
Coach of the Year: Dan Lanning, Oregon
Conference Championship (Indianapolis)
Oregon (12-1) over Michigan (10-3)
Oregon keeps Michigan from winning a third consecutive Big Ten title by winning their first in year one.
Independents
Notre Dame 11-1
Connecticut 7-5
Massachusetts 3-9
In the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, the highest seed the Independent Notre Dame Fighting Irish can get is a five seed, meaning they cannot get a first round bye. The schedule is hard but new offensive coordinator Mike Dembrock, formerly of LSU and the coach of last season’s Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, will get to coach former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, who suffered an injury in the Blue Devils’ loss to the Fighting Irish last fall. Losing star running back Audric Estime will be eased by the duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadan Price. Tight end Mitchell Evans will be a trustworthy target for Leonard next to receivers Jaden Greathouse, Jayden Thomas, and Kris Mitchell. The Fighting Irish return three starters along their defensive line including tackles Rylie Mills, Howard Cross III and end Jordan Botelho in addition to defensive backs Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts. A big season is needed for head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame to appear in the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2021. Connecticut head coach Jim Mora has done a terrific job for the Huskies during his tenure. He will look to lead his team to a good season in 2024 after losing many players to the transfer portal to Power 4 teams including Ta’Quan Roberson (Kansas State) while UMass’ odds to return to the postseason are not great for the same reason after losing starter Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams to Michigan State.
Best Games
1.Florida State @ Notre Dame (November 9)
See in Best ACC Nonconference Games
2.Notre Dame @ Texas A&M (August 31)
Mike Elko’s first game back in College Station, this time as head coach, will be against a tough Notre Dame team. The battle between quarterbacks Riley Leonard and Connor Weigman. The team that can get stops consistently in this game will get the win.
3.Louisville @ Notre Dame (September 28)
The reigning ACC-runners up Louisville will head to Notre Dame to end their September schedule. A win for the Cardinals over the Fighting Irish could help elevate them to make a College Football Playoff appearance.
4.USC @ Notre Dame (November 30)
See in Best Big Ten Nonconference Games
5.Notre Dame @ Georgia Tech (October 19)
Georgia Tech has been improving under head coach Brent Key. An October home game against a tough opponent, Notre Dame. Former Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King has settled in and if he can lead a balanced attack, the Yellow Jackets can win this game.
Awards
MVP: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: 95-165, 1102 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INT, 58 rushes, 752 yards, 4 TDs (@ Duke)
Offensive Player of the Year: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: 52 tackles, 7 INTs, 1 FF, 1 FR
Newcomer of the Year: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame
Conference Championship
N/A
Pac-2
Oregon State 6-6 (1-0)
Washington State 5-7 (0-1)
Oregon State and Washington State stand together as the final “Pac-2” members. The Beavers and Cougars were left behind by Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington who went to the Big Ten, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah who moved to the Big 12 and California and Stanford who headed to the ACC. They will both play a majority of their schedule against Mountain West opponents. But, both programs will not be considered to play in the conference championship game. Both the Beavers and Cougars lost a number of their players to the transfer portal after failing to find a new conference destination but both teams can be competitive in 2024. Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith led his team to a 8-5 campaign in 2023 and he quickly left after the season for the same job at Michigan State. Trent Bray comes in as the new head coach. Bray and offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson retooled the offense with Idaho QB transfer Gevani McCoy (replacing DJ Uiagalelei). All-Pac-12 tailback Damien Martinez headed out via the transfer portal too and he will be replaced with a duo of Colorado transfer Anthony Hankerson and returner Jam Griffin. Left guard Joshua Gray is the one starter returns along the offensive line at left guard while just tight end Jermaine Terry II is the only receiving option back that started in 2023. The pass rush is the Beavers’ strength, being led by linebackers Nikko Taylor and Oluwaysei Omotosho. No starters return along the defensive line while cornerback Jaden Robinson is the only member of the secondary back in Bray’s first year as the head coach. In Pullman, Washington State comes off a 5-7 season that ended with a tough three point loss to eventual national championship runner-up Washington in the Apple Cup. Head coach Jake Dickert lost star quarterback Cam Ward to the transfer portal to Miami but junior John Mateer has been in the program for two years and is capable of getting the ball down the field to star receiver Kyle Williams and tight end Cooper Mathers. Only junior center Devin Kylany is a new starter along the offensive line so protection and run blocking should not be an issue for Mateer and running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker. The Cougars return three defensive starters including tackle David Gusta, linebacker Kyle Thornton, and safety Jack Lataimua. So, players will need to step up to support Gusta, Thornton, and Lataimua.
Best Games
1.Oregon @ Oregon State (September 14)
Oregon has one of the best rosters in the country so Oregon State will have to show up at home if they want to win against Dan Lanning and the Ducks. Veteran QB Dillon Gabriel’s poise and his ability to make plays down the field against a weak secondary (outside of Jaden Robinson) should help the Ducks win this one over the Beavers.
2.Washington State @ Washington (September 14; Lumen Field)
Washington State has a real chance to beat their instate rival Huskies despite the game being on the road. They were so close last season but without Cam Ward at quarterback, John Mateer will have to mature quickly and help lead his Cougars to victory. A rivalry game can go either way.
3.Washington State @ Oregon State (November 23)
The battle for the best team in the “Pac-2” will be the second to last Saturday of the regular season in Salem. With Oregon State having the home field advantage and the better roster it’s hard to believe Washington State can come on the road and win that game.
4.Oregon State @ Boise State (November 30)
With former 5-star (and USC) QB Malachi Nelson likely taking snaps for the reigning Mountain West champions Boise State this fall, Oregon State will have to travel to face a quarterback that was in their conference last season. It will be up to the Oregon State defense to stop Nelson and wide receiver Latrell Caples.
5.UNLV @ Oregon State (October 19)
Before heading to Boise to face the winners of the Mountain West championship last season, Oregon State will host the runners-up, UNLV, led by former Missouri head coach Barry Odom the third Saturday of October. A win for Odom’s team led by tailback Jai’Den Thomas and former Arkansas transfer linebackerJackson Woodard could mean another appearance for the Rebels in the Mountain West Championship. Oregon State can keep that from happening by playing good ground and pound football.
Awards
MVP: Anthony Hankerson, RB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: 78 rushes, 319 yards, 1 TD, 16 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD (@ Colorado)
Offensive Player of the Year: Anthony Hankerson, RB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Jaden Robinson, CB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: 33 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 FF
Newcomer of the Year: Anthony Hankerson, RB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Trent Bray, Oregon State
Conference Championship
N/A
SEC
Georgia 11-1 (7-1)
Ole Miss 10-2 (6-2)
Alabama 10-2 (6-2)
Texas A&M 10-2 (6-2)
Missouri 10-2 (6-2)
Tennessee 9-3 (5-3)
Texas 9-3 (5-3)
LSU 8-4 (5-3)
Oklahoma 8-4 (5-3)
Kentucky 8-4 (4-4)
Auburn 7-5 (3-5)
Florida 6-6 (3-5)
Arkansas 5-7 (2-6)
Mississippi State 5-7 (1-7)
South Carolina 4-8 (1-7)
Vanderbilt 3-9 (0-8)
Oklahoma and Texas’ move to the SEC in July was only overshadowed by the greatest college football coach of all-time, Nick Saban announcing his retirement in January from Alabama after winning seven national titles. To replace Saban, the Crimson Tide hired Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, who has a gaudy 104-12 head coaching record, even coaching at lower levels. DeBoer’s team lost a group of transfers following Saban’s exit, most notably safety Caleb Downs to Ohio State, who many think is the best player in all of college football. Quarterback Jalen Milroe returns to learn under the quarterback whisperer DeBoer, who helped former Washington QB Michael Penix become the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (Atlanta Falcons) after a great two year run in Seattle after transferring from Indiana. Milroe lost former Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton to graduation and lost Isaiah Bond to transfer to Texas. Kane Wommack takes over as defensive coordinator for the defense that will be led by safety Malachi Moore, defensive tackles Tim Keenan III, and Tim Smith. The team Alabama beat in last December’s SEC Championship, Georgia, is again the favorite to win the league in a post-Saban world. Signal-caller Carson Beck is all over Heisman lists and he will be joined in the backfield by former Florida tailback Trevor Etienne. With Beck’s top two targets Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey off to the NFL, he will have to find new guys to get the ball to down the field. The defense took a step back in 2023 after dominant performances during national championship seasons in 2021 and 2022 but Kirby Smart should have them refocused. Mykel Williams and Nazir Stackhouse lead the front seven and the defense overall in Athens. After the Bulldogs dominated Ole Miss last November, Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin said they needed to get better on the line of scrimmage. Kiffin and his staff did just that this off-season adding both Texas A&M’s Walter Nolen and Florida’s Princely Umanmielen to their front seven. Adding that talent on to two year starter Jaxson Dart at quarterback, Tre Harris at receiver, and Caden Prieskorn at tight end, this Ole Miss team is a team the SEC media expects to contend to make and win games in the College Football Playoff. Missouri expects to have their best team in years in 2024 after winning 11 games and the Cotton Bowl in Dallas last December. Missouri’s offense returns a lot of continuity including receivers Luther Burden, Theo Wease, and quarterback Brady Cook. Cook will miss tailback Cody Schrader, who graduated. The Tigers defense will miss defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who took the same job at LSU. The Tigers should contend in the SEC again this season with an improved defense under Baker and Garrett Nussmeier stepping into Jayden Daniels’ quarterback spot. Texas’ Steve Sarkisian said he has his deepest roster of his tenure in Austin. Quinn Ewers enters his third season as the starting quarterback with Arch Manning sitting behind them. Replacing Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy at receiver with Isaiah Bond and others will take time but the Longhorns’ can rely on the run game with CJ Baxter. Losing defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat will be difficult for the Longhorns but Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke return as starters along the front seven in Austin. Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma are also contenders in the SEC as the fall begins.
Best Non-Conference Games
1.Michigan @ Texas (September 7)
See in Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games
2.Clemson vs. Georgia (August 31; Atlanta; Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game)
See in Best ACC Non-Conference Games
3.LSU vs. USC (September 1; Las Vegas; Vegas Kickoff Classic)
See in Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games
3.Notre Dame @ Texas A&M (August 31)
See in Best Independents Games
4.Alabama @ Wisconsin (September 14)
See in Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games
5.Tennessee vs. NC State (September 7; Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic)
See in Best ACC Non-Conference Games
Best Conference Games
1.Georgia @ Alabama (September 28)
If Kirby Smart and his Georgia Bulldogs cannot defeat Kalen DeBoer and Alabama to open each of their SEC campaigns, questions need to be asked in Athens if a third national championship in four years is an expectation Bulldogs fans can have. The chess match between the two defenses and quality quarterbacks, Jalen Milroe and Carson Beck will be interesting to watch to close out the September college football slate.
2.Georgia @ Texas (October 19)
After going 1-1 the last two seasons against Nick Saban and Alabama, the Texas Longhorns will try their luck at home against likely pre-season number one Georgia. Texas QB Quinn Ewers will look to prove himself with a different group of receivers this season against Kirby Smart’s terrific defense. On the other side, Georgia tailback Trevor Etienne will attempt to create holes against the Longhorns’ renewed run defense.
3.Texas vs. Oklahoma (October 12)
The first Red River Showdown with Oklahoma and Texas as SEC opponents will be a mid-October match up as it has been in year’s past. Brent Venables’ Sooners won on a game-winning drive with former quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the way. But with Grabriel in Euguene at Oregon now, Jackson Arnold will start in his first game against Texas barring an injury against a team with a veteran quarterback in Quinn Ewers, a balanced ground attack led by CJ Baxter, and a receiving group with lots of talent.
4.Georgia @ Ole Miss (November 9)
Like I mentioned above, Lane Kiffin gained the talent he did in the off-season so that he could beat Georgia. The Rebels welcome the Bulldogs to Oxford the second weekend of November, after getting dominated by Kirby Smart’s team in Athens last season. A win for Kiffin and company could mean a chance to make the SEC Championship and appear in the College Football Playoff.
5.Texas @ Texas A&M (November 30)
There are so many games that deserve this fifth and final spot of the best SEC games that I am ranking but because Texas entered the league this summer, Texas-Texas A&M should be on this list, at least going into this season. New head coach Mike Elko returns to College Station as head coach instead of defensive coordinator this time, ready to lead the Aggies in beating their arch nemesis for the first time since November of 2011, when Justin Tucker hit a walk-off winner for the Longhorns, sending Texas A&M to the SEC.
Awards
MVP: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
2023 Stats: 302-417, 3941 yards, 24 TDs, 6 INTs, 60 rushes, 116 yards, 4 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
2023 Stats: 86 catches, 1212 yards, 9 TDs, 7 rushes, 31 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: James Pearce Jr., DL, Tennessee
2023 Stats:
Newcomer of the Year: Trey Moore, LB, Texas
2023 Stats: 45 tackles, 14 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR (@ UTSA)
Coach of the Year: Kirby Smart, Georgia
Conference Championship (Atlanta)
Georgia (12-1) over Ole Miss (10-3)
Georgia avenges their only loss in the regular season and proves that they may be the best team in the country.
National Preview:
Top 5 Non-Conference Games
1.Texas @ Michigan (September 7)
2.Clemson vs. Georgia (August 31; Atlanta)
3.LSU vs. USC (September 1; Las Vegas; Vegas Kickoff Classic)
4.Florida State @ Notre Dame (November 9)
5.Notre Dame @ Texas A&M (August 31)
Top 5 Conference Games
1.Michigan @ Ohio State (November 30)
2.Georgia @ Alabama (September 28)
3.Georgia @ Texas (October 19)
4.Ohio State @ Oregon (October 12)
5.Clemson @ Florida State (October 5)
2024-2025 College Football Playoff Top 12 Projection:
1.Georgia 12-1 (7-1) SEC
2.Oregon 12-1 (8-1) Big Ten
3.Utah 12-1 (8-1) Big 12
4.Florida State 11-2 (7-1) ACC
5.Notre Dame 11-1
6.Alabama 10-2 (6-2) SEC
7.Michigan 10-3 (8-1) Big Ten
8.Ole Miss 10-3 (6-2) SEC
9.Ohio State 10-2 (7-2) Big Ten
10.Texas A&M 10-2 (6-2) SEC
11.Missouri 10-2 (6-2) SEC
12.Memphis 11-2 (7-1) American Athletic
2024-2025 College Football Playoff Schedule
First Round (December 20-December 21)
Oxford
8.Ole Miss
9.Ohio State
South Bend
5.Notre Dame
12.Memphis
Tuscaloosa
6.Alabama
11.Missouri
Ann Arbor
7.Michigan
10.Texas A&M
Quarterfinals (December 31-January 1)
Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
1.Georgia
9.Ohio State
Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
4.Florida State
5.Notre Dame
Fiesta Bowl (Glendale)
3.Utah
6.Alabama
Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
2.Oregon
7.Michigan
Semifinals (January 9-10)
Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
1.Georgia
5.Notre Dame
Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Oregon
6.Alabama
2025 College Football Playoff National Championship (January 20; Atlanta)
1.Georgia
6.Alabama
Projected 2025 College Football Playoff National Champion: 1.Georgia
Check out the top 25+ incoming recruits to college football in 2024 (per 247sports composite).
