Power-Ranking the Top 10 Matchups of the 2024 College Football Regular Season

I've made no secret my disdain for the most recent wave of college sports realignment, which has led to the dissolution of the Pac-12, removed some of the best rivalries in college football, and eroded the tradition that is a cornerstone of what makes the sport so special. But, if there is a silver lining to be had in all of this, it's the fact that we are going to see new rivalries and exciting matchups spring up throughout the country. From Texas and Texas A&M reigniting their rivalry to Oregon and USC facing off with their new Big Ten brethren, it feels like there are going to be more high-profile games than ever before in 2024. With that in mind, it's time to count down the ten games I'm most excited about looking ahead to this fall. These aren't necessarily the games that will have the greatest impact on the National Title race, but hold value for me for numerous reasons. Of course, trying to narrow down this list to ten was quite the challenge, which bodes well for an exciting 2024 season ahead.

10. BYU Cougars @ Utah Utes - November 9

As compared to the others on this list, BYU's trek to Salt Lake City isn't likely to have that large of an impact on the national stage. But, what a treat it will be to get the infamous "Holy War" for the first time as a conference game following Utah's move to the Big 12 - especially considering the rivalry was on a short hiatus, last played in 2021. I'm not sure most people understand just how much these two schools, and programs, absolutely despise each other and now that there is more at stake than simply bragging rights, I have a suspicion that animosity will be taken up a notch. I also love the fact that this game will be played in November at altitude, and I hope it will be a late night affair. Seeing these two square off in what will be a chilly, hard-fought duel under the lights is going to give off serious "Pac-12 After Dark" energy, which will be bittersweet as we move forward without the wackiest conference in the sport this season.

9. Ole Miss Rebels @ LSU Tigers - October 12

With Texas and Oklahoma joining, you could go down the list and choose just about any SEC league game and call these rankings good. But, in the grand scheme of things I think Ole Miss traveling to Baton Rouge in mid-October is being a bit overlooked. Lane Kiffin is hoping he has the ingredients in place to make a run at the program's first ever Playoff appearance and with the expanded field, it's certainly not out of the question. The Rebels may have lost Quinshon Judkins, but return every other big name offensively and were major winners in the portal. On the flip side, LSU may be without the reigning Heisman winner, but still have a roster that can keep them firmly in the National Title mix and after Brian Kelly shuffled the defensive staff this offseason, I'm curious to see how they look. Don't be surprised if both teams are undefeated entering this one, although LSU will have to deal with a tricky non-conference that interestingly enough features both Los Angeles schools.

8. Clemson Tigers @ Florida State Seminoles - October 5

Unless a team like NC State finds a way to make the jump or Miami finally puts it together, there's no question the ACC will be essentially decided in early October when Clemson visits Florida State. The Seminoles defeated the Tigers in a fun one last season, the first sign the 'Noles were ready to truly challenge for the College Football Playoff, but expect Clemson to be back with a vengeance. For all the bad press he's deservedly taken over the offseason, Dabo Swinney has a quarterback on the rise, ample offensive weapons, and a defense with a full collection of NFL talent. Add in the fact that Florida State's new quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei will be facing off against his former program, there's plenty of fun storylines to follow in this one. The largest, however, is a bit of an awkward one - the reality that this won't be an ACC matchup for much longer, with both programs almost sure to move on within the next several years. 

7. Texas Longhorns @ Michigan Wolverines - September 7 

The 2023 season was really lacking in major early season non-conference games but boy, 2024 is looking like it will deliver. One of the more intriguing will come in Week Two, with Texas set to travel to the Big House to meet up with the defending National Champions in the FOX "Big Noon" game. It's a huge game for both programs, albeit for different reasons. On the Texas side, they are hoping to prove the 2023 breakthrough was no fluke, but will have to make their way through a schedule that includes this one on top of a full SEC schedule. For the Wolverines, they watched Jim Harbaugh and numerous other staffers move on, as well as J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, and several impact defenders. This will be an opportunity for first-year head man Sherrone Moore to prove his coaching chops early against one of the most notable brands in collegiate athletics.

6. Georgia Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide - September 28

With the erasure of divisions in the SEC, Georgia and Alabama will be seeing each other more than just conference championship games, a win for everyone who enjoys high-level college football. Of course, the rivalry will now have a different feel with Nick Saban moving on and now longer regularly squaring off with his former protege Kirby Smart. But, Kalen DeBoer arriving to take over the Crimson Tide could end up being a jolt of life for this rivalry series. The offensive mastermind is almost sure to have some of the most exciting and fun offenses in college football with all the talent at his disposal in Tuscaloosa, which should set up intriguing clashes with Smart's stalwart defenses. Add in the fact Georgia is looking for revenge after Alabama knocked them out of the Playoff race last fall, this game checks a lot of boxes for the entertainment factor.

5. Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs - August 31

It's a special treat to get a meaningful non-conference game on the calendar in August, one with potential National Title ramifications. Clemson and Georgia will reignite their rivalry at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in what will be a neutral site matchup. It will mark the sixth time these two schools have met since the turn of the millennium, with the Bulldogs getting the better of the Tigers four of the last five. That could be an extra bit of motivation for Dabo and the Tigers, who managed just three points in a frustrating defeat to UGA to kick off 2021. Something tells me more points will be scored this time, and the chess match in the trenches is going to be one heck of a watch. But, I'm even more excited about a really underrated quarterback battle, with Carson Beck looking to build an early Heisman case and Cade Klubnik hoping to keep things going after finishing last year strong.

4. Michigan Wolverines @ Ohio State Buckeyes - November 30

How could I complete this list without a mention of "The Game?" The preeminent rivalry in college football always seems to deliver and this year will be fascinating. Michigan has been dominant over the last three seasons and now have put on the pressure on Ryan Day, who enters 2024 hoping to prove himself. On paper, the Buckeyes have a better roster with what they brought back and added over the offseason, at least until we get more definitive answers at several spots for the Wolverines. But, there's a reason these games aren't played on paper. Michigan has every chance to pull out a win in this one, even as they travel to Columbus. With so much changing in the Big Ten this fall, I have a feeling this game will bring us back to our roots a bit in the conference and remind us a bit of the tradition that separates this sport from everything else.

3. Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies - November 30

It's back! After being on hiatus for over a decade, Texas and Texas A&M are set to collide again as conference foes in the new-look SEC. It always felt weird not to have these two meeting up year after year and considering their shared history through the Southwest Conference and Big 12, having these will be a conference game feels especially right. You better believe the Longhorns are in for a brutal awakening as they travel to Kyle Field and deal with an A&M faithful that is going to be on their "A" game for this late November duel. There's never been love lost between these two, but that feeling has to be turned up for Aggie fans, who left the Big 12 to get away from under the banner of the Longhorns and will now have to deal with them regularly in the SEC.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes @ Oregon Ducks - October 12

We've had the privilege of watching Oregon and Ohio State square off twice in the past decade, once with a National Title on the line and another back in 2021. But with Oregon's move to the Big Ten, it's now a league game between these two, pitting the traditional Midwest power against the flash from the West Coast. That storyline alone is worthy of making this a must-watch, but this game feels particularly important in 2024 with both teams on the cusp of something potentially special, with each program looking to have their true "breakthrough" moments. For Oregon, they've had two successful campaigns under Dan Lanning, but are looking to return to the College Football Playoff for the first time in a decade, even as they enter unchartered territory in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have been a Playoff regular, but haven't quite been able to stick the landing when they've gotten there, and are searching for their first National Title in a decade. Different goals, perhaps, but with both entering the season looking for 2024 to be the year they achieve something significant, this one needs to be circled on the calendar.

1. Georgia Bulldogs @ Texas Longhorns - October 19

Fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance and making the jump to the SEC, just about every game on the Longhorn schedule feels extra important in 2024, but they don't get much bigger than welcoming Georgia to town in mid-October. Although Alabama is the defending conference champion, it feels like these two are the teams to beat in the SEC entering the fall, and both are looking at this game as one that can deliver the momentum they need for a huge second half of the season. Amazingly enough, it's only going to be the sixth in the history of both of these storied programs that they will be meeting, and the first time from the Longhorns to face Georgia since the late 1950s. I have a feeling the 2024 edition is certainly going to live up to the hype.

Spring Football 2024: Coaches on the Hot Seat

Billy Napier, Florida

The current world of college football coaching continues to experience an evolution in the transfer portal and NIL era. At a time when building and maintaining a roster has never been more difficult, coaches are being rewarded with larger contracts and more money than ever before. But, all that cash isn't resulting in more job security. Instead, college football programs are hiring and firing at an astonishing rate, and you never can be quite sure which way the coaching carousel is going to turn next. That means that the 2024 carousel should be a wild one once again, and we already have an idea who could be on the chopping block next. Not every hot seat is the same, so I've decided to split the coaches under pressure this fall into three categories all with one, obvious underlying goal this year - to win football games.

Hot Seat Level: Flaming

These coaches could have easily been let go last fall, but managed to hold on to their jobs - for the time being. As they enter 2024, every single defeat could be their final at their respective schools, making this year a true make-or-break.

Billy Napier, Florida

Record at Florida: 11-14, 6-10 SEC (entering Year 3)

There is no coach who enters the fall under as much pressure as Billy Napier at Florida. 25 games into his tenure with the Gators, Napier is 11-14 with a 6-10 mark in the SEC, and he faces concerns both on the field and off of it as he looks head to 2024. The Gators face down arguably the toughest schedule in all of FBS ball this season, with games against in-state rivals Miami, UCF, and Florida State on top of a full SEC conference schedule. Add in the news that broke just last week that one-time Florida commit Jaden Rashada, who is now a Georgia Bulldog, would be bringing a lawsuit against Napier and several others involved with the Gator program claiming he was defrauded of millions in NIL funds, Napier is facing down challenges from all sides. The good news is that his third Florida team looks like his best, at least on paper. Graham Mertz proved to be capable last year as the starting quarterback, Eugene Wilson is one of the best young receivers in all of college football, and the defense has NFL talents at al three levels. But with this schedule, even if Florida were to exceed expectations, it feels like their ceiling is right around 7-8 wins. That's simply not going to cut it in Gainesville, and it feels like a near certainty the program will be on the search for a new head man come winter.

Sam Pittman, Arkansas

Record at Arkansas: 23-25, 11-23 SEC (entering Year 5)

Sam Pittman was considered an outside-the-box hire by Arkansas at the time prior to the 2020 season, and despite some bright spots, he enters 2024 on a flaming hot seat in Fayetteville. To be fair to Pittman, he inherited a brutal situation – the Razorbacks had won just four games total in the two years prior under Chad Morris , and Pittman’s nine-win campaign in 2021, just months removed from the Morris disaster, earned him National Coach of the Year consideration. Building on that success has proven to be quite the challenge, with the Razorbacks going 11-14 over the last two seasons, including faltering to a 4-8 mark last fall. Needless to say, Pittman acted fast over the offseason, shuffling his staff and making one of the splashiest coordinator hires of the cycle by bringing back Bobby Petrino to the program as OC. Perhaps that will finally jolt an offense that felt lifeless throughout the majority of 2023, but Arkansas will be breaking in several new faces on that side of the ball, including new QB Taylen Green. With a precarious schedule, the Razorbacks are going to have to scrap to make a bowl, which isn't exactly where the program hoped to be in Year Five of the Pittman tenure. We'll learn quite a bit about Arkansas' chances for a successful season within the first two weeks of the season, when they travel to Stillwater to match up with Oklahoma State. A win could set the stage for a rebound campaign, but a loss? It could be the type of deflating defeat that sinks their hopes right before a critical part of their schedule in late September to mid-October - and ultimately lead to Pittman's demise. 

Dave Aranda, Baylor

Record at Baylor: 23-25, 15-21 Big 12 (entering Year 5)

Dave Aranda is a prime example of just how quickly things can change in the fast-paced world of college football coaching. After winning the Big 12 in his second season in charge at Baylor back in 2021, Aranda was openly being considered for both the USC and LSU job openings and looked to be the next big thing in college football. Fast forward two years, Aranda is hanging on by a thread in Waco after going 9-16 the last two seasons, and will need to hit the ground running to save his job in 2024. More and more, the 2021 Baylor team has looked like more of a fluke than anything else, and many of the positive traits that defined that team haven't shown up in any of the other Aranda-coached teams. There's been a lack of discipline, energy, and overall execution, all of which is hard to reverse over the course of one offseason. The new-look Big 12 may provide an easier pathway back up the conference totem pole and Aranda and staff have worked hard to fill holes in the transfer portal. But after going 3-9 last fall, it's tough to imagine the Bears turning things completely around and finding themselves in the conference title mix. On the contrary, a tricky September schedule, which includes two Big 12 league games and the ever-tricky Air Force Falcons, may create a situation where Aranda doesn't even last into the season's second month.

Hot Seat Level: Warm

The coaches here aren't likely to be fired midseason, but will need to show tangible progress to ensure they stick around for 2025 and beyond.

Justin Wilcox, California

Record at California: 36-43, 21-37 Pac-12 (entering Year 8)

It's a new day in Berkeley, as the Cal Golden Bears begin life in the ACC in 2024, the type of change that may breathe new life into the program. Since bottoming out at 1-11 in 2013 during Sonny Dykes' first season at the helm, the Golden Bears have been stuck in a frustrating place of mediocrity. They have gone to four bowl games since 2014, with three of them coming under the leadership of Justin Wilcox, but haven't been able to string together any long-term success. With the move to the ACC and Wilcox entering his eighth season in charge, it feels like this fall could be his final opportunity to show he has things moving back in a positive direction. Making a bowl last season, albeit an eventual loss in the Independence Bowl, was solid progress but doesn't it feel like the bar should be higher for Wilcox after nearly a decade in charge at one of the premier institutions on the West Coast? If there is a saving grace for Wilcox, it's the fact that the financial situation for California athletics looks increasingly grim, with reports that the program suffered a nearly $9 million deficit in 2023. The hope is that the move to the ACC will eventually deliver the program a much-needed influx of cash, but in the short-term it may make things worse, with Cal likely taking less revenue from the Pac-12 and increased travel and logistics costs. Even so, it's hard to justify holding on to a football coach who, despite some occasional bright moments, is under .500 overall and managed just a 21-37 record in the Pac-12.

Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati

Record at Cincinnati: 3-9, 1-8 Big 12 (entering Year 2)

Just five years ago, Scott Satterfield looked like he was on a path to being one of the best head coaches anywhere in the country. He was fresh off a successful stint at Appalachian State, where he oversaw their transition from FCS power to the FBS level, and had put together an impressive single season turnaround at Louisville in 2019, going from two wins to eight in his first season at the helm. Fast forward to 2024, Satterfield's stock has dipped in a major way, and he enters the season under considerable pressure in Year Two with Cincinnati. Last year was a wakeup call for the program as they began life in the Big 12, going just 3-9 overall and 1-8 in the new-look conference, with the lone league win coming against another newcomer (Houston). To be fair to Satterfield, there were several close losses and the Bearcats could have easily backed their way into a bowl, but considering the fact he wasn't a super popular hire at the time after Luke Fickell left for Madison, it wasn't the ringing debut the 51-year old head man was looking for. Satterfield will benefit from another full offseason with the group and hopes to have plugged holes through the portal, but there are still serious questions throughout the roster. First off foremost, who will be the starting QB now that Emory Jones has finally exhausted his eligibility? Indiana transfer Brendan Sorsby looks to have the inside track, but who else will help open things up on this side of the ball? The talent on this roster is lacking considerably when compared to their other power conference foes and unless Satterfield can whip up some magic, it feels like it could be another long season for a program that was playing in the College Football Playoff just two and a half years ago.

Hot Seat Level: Prove It Year

It's not fair to consider these coaches on the hot seat, especially the first guy on this list, but 2024 will be an important fall for each. Whether it's Ryan Day looking to prove he can deliver the National Title to Ohio State that has eluded him so far, or Brent Venables showing he can handle Oklahoma's new reality in the SEC, each has something to prove this year.

Ryan Day, Ohio State

Record at Ohio State: 56-8, 39-3 Big Ten (entering Year 6)

Remember when Jim Harbaugh seemingly couldn't get over the hump, couldn't beat Ohio State, and seemed perpetually stuck playing second fiddle to the Buckeyes in the Big Ten? Things have now reversed, and it's Ryan Day who is looking to prove the doubters wrong after three straight losses to Michigan. Now, context here is important (and awfully forgotten about with the Ryan Day discourse) - these past three Michigan teams have been some of the greatest teams in program history, with three straight conference titles and Playoff appearances, with a National Title to boot. Still, Buckeye fans are beginning to get restless and with just one Playoff victory to his credit, it's time for Day to start delivering even more than what we've seen to this point. Fortunately, 2024 sets up perfectly to be the breakthrough year for Ohio State and Day, if the new offensive pieces can gel in short order. Although the Big Ten is adding four strong programs to the mix, Michigan could be due for a step-back after Harbaugh's departure, as will newcomer Washington most likely. Even more important, Ohio State returns an overwhelming amount of star power to their roster, with several major names holding off on the NFL for one more year run, including TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, J.T. Tuimoloau, and more. Add in the successes in the portal by landing Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss and Caleb Downs from Alabama, all the ingredients are there for this to be truly be the year - now it's time for Day to show he can do it.

Mario Cristobal, Miami (FL)

Record at Miami: 12-13, 6-10 ACC (entering Year 3)

After cycling through coach after coach, it looked like Miami finally got their guy when they hired alum Mario Cristobal to run the program after his successful run at Oregon. Cristobal, an offensive linemen on two National Championship winning Hurricane teams, had both the knowledge of the program and the coach skillset to finally help "The U" fulfill their vast potential. However, two years in, the results have been... mixed. The debut campaign was a stinker, with the Hurricanes going 5-7 and missing a bowl all together, finishing off fifth in a weak ACC Coastal. 2023 looked like it could be a turnaround campaign and set the stage for exciting things to come, but it also fell a little flat. A 4-0 start was erased by an atrocious decision by Cristobal to keep running the ball instead of kneeling against Georgia Tech, resulting in a shocking Yellow Jacket comeback. Then came the three game losing streak in November and a head-scratching bowl performance in a defeat to Rutgers, all in all equaling a 7-6 second season for Cristobal. 25 games in, 12-13 overall and a 6-10 record in an ACC that has been mediocre to bad the last two years, has not cut it. So, the ever-important Year Three feels even more crucial for Cristobal, and to his credit, his work in both high school recruiting and in the transfer portal has Miami flush with talent. But, plenty of coaches over the years at Miami have made the big splashes in the offseason or built a roster loaded with NFL talent - winning football games consistently has been the problem in Coral Gables, and time will tell if Cristobal is able to flip the script this fall.

Brent Venables, Oklahoma

Record at Oklahoma: 16-10, 10-8 Big 12 (entering Year 3)

Much like Cristobal, the debut season for Brent Venables in 2022 did not go as planned. The Sooners entered the season ranked No. 9 in the nation, but between an injury to starting QB Dillon Gabriel and an atrocious defense, they managed to just get to .500 at 6-6 on the regular season. Among those six losses was a 49-0 drubbing at the hands of Texas in the Red River Showdown, the largest margin of victory by the Longhorns in the long history of the rivalry. Fortunately, 2023 was a reversal of fortunes for Venables and the Sooners, as Gabriel was healthy and they made strides on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma would jump to a 7-0 start, before their Playoff hopes and eventual Big 12 Title hopes were dashed by losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State. Still, winning 10 games after such a surprisingly bad debut was quite the response from Venables and this staff and there's significant momentum around the program as they look to 2024. However, 2024 will also usher in their first season of SEC football, a significant step up for a program that has dominated life in the Big 12 for over two decades. No longer are the Sooners going to hold such a massive talent advantage over their competition. On the contrary, they are going to be facing teams just as big, strong, and athletic, with universities as committed to building a winning football program as Oklahoma is. Of course, Venables and staff have known this was coming and have looked to bulk up along the lines and bring in a different type of athlete than what Lincoln Riley leaned on during his time in Norman, but this is still a major adjustment and unlike Texas, the Sooners aren't fresh off a Playoff berth. Venable seems like the right guy for this transition, but it will be a huge one. How he, and this entire program, responds will make all the difference this year and beyond.

Spring Football 2024: 10 Players Poised for the Big Sophomore Leap

Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

True freshman are contributing earlier and earlier in modern college football, but for many players across the country, the big leap comes during their second seasons on campuses. A full offseason with the program, where players have the opportunity to become engrained in rigorous nutrition, strength, and conditioning programs greatly accelerates their development and in turn, opens up the possibilities for a potential "breakout" campaign. That's why my annual, "10 Players Poised for the Big Sophomore Leap" article is one of my favorite to write each and every spring - I love the idea of betting on a young player who may be unheard of by the broader college football community and seeing if they can pan out. And, there have been plenty of hits (how about Ollie Gordon last year?!) and even more misses, but this type of speculation is one element of college sports that remains as fun as ever. These are the 10 I'm keeping a close eye on this year as we inch towards the kickoff of the 2024 season.

Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee

(2023 Stats: 314 passing yards, 5 total touchdowns)

It almost feels like cheating to include a player with the pedigree of Nico Iamaleava on this list, but the former five-star prospect seems poised for a monster 2024 campaign. Iamaleava is mostly known around the college football world for the monster NIL contract he signed coming out of high school, rumored to be in the range of $8 million, but those who follow high school recruiting have raved about his skillset for years. He's the most hyped Tennessee quarterback since Peyton Manning, and there's multiple reasons to believe 2024 is the year we see the full breakout. Incumbent starter Joe Milton is off playing on Sundays, Josh Heupel's offense is about as QB-friendly as you can get at this level, and Iamaleava will have the luxury of passing to one of the better receiver corps in the SEC, headlined by a healthy Bru McCoy. Sure, there will be growing pains, as there always are for young quarterbacks in the SEC, but it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Iamaleava doesn't put up monster numbers running this offense. The expectations will be intense, and few places in college football are quite the pressure cooker Tennessee is, but Iamaleava signed up for this - he seems ready to show what he can do on the big stage.

Hykeem Williams, WR, Florida State

(2023 Stats: 5 receptions, 80 yards, 1 touchdown)

Last season's CFB Playoff snub should provide ample motivation for the Florida State Seminoles as they gear up for 2024, but there's no denying that there are major losses on both sides of the ball in Tallahassee. The passing attack in particular is in for a complete rebuild after QB Jordan Travis exhausted his eligibility, and top wide outs Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman took their talents to the NFL. Mike Norvell and staff made an understandable decision to bring in a transfer quarterback as a bridge in the first year of the post-Travis era, with D.J. Uiagalelei returning to the ACC. "D.J. U" has never lived up to his former five-star billing, but the former Clemson and Oregon State starter has made 40 starts in his collegiate career and proven to be serviceable. With that being said, losing Wilson and Coleman leaves a gap at receiver - one that may just be filled by uber-talented sophomore Hykeem Williams. A five-star recruit from last year's 2023 Class, Williams looks the part, a 6'3", 210-pounder with a wide catch radius and blazing speed. However, he wasn't able to quite make an impact in 2023, managing just five receptions for 80 yards, along with a touchdown in the Syracuse win. He is part of a crowded receiver room, one that now includes a pair of SEC refugees in Malik Benson (Alabama) and Jalen Brown (LSU), plus several notable holdovers. But nobody in this room has the pure talent of Williams, and if you are going to bet on one, why not invest in the one with the most potential? Williams could make all the difference between another FSU ACC Title, or the 'Noles sinking back down the conference totem pole.

Tackett Curtis, LB, Wisconsin

(2023 Stats: 40 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 pass deflection)

For as disappointing as USC's 2023 campaign was, including a defense that couldn't stop absolutely anyone, freshman linebacker Tackett Curtis was a notable bright spot. A four-star recruit who the Trojans originally stole out of SEC territory in Louisiana, Curtis played with fearlessness as a true frosh, and immediately became known for monster hits en route to a 40-tackle campaign. Lincoln Riley and the staff raved about him, but instead of being a building block for the future in Los Angeles, Curtis surprisingly hit the portal over the offseason and ended up at Wisconsin. He's one of several new faces in the Wisconsin linebacker corps, a group that was very un-Badgeresque during Luke Fickell's first season at the helm. However, coordinator Mike Tressel now has a lot to work with at the position and most importantly, there's athleticism at the position, which was sorely lacking in 2023. This seems like a win-win for both sides - Wisconsin adds one an incredibly talented young linebacker with experience, while Curtis goes to a school with a proven pedigree for developing the position. As long as he stays healthy, it's hard for me not to imagine Curtis making an immediate impact in Madison.

Luke Hasz, TE, Arkansas

(2023 Stats: 16 receptions, 253 yards, 3 touchdowns)

One of the 23 players who made my Freshman to Watch list last spring, Arkansas tight end Luke Hasz didn't just look like one of the best freshman tight ends in the nation through the first five games - he looked like one of the best tight ends, period. Hasz caught 16 passes for 253 yards over the season's first month and was particularly dominant against LSU, going over 100 yards and bringing in two touchdowns in a close loss. Unfortunately, a broken clavicle against Texas A&M in the final week of September ended up costing him the remainder of his true freshman season, a depressing ending to a promising start to his career. Now, Hasz is not only 100 percent, but all reports out of Arkansas in the spring were that the tight end was looking stronger and better than ever before, a terrifying scenario for the rest of the SEC. Hasz should also benefit from the changes on offense for the Razorbacks, as Bobby Petrino arrives to rejuvenate an offense that was lifeless for the vast majority of the 2023 season. Petrino will look to get Arkansas playing more up-tempo and taking shots down the field, which should in turn open up space for their sophomore tight end underneath. If he can stay healthy, there's no reason to think that Hasz can't be an All-SEC talent in 2024.

Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

(2023 Stats: 21 tackles, 1 interception, 4 pass deflections)

The Texas offense received plenty of credit for their success in 2023, and rightfully so, but I'd argue it was the growth on defense that truly spurred the Longhorn run to the CFB Playoff. Now, as they jump to the SEC even more will be expected and in a league brimming with QB talent, the Texas secondary is going to have to keep up. The good news is that the Longhorns have a rising young talent at corner in Malik Muhammad, a Top 100 recruit in the Class of 2023 who played in all 14 games a year ago. Muhammad never seemed fazed by seeing so much action so early at an important position - on the contrary, he seemed to get better and gain more confidence each week. As he prepares for 2024, even more will be expected, with Muhammad likely to slide into the starting spot at boundary corner. In fact, he looks to be the top corner on the roster after the surprising decision by Terrance Brooks to hit the portal during the recent spring window. That will be plenty to handle, but Muhammad has all thee tools to do just that and appears ready to take up a leadership mantle on a reloading Texas defense this fall.

Kaden Feagin, RB, Illinois

(2023 Stats: 95 carries, 438 yards, 3 total touchdowns)

Kaden Feagin was so impressive as a true freshman for Illinois last fall that he essentially pushed incumbent starter Reggie Love II out the door and over to fellow Big Ten rival Purdue. But, it feels like 2023 was just the beginning for the talented sophomore. For one thing, there may not be a more physically imposing running back in all of college football, with Feagin standing at an eye-popping 6'3", 250 pounds. Despite that size, he moves pretty well and there's some real wiggle to his running style, although at his core, he's a workhorse back. Illinois will look to maintain some semblance of offensive balance as they approach the 2024 campaign, especially with former Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer ending last season strong. But when you have a player who can eat up yards like Feagin, it's going to be hard not to feed him, and he's now the clear-cut guy in the backfield in Champaign. This feels like the year he becomes a household name, and I suspect the production to pick right up in the first week against Eastern Illinois. That is, assuming Feagin is 100 percent, as he works his way back from a shoulder problem that bothered him late last fall and into this spring.

Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

(2023 Stats: 50 tackles, 0.5 sacks)

You could make the argument Whit Weeks has already emerged after totaling 50 tackles a true freshman in the SEC a season ago, but he's another guy I think is bound for a monster 2024. Weeks came on as a pleasant surprise early on for the Tigers a season ago, inserted into the starting lineup within the first month. And, he looked the part, managing 26 tackles across his first three SEC games against Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Ole Miss. The healthy return of veteran Omar Speights led to Weeks seeing his play time cut in half and the Tiger defense seemed to suffer when the high motor linebacker wasn't on the field. Speights is now gone and Brian Kelly completely overhauled the staff on this side of the ball over the offseason, bringing in Blake Baker from Missouri to run the defense. It's still not clear what defensive scheme Baker will deploy in 2024, and how he'll use Harold Perkins and company, but it's hard to imagine Weeks not playing an important role. The true sophomore is way too talented to keep off the field, and he has enough versatility to move around a bit. LSU is certainly hoping for a defensive turnaround in 2024 and if that does indeed take place, Weeks should be at the center of it.

Creed Whittemore, WR, Mississippi State

(2023 Stats: 11 receptions, 102 yards, 3 total touchdowns)

It quickly became clear in 2023 that Zach Arnett was not the guy for Mississippi State, and the program quickly cut ties with the interim head coach, instead bringing on Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby to run the show. Lebby injects new life into a program that felt directionless after the shocking and tragic passing of Mike Leach late in 2022 and if there's one thing we know he is going to deliver, it's points. The Bulldogs are going to be running an aggressive, up-tempo scheme that challenges defenses down the field, different from Leach's old Air Raid but bringing many of its principles to fruition. That should be good news for every receiver on the roster, including a potential rising star in Creed Whittemore. The sophomore from Gainesville is an interesting piece, a player who played quarterback throughout all of high school but signed with Mississippi State as an athlete. He acclimated quickly to the wide receiver position and flashed significant potential in limited playing time, including three total touchdowns last fall. It feels like this could be the breakout campaign for him not just because he will be playing in a wide-open offense, but how the depth chart unfolds around him. The top two receivers on the Bulldogs in 2023, Tulu Griffin and Zavion Thomas, both departed and while Lebby and staff added several pieces in the portal, you would imagine the holdovers will get a chance to show what they can do. A player with Whittemore's skillset, a versatile weapon that can line up truly anywhere, is incredibly valuable to an offensive mind like Lebby and I'm curious to see what creative plays or packages he deploys to get the ball in his hands in 2024.

Rueben Owens, RB, Texas A&M

(2023 Stats: 385 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns)

A one-time Louisville pledge, Rueben Owens was a big get for Jimbo Fisher and staff to bolster their 2023 Class, and he looked to be part even as the Aggies suffered through a rough fall. Owens finished with 385 rushing yards on 101 carries, along with three touchdowns, and he also looked to be a capable receiver out of the backfield. He wasn't able to showcase his breakaway speed in a rather lethargic A&M offense, but the hope is that things will look vastly different under new head coach Mike Elko and offensive coordinator Collin Klein. Klein, who left his alma mater Kansas State to make the jump to College Station, has always put an emphasis on the ground game, with the Wildcats finishing with the nation's 11th best rushing offense in 2023. He's going to bring that same mentality to his new digs with the Aggies and with Owens looking like the clear-cut top option in the backfield, this feels like a match made in heaven.

Jackson Bowers, TE, BYU

(2023 Stats: None)

The first season in Big 12 play was a wake up call for BYU, who limped to a 5-7 mark overall and 2-7 record in the league. As a result, head coach Kalani Sitake shuffled his coaching staff in preparation for 2024, including offensive line coach Darrell Funk and tight ends coach Steve Clark. New tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride, who arrives after spending most of the last decade in the NFL, fortunately has ample talent at his disposal, including a potential breakout candidate in Jackson Bowers. Bowers didn't see the field much as a true freshman, playing in just three games and not recording a single catch, but the big-bodied pass-catcher has all the physical tools to be a force and I suspect this Cougar offense will lean on their tight ends early and often in 2024. Converted receiver Keanu Hill is likely to begin the season as BYU's starter at the position, but Bowers, who stands at 6'5", 245 pounds but boasts remarkably soft hands, could evolve into the type of reliable red zone threat every team needs at the position. He's added 20 pounds since joining the program and now that he has a full year under his belt, I like his chances to emerge in this BYU offense. 

Spring Football 2024: Breaking Down the 10 Most Important Quarterback Competitions in College Football

Alex Orji, Michigan

Spring has sprung across the country and for college football fans, that means the first taste of action in preparation of the 2024 campaign. It also means it's one of the first times for quarterbacks entrenched in position battles to prove themselves against something resembling game action, which can make all the difference over the course of a long offseason. With that in mind, here are the ten quarterback competitions I'm watching over the coming spring and summer months, all of which became much more fluid and intriguing with the re-opening of the transfer portal earlier this week.

Auburn Tigers

Competitors: Payton Thorne (Sr.), Holden Geriner (RSo.), Hank Brown (RFr.), Walker White (Fr.) 

While there were a few bright spots for Hugh Freeze on The Plains during his debut season, it's clear there is plenty of work to be done in 2024, especially as Oklahoma and Texas arrive to bolster the SEC. The first priority for Freeze and new offensive coordinator Derrick Nix is to identify who their quarterback will be after struggling mightily at the position a season ago. Former Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne remains in town, but will have to battle off a trio of youngsters, including Holden Geriner, Hank Brown, and newcomer Walker White. Thorne should have the edge, at least on paper, as he has three seasons of starting experience and has thrown for 65 touchdowns over the course of his college career. But, his maddening turnover problems have become almost too much for Auburn to handle and Freeze could look for a young option with potential to guide this offense in 2024. That puts Geriner and Brown firmly on Thorne's heels, but none of these four were able to make enough of an impression during the spring to lock down the job before the Tigers wrapped things up in early April. I'll stick with Thorne as the tentative favorite, but this should be an interesting one to watch come fall camp.

Favorite: Thorne

BYU Cougars

Competitors: Gerry Bohanon (RSr.), Jake Retzlaff (RJr.), Treyson Bourget (RSo.)

It was not a super warm welcome for BYU in their first year in the Big 12 in 2023, as they went 5-7 overall and 2-7 in the league. That means Kalani Sitake and staff have their work cut out for them this fall, and identifying a starting QB is priority No. 1. The choices come down to former Baylor and USF transfer Gerry Bohanon, one-time JUCO transfer Jake Retzlaff, and former Western Michigan transfer Treyson Bourget. However, after spring, it sounds like the competition is really a two-man race between Bohanon and Retzlaff, with Bourget's future up in the air. Bohanon does have experience starting in the Big 12 with Baylor back in 2021, but at no point in his college career has he really looked all that impressive. The last time we saw him playing significant snaps in 2022, he finished with 1,070 yards, 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, and a 57% completion rate. Retzlaff hasn't been super impressive either in the short spurts we've seen of him, but even though he's not particularly young, you can at least sell yourself on his potential. I would imagine he'll get a chance to show what he can do first, with Bohanon waiting in the wings for his opportunity.

Favorite: Retzlaff

Michigan Wolverines

Competitors: Davis Warren (Sr.), Alex Orji (Jr.), Jayden Denegal (Jr.), Jadyn Davis (Fr.)

Fresh off a National Title, there are going to be plenty of new faces playing crucial roles for the Michigan Wolverines this fall. That includes under center, as J.J. McCarthy takes his talents to the NFL after two seasons running the show in Ann Arbor. Four players are in the mix to take over the reigns from McCarthy, all of whom bring different skill sets and strengths to the table. Junior Alex Orji and senior Davis Warren are the veterans of the room, with Orji appearing in nine games over the last two years, including six during the 2023 season. He's a different quarterback than what we became accustomed to under Jim Harbaugh, a dual-threat whose legs are his real strength. Warren has played in eight games over his Michigan career, but is more of a long shot than a realistic threat to take over the starting job. Then there's junior Jayden Denegal, who appeared in six games as well in 2023, along with the highly touted frosh, Jadyn Davis. At 6'5", 235 pounds, Denegal has the looks of an NFL quarterback and seems like a good fit in new offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell's scheme, while Davis comes in with plenty of fanfare, but will need ample time to acclimate to this level and this system. Overall, it feels like all four are firmly in the mix, and there feels like little degree of separation between the quartet. My feel, however, is that Denegal is the type of player who is going to keep on improving over the spring and summer months and carry enough momentum to secure the job. He's got the raw tools to put it together and seems to be the most balanced of the four, ready to take command of this job and be the guy for the defending National Champions in 2024.

Favorite: Denegal

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Competitors: Heinrich Haarberg (So.), Dylan Raiola (Fr.), Daniel Kaelin (Fr.)

Few freshmen in the country enter 2024 with as much hype surrounding them as quarterback Dylan Raiola, especially given the context of his arrival. The football-starved Cornhuskers haven't been to a bowl game in nearly a decade, but Raiola, the nephew of offensive line coach Donovan, is the type of prospect that can completely change the fortunes of a program. He arrives as the overwhelming favorite to start Nebraska's opener in late August against UTEP and has been receiving rave reviews from head man Matt Rhule, but don't overlook returning sophomore Heinrich Haarberg, or fellow newcomer Daniel Kaelin. Haarberg's numbers last fall don't inspire supreme confidence, at least through the air, but the 'Huskers were 3-2 under his leadership and his running ability gives this offense an interesting element. Kaelin has also reportedly impressed throughout the spring and could be a real dark horse to secure the starting job. Yet, Raiola remains the oversized elephant in the room and I get the feeling Nebraska fans may riot if they don't see starting the opener. The hype around him is just too deafening to imagine Rhule going any other direction and with Raiola's unique arm, he is the guy who puts the 'Huskers in the best position to win, now and in the future.

Favorite: Raiola

Ohio State Buckeyes

Competitors: Will Howard (Gr.), Devin Brown (Jr.), Julian Sayin (RFr.), Air Noland (Fr.)

Between seeing their bitter rivals win a National Title, three straight losses to said rival, and the Big Ten expanding, there's a feeling of pressure throughout Columbus as they gear up for 2024. Ryan Day has no shortage of talent at his disposal as usual, but the Buckeyes must get better production from the QB position than they got in 2023 with Kyle McCord. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from, with as many as five players in the mix for the starting job in the spring, although you get the feeling one or two could be hitting the spring portal window in short order. There's the steady vet, Kansas State transfer Will Howard, a proven commodity who threw for 48 touchdowns over his Wildcat career. Then there's the intriguing backup Devin Brown, who spent 2023 behind McCord, and has flashed real upside throughout his Ohio State. And finally the young and unproven, but supremely talented, newcomers in Alabama transfer Julian Sayin and true freshman Air Noland. Sayin and Noland feel like long shots, at least at this point in the process, but keep an eye on these two. It was surprising that Sayin, a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, decided to join such a loaded quarterback room. No, this competition really comes down to Howard versus Brown, and it's hard to imagine an inexperienced option like Brown overtaking a grizzled veteran like Howard, who the staff clearly likes. It's not super encouraging for Brown that he wasn't able to see much of the field last fall despite McCord's struggles, another reason to bet on Howard in this race.

Favorite: Howard

Oregon Ducks

Competitors: Dillon Gabriel (RSr.), Dante Moore (So.)

Bo Nix may be gone, but head coach Dan Lanning and Oregon reloaded in a big way this offseason by landing two of the biggest quarterback names in the portal in Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore. Gabriel, who is on his third school after beginning his career at UCF, has started 49 games in his college career and compiled over 16,000 yards of total offense and 151 touchdowns. One would assume he'll be a bridge quarterback as the Ducks begin their journey in the Big Ten, but don't be surprised if Dante Moore pushes him throughout fall camp and into the regular season. Moore had understandable ups-and-downs as a true freshman on a frustrating UCLA team, finishing with an 11-9 TD-INT ratio and 54% completion percentage, but the former blue-chip recruit has all the physical tools to be a superstar at this level. He should also benefit from playing in a more wide-open Duck offense, one with real weapons out wide as compared to the group he joined in Westwood. I'd still suspect Gabriel to be the guy in 2024 as he prepares for his final ride in college, but at the very least we should see some of Moore this fall, particularly with Gabriel's checkered injury history.

Favorite: Gabriel

Pittsburgh Panthers

Competitors: Eli Holstein (RFr.), Nate Yarnell (RJr.)

It's been a revolving door at the quarterback position for Pittsburgh since Kenny Pickett left town. In fact, since Kedon Slovis' last game with the team in 2022, five different quarterbacks have taken the reigns of the offense. The Panthers are hoping for more stability at the position in 2024 and for somebody to emerge in new coordinator Kade Bell's offense. And, we likely learned a lot surrounding the ongoing quarterback competition with one-time Penn State transfer Christian Veilleux hitting the portal earlier in the week after starting five games in 2023. One would assume that opens the door for Eli Holstein, who redshirted at Alabama last fall before heading up north, to be the guy to beat, but junior Nate Yarnell should at least push him into fall camp. Yarnell has played in six games and started three for the Panthers over the last two seasons, and actually flashed some real moments for the team during the lost 2023 season. In particular, he went 25-35 and notched 265 yards in the regular season finale against Duke, although the Panthers came up short. However, Holstein arrives as a highly touted signal-caller from Louisiana who was a high four-star recruit, giving him the clear edge talent-wise. And, considering the new playcaller Bell has no allegiances to Yarnell given its his first year on staff, this feels like Holstein's job to lose coming out of spring.

Favorite: Holstein

South Carolina Gamecocks

Competitors: LaNorris Sellers (RFr.), Robby Ashford (RSr.), Davis Belville (Gr.)

With Spencer Rattler exhausting his eligibility, Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks are looking for a new signal-caller to run the offense in 2024. One would assume the early favorite was already on the roster last fall in redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers, who flashed explosive playmaking potential in very limited action a year ago. The coaching staff seems high on Sellers, and the 6'3", 245-pounder is a gifted athlete who has reminded me a bit of Anthony Richardson from what I've seen. However, I do find it interesting that Beamer and staff chose to bring in not one, but two, veteran quarterbacks from the portal to strengthen this room. That includes Robby Ashford, currently on his third school and second stop in the SEC, as well as Davis Belville, who has spent time with Pittsburgh and Oklahoma. Ashford was never able to quite put it all together during his time with Auburn, but the redshirt senior does add an interesting wild card to the equation here. He's not going to scare defenses very much as a passer, but he is a gifted runner who totaled nearly 1,000 yards on the ground his two seasons with the Tigers. At the very least, you would imagine South Carolina using Ashford in different packages to keep defenses honest, or in short yardage. Belville is more of a depth guy than a serious contender, and there's also Luke Doty, who has spent the last three seasons at QB but is moving to a wide receiver role this year, but could be used in emergencies. I'd still bet my money on Sellers being the guy when the Gamecocks open the season, but the lack of experience makes Ashford a name to watch as we inch closer to the regular season.

Favorite: Sellers

USC Trojans

Competitors: Miller Moss (RJr.), Jayden Maiava (RSo.)

USC looked to be major players in the transfer quarterback market this offseason with Caleb Williams making the expected jump to the pros, but Miller Moss' six touchdown performance in the Holiday Bowl seemed to change Lincoln Riley's plans in short order. Now, Moss looks like he'll be the one to be in the enviable position of running Riley's high-octane offense, although the Trojans did end up bringing in UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava later on, complicating things slightly as we look towards 2024. Moss has waited his turn in Los Angeles and should have a firm understanding of this offense, but Maiava's presence creates some level of mystery. As a redshirt freshman with the Rebels, Maiava turned in over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, while completing over 63% of his passes in a fun, unique offensive scheme. With the spring game this Saturday, Moss seems to be in the driver's seat and should enter fall camp as the favorite, but Maiava's upside and playmaking ability makes this one something to monitor as the Trojans look to rebound from a down 2023 campaign. 

Favorite: Moss

Vanderbilt Commodores

Competitors: Blaze Berlowitz (So.), Nate Johnson (Jr.), Diego Pavia (Sr.)

With the transfers of A.J. Swann and Ken Seals, Vanderbilt has essentially completely flipped the entire quarterback room as they prepare for Clark Lea's fourth season at the helm. Fresh off a 2023 that saw the Commodores go winless in the SEC, it's an understandable strategy, albeit one that comes with ample risk as Lea and staff choose between several transfers. Nate Johnson arrives from Utah after earning starting experience with the Utes last fall, while a pair join from New Mexico State in Diego Pavia and Blaze Berlowitz, both of whom followed their offensive coordinator from Las Cruces to Nashville. Johnson likely has the early edge because he got a chance to show what he could do in the spring, with Pavia set to join the program after the conclusion of spring. With that being said, Johnson hasn't exactly lit the world on fire with the Commodores so far through the offseason and Pavia is fresh off a season in which he threw for 26 touchdowns running OC Tim Beck's offense. One would assume that sets him up for success considering he knows the playbook, but the jump to SEC ball will be a major one, while Johnson has at least competed at the Power Five level before.

Favorite: Pavia