College Football Picks 2024: Week One

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

(#14) Clemson Tigers @ (#1) Georgia Bulldogs (Atlanta)

Line: Georgia -13.5

O/U: 48.5

Two of college football's premier programs in the last decade collide in Atlanta to kick off the 2024 college football season. Despite their success, these two seem to be going in opposite directions - Georgia may not have been able to pull off the historic three-peat in 2023, but looks to still be firing on all cylinders entering the fall. Clemson, who won a pair of National Titles in the 2010s and played for two more, is out to prove they still belong in the National Title conversation with three or more losses each of the last three years. 

This Georgia team is going to look and play different than what we've come to know them under Kirby Smart. With Carson Beck under center, the Bulldogs are not going to be afraid to test this Clemson secondary over-the-top, and there's enough versatility in this receiver corps to use the entire field. Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey may be gone, but look for names like Dominic Lovett, Arian Smith, and Colbie Young to ensure there's no drop-off for this aerial attack this fall. If that's not enough Georgia should still be able to lean on their usual power-rushing attack with the addition of Trevor Etienne and a healthy Branson Robinson. Teams simply aren't going to be able to stack the box against Beck's arm, and that's going to provide ample opportunities for this offense to pound the rock, particularly later in games once fatigue sets in. It will be interesting to see how Clemson is able to counter the other way. This defensive front is still at peak Clemson levels, with a host of future NFL defensive linemen and one of the best linebackers in the game today, Barrett Carter. It's going to be an absolute bloodbath in the trenches, and watching the chess match between Mike Bobo and Georgia versus Wes Goodwin and Clemson will be worth the watch alone. It's the secondary where my concerns lie with the Tigers, and they've been prone to the big play in recent years - with the way Beck finished 2023, that has to be the biggest advantage for Georgia on this side of the ball.

Was another offseason all Garrett Riley and Cade Klubnik needed to work out their differences after an up-and-down 2023? In many ways, it should have been expected that a young QB would struggle with a new play-caller, but the Tigers will need more from this offense if they have hopes of retaking the ACC this year. The reviews from the offseason for Klubnik have been good, but he faces quite the test to kick off the season against a strong Georgia defense. This is a group that may not quite have the star power of previous Bulldog defenses, but is as fast and athletic as anything we've seen Kirby Smart and staff put out. They're particularly good in the secondary, where safety Malaki Starks can change the game on just about every snap. For Clemson to win, Klubnik will need to take care of the ball, and he'll need help from a receiver group that was wildly inconsistent last season. Being without workhorse tailback Will Shipley is also a cause for concern. Although Phil Mafah should be able to handle the load, Shipley consistently got this Clemson offense out of tight spots throughout his time with the program. Do they have that type of consistent, clutch playmaker that can move the chains on this roster? Perhaps, but they'll still be identifying who it is as they suit up for this one.

There's been a lot of negativity surrounding Clemson throughout the offseason, but I think this one may be a reminder to college football fans everywhere this is still a program loaded with talent. They match up in the trenches against Georgia much better than a lot of SEC teams, and the skill positions have some real weapons. But, Beck gives Georgia an edge over Klubnik and the Tigers, at least until we see it from Klubnik in a big game like this. Add to the fact this is about as much of a home game as you can get for a neutral site contest for UGA, you have to roll with the Bulldogs here.

The Pick: Georgia, 31 Clemson, 21

Full College Football Preview 2024

Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Top 25

1. Ohio State Buckeyes -- After bringing in Quinshon Judkins through the portal and with several major names holding off on the NFL, Ohio State is all in on this being the year. Even in a treacherous Big Ten, I suspect Ryan Day finds a way to finish the job.

2. Georgia Bulldogs -- Georgia wasn't able to complete the "three-peat" after coming up short against Alabama in last year's SEC Championship Game, but the program is showing no signs of slowing down. With Carson Beck under center, they have a legit Heisman frontrunner, and arguably the most talented roster in all of the land.

3. Oregon Ducks -- Life in the Big Ten begins this fall for the Ducks, but this roster is ready to go. Dillon Gabriel will lead an explosive passing attack that features an elite receiver corps, while the defense is stocked with future NFL defenders.

4. Texas Longhorns -- 2023 was the breakthrough year for the Longhorns after years of waiting - now what will they do for an encore? The return of Quinn Ewers gives them a proven leader under center, but it's the continued growth from the defense that should guide them back to the College Football Playoff.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide -- Nick Saban may be gone, but I don't envision the Crimson Tide slowing down just yet. Kalen DeBoer has more than enough talent at his disposal to keep this thing rolling in 2024, especially with Jalen Milroe the established quarterback.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- It's Year Three for Marcus Freeman, and the ultimate make-it-or-break-it season for the 38-year old head coach. He's got the new QB (Riley Leonard), a roster loaded in the trenches, but most importantly, a favorable schedule. Anything short of a Playoff berth would be a major disappointment in South Bend.

7. Penn State Nittany Lions -- Penn State could be a major beneficiary of the expanded Playoff and new-look Big Ten, getting out of the rugged East Division. But to make the Playoff, they'll need more from their passing game - not just QB Drew Allar, but a receiver corps that was pedestrian for much of 2023.

8. Michigan Wolverines -- Forget all the offseason drama - this remains one of the premier rosters in college football. However, with major questions at QB and turnover throughout the roster, a step backwards is a near certainty in 2024.

9. LSU Tigers -- Jayden Daniels is gone, as are two NFL receivers in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. But, the Tigers have a chance to rebound defensively with new coordinator Blake Baker, who should get the most from a talented group, if they can fix their issues in the secondary.

10. Florida State Seminoles -- I won't move Florida State down despite their Week 0 loss to Georgia Tech. It was clear this team wasn't going to replicate last season's success, and the ACC remains wide open. 

College Football Preview 2024: SEC Part 2

Graham Mertz, Florida

Realignment Recap: It was the SEC's decision, along with Texas and Oklahoma, to join together that kicked off the latest round of conference realignment across the college sports landscape. No matter what you think of the end result, there's no denying that the addition of two of college football's blue bloods further bolsters the ever-strong SEC and gives us new, exciting matchups to enjoy each fall. With its ranks swelled to 16 teams, the SEC joined the rest of the college football world and removed divisions, meaning the league's two best teams will collide each year in the SEC Championship Game. With two teams that made the final four-team College Football Playoff now part of the conference, along with Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, and Missouri, the SEC is as strong as ever, setting up what could be a banner year for the new-look league.

Power Rankings

Teams 1-8 in Part 1 

9. Kentucky Wildcats

Offense: Following Liam Coen's decision to return to the NFL, Mark Stoops acted quick to name Boise State's Bush Hamdan the new OC in Lexington. Hamdan is still likely to lean on a power-run attack, but the Wildcats will look to pick up the pace this year, and with new QB Brock Vandagriff, potentially test defenses vertically.

Vandagriff is the presumed starter after transferring in from SEC foe Georgia, where he spent three seasons but was unable to break through. He's a former blue-chip recruit with all the physical tools, but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to a new scheme and being the face of the offense. Another transfer quarterback, Gavin Wimsatt, also arrives from Rutgers and brings experience to the equation after 19 starts with the Scarlet Knights.

Kentucky will have a new tailback next to Vandagriff in the backfield after Ray Davis and his 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns graduated. They'll likely lean on transfers here, too, with Chip Trayanum from Ohio State and Demie Sumo-Karngbaye from NC State likely to see the most action. Sumo-Karngbaye did average seven yards per carry in limited usage with the 'Cats last fall and Trayanum had 373 yards with Ohio State, but it does feel like a slight stepdown at the position. Fortunately, they'll run behind an offensive line that brings back four starters, including stalwarts Marques Cox and Jager Burton.

The combination of Barion Brown and Dane Key out wide is among the most underrated in the country, with both looking to take off during their third seasons with the program. Key led the team in yardage and touchdowns, but Brown has proven to be a steady presence during his time in Lexington. add in Ja'Mori Maclin from North Texas, this could be an explosive passing game if Vandagriff can acclimate quickly.

Defense: The Wildcats reload on this side of the ball just about as well as anyone in the SEC but this fall, there won't have to be much reloading. Just about every major piece is returning, with one major exception - Trevin Wallace left for the NFL after recording 80 tackles and 5.5 sacks a year ago.

Even without Wallace, this front seven is going to be nasty. Nose guard Deone Walker is fresh off an All-SEC season and will cause damage on the interior, while ends J.J. Weaver and Keeshawn Silver terrorize opponents off the edge. Add in tackle Octavious Oxendine, the perfect balance to Walker on the inside with his quickness, and this may end up being the best defensive line group in the SEC.

The linebacker corps will undoubtedly miss Wallace, but veterans Jamon Dumas-Johnson and D'Eryk Jackson should ensure there's no major slippage in 2024. Jackson led the team in tackles last fall, while Dumas-Johnson joins Vandagriff in coming over from Georgia after 24 starts in the last three seasons.

The Wildcat pass defense took their lumps a season ago, but there's reason to believe this could be an improved group this year. Three starters are back in the fold, including standout corner Maxwell Hairston Jr., who picked off five passes last season. The staff also worked to add in some reinforcements through the portal in the form of Michigan transfer D.J. Waller and Alabama's Kristian Story.

Bottom Line: The ever-steady Wildcats are bound to look quite different on the offensive side of the ball in 2024, at least in the backfield, but the core of the program has not changed. Mark Stoops has an experienced team that will battle in the trenches and be an absolute pain to play on any given Saturday. The schedule is a difficult one, so the Wildcats will have an uphill climb, but this is a program you can trust to go out and win 7-8 games consistently. And who knows, if Vandagriff ends up being the real deal, they could be quite the dark horse near in the middle-of-the-pack in this conference.

10. Texas A&M Aggies

Offense: The Bobby Petrino experiment actually ended up being a mild success despite the external forces working against him, with Conner Weigman going down for the season after four games and Jimbo Fisher's eventual demise. But, there was no chance new head man Mike Elko was going to hold onto him, instead convincing Collin Klein to leave his alma mater, Kansas State, to run the show. 

The hope is that Weigman is ready to go after after flashing significant upside in eight starts in his first two seasons in College Station. Weigman has the tools, a 6'3", 215-pounder with running ability and a crisp arm, and he looked well on his way to something big in 2023 before the injury. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to be one of the SEC's breakout stars.

Weigman will have to even more this season after the unfortunate news that tailback Rueben Owens would miss most of the 2024 season with a foot injury suffered in fall camp. Junior Le'Veon Moss is more than capable, but losing a potential workhorse like Owens stings. It may, however, afford further opportunities to newcomer E.J. Smith and Amari Daniels, who was actually A&M's top rusher in 2023.

With Ainias Smith off to the NFL and Evan Stewart transferring out, finding new weapons at receiver for Weigman will be key. Senior Jahdae Walker is the most proven option right now, but Klein and staff are also hoping for more from junior Noah Thomas and veteran Moose Muhammed. Transfers Cyrus Allen from Louisiana Tech and Jabre Barber from Troy will also be counted on, and A&M is hopeful sophomore tight end Donovan Green returns to form after missing the entire season last fall.

The Aggies do lose a pair of starters up front in Layden Robinson and Bryce Foster, which will hurt him on the interior, but the unit appears to still be in fine shape as they gear up for the fall. Left tackle Trey Zuhn is an All-SEC possibility, while sophomore Mark Nabou is expected to take over for Foster at center after primarily playing left guard.

Defense: Jay Bateman was who Mike Elko selected to run the A&M defense in 2024, although there's little doubt Elko will also have his hands in it considering his background. They'll take over an Aggie defense that was consistently strong under Jimbo Fisher, and should be in a good spot once again as we look ahead towards this fall.

The two Shemars, Shemar Stewart and Shemar Turner, are quite the starting point on the defensive line and A&M further bolstered this group with the addition of Purdue transfer Nic Scourton. A potential first-rounder next spring, Scourton had 10 sacks for the Boilermakers a year ago and will require constant attention off the edge.

There are some notable departures in the back seven, but plenty still returns, and Elko and this staff plugged holes through their work in the portal. At linebacker, Pitt transfer Solomon DeShields could come in and be a Day One starter next to Taurean York, with Edgerrin Cooper now in the NFL. However, Florida transfer Scooby Williams is expected to push him at weakside linebacker, a position to watch into the regular season.

Veteran cornerback Tyreek Chappell leads the secondary, which also brings back rising junior Bryce Anderson. The two spots that will be interesting to watch will be the corner spot opposite of Chappell and free safety, where transfers have a fairly good chance to start immediately. Will Lee, a long and sturdy corner who started nine games at Kansas State in 2023, is likely to pair with Chappell at corner.

Bottom Line: Following the epic implosion that was the Jimbo Fisher era, Mike Elko seems like a shrewd hire by Texas A&M brass. He's not going to be as flashy in the way he does things as Jimbo and may not bring in the nation's top recruiting class, but he's an elite football mind who knows the program well and understands its culture. Year One will surely have its share of growing pains but the roster remains talented, and a healthy Weigman provides A&M with plenty of upside. Replicating last season's seven wins is a fair goal and with the way the schedule breaks, even greater things could be expected.

College Football Preview 2024: SEC Part 1

Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Realignment Recap: It was the SEC's decision, along with Texas and Oklahoma, to join together that kicked off the latest round of conference realignment across the college sports landscape. No matter what you think of the end result, there's no denying that the addition of two of college football's blue bloods further bolsters the ever-strong SEC and gives us new, exciting matchups to enjoy each fall. With its ranks swelled to 16 teams, the SEC joined the rest of the college football world and removed divisions, meaning the league's two best teams will collide each year in the SEC Championship Game. With two teams that made the final four-team College Football Playoff now part of the conference, along with Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, and Missouri, the SEC is as strong as ever, setting up what could be a banner year for the new-look league.

Power Rankings

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Offense: Carson Beck waited his turn in Athens, and was as good as advertised in his first full season as starter for the Bulldogs. In 14 starts, he finished just below 4,000 yards in passing (3,941) and also set the Georgia single-season record for completion percentage, previously held by his predecessor Stetson Bennett. Now, he enters the 2024 season as a Heisman frontrunner and has the chance to solidify himself as a household name with another big season.

Beck is only one half of the reason the Bulldog passing game was able to take off last year, as tight end Brock Bowers and the rest of the UGA pass-catchers was the best collection Kirby Smart had in some time in 2023, despite suffering through injuries. Bowers may be gone, as is second-rounder Ladd McConkey, but the rest of this group remains strong. Dominic Lovett and Miami transfer Colbie Young will be one of the top receivers on this roster, and could this be the year Arian Smith finally puts it together? The speedster could be in store for a larger role after the recent dismissal of Rara Thomas.

Look for junior Oscar Delp, who saw his role expand after a mid-season injury to Bowers, emerge as the new top tight end on this roster. He's just as athletic as the departed Bowers and his versatility will allow the Bulldogs to move him around in advantageous matchups. Add in Stanford transfer Benjamin Yurosek, who the staff has raved about over the offseason, this remains a position of strength for UGA.

The emergence of an explosive passing game last fall overshadowed the fact that this was the worst Georgia rushing attack in some time. Although, to be fair, the Bulldogs dealt with an abundance of injuries at the position, meaning they had to rely on walk-ons, like Cash Jones, or receivers like Dillon Bell just to move the ball.

With Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, last year's top two rushers moving on, one would assume Georgia's ground game would remain a problem. However, neither Edwards nor Milton are severe losses, and the addition of Florida transfer Trevor Etienne means the position is in line for improvement. Etienne ran for 753 yards for the Gators last fall and will also be joined by a healthy Branson Robinson, who was out for the year in fall camp a year ago.

Much like the rest of this offense, the O-Line has losses, but could actually be in position to improve given the circumstances this fall. Amarius Mims and Sedrick Van Pran may both be in the NFL, but Mims missed time with injury, and four other starters return. Those returnees include All-American guard Tate Ratledge, versatile senior Xavier Truss, and the rapidly improving Earnest Greene, who could be a breakout candidate.

Defense: It's hard to call a defense that allowed just 15.6 PPG last season a disappointment, but it didn't feel like Georgia was up to their usual standard on this side of the ball last season. That was reflected in the NFL Draft last spring, where no Bulldog defenders went in the first round, and just four defenders were drafted overall.

Expect that to change in 2024, as Georgia is loaded at all three levels this year and should be well-equipped with the star power that was absent at times in 2023. Up front, junior defensive end Mykel Williams looks to be on the cusp of superstardom and should see this fall as the breakthrough year, while the combo of Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse will swallow up opposing rushers all fall long.

The linebacker corps has seen a bit of a step-back in recent years, but a resurgence here could be in the cards. Smael Mondon is one of the best in the country and a Butkus Award favorite as a senior, while junior Chaz Chambliss will be one of the team's top pass rushers off the edge. Add in Jalon Walker and C.J. Allen, who was a revelation as a true freshman in 2023, this will feel like a typical UGA linebacker group, with the speed, athleticism, and range to overwhelm opposing offenses.

Hard-hitting Javon Bullard and corner Kamari Lassiter both went in the second round of the NFL Draft this spring, but the back-end remains in a good spot. Headlining the position group is one of college football's top defenders in Malaki Starks, a human highlight reel safety who built on an impressive freshman season by earning All-American honors last year.

Starks and corner Daylen Everette are familiar names, but it will be interesting who takes over for Bullard and Lassiter in the secondary. A place like Georgia, there's no shortage of talented options, but none that have cemented a starter job throughout the fall. Could we see highly touted freshman K.J. Bolden emerge next to Starks at safety?

Bottom Line: The Bulldogs weren't quite able to stick the landing in their quest to win a third straight National Title last season, but Kirby Smart still has the machine humming in Athens. Even with the NFL Draft defections, the Bulldogs should be healthier than they were a year ago and did a precise job filling holes on their roster through the portal. The schedule is tricky, with Clemson at a neutral site to kick off the year, and road trips to Alabama and Texas, but the 12-team Playoff allows Georgia more room for error than they had previously. With how talented this roster is, and the usual elite staff on the sidelines, u have the Bulldogs returning to the National Championship Game once more, after a one-year hiatus.

2. Texas Longhorns

Offense: Steve Sarkisian's offense truly hit their stride in 2023, with the Longhorns finishing with averages of over 478 yards and 36 points per contest. Those numbers alone were impressive, but were particularly special when you consider that QB Quinn Ewers missed several games and star running back Jonathan Brooks was lost for the year after ten games.

Now a junior, Ewers is back to run the show after sticking out on the NFL for one more year. We saw the potential in 2022, but last season things really came into fruition, with Ewers throwing for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns, despite missing time. With all the attention paid to Arch Manning, it almost feels like Ewers is underrated entering 2024, a strange dilemma for a multi-year starter at arguably the most identifiable position in all of college football. 

Ewers will have a new running mate in the backfield now that Brooks is off to the NFL, and it looked like C.J. Baxter was ready to take up the mantle after an impressive freshman campaign. However, Baxter suffered an injury in fall camp last week that will take him out for the entirety of the season. And then, true freshman Christian Clark tore his Achilles, leaving Texas with just three scholarship backs as they prepare for the season. Jaydon Blue ran for 398 yards in a reserve role last fall and looks to be the guy, and freshman Jerrick Gibson comes in with plenty of hype, but the lack of depth at the position is a real concern as the Longhorns acclimate to the SEC. 

The injuries at running back will put emphasis on the receiver corps to step up, a group that is losing a star in Xavier Worthy. Yet, they should still provide Ewers ample support, as sophomores Johntay Cook and DeAndre Moore both look like breakout candidates, and transfers Isaiah Bond and Silas Bolden bring proven playmaking ability. Tight end is a position to watch, as well, now that Ja'Tavion Sanders is gone, although the staff is hopeful converted receiver Amari Niblack, another Alabama transfer, can emerge.

The offensive line has moved from the program's greatest problem area when Sarkisian arrived to the strength of the offense within the span of a few years. Junior left tackle Kelvin Banks is one of the nation's best and a top candidate to go No. 1 overall in next spring's NFL Draft, while veteran center Jake Majors and junior guard D.J. Campbell offer plenty of support.

Defense: For all the credit the Longhorn offense deservedly got last fall, it was their progress on defense that allowed them to take the final step to a College Football Playoff. They allowed just under 19 PPG, and stepped up in some of their toughest games on their schedule. Yet, after giving up 37 to Michael Penix and Washington in the Sugar Bowl, they should have an extra layer of motivation heading into 2024.

Losing Outland Trophy winner T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, two players who went within the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, is a huge blow to this defensive line. With that being said, the Longhorns are hopeful newcomers Collin Simmons and UTSA transfer Trey Moore can team up with returnees Ethan Burke and Barryn Sorrell to keep this unit from any falloff. There's still questions on the interior, but Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton are two players who have spent significant time with the program, even if they aren't at the level of Sweat or Murphy.

The linebacker corps has one of college football's rising stars leading the charge in sophomore middle linebacker Anthony Hill, who won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after finishing with 67 tackles in 2023. He'll play all over the field once again and look for him to get after the passer even more than he did as a freshman. Veterans David Gbenda and "Star" Jahdae Barron are also back, meaning this could be one of the best units in the SEC.

The secondary has been a problem for Texas in the past and while they progressed in a major way last season, there is still work to be done. There are losses here, but the 'Horns worked in the portal to bring in reinforcements with Andrew Mukuba from Clemson and Jay'Vion Cole from San Jose State, who will be Day One starters. Sophomore Malik Muhammed is also ready for more after two starts as a freshman - he made my "Ten Players Ready for the Sophomore Leap" piece. 

Bottom Line: The long-awaited Texas breakthrough finally happened in 2023 - now 2024 is all about sustaining it. That challenge will be more difficult as the Longhorns make the jump to the SEC, but this remains an exceptionally talented roster led by a coach that knows how to play to the strengths of his personnel. There is offensive turnover that could lead to some growing pains, but the defense looks to be as good as its been in a long time and with Ewers under center, it's hard to imagine a huge drop-off. The schedule is tricky enough to imagine more than one regular season loss this time around, but a College Football Playoff appearance in an expanded field should be a no-brainer.

College Football Preview 2024: Big 12 Part 2

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

 Realignment Recap: Over a decade since Oklahoma and Texas first reportedly started eying a potential move to the Pac-12, the flagship programs of the Big 12 are indeed moving on. However, the two won't be moving to the Pac-12, but instead the SEC, a move that spurred another wave of realignment over the last two years. This time, as opposed to the early 2010s when they watched Texas A&M, Missouri, Colorado and Nebraska all leave, the Big 12 was prepared. They had already added four programs from across the country in response to the original decision from OU and Texas, and commissioner Brett Yormark was aggressive in sweeping up the remnants of the Pac-12 when it became clear the league was on the precipice of collapse. Now, Colorado is back in their longtime home, Utah has tagged along, and the Arizona schools have expanded the Big 12's footprint into the West Coast. That leaves the Big 12 with 16 teams, and despite the absence of their two premier powers in the Sooners and Longhorns, it has a chance to be the most competitive power conference in America. 2024 in particular could be an incredibly fun year - there's no obvious frontrunner and no clear bottom-feeder, which means we could be in store for some fireworks this fall.

Power Rankings

Teams 1-8 available in Part 1

9. Iowa State Cyclones

Offense: Taylor Mouser, a longtime member of Matt Campbell's staff going back to their time at Toledo together, will take control of the offense as coordinator after Nathan Scheelhasse took off to the NFL. Mouser knows the roster inside and out, but it will be interesting to see what type of scheme he deploys in Year One.

Mouser is blessed to have one of the best young quarterbacks in the Big 12 in Rocco Becht, who won the Freshman of the Year honors in the conference a year ago. He played with a confidence and poise well beyond his years in 2023, and will benefit from having a strong supporting cast around him. An experienced offensive line will keep him upright and out wide, this has a chance to be one of the strongest receiver corps Campbell has had since arriving in Ames.

Seniors Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are a fearsome duo at wide receiver, particularly after Higgins went on a tear down the stretch for the Cyclones last fall. Add in tight end Benjamin Brahmer, a reliable target who moves incredibly well for his 6'7" frame, don't be surprised if Iowa State looks to test teams through the air more often this year than in the past.

With that being said, sophomore tailback Abu Sama II is still likely to feature heavily. He came on strong down the stretch last fall, including a regular season finale that saw him finish with 276 yards and three touchdowns against Kansas State, and will be ready for even more as a sophomore.

Defense: The Cyclones are always tough on this side of the ball, and that shouldn't change in 2024. Nine starters return across all three levels of this defense, giving coordinator Jon Heacock plenty to work with as they gear up for the fall.

The secondary was a strength a season ago and remains one of the best in the league, as safeties Malik Verdon and Jeremiah Cooper are an elite 1-2 punch who play a pivotal leadership role on this team. Cornerback Myles Purchase is also back for his senior campaign, but will need a new running mate at the position after T.J. Tampa was taken in the fourth round of the NFL Draft this spring.

Up front, Iowa State has to be able to get after the quarterback more consistently. It was clear this defensive line missed Will McDonald last season and while they were stout against the run, they simply couldn't pressure opposing quarterbacks as often as was needed. Senior Joey Petersen is solid, but the Cyclones are hoping for even more, while Kenard Snyder could be an interesting addition from Louisiana-Monroe.

The linebacker corps does return a familiar face in Will McLaughlin, who is also going to rush the quarterback off the edge, but there will be some new faces, as well. Junior Caleb Bacon, a former walk-on, will play a particularly important role after being more of a rotational piece in 2023 - he'll likely start at middle linebacker.

Bottom Line: Iowa State feels like a program that is going to benefit from the new-look Big 12. Matt Campbell has proven he has a consistent winner in Ames, and this is a team with a clear identity, which most of the league lacks. The road schedule is difficult, which may make matching last year's six wins in the Big 12 a challenge, but the Cyclones should have no issues going bowling. And with Becht and Sama still only sophomores, it's not unreasonable to think even greater things could be on the near horizon in 2025 or 2026.

10. TCU Horned Frogs

Offense: It didn't came as much of a shock that TCU as a whole fell off after their shocking National Championship Game run in 2022, and the offensive struggles played a major role. The Horned Frogs struggled to find a difference-maker to replace Max Duggan, and the skill position talent struggled to find any rhythm throughout the fall.

The hope for the Horned Frogs is that the personnel will be more familiar with OC Kendal Briles in 2024 and in turn, this group will take a huge step forward. Sophomore quarterback Josh Hoover did show flashes, but will have his work cut out for him as he looks to take command of this offense. TCU did bring on Vanderbilt transfer Ken Seals, presumably to be his backup, but Seals does bring starting power conference experience from his time in Nashville.

Not having Quentin Johnston out wide played an obvious role in the passing game's struggles in 2023. However, Savion Williams and J.P. Richardson proved to be a rock-solid duo and if Hoover can make improvements, there could be some untapped potential here. There's also Dylan Wright, who missed a big chunk of last season with injury. Wright has always been one of the most talented wide outs on each roster he's been on, but now at his third school, can he finally put it together for an entire season?

Now that Emani Bailey is gone at running back, it wouldn't be surprising if TCU leans on a committee approach, led by sophomore Cam Cook. However, the ground game is going to have a tough go of it unless this offensive line can figure things out in a hurry, with four new starters settling in.

Defense: Andy Avalos was hired as defensive coordinator over the offseason, bringing with him an aggressive defensive scheme that will blitz early and often. Avalos didn't have the type of success at his alma mater, Boise State, as he was looking for but was one of the best defensive coordinators in the game while at Oregon.

Caleb Fox and Paul Oyewale are returning starters on the defensive line, both fresh off solid but unremarkable campaigns. Yet, Oyewale is still just a sophomore and seems to have the upside to develop into a real presence off the edge. They'll be joined in the front seven by linebackers Shad Banks, Namdi Obiazor, and Johnny Hodges. Hodges is a X-factor, a hard-nosed defender who was a key piece to the defense in 2022, but who was limited to just four games last fall.

Even when TCU played for a National Title, the pass defense was a problem, and 2023 was not any improvement. On the contrary, the Horned Frogs were one of the worst pass defenses in the nation a year ago.

Junior safety Bud Clark gives the secondary a building block, but there's a bunch of questions beyond him. TCU was able to bring in some reinforcements through the portal in the form of Richard Toney Jr. from Nevada and JaTravis Broughton from Utah, but the lack of depth could be a real problem.

Bottom Line: For the third time in five years, the Horned Frogs finished 5-7 in 2023 and Sonny Dykes has real work to do to prove this program can re-emerge into the consistent Big 12 contender they were for years under Gary Patterson. There's certainly potential, as the offense has intriguing young talent and defensively, the front seven could actually be quite strong. But, there's enough questions to feel wary about the Frogs this fall - it feels like they could win anywhere from 3-8 games and it wouldn't come as a surprise, which could be said about half the league.

College Football Preview 2024: Big 12 Part 1

Avery Johnson, Kansas State

 

Realignment Recap: Over a decade since Oklahoma and Texas first reportedly started eying a potential move to the Pac-12, the flagship programs of the Big 12 are indeed moving on. However, the two won't be moving to the Pac-12, but instead the SEC, a move that spurred another wave of realignment over the last two years. This time, as opposed to the early 2010s when they watched Texas A&M, Missouri, Colorado and Nebraska all leave, the Big 12 was prepared. They had already added four programs from across the country in response to the original decision from OU and Texas, and commissioner Brett Yormark was aggressive in sweeping up the remnants of the Pac-12 when it became clear the league was on the precipice of collapse. Now, Colorado is back in their longtime home, Utah has tagged along, and the Arizona schools have expanded the Big 12's footprint into the West Coast. That leaves the Big 12 with 16 teams, and despite the absence of their two premier powers in the Sooners and Longhorns, it has a chance to be the most competitive power conference in America. 2024 in particular could be an incredibly fun year - there's no obvious frontrunner and no clear bottom-feeder, which means we could be in store for some fireworks this fall.

Power Rankings

1. Utah Utes

Offense: Cam Rising's recovery from a torn ACL suffered in the 2023 Rose Bowl was the talk of last offseason and into the fall in Salt Lake City. By midseason, it became clear the veteran quarterback wasn't healthy enough to return for the 2023 campaign, leaving the Utes shuffling between several short-term solutions at the position.

Rising appears ready for his grand return, and is the clear starter at the position now that Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson have both transferred out of the program. There may be some rust after missing a whole season of action, but Rising has proven his worth as a steady, tough winner. He enters the year with 58 career touchdowns and over 6,000 yards of total offense to his credit, making him one of the best in the league.

There will be some new faces alongside Rising, although the offense remains in an overall stable place. Coordinator Andy Ludwig is back, and is still going to run heavily on the ground game, with veterans Micah Bernard and Jaylon Glover set to handle the load after the surprising transfer of Ja'Quinden Jackson. 

At receiver, Utah will benefit greatly from the addition of Dorian Singer, who had previous pit stops at USC and Arizona and was one of the best in the former Pac-12 when healthy. Add in seniors Money Parks and Mycah Pittman, this could be the best receiver group Rising has worked with since arriving at Utah. Then there's tight end Brant Kuithe, who much like his quarterback, missed all of 2023 after suffering a knee injury the year prior. He's one of the best in the nation when 100 percent, and could be a John Mackey Award candidate this year.

Defense: Although the defense didn't have the injuries to their big names that the offense did, this side of the ball was still hit hard by the injury bug. Despite this, they still managed to boast a Top 20 unit, one that surrendered just 19.3 points per game in 2023.

12 sacks are gone from the defensive front following the departure of Jonah Elliss, but the Utes are hopeful the holdovers will keep this group stout. Seniors Van Fillinger and Connor O'Toole have proven to be disruptors, with O'Toole back to 100 percent after missing five games last fall.

Senior Karene Reid will play a key leadership role at linebacker, but the Utes are particularly excited about junior Lander Barton, another player who missed time a year ago. Barton, a former blue-chipper, has had flashes throughout his time in Salt Lake City so far, but he's likely to move all over the field in 2024 and has this season circled as the one he emerges as a true difference-maker.

The secondary was already in a good spot with all the returning pieces, even with Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki moving on, and this staff further bolstered this unit through the portal. Kenan Johnson and Zemaiah Vaughn are a superb 1-2 combo at corner, and now have more help with Michigan transfer Cameron Calhoun. Add in rising sophomore Tao Johnson, the Utes have to feel good about this spot heading into the fall.

Bottom Line: Few programs across the country come close to Utah when it comes to consistently winning football games, and 2024 has the looks of a resurgent campaign. Considering the poor injury luck the program dealt with last season, going 8-5 should be treated like quite the accomplishment, but don't expect Kyle Whittingham and this team to be satisfied. They should be eager to get into the Big 12 and show what they can do, and without a clear frontrunner beyond them and potentially Kansas State, this has the looks of the program's first ever Playoff team.

2. Kansas State Wildcats

Offense: Things will look a bit different offensively in Manhattan this fall after the surprising decision by coordinator Collin Klein to leave his alma mater and take the same position at Texas A&M. Chris Kleiman opted to stay in-house and promote offensive line coach Conor Riley, a reminder of the stability and continuity he has built into this program.

Riley will move forward with a new quarterback under center. The rise of talented sophomore Avery Johnson essentially forced out veteran Will Howard, who in turn ended up at Ohio State. Johnson, the highest-rated recruit in program history, looked the part in backup duty last fall and now that he has control of the offense, he's expected to be one of the sport's breakout candidates. With that being said, staying healthy will be crucial, especially considering his dual-threat ability. Kansas State is remarkably thin at the position behind Johnson, the type of thing that could derail an otherwise potentially special season.

Junior tailback D.J. Giddens is one of the most underrated in the nation after tallying over 1,200 yards in 2023 and he'll have support alongside him in Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards. Edwards struggled at times during his true freshman season playing behind an atrocious CU O-Line, but his playmaking ability as a receiver will yield immediate value.

Giddens and Edwards will have their work cut out for them operating behind an offensive line that must replace four starters, but the hope is that a more dynamic passing game will help take the load off this rush offense. Johnson will have the luxury of throwing to a talented receiver corps that includes Jayce Brown, Keagan Johnson, and Penn State transfer Dante Cephas, but being without tight end Ben Sinnott hurts.

Defense: This is a program that reloads, not rebuilds, on the defensive side of the ball and they should be in a good spot once more in 2024. A few key defenders may move on, but the Wildcats are particularly strong off the edge and in the secondary.

Defensive end Brendan Mott and senior tackle Uso Seumalo give Kansas State a great starting point up front, although the coaching staff is hopeful others will emerge to give this unit depth. Fortunately, senior linebacker Austin Moore is back to create constant pressure off the edge, as he notched 12.5 tackles for loss a year ago.

Moore will be flanked by junior outside linebacker Desmond Purnell, a playmaker at the position, but it will be interesting to see what happens at middle linebacker. Sophomore Austin Romaine and New Mexico transfer Alec Marenco are in competition to start, with junior Jake Clifton pausing his football career to serve an LDS mission.

Kobe Saving and Will Lee II are notable losses on the back-end, but just about every other piece is back in the fold. Safeties V.J. Payne and Marquis Sigle are two of the best in the Big 12, and should line up just about everywhere for coordinator Joe Klanderman.

Bottom Line: Much like Utah, Kansas State has been a model of consistency under Chris Kleiman, so it's no surprise that they are considered the top contender in the new-look Big 12 alongside the Utes. You could argue K-State may have the higher ceiling if Johnson is as good as advertised and the offensive line can mesh quickly, but the turnover offensively gives enough pause for them to come in just behind Utah in these power rankings. With that being said, the Wildcats are firmly in the mix for a Playoff spot in the expanded field, and the program looks the most ready of the Big 12 holdovers to take advantage of the absence of Oklahoma and Texas in the conference.

College Football Preview 2024: Big Ten Part 2

Darius Taylor, Minnesota

Realignment Recap: A decade after the league expanded to the East Coast with the additions of Rutgers and Maryland, the Big Ten made a splash by landing the two LA schools, a move that was the beginning of the end for the Pac-12. Following the Big 12's raid of the Pac-12, the Big Ten moved again to secure Oregon and Washington, giving the conference a footprint on both the West Coast and broader Pacific Northwest. With schools now across the country, the Big Ten moves to 18 teams and moves away from divisions, a new era for a conference fresh off a National Title. One would imagine the move will pay immediate dividends, with the four new programs all bringing with them notable brands and proven pedigrees to the equation. Whether that means one of the newcomers will be able to wrestle the league away from the clutches of Michigan and Ohio State remains to be seen, but should be a fascinating storyline as we kick things off this fall.

Power Rankings

Teams 1-9 available in Part 1

10. Wisconsin Badgers

Offense: A quarterback battle that will extend into fall camp and potentially into the regular season will determine who is at the controls of the Wisconsin offense in 2024. Former Mississippi State transfer Braedyn Locke started three games last fall, but the staff brought in former Miami starter Tyer Van Dyke, who has the edge in experience but is coming off two frustrating seasons in a row. Locke knows the system better, but Van Dyke was brought on for a reason, and he seems to be on the inside track to being the starter in the opener.

Whoever ends up as starter will have the benefit of having one of the top Badger receivers in recent memory in Will Pauling, a junior who led the team with 837 yards and six touchdowns last season. Alongside him, Bryson Green and Trech Kekahuna are two other names to monitor - Green has flashed significant potential when healthy, while Kekahuna's performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl has the program excited about his future.

With Van Dyke and several key returning receivers, Wisconsin is certainly hoping this is the year the passing game takes off. But, at the end of the day, it's the ground game that should always be the heart and soul of this offense. Even with Braelon Allen now being a New York Jet, the Badgers still boast Chez Mellusi and Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker. Mellusi, who began his career with Clemson, has been impressive when healthy, but staying on the field has been a struggle - how will he handle the increased workload demands?

It was an uncharacteristically off 2023 for the Badger offensive line, allowing 23 sacks, but there's belief they should be improved. Tackles Jack Nelson and Riley Mahlman will play crucial roles in pass protection, while seniors Joe Huber and Jake Renfro open up lanes for the rushing attack.

Another full offseason will be very important for the program as a whole as they slowly acclimate to offensive coordinator Phil Longo's scheme. It was always going to take time for the personnel to adjust to an offense that will be much more up-tempo and aggressive down-the-field, but there's hope that this fall things could all come together on this side of the ball.

Defense: Coordinator Mike Tressel is back to run the Wisconsin defense, and his chief priority over the offseason was identifying some new playmakers up front. The Badgers weren't able to get after the quarterback as often as they would have liked a season ago, and they also worked in the portal to reload at linebacker.

Senior James Thompson Jr. will be a key returning piece on the D-Line, but others have to emerge. Sophomore Curt Neal will be counted on heavily, but depth in this position group is a concern. Fortunately, the linebacker corps behind them is awfully talented, bringing in several transfers expected to contribute right away. Tackett Curtis was impressive as a true freshman at USC and could slide right into the starting MLB spot, while Leon Lowery comes over from Syracuse and should also start.

It's good and bad news in the secondary, where the Badgers do lose several pieces, but also return a pair of proven defenders in Hunter Wohler and Ricardo Hallman. Wohler has progressed steadily during his time in Madison and is now expected to be one of the top safeties in the Big Ten, while Hallman will be the top corner. The staff has worked to improve the depth on the back-end, which should pay dividends with how tough the second half of Wisconsin's schedule appears.

Bottom Line: There were understandable growing pains for Luke Fickell and the new staff throughout 2023, but the hope is that the program takes steps forward this fall. It has the looks of a classic Wisconsin team, one that will run the ball effectively and play tough defense, but it will be the passing game that will be under the microscope once again. If the Badgers can become more balanced offensively, they should continue moving up the pecking order but if not, their ceiling feels capped as a middle-of-the-pack program. Either way, a difficult schedule doesn't help - the Badgers get Alabama in the non-conference and a late season stretch that includes Penn State, at Iowa, and Oregon all in a row.

11. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Offense: After flashing near the end of the 2022 season, Minnesota had high hopes for quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. But, the "Greek Rifle" struggled adjusting to the new offense under co-coordinators Greg Harbaugh Jr. and Matt Simon and ended up transferring out. In response, the staff brought on New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer, who led FCS in passing. Brosmer may need time to adjust to FBS ball, but he's received rave reviews over the offseason and has a proven pedigree at the collegiate level.

Joining Brosmer in the backfield will be tailback Darius Taylor, who the Gophers managed to keep in town despite rumors he was set to receive significant NIL interest elsewhere. Taylor looked well on his way to stardom before injuries derailed his 2023, but should be fully healthy for the fall. And if the injury bug hits again, the Gophers appear better prepared after bringing on a pair of transfer in Sieh Bangura from Ohio and Marcus Major from Oklahoma.

Daniel Jackson was the most important element of the Gopher offense last season and stayed in town, giving Brosmer a proven, reliable weapon to work with on the perimeter. Behind him, there's question marks, but plenty of potential. Le'Meke Brockington is healthy again after missing a big chunk of last fall, greater things are expected of former Charlotte transfer Elijah Spencer after a disappointing 2023, and Georgia transfer Tyler Williams could be a breakout candidate. 

Minnesota doesn't get enough credit nationally for the excellent job they've done building a consistently strong offensive line. This could be one of the better groups in the conference, as four starters return, including likely All-Big Ten candidate Aireontae Ersery at left tackle. Fellow seniors Tyler Cooper and Quinn Carroll should keep the rush offense humming as they return at the guard spots.

Defense: Losing coordinator Joe Rossi to Michigan State was a massive blow over the offseason, but the hiring of Rutgers linebacker coach Corey Hetherman was well-received across the Big Ten landscape. Hetherman has plenty to work with, but improving the pass defense will be priority No. 1 this fall.

The Gophers will boast a veteran defensive line in 2024, with Jah Joyner, Jalen Logan-Redding, Deven Eastern, and Danny Striggow all familiar names. Joyner led the team with 46 pressures last fall and even greater things are expected of the talented junior - this could be the year it all comes together for him. Jaxon Howard, a Minnesota native who began his career at LSU, is back in his home state and should also factor into the rotation up front.

The biggest news for this defense is the healthy return of linebacker Cody Lindenberg, who missed most of last season with injuries. The rangy Lindenberg is an All-Conference talent when he's healthy, and it became clear just how much the Gophers missed him when he was out a year ago. Maverick Baranowski played a larger role than expected with Lindenberg hurt and performed admirably, now likely to lock down a starting role. Add in Devon Williams, back for his junior season, this should be a much stronger linebacker corps than the 2023 version.

Even with All-American safety Tyler Nubin, the secondary was the Achilles Heel of the Minnesota defense last season. Now Nubin is gone, but the Gophers are hopeful that the unit will be healthier, deeper, and more experienced, all equating to better play. Senior corner Justin Walley is a stud when healthy but couldn't stay on the field consistently enough in 2023. He's joined by a familiar face in Darius Green at safety, while the star of the 2022 bowl win, Coleman Bryson, is also going to see heavy snaps. P.J. Fleck and staff also managed to reel in one of the most talked about recruits in school history in safety Koi Percich, who they kept away from big boys like Ohio State and who made a name for himself in the All-American Bowl over the offseason.

Bottom Line: It was a frustrating seventh season for Fleck in the Twin Cities, with the Gophers falling back to 5-7 on the regular season and losing their final four games. The bowl victory did provide some much-needed momentum into the offseason and despite the loss of Rossi and Fleck's flirting with the UCLA job, they did a good job filling holes. The schedule is among the most difficult in the conference this year but if the Gophers can stay healthier than they did a season ago, an improvement on the record seems to be in the cards, and they could be a dark horse in this league.

College Football Preview 2024: Big Ten Part 1

Tez Johnson, Oregon

Realignment Recap: A decade after the league expanded to the East Coast with the additions of Rutgers and Maryland, the Big Ten made a splash by landing the two LA schools, a move that was the beginning of the end for the Pac-12. Following the Big 12's raid of the Pac-12, the Big Ten moved again to secure Oregon and Washington, giving the conference a footprint on both the West Coast and broader Pacific Northwest. With schools now across the country, the Big Ten moves to 18 teams and moves away from divisions, a new era for a conference fresh off a National Title. One would imagine the move will pay immediate dividends, with the four new programs all bringing with them notable brands and proven pedigrees to the equation. Whether that means one of the newcomers will be able to wrestle the league away from the clutches of Michigan and Ohio State remains to be seen, but should be a fascinating storyline as we kick things off this fall.

Power Rankings

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Offense: Even with the brilliant Marvin Harrison Jr. on the outside, the Ohio State offense was as pedestrian as we've ever seen it in under Ryan Day, and the sixth-year head man responded by making sweeping changes. Kyle McCord was essentially forced out at quarterback and replaced by Kansas State transfer Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins was brought in from Ole Miss to bolster the ground game, and Chip Kelly was hired as offensive coordinator after a stint as UCLA head coach.

Howard may not be a Justin Fields or C.J. Stroud, but the experienced signal-caller should be an upgrade over McCord and doesn't have to be anything special - with all the talent surrounding him, he can be a facilitator. With that being said, Ohio State has arguably the deepest quarterback room in the country behind him, one that includes backup Devin Brown, Alabama transfer Julian Sayin, and highly touted true frosh Air Noland. If the offense takes some time to gel, it's not unreasonable to think one of these guys could push Howard and seize control of the starting job.

Fortunately, Howard is the beneficiary of probably the best supporting cast in all of college football. TreVeyon Henderson is one of the best backs in the country when healthy, but is looking for a bit of redemption after a pair of injury-plagued seasons. The addition of Judkins, who comes over after an impressive tenure at Ole Miss, could help keep the wear and tear off Henderson, giving this team a two-headed monster in the backfield.

Harrison Jr. may now be an Arizona Cardinal, but Emeka Egbuka said no to the NFL and will be the headliner, with plenty surrounding him. Sophomores Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss are both prime breakout candidates, but they may be overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith, the top-ranked receiver in the Class of 2024 and one of the highest-ranked prospects period. 

The offensive line is going to play an important role setting up the ground game and despite a few losses, this should be a strong group. Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar will open up gapping holes for the rushing attack, while Josh Simmons anchors things on the outside. The X-factor will be newcomer Seth McLaughlin, who is likely to slide into the starting center spot. Can he redeem himself after a rough ending to his Alabama career?

We still aren't quite sure what Kelly's offense will look like but with all this talent, it's hard to imagine this unit not improving on their 2023 numbers. If everyone stays healthy and Howard acclimates quickly, this could be the nation's best.

Defense: The Buckeye defense has improved dramatically under coordinator Jim Knowles, and this program received good news after good news on this side of the ball over the offseason. Up front, defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer both stayed put despite NFL interest and should form the most dominant pass rushing duo in the country. Also back is Tyleik Williams, another guy who would have been a first or second round NFL Draft selection, but instead returns for his senior season.

On the back-end, senior corner Denzel Burke also surprised when he announced he would be back for another year, leading a deep and experienced group that includes Jordan Hancock and Lathan Ransom. But even more important was the addition of Caleb Downs from Alabama, probably the most important transfer in the country after he notched 70 tackles as a true freshman. Playing at a key free safety spot as a proven playmaker, Downs should rack up the accolades and be the heart and soul of this unit.

It's the linebacker spot where there may be slight concern as Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers depart. But the cupboard is never bare here in Columbus, and senior Cody Simon is expected to slide into the starting middle linebacker spot alongside junior Sonny Styles. Styles, who began his career at safety but is moving around to open the door for Downs, is a particularly versatile weapon who Knowles should continue to play around with.

Bottom Line: The stars are aligning in Columbus. Sure, the Big Ten as a whole should be tougher, but it's widely assumed Michigan will take a step-back, and the Buckeyes can undoubtedly take control. Several key pieces decided to forego on the NFL despite early round grades to take care of unfinished business and Day and staff landed potentially the top two transfers on both sides of the ball in Judkins and Downs. It feels like this is the make-or-break year for Day, who has accomplished everything but a National Title. I think this is the team to do it - they are my pick to win the 2024-25 National Title.

2. Oregon Ducks

Offense: Bo Nix put together arguably the greatest two-season stretch as quarterback in Oregon football history, but he's not the only name that departs from the offense as they look ahead to 2024. Top wide out Troy Franklin and dynamic tailback Mar'Keise "Bucky" Irving also said goodbye, forcing the Ducks to reload over the offseason.

Oregon responded by landing not one, but two, quarterbacks who could start right away in Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore. One would assume it will be Gabriel, on his third year after stops at UCF and Oklahoma, who will shepherd the offense in 2024, while Moore looks like the long-term face of the program after coming over from UCLA. Gabriel has his limitations and probably isn't an NFL guy, but the gunslinger is a veteran piece who will be the perfect catalyst for this offense.

Tez Johnson, the adopted brother of Nix, is back to open things out wide, while the Oregon staff also landed one of the top receivers in the portal in Texas A&M's Evan Stewart. Johnson will be the versatile, underneath option, while Stewart will take over the big-play, downfield role left vacant by Franklin. Traeshon Holden and Gary Bryant Jr. are also around, as is tight end Terrance Ferguson, giving Gabriel an abundance of options in this wide-open offense. Keep your eye on true freshman Gatlin Blair, too, a former Boise State commit who is one of the fastest players anywhere in college football.

At running back, Jordan James and Noah Whittington both got plenty of work behind Irving last fall and should have no issues handling the extra load. James finished with 759 yards and averaged over seven yards per carry, but I expect even greater things from Whittington, who ran for nearly 800 yards himself in 2022 before being sidelined a year ago.

Rimington Trophy winner Jackson Powers-Johnson may be gone, but Oregon remains strong up front, with Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius forming one of the best tackle combos in the nation. Sophomore Iapani Laloulu looks like he'll be one to take over for Powers-Johnson at center.

This offense put up 531.4 YPG and 44.2 PPG last fall - even with the departures, I don't suspect a major drop-off. We know how productive Gabriel is, and the playmakers around him should make this another fun year in Eugene. 

Defense: It's the defensive side of the football that Dan Lanning has worked hard to build up, and Oregon looks more like an SEC or prototypical Big Ten team than what we used to see in the old Pac-12. The front seven in particular is full of future NFL guys and despite plenty of youth on the D-Line, this should be an elite group. Expect Jordan Burch, a former blue-chip prospect who originally began at South Carolina, to be the star.

Senior linebackers Jestin Jacobs and Jeffrey Bassa give defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi two athletic, ball-hawking defenders at the heart of this defense. Even greater things may be coming for Jacobs, as he gears up for his second year in the program after coming over from Iowa. 

There is no shortage of talent in the secondary, but the Ducks are hoping for more consistency here as they make the jump to the Big Ten. Bringing Jabbar Muhammed over from rival Washington was quite the coup for this coaching staff, while junior Jahlil Florence is looking to improve at the other corner spot. The safeties are in good hands with hard-hitting Kobe Savage, formerly of Kansas State, joined by Tysheem Johnson and talented true frosh Aaron Flowers.

It will be interesting to see how Lanning and Lupoi adjust this Oregon defense to the Big Ten. They have been hyper-aggressive over the last two seasons, the reason for the Ducks recording 34 sacks last fall, but will they be more conservative now? Something tells me that isn't Lanning's style, and they may even look to turn it up a notch as they embark on this new journey.

Bottom Line: Oregon has been right on the cusp of the College Football Playoff each of the last two seasons and with the expansion, they should be able to get in safely this fall. But, I think there are even loftier goals in mind for Lanning and company. This team is good enough to not just compete in the Big Ten but even win it on their first try, and a National Title, the first in program history, doesn't sound too crazy either. If the offense can reload the way we expect and the defense continue to develop, this is a team I firmly believe can take the whole thing when it's all said and done.

College Football Preview 2024: ACC Part 2

Jaydn Ott, California

 Realignment Recap: After over a decade with 14 teams in the league, the Atlantic Coast Conference will kick off in fall 2024 with 17 teams playing under their banner. The league will also have a significantly different feel, adding in some West Coast and Southwest flair after they raided the remains of the Pac-12 to add California and Stanford, before moving into the American Athletic Conference and snagging SMU. It's widely assumed the moves were an effort by the league to get out in front of the likely departure of Florida State (and likely others) in the near future but for now, the ACC sits behind only the Big Ten in terms of league size. Whether the moves will have a tangible effect on the product on the field in 2024 remains unclear, but new blood in the constantly evolving world of college athletics should be a good thing - right?

Power Rankings

Teams 1-8 available in Part 1

9. North Carolina Tar Heels

Offense: Replacing Drake Maye after an illustrious few years in Chapel Hill remains priority No. 1 for the Tar Heels in 2024. Mack Brown and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey are left to decide between holdover Conner Harrell, who started the bowl game after Maye's opt-out, or former LSU and Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson. It will be an interesting choice - we know who Johnson is at this point in his career and he's proven to be serviceable, but Harrell may be the right call in the long-term.

Whoever does start will have the benefit of having Omarion Hampton next to them in the backfield, as the junior tailback is fresh off a season in which he totaled over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. He'll be a Doak Walker Award frontrunner in 2024.

Hampton will have to make do with a depleted offensive line that saw several starters depart over the offseason. Senior guard Willie Lampkin will anchor the unit, but it's now or never for several former big-name recruits to show what they can do, including sophomore Zach Rice.

Meanwhile, on the perimeter, the Tar Heels don't have a superstar, but have an abundance of solid pieces. Seniors J.J. Jones and Nate McCollum have proven to be quality playmakers when needed, while Gavin Blackwell and Kobe Paysour offer upside. Tight end should also be strong, with veterans John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit joined by Max Johnson's younger brother, Jake.

Defense: For far too long, the Tar Heel defense has been holding the program back, and it was clear Mack Brown felt he had to act. He parted ways with longtime friend Gene Chizik and brought in Geoff Collins, the former Georgia Tech head coach who has had numerous previous defensive coordinator positions. 

The thing is, Collins is going to have no shortage of talent at his disposal here. In particular, the front seven is loaded with former four and five-star prospects who just haven't quite lived up to the hype. Names like Desmond Evans, Travis Shaw, Beau Atkinson - can these guys finally put it together over the course of an entire campaign? On the interior, veteran Jahvaree Ritzie is a key returnee and Ole Miss transfer Joshua Harris adds depth.

Senior middle linebacker Power Echols is the best player on this defense, a proven veteran who notched over 100 tackles in 2023. He's going to set the tone for this entire defense, but there's not much experience beyond him at the linebacker spot, which could be quite the first-year challenge for Collins.

The secondary has been prone to the big play throughout Brown's second stint in Chapel Hill. Several starters are back, namely corners Alijah Huzzie and Marcus Allen, but consistency is key here. The safety position will benefit from the transfer of Jakeen Harris, who comes over from in-state rival NC State.

Bottom Line: UNC has been an incredibly hard team to read the last several seasons. They've recruited very well and spent the vast majority of the last half-decade firmly perched inside the Top 25, but it still doesn't feel like they've had a true breakthrough. I don't think 2024 will be that year as they begin life post-Maye, but matching last season's eight wins seems like a reasonable goal. The schedule certainly works out in their favor - aside from road trips to Minnesota and Florida State, it's incredibly easy, and they get NC State at home this year. But, do we trust this Heels program to capitalize?

10. Duke Blue Devils

Offense: Jonathan Brewer takes over the reigns of this Duke offense as offensive coordinator after a stint at SMU. He'll do so with a new quarterback under center, as Maalik Murphy arrives from Texas to fill the shoes of Riley Leonard, who transferred to Notre Dame.

Murphy appeared in seven games and started two for the Longhorns in 2023 after an injury to Quinn Ewers and looked capable, although throwing three interceptions wasn't particularly encouraging. At 6'5" with a frame built more like a middle linebacker than quarterback, he's quite the interesting talent, and how quickly he gels with Brewer could determine Duke's ceiling this fall.

Fortunately, Duke has plenty of pieces returning alongside Murphy, including a trio of receivers in Jordan Moore, Eli Pancol, and Sahmir Hagans. At running back, Jaquez Moore looks to get the first crack at taking over feature back duties as he enters his final year with the program, but sophomore Peyton Jones is a breakout candidate to watch. Although he was held to just 20 carries all of last season, Jones is one of the highest-rated recruits Duke has ever had at the position.

Defense: New head coach Manny Diaz has made a living on this side of the ball, but he'll have his work cut out for him in 2024. The cupboard is far from completely bare, but the Blue Devils were hit hard up front, where they lose all four starters.

Although there is significant production gone from the D-Line, junior end Vincent Anthony Jr. has been with the program for several years and remains a familiar face, while senior Ryan Smith looks to slide into a starting role at the opposite end spot. Although undersized, Smith is a hard-working defender who could finally emerge in his final year on campus.

Look for linebacker Tre Freeman to play a crucial leadership role after leading the Blue Devils with 106 tackles in 2023. However, others are going to need to step up around him if Duke is to keep the stifling rush defense they had for much of last season.

The secondary returns two familiar faces in Chandler Rivers at corner and Jaylen Stinson at safety, with Stinson finishing just behind Freeman in tackles a year ago. Both could be All-ACC talents, and I'm curious to see how Diaz and staff use Stinson, who could be a Swiss Army Knife in 2024. Senior Joshua Pickett also returns, and should start next to Rivers at cornerback.

Bottom Line: Mike Elko's departure after two seasons in Durham was disappointing, but somewhat expected, and the program rebounded by hiring Diaz to run the show. Although Diaz struggled in his first ACC coaching stint at Miami, he seems to have grown since, and should benefit from being in a low-pressure situation like Duke. He'll also benefit from having a really strong roster for his debut season, one that should deliver the Blue Devils bowl eligibility this fall.

College Football Preview 2024: ACC Part 1

Xavier Restrepo, Miami

 

Realignment Recap: After over a decade with 14 teams in the league, the Atlantic Coast Conference will kick off in fall 2024 with 17 teams playing under their banner. The league will also have a significantly different feel, adding in some West Coast and Southwest flair after they raided the remains of the Pac-12 to add California and Stanford, before moving into the American Athletic Conference and snagging SMU. It's widely assumed the moves were an effort by the league to get out in front of the likely departure of Florida State (and likely others) in the near future but for now, the ACC sits behind only the Big Ten in terms of league size. Whether the moves will have a tangible effect on the product on the field in 2024 remains unclear, but new blood in the constantly evolving world of college athletics should be a good thing - right?

Power Rankings

1. Florida State Seminoles

Offense: There will be a new face under center in Tallahassee this fall following the graduation of Jordan Travis, although it's a familiar one for most FSU fans. Former Clemson signal-caller D.J. Uiagalelei is back in the ACC after a pit stop at Oregon State, and expected to be a one-year rental for head coach Mike Norvell and this Seminole staff. Uiagalelei has never quite been able to live up to the lofty expectations surrounding him coming out of high school as a five-star prospect, but he's started 40 games in his collegiate career and has proven to be a steady, reliable leader. At the very least, he'll keep the seat warm for backup Brock Glenn, who started the ACC Championship Game last fall and still looks to be the long-term guy here.

There will be plenty of new faces around Uiagalelei. Gone are wide outs Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, while tailback Trey Benson went pro after notching 905 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. There appears to be plenty left in the cupboard to replace Benson in the backfield, with Lawrence Toafili still in town and Indiana transfer Jaylin Lucas coming in, but receiver will be interesting. The Seminoles bolstered this room with a slew of transfers in the offseason, namely Jalen Brown from LSU and Malik Benson from Alabama, but it's short on proven names. I see uber-talented sophomore Hykeem Williams as the most likely breakout candidate, while Destyn Hill remains a talent shrouded in mystery despite finally seeing the field for the first time in 2023. Senior Ja'Khi Douglas also seems likely to factor in, but the 5'9" speedster is more of a specialist than a true, every down option.

The Seminole O-Line went through their fair share of ups-and-downs in 2023, but there's reason to believe this is going to be an improved unit this fall. Robert Scott is finally healthy enough to man one of the tackle spots, while transfers T.J. Ferguson and Richie Leonard IV arrive from SEC territory (Alabama and Florida, respectively) and bring Power Four (!) experience.

Things will be an adjustment on this side of the ball for the Seminoles as they begin the post-Jordan Travis era. With that being said, the staff did a fine job plugging holes with transfers as needed, and their work in high school recruiting could pay major dividends this fall. Expect a drop-off, but not a huge one during a year of transition.

Defense: Coordinator Adam Fuller did an elite job with this Florida State defense in 2023 but much like the offense, plenty of new faces will create a stiffer challenge in 2024. Fortunately, there's still significant star power at all three levels, headlined by defensive end Patrick Payton. Payton earned All-ACC honorable mention after tallying 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks last fall, but is now the clear-cut guy off the edge with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske gone. That may lead to more attention on him, but the lengthy, slithery end is too good to be contained by double teams - he has a real shot to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Payton will lead the front seven, but the Seminoles will also count on Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. off the edge, plus Darrell Jackson up the middle. Jones never quite got a chance to show what he could do in Athens, but has all the physical tools to be a real force in Tallahassee, while Jackson played in the Orange Bowl after sitting out most of the year and looked the part. 

There will be a new starting linebacker duo for Fuller and LB coach Randy Shannon, but FSU got a nice surprise when D.J. Lundy flipped on his decision to transfer and instead decided to stick around for one more year. Lundy has made 17 starts over his four year FSU career and proven to be a rock-solid defender, although he'll have to grow as a leader in 2024. Who starts alongside him is a complete guess as we stand in early summer, although Alabama transfer Shawn Murphy looks to be on the inside track.

Cornerback Fentrell Cypress II proved to be the real deal in 2023 after coming over from Virginia, and even greater things are expected this fall. Cypress should benefit from a full offseason in the Seminole system, and is talented enough to earn consideration for plenty of accolades, potentially even Jim Thorpe Award consideration. Junior Azareye'h Thomas provides a great complement at the other corner spot, and junior safety Shyheim Brown is another bright spot on the back-end.

Bottom Line: Last season's Playoff snub provides plenty of motivation for Mike Norvell and the 'Noles as he gears up for Year Five at the helm in Tallahassee. However, a step-back should be a reasonable expectation given just how many pieces moved on from the offseason, from Travis and Coleman to Verse, Fiske, and Akeem Dent. Just how large of a step-back will decide on how quickly the new pieces on offense gel and if the transfers can get up to speed. Fortunately, without a clear-cut threat ready to overtake FSU in 2024, albeit with Clemson looming, I still like the Seminoles to repeat as conference champs this fall.

2. Clemson Tigers

Offense: Garrett Riley was supposed to engineer a complete offensive overhaul for the Tigers last fall, but the unit performed pedestrian for a big chunk of 2023 before hitting its stride late in the year. The hope is that this group will be more comfortable with Riley and his philosophy this season and with QB Cade Klubnik running the show, Clemson has a breakout candidate under center.

Much like the team as a whole, Klubnik finished strong and now looks to 2024 as the year it all comes together. He wound up with 2,844 yards and 19 passing touchdowns against nine interceptions as a true sophomore, but will have to showcase more consistency this fall if the Tigers are to overtake Florida State for the ACC crown. Fortunately, he has an abundance of options at receiver back, as sophomores Antonio Williams and Tyler Brown are joined by highly touted newcomers T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr. Tight end Jake Briningstool also provides a security blanket at the position and has the looks of a future pro.

Losing Will Shipley stings, as the tailback concluded his Clemson career with 2,747 yards and 31 touchdowns. However, the Tigers still boast a proven option in the backfield in senior Phil Mafah, who shouldn't have much issue sliding into the feature role. He'll have the benefit of operating behind an offensive line that returns four starters, with Marcus Tate and Walker Parks moving in the middle and future NFL tackles Tristan Leigh and Blake Miller on the exterior.

There's reason to believe this could be the best Clemson offense since Trevor Lawrence was still in town, with a promising quarterback supported by strong skill positions and a veteran O-Line. Yet, Riley still has something to prove after the ups-and-downs of 2023, and the opener against Georgia could set the tone for the entire season.

Defense: Wes Goodwin hasn't had much problems taking over the reigns of Brent Venables, as the Clemson defense remains as nasty as ever. There's little reason to think that will change in 2024, even with losses at all three levels.

There's massive turnover along the defensive line, but this is one of the premier programs in the country when it comes to developing this position group. Sophomores T.J. Parker and Peter Woods both flashed elite upside last fall and are both breakout candidate as they prepare for 2024. Up the middle, bulldozing seniors Demonte Capehart and Peyton Page will ensure this rush defense doesn't take any sizable step back.

At linebacker, senior Barrett Carter is one of the best anywhere in the country and looks to be a likely first-rounder in the NFL Draft next spring. He'll cause chaos off the edge and plenty of it, but will need help from his fellow linebackers, with two starting spots seemingly up for grabs. I still believe junior Wade Woodaz can take the jump and keep an eye on big-name true freshman Sammy Brown, the highest-ranked recruit at the position in program history. Don't be shocked if he's starting at middle linebacker in short order.

Much like Carter, R.J. Mickens is the veteran leader his respective position group, the secondary, but will need others to emerge alongside him. Corner is a particular concern, without an established pair of starters there. Could this be the year it comes together for junior Jeadyn Lukus? He started four games in 2023 and has had moments, but will now be expected to do more.

Bottom Line: A 4-4 record in the ACC was a bit of a shock from the Tigers, but closing out the year winning their final five could be a sign of things to come in 2024. For all the heat Dabo Swinney has taken for how he has used the transfer portal and NIL in this new age of college football, he remains a strong recruiter and great developer of talent, and there's plenty of it on both sides of the ball. With the Seminoles almost sure to take a slight step backwards, it would not shock me if the Tigers wrestle back the conference crown - especially if Klubnik take the leap that is expected.