The 2024 college football season will introduce a new 12-team playoff format that will introduce much-needed parity to the game we all love, providing a pathway for programs that have been previously left out of the postseason discussion due to record, strength of schedule, and on some occasions, lack of blue-blood status.
However, conference re-alignment will only make things more interesting once the meat of the schedule begins, as Texas and Oklahoma will officially join the SEC next month, while Oregon, UCLA, and USC head to the Big Ten as the Power 5 conference continue to dominate the landscape due to lucrative T.V deals that will take effect this season.
Focusing on the game itself, it’s officially rankings season as Athlon Sports has released its newest preseason rankings, as 12 out of 16 SEC teams made the Top 40, including several programs in the Top 5. Here is where every ranked SEC program stands in Athlon Sports’ 2024 preseason rankings.
12
Florida Gators
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
2023 record: 5-7 (3-5 SEC)
Overall ranking: 37th
With one of the toughest schedules in the country this season, the Gators could either surprise the country or spell doom for head coach Billy Napier’s future.
For more Florida news and analysis, visit Gatorswire
11
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Keaten Wade (20) sacks Akron Zips quarterback DJ Irons (0) as Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Deone Walker (0) pushes down Akron Zips offensive lineman Joshua Blanchard (55) as the Cats beat Akron 35-3 in Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington. Sept. 16, 2023
2023 record: 7-6 (3-5 SEC)
Overall ranking: 35th
It could be a rough year for a Kentucky squad replacing several starters at key positions, including quarterback, but don’t forget elite defensive lineman Deone Walker, who could end up being a Top 10 NFL Draft pick in 2025.
For more Kentucky news and analysis, visit UKWildcatswire
10
Auburn Tigers
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) hikes the ball during the A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
2023 record: 6-7 (3-5 SEC)
Overal ranking: 34th
Head coach Hugh Freeze is an offensive genius by all accounts, but is quarterback Payton Thorne talented enough to vastly improve from his 2023 flaws? Well, at least he’ll have freshman wide receiver Cam Coleman at his disposal.
For more Auburn news and analysis, visit Auburnwire
9
Texas A&M Aggies
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2023 record: 7-6 (4-4 SEC)
Overall ranking: 19th
The Jimbo Fisher era is over, and new head coach Mike Elko has already made a significant impact this offseason both in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail, building a 2024 roster that has every chance to not just improve for a 7-6 finish in 2023, but compete for a playoff spot with a potential 10-2 or 9-3 finish.
8
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables watches during a University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners spring football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April 20, 2024.
2023 record: 10-3 (7-2 Big 12)
Overall ranking: 18th
Former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold is a stud on the field, so the offense is in good hands, while the defense looks vastly improved, especially in the secondary. However, after losing nearly every starting offensive lineman from last season, can the Sooners hold up in the trenches against top-tier SEC pass rushers? We shall see.
For more Oklahoma news and analysis, visit Soonerswire
7
Tennessee Volunteers
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
2023 record: 9-4 (4-4 SEC)
Overall ranking: 15th
Every year, we expect head coach Josh Heupel’s offense to take the Volunteers to the next level, but due to issues at quarterback last season Joe Milton, that was never the case. Sophomore signal caller Nico Iamaleava is the real deal, while defense end James Pearce will likely rack up double-digit sacks while terrorizing offensive tackles week to week.
For more Tennessee news and analysis, visit Volswire
6
LSU Tigers
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
2023 record: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)
Overall ranking: 13th
This is a tough one. LSU is very talented on paper, but losing Heisman quarterback Jayden Daniels and start wide receiver Malik Nabors and Brian Thomas to the NFL leaves a giant hole in the offense, while the secondary hasn’t improved after a disastrous season.
For more LSU news and analysis, visit LSUTigerswire
5
Missouri Tigers
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
2023 record: 11-2 (6-2 SEC)
Overall ranking: 9th
The bottom line is, that quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III are back, making Missouri one of the more dangerous passing offenses in the country, but the defense may be suspect as 2023 defensive coordinator Blake Baker departed for LSU in the offseason.
4
Alabama Crimson Tide
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2023 record: 12-2 (8-0 SEC)
Overall ranking: 7th
Nick Saban has retired, and former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer now has the keys to the castle for the first coaching exchange in a decade-plus. The return of Heisman-favorite quarterback Jalen Milroe should ease DeBoer’s transition, as Alabama is still extremely talented on both sides of the ball.
For more Alabama news and analysis, visit RollTidewire
3
Ole Miss Rebels
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
2023 record: 11-2 (6-2 SEC)
Overall record: 5th
If this isn’t the year, when will it be? Ole Miss is LOADED from top to bottom after head coach Lane Kiffin once again dominated the transfer portal, while quarterback Jaxson Dart will return for a final go-around with receiver Tre Harris by his side.
2
Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers during spring practice at the Frank Denius practice fields in Austin, Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
2023 record: 12-2 (8-1 Big 12)
Overall ranking: 3rd
For those only excited that Texas A&M vs. Texas is now back with the Longhorn’s move to the SEC, in order for that game to be truly meaningful, both teams will need to finish strong before meeting on Nov. 30. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has all the talent to lead the Longhorns back to the playoffs, but an early road test against Michigan coupled with a midseason game vs. Georgia could define their season.
For more Texas news and analysis, visit Longhornswire
1
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws the ball during the second half his team’s 2023 game against Florida at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
2023 record: 13-1 (8-0 SEC)
Overall ranking: 1st
For anyone expecting Georgia to significantly, or even mildly drop off after losing just one game in 2023, recent history should swiftly answer any remaining questions. Quarterback Carson Beck possesses all the tools of a future NFL starter, while another successful recruiting haul has created another deep roster that should challenge every team the Bulldogs face in 2024.
For more Georgia news and analysis, visit UGAWire
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