The 2024 college football season kicked off with the release of the Associated Press’s first top 25 poll, with the Georgia Bulldogs taking the top spot. Coming off a 13-1 season in 2023, the Bulldogs missed the College Football Playoff but have high hopes for the upcoming season with quarterback Carson Beck and running back Trevor Etienne leading the team. Ohio State followed closely behind at No. 2, looking to make a strong comeback after a disappointing end to their 2023 season.
Alabama, a perennial powerhouse in college football, will begin the 2024 season at No. 5 in the nation. The Crimson Tide have undergone significant changes in the offseason, with legendary coach Nick Saban retiring and Kalen DeBoer taking over as head coach. Jalen Milroe will be one to watch as he returns to lead the team after a strong performance in the previous season, including a game-winning touchdown against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Reigning national champions, the Michigan Wolverines, will face their own season of change as former head coach Jim Harbaugh departed for the Los Angeles Chargers. Sherrone Moore now leads the program, with Alex Orji taking over as quarterback and Donovan Edwards leading the running game. With key departures and new leadership, Michigan will look to defend their title in the competitive college football landscape.
The top 25 rankings also featured teams like Oregon, Texas, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Florida State, showcasing the depth and talent across college football. Transfers and returning players bring excitement and anticipation for the 2024 season, with teams like Missouri, Utah, LSU, Clemson, and Oklahoma aiming to make a statement and contend for national prominence.
With a lineup of powerhouse programs and emerging contenders, the 2024 college football season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable one. Fans can expect intense matchups, thrilling performances, and potential upsets as teams vie for conference titles, playoff berths, and ultimately the national championship. The top 25 rankings offer a glimpse of the landscape, but only time will tell which teams will rise to the occasion and leave their mark on the season.
