Nearly every outlet that covers college football has released an updated top 25 ranking for the 2024 season over the last few weeks. Spring practice is over, which means it’s time to start projecting what the fall polls will look like.
We’ve monitored rankings from The Athletic, CBS Sports, ESPN, USA TODAY and Joel Klatt. Now, it’s time to release our own.
Related: Post-spring Big Ten football 2024 power rankings, starting quarterback rankings
Our approach is similar to that of ESPN’s SP+ metric. The hope is projecting what the end-of-season top 25 will look like. And if possible, what is each team’s quality independent of its schedule?
That approach is necessary more than ever now that the SEC and Big Ten have hoarded most of the nation’s top programs. Seventeen of our top 25 come from the two power conferences, including nine of the top 10. Each team’s record is no longer the most effective way of establishing its quality. It is now a smaller piece of a increasingly complicated puzzle.
As we all work to understand what the new alignment of college football will look like, here is the Badgers Wire post-spring top 25 ranking entering the 2024 season:
1
Georgia Bulldogs
April 13, 2024; Athens, Georgia; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart on the field during the G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 13-1
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 1
Nick Saban’s departure makes Kirby Smart the new king of the sport. Not only is the team terrific, but QB Carson Beck may be the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft. Georgia is the best team in the nation and it might not be close.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 2
- Joel Klatt: No. 2
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 1
- ESPN: No. 1
Get more (Georgia) news, analysis, and opinions on UGA Wire
2
Oregon Ducks
Nov. 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning (center) leads quarterback Bo Nix (10) and Ty Thompson (13) onto the field for the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 12-2
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 3
Oregon is quietly becoming one of the sport’s perennial powers under Dan Lanning. It lost Bo Nix after last season, but landed former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the transfer portal. The Ducks shouldn’t miss a beat upon joining the Big Ten.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 3
- Joel Klatt: No. 4
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 4
- ESPN: No. 3
- Big Ten Rank: No. 1
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis, and opinions on Ducks Wire
3
Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian greets wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) while warming up for the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK
2023 Record: 12-2
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 4
2023 was a massive step forward for the Longhorns as they look to return to the top of the country. Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas have the rosters plus Heisman candidate quarterbacks. That’s what separates the top three from the rest of the nation.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 4
- Joel Klatt: No. 3
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 2
- ESPN: No. 4
Get more (Texas) news, analysis, and opinions on Longhorns Wire
4
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oct. 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio; Ohio State Buckeyes running backs coach Tony Alford, head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye signal from the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium.
2023 Record: 11-2
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 2
Ohio State might have the best roster on paper entering 2024, especially after landing former Alabama safety Caleb Downs in the transfer portal. Quarterback Will Howard is the big question mark, and he could be the reason Ryan Day again fails to win the Big Ten.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 1
- Joel Klatt: No. 1
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 3
- ESPN: No. 1
- Big Ten Rank: No. 2
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis, and opinions on Buckeyes Wire
5
Ole Miss Rebels
Nov. 6, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with a referee after a call during the second half against the Liberty Flames at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 11-2
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 8
This is the year for Ole Miss, if it’s ever going to happen. Lane Kiffin returns QB Jaxson Dart and a senior-heavy roster, then welcomed in a top transfer class. The program is all-in to win this season.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 6
- Joel Klatt: No. 5
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 6
- ESPN: No. 6
6
Alabama Crimson Tide
Jan. 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; The University of Alabama introduced new head football coach Kalen DeBoer with a press conference at Bryant-Denny Stadium. DeBoer speaks during the press conference. Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News-USA TODAY NETWORK
2023 Record: 12-2
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 6
A Nick Saban-led Alabama team would’ve been No. 2 on this list. Kalen DeBoer is more of a question mark, especially with the roster turnover after Saban’s departure. The team will still be terrific and will go as far as QB Jalen Milroe takes it.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 7
- Joel Klatt: No. 7
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 5
- ESPN: No. 9
Get more (Alabama) news, analysis, and opinions on Roll Tide Wire
7
Penn State Nittany Lions
Dec. 30, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin on the sidelines against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 10-3
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 7
A 12-team College Football Playoff is just what Penn State needs as it continues to look up at Ohio State. This is the year the Nittany Lions make the playoff, and could advance far if former five-star QB Drew Allar takes a big jump.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 11
- Joel Klatt: No. 9
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 16
- ESPN: No. 8
- Big Ten Rank: No. 3
Get more (Penn State) news, analysis, and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire
8
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman celebrates at the 90th annual Sun Bowl game against Oregon State on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at El Paso, Texas. GABY VELASQUEZ/ EL PASO TIMES-USA TODAY NETWORK
2023 Record: 10-3
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 9
Notre Dame has been good under Marcus Freeman in his first two years, but it hasn’t been great. Some think this can be that season with former Duke QB Riley Leonard under center and a senior-heavy defense.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 5
- Joel Klatt: No. 11
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 7
- ESPN: No. 5
Get more (Notre Dame) news, analysis, and opinions on Fighting Irish Wire
9
Missouri Tigers
Nov. 24, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Missouri won 48-14. Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 11-2
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 11
Upstart SEC teams are fun to root for as they battle the traditional powers. That will be Missouri in 2024 as it returns top wide receiver Luther Burden, quarterback Brady Cook and others after a program-best 2023 season.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 8
- Joel Klatt: No. 10
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 9
- ESPN: No. 7
10
Oklahoma Sooners
Dec. 28, 2023; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on in the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at Alamodome. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 10-3
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 14
Oklahoma went 6-7 in Year 1 under Brent Venables and 10-3 last season. The move to the SEC will result in a few more losses, but the Sooners should again take a step forward in Year 3 under the head coach. Former top recruit Jackson Arnold leads a talented offense. But the story of the Sooners’ season should be a veteran defense that did not need any big transfer additions this offseason.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 13
- Joel Klatt: No. 17
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 8
- ESPN: No. 14
Get more (Oklahoma) news, analysis, and opinions on Sooners Wire
11
Michigan Wolverines
Jan. 1, 2024; Pasadena, California; Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) scores a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 15-0
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 5
The 2024 Michigan Wolverines are a different team than the 2023 group. Gone is head coach Jim Harbaugh, QB J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum and several top leaders on offense and defense. A natural step back should be expected. But this will not be a program that craters. The combination of talent and culture is too strong as Sherrone Moore takes over as head coach.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 9
- Joel Klatt: No. 8
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 11
- ESPN: No. 13
- Big Ten Rank: No. 4
Get more (Michigan) news, analysis, and opinions on Wolverines Wire
12
Utah Utes
April 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks on during the second half of the Utah Spring Football Game at Rice–Eccles Stadium. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 8-5
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 17
Utah is a model of consistency under head coach Kyle Whittingham. An 8-5 2023 was a down season after two straight Pac-12 titles, but quarterback injuries are partly to blame for the downturn. The Utes get Cam Rising back for a final season as they look to make a mark in the Big 12. They should enter the season as the favorites.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 25
- Joel Klatt: No. 6
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 12
- ESPN: No. 10
13
Florida State Seminoles
Sept. 23, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell on the sideline in the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 13-1
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 12
The story entering 2024 for Florida State will be the playoff robbery in 2023. But it should be that Mike Norvell has the Seminoles back to being a premier program. They should be considered a national contender every season.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 12
- Joel Klatt: No. 12
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 15
- ESPN: No. 15
14
Clemson Tigers
Sept. 30, 2023; Syracuse, New York; Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts in the fourth quarter against Syracuse at JMA Wireless Dome. Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 9-4
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 16
Dabo Swinney has been a bit of a punching bag after not using the transfer portal the past two seasons. While he hasn’t adjusted to the new era of the sport as well as he should have, it’s still Clemson and he’s still Dabo Swinney. The Tigers should be co-favorites in the conference alongside Florida State.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 18
- Joel Klatt: No. 13
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 10
- ESPN: No. 19
Get more (Clemson) news, analysis, and opinions on Clemson Wire
15
LSU Tigers
Jan. 1, 2024; Tampa, Florida; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) talk on the podium after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Reliaquest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 10-3
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 10
LSU’s offense could win national titles if the defense could get stops. The program had a chance to bolster the latter in the transfer portal this offseason and largely whiffed. The offense will again be dynamic with QB Garrett Nussmeier under center. The defense will again be a question.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 14
- Joel Klatt: No. 14
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 13
- ESPN: No. 12
Get more (LSU) news, analysis, and opinions on LSU Wire
16
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during preseason football practice held on UT’s campus on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
2023 Record: 9-4
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 15
Tennessee should again be fun to watch on offense as star youngster Nico Iamaleava starts under center. I’d expect a 2022-like performance from the unit, which will make it a player in a deep SEC.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 15
- Joel Klatt: No. 16
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 17
- ESPN: No. 16
Get more (Tennessee) news, analysis, and opinions on Vols Wire
17
Arizona Wildcats
Dec. 28, 2023; San Antonio, Texas; Arizona Wildcats running back DJ Williams (8) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Tanner McLachlan (84) in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Alamodome. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 10-3
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 19
Arizona was one of the best stories in the sport in 2023. It was picked to struggle but surprised everybody with a 10-3 record and bowl win. Head coach Jedd Fisch is gone to Washington, but many of the team’s top players stayed. The Wildcats should be a tough out in the Big 12 this season.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 19
- Joel Klatt: No. 21
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 20
- ESPN: No. 11
18
Kansas State Wildcats
Dec. 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman celebrates after beating the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the Pop-Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 9-4
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 18
Chris Klieman has maintained Kansas State’s level as a perennial Big 12 contender. Electric sophomore Avery Johnson will start at QB after Will Howard left for Ohio State. The Wildcats should be an effective combination of tough and flashy in 2024.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 16
- Joel Klatt: No. 20
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 21
- ESPN: No. 20
19
USC Trojans
USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) talks with USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the first half of the game against No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Abigail Dollins-USA TODAY NETWORK
2023 Record: 8-5
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 23
USC will not miss a beat in 2024 with Miller Moss taking over for Caleb Williams under center. The defense may still be an issue. Gone is Alex Grinch, but the defensive build may take a few years, which should eliminate the Trojans from Big Ten contention.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: Not ranked
- Joel Klatt: No. 15
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 22
- ESPN: Not ranked
- Big Ten Rank: No. 5
Get more (USC) news, analysis, and opinions on Trojans Wire
20
Iowa State Cyclones
Dec. 29, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell (right) reacts with Iowa State Cyclones offensive linemen James Neal (75) during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 7-6
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 22
The Iowa Hawkeyes will be found in nearly every top 25 ranking, but the Cyclones will not. We’re high on Matt Campbell’s team as sophomore Rocco Becht enters his second season as starting QB and the team returns a veteran-heavy defense. The Cyclones will be a sleeper in the Big 12.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: Not ranked
- Joel Klatt: Not ranked
- USA TODAY Sports: Not ranked
- ESPN: Not ranked
21
Kansas Jayhawks
Sept. 17, 2022; Houston, Texas; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold on the sideline during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 9-4
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 35
How can one not love what Lance Leipold is doing at Kansas. The program does have a Maryland-like ability to start fast and fade at the end of the season. It returns star QB Jalon Daniels for what should be another solid season.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 23
- Joel Klatt: No. 23
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 19
- ESPN: No. 22
22
Texas A&M Aggies
July 21, 2022; Charlotte, NC; Duke head coach Mike Elko talks to the media during the second day of ACC Media Days at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 7-6
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 13
Texas A&M was going nowhere under Jimbo Fisher despite incredible recruiting success. Former Duke head coach Mike Elko provides a brighter future, and he enters with one of the more talented rosters in the country. But we’re in wait-and-see mode with the Aggies.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 17
- Joel Klatt: No. 25
- USA TODAY Sports: Not ranked
- ESPN: No. 25
Get more (Texas A&M) news, analysis, and opinions on Aggies Wire
23
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nov. 11, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule during the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 5-7
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 39
Nebraska will take a big jump in Year 2 under Matt Rhule. First, Rhule is no Scott Frost or any of the Cornhuskers’ previous coaches. Second, five-star QB Dylan Raiola is the real deal. Third, Rhule has a history of sending programs into resurgent second seasons.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Nebraska sneaked into the playoff.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: Not ranked
- Joel Klatt: No. 22
- USA TODAY Sports: Not ranked
- ESPN: Not ranked
- Big Ten Rank: No. 6
Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis, and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire
24
Wisconsin Badgers
Oct. 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell leads the football team onto the field for warmups prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 7-6
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 25
Wisconsin has one of the nation’s toughest schedules in 2024. But the team should improve greatly after a rocky 2023 season. Luke Fickell remade the defense via the transfer portal, which was already a solid unit last season. Meanwhile, Phil Longo’s offense should work better in Year 2 — especially with its offensive line play. The Badgers may go 8-4 or 9-3 this season, but that’s a top-25 team given the schedule.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: Not ranked
- Joel Klatt: Not ranked
- USA TODAY Sports: Not ranked
- ESPN: Not ranked
- Big Ten Rank: No. 7
25
Iowa Hawkeyes
Oct. 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 10-4
2024 SP+ Ranking: No. 26
No preseason top 25 is valid without Iowa somewhere in the 20s. The program defends its way to double-digit win seasons and should continue to do so as Kirk Ferentz finally moves on to a different offensive coordinator. The Hawkeyes will not defeat the Goliaths, but they’re a competitive program every season.
Other Rankings:
- The Athletic: No. 20
- Joel Klatt: No. 24
- USA TODAY Sports: No. 24
- ESPN: Not ranked
- Big Ten Rank: No. 8
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis, and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire
26
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