It turns out Jan. 9 is too early for a Way-Too-Early Top 25. Sporting News found that out heading into the 2024 college football season. Four of the top 11 teams in our original list had head coaching changes after publication.
On Jan. 10, Alabama coach Nick Saban retired – which set off a chain reaction of coaching changes that included Washington's Kalen DeBoer leaving for Alabama, Arizona's Jedd Fisch leaving for Washington and San Jose State's Brent Brennan leaving for Arizona.
Three weeks later, Michigan's Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers, but the coaching carousel wasn't over. Boston College's Jeff Hafley left to take the defensive coordinator job with Green Bay, and he was replaced by newly-hired Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. The Buckeyes naturally hired UCLA coach Chip Kelly as a replacement.
All of that had an impact on our Top 25 rankings for the 2024 season, not to mention the roster changes from the transfer portal. Ohio State benefitted from that more than anyone else in our latest Top 25.
The Big Ten and SEC have 15 teams in our adjusted Top 25, which is sure to dominate the newly-minted 5/7 format in the College Football Playoff. The Big 12 had five teams, and the ACC had four teams. That leaves Notre Dame as the only independent.
How did that shake out? With that, a look at Sporting News' revised Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2024.
MORE: Format change approved for 2024, 2025 CFP
2024 College Football Way Too Early Top 25
1. Georgia (13-1 in 2023)
Previous: 1
What changed: Georgia's surroundings. The Bulldogs did lose 20 players to the transfer portal, including linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson to Kentucky, but the coaching changes at Alabama and Michigan opened up the path for Kirby Smart to get this team back into the national championship mix.
Lowdown: Carson Beck returns, and Florida transfer running back Trevor Etienne will form a dynamic tag team with Branson Robinson. Miami receiver Colbie Young will have a breakout season. The defense returns linebacker Smael Mondon – who had 68 tackles and three sacks – and All-American safety Malachi Starks. The opener at Clemson (Aug. 31) precedes road games at Alabama (Sept. 28) and Texas (Oct. 19). This is one of a handful of teams built for a championship run in the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff.
2. Ohio State (11-2 in 2023)
Previous: 6
What changed: Did the Buckeyes win the offseason? Ohio State worked the transfer portal to land Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins and Alabama safety Caleb Downs – all players who will have a significant impact in 2024. Ryan Day also hired his mentor – UCLA coach Chip Kelly – as the new offensive coordinator after Bill O'Brien left for Boston College.
Lowdown: On top of that, several key players returned, including running back TreVeyon Henderson, edge rushers Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau and cornerback Denzel Burke. Ohio State allowed 11.2 points per game last season, and this defense should be better with Downs. It's an all-in year now, and games against Oregon (Oct. 12) and Michigan (Nov. 30) are the highlights on the schedule.
3. Texas (12-2 in 2023)
Previous: 3
What changed: Steve Sarkisian brings back both coordinators for a fourth season, and the Longhorns have continuity heading into the SEC. Nick Saban's retirement led to three Alabama transfers – receiver Isaiah Bond, tight end Amari Niblack and linebacker Kendrick Blackshire – coming to Texas.
Lowdown: The Longhorns have one of the most-talented rosters in the FBS, and they are ready for the move to the SEC. Quinn Ewers stayed for another season, and Arch Manning did not hit the transfer portal. . C.J. Baxter, Johntay Cook and Ryan Wingo will see increased roles, and sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill will anchor the defense. Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba was another huge pickup in the transfer portal. The schedule is one blockbuster after another, too. The Longhorns will be at Michigan (Sept. 7), in Dallas for Oklahoma (Oct. 12) and host Georgia (Oct. 19) before what will be a much-anticipated rivalry renewal at Texas A&M (Nov. 30).
4. Oregon (12-2 in 2023)
Previous: 5
What changed: Dan Lanning enters his third season with a roster that should be able to compete for a national championship. The Ducks kept offensive coordinator Will Stein and co-defensive coordinators Tosh Lupolli and Junior Adams.
Lowdown: The portal was good to Oregon, too. Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel and UCLA quarterback Dante Moore give a short- and long-term plan at the position, and Texas A&M receiver Evan Stewart will be a star opposite Tez Johnson, who returns after compiling 1,182 yards and 10 TDs. The defense will have to adjust to the move to the Big Ten, but the addition of Washington cornerback Jabbar Muhammad will help. The Ducks get Ohio State (Oct. 12) and Michigan (Nov. 2), and the new regular-season finale is Washington (Nov. 30). Could the Ducks win a Big Ten championship in their first season? It’s not out of the question.
5. Notre Dame (10-3 in 2023)
Previous: 8
What changed: Notre Dame hired Mike Denbrock from LSU as its new offensive coordinator after he directed the Tigers to the nation's No. 1 offense in both yards and points. The Irish lost 15 players in the transfer portal, but the eight additions will make an impact. That includes Duke quarterback Riley Leonard and a pair of receivers in Clemson’s Beaux Collins and Marshall’s Jayden Harrison.
Lowdown: The Irish will maintain independent status in the 12-team CFP era, and this first season is an interesting test run. Running back Jeremiyah Love and receiver Jaden Greathouse are set for larger roles. Al Golden is back at defensive coordinator, and the defense returns key players at all three levels, including All-Americans Xavier Watts and Howard Cross III. Notre Dame’s schedule is favorable, too, with an opener at Texas A&M and a home game against Florida State on Nov. 9. Michigan won a national title with a similar roster last season. Is it the Irish’s turn to break a drought that extends back to 1988?
6. Ole Miss (11-2 in 2023)
Previous: 7
What changed: The Rebels are poised to build on an 11-win season, and Lane Kiffin has earned the nickname "The Portal King" for good reason. Ole Miss added 17 players but lost 16 players to the portal, the most-impactful being leading rusher Quinshon Judkins. Coordinators Charlie Weis Jr. and Pete Golding are back, too.
Lowdown: Kiffin added eight players via the transfer portal from other SEC schools, including Florida edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, who had seven sacks last season. Quarterback Jaxson Dart returns, too, and there is going to be a lot of hype around the Rebels in the new-look SEC. The Rebels play at LSU (Oct. 12) and have home games against Oklahoma (Oct. 26) and Georgia (Nov. 9). How will the program handle increased expectations?
7. Florida State (13-1 in 2023)
Previous: 10
What changed: Mike Norvell kept the roster and coaching staff intact, and five Alabama players transferred to Florida State, including running back Roydell Williams and receiver Malik Benson. The Seminoles also added Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and Georgia edge rusher Marvin Jones.
Lowdown: Florida State's future in the ACC will be an ever-present topic of conversation, but in the present tense there is enough back to make a run at a second straight conference championship. Running back Lawrence Toafili and a talented receiver room returns along with four seniors on the offensive line. Norvell continues to work the transfer portal, and that will be on display in the season opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 24 before a schedule that includes Clemson (Oct. 5), Miami (Oct. 26), Notre Dame (Nov. 9) and Florida (Nov. 30).
8. Michigan (15-0 in 2023)
Previous: 4
What changed: Jim Harbaugh left to become head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers after leading the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997 and took defensive coordinator Jesse Minter with him. Sherrone Moore was named head coach, and the Wolverines promoted Kirk Campbell to offensive coordinator and added longtime NFL defensive coordinator Wink Martindale to the staff.
Lowdown: Michigan is sending a record 18 players to the NFL Scouting Combine, but this is not a complete rebuild. Moore ensured that there would not be a transfer portal exodus, and running back Donovan Edwards, defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson will be the leaders on this team. Michigan did get Northwestern tackle Josh Priebe and Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the transfer portal, and quarterback Jack Tuttle was given a seventh year of eligibility. Alex Orji also will be a candidate for the starting job. The schedule is loaded with Texas (Sept. 7), USC (Sept. 21) and Oregon (Nov. 2) coming to the Big House and road trips to Washington (Oct. 5) and Ohio State (Nov. 30). The Wolverines will be in the hunt for a fourth straight Big Ten championship.
MORE: Tracking every FBS coaching change for 2024
9. Alabama (12-2 in 2023)
Previous: 2
What changed: Is it too much to say “everything?” Saban won six national championships at Alabama, and his departure set off a massive transfer portal defection that reached 30 players – including star safety Caleb Downs and five-star quarterback Julian Sayin. Alabama hired Washington coach Kalen DeBoer, who is building the staff around offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack – who was South Alabama's head coach.
Lowdown: DeBoer has the unenviable task of replacing the greatest coach in college football history, but the roster is not devoid of talent. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is back, and running backs Jam Miller and Justice Haynes will have more pronounced roles in the offense. Five-star WR signee Ryan Williams also stuck with Alabama. The defense added USC cornerback Domani Jackson. The schedule features road trips to Wisconsin (Sept. 14), LSU (Nov. 9) and Oklahoma (Nov. 23) and home games against Georgia (Sept. 28), Tennessee (Oct. 19) and Missouri (Oct. 26). DeBoer faces a daunting challenge, but there is still enough there to make a playoff run.
MORE: Nick Saban headed to ESPN's GameDay show
10. Missouri (11-2 in 2023)
Previous: 12
What changed: Missouri lost defensive coordinator Blake Baker to LSU, and he was replaced by South Alabama defensive coordinator Corey Batoon. The Tigers brought in 10 players via the portal, including Appalachian State running back Nate Noel, who had 834 rushing yards and five TDs; and Miami linebacker Corey Flagg Jr., who had 48 tackles.
Lowdown: Eli Drinkwitz enjoyed a break-through season that included a 14-3 victory against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Brady Cook and star receiver Luther Burden returned, too. Yes, Missouri must replace the production left by All-American running back Cody Schrader and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, but the schedule is negotiable in the new-look SEC. Road tests at Texas A&M (Oct. 5) and Alabama (Oct. 26) will be telling for a team that will face the pressure of a top-10 billing.
11. LSU (10-3 in 2023)
Previous: 13
What changed: LSU hired Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker and overhauled the defensive staff after the Tigers allowed 28.0 points per game in 2023. The Tigers also brought in Liberty receiver CJ Daniels – who had 1,067 yards and 10 TDs last season.
Lowdown: Brian Kelly has won 10 games in his first two seasons with LSU (and a nation's best seven straight years overall), but the production from Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. will not be easy to replace. Garrett Nussmeier is the presumed starting quarterback, and Baker must get more out of a defense that will return edge rusher Harold Perkins. LSU opens with USC at Allegiant Stadium and has home games against Ole Miss (Oct. 12), Alabama (Nov. 9) and Oklahoma (Nov. 30). The pieces are there for another 10-win season. Can the Tigers take the next step with Kelly?
12. Tennessee (9-4 in 2023)
Previous: 14
What changed: Tennessee lost 12 players to the transfer portal, but the continuity is there heading into Josh Heupel's fourth season with the program. Notre Dame tight end Holden Staes and Tulane receiver Chris Brazzell II were nice additions via the portal.
Lowdown: Nico Iamaleava's impressive performance in the 35-0 victory against Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will be the talk of the summer in Knoxville. Iamaleava is a five-star talent, and the Volunteers have a strong supporting cast that features running back Dylan Sampson, receivers Squirrel White and Bru McCoy and an experienced offensive line. James Pearce Jr. – who had 10 sacks last season - leads an experienced defense. Road trips to Oklahoma (Sept. 21) and Georgia (Nov. 16) and a home date against Alabama (Oct. 19) will be the pressure points, but this team could sneak into the CFP.
13. Penn State (10-3 in 2023)
Previous: 15
What changed: Penn State would have been a regular in a 12-team format during the four-team era, and now the challenge for James Franklin is to make that a reality. Franklin has two new coordinators. He hired new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas, and former Indiana coach Tom Allen is the new defensive coordinator.
Lowdown: Last year, the Nittany Lions were an “it” team. This year, they might fall under the buy-low category, and that could be a good thing. Quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are back, and the addition of Ohio State transfer wide receiver Julian Fleming should help the passing game. Linebacker Abdul Carter is a first-round talent and is listed as a defensive end going into the spring. Back-to-back home games against Ohio State (Nov. 2) and Washington (Nov. 9) will determine whether the Nittany Lions are in the Big Ten championship hunt, which they should be.
MORE: James Franklin laments changes in college football
14. Utah (8-5 in 2023)
Previous: 17
What changed: Utah had 15 players enter the transfer portal, including running back Ja'Quinden Jackson – who led the Uets with 797 rushing yards and four TDs last season. Jonah Elliss, Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki entered the NFL Draft, so the defense will need to be re-tooled.
Lowdown: Utah knocked on the door of the CFP conversation a few times in the four-team era. Kyle Whittingham – who led the Utes to 39 wins the last three seasons – has what should be the Big 12 favorite heading into 2024. Cam Rising returns at quarterback, and USC transfer Dorian Singer was a 1,000-yard receiver at Arizona in 2021. The Utes get Arizona (Sept. 28) and TCU (Oct. 19) at home, and the Oklahoma State (Sept. 21) matchup will be fun. With five Big 12 teams on this list, multiple CFP bids are possible.
15. Clemson (9-4 in 2023)
Previous: 16
What changed: Not much. Clemson lost 10 players to the transfer portal, and the Tigers did not have any incoming transfers. Dabo Swinney's approach will not change much heading into 2024.
Lowdown: Clemson did have a top-15 recruiting class, and five-star freshman receiver TJ Moore could be an impact player right away. Cade Klubnik and Phil Mafah form an experienced backfield, and the defense will be tough up front around sophomore T.J. Parker, who had 5.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season. Clemson opens with Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game on Aug. 31 and will be in the hunt for an ACC championship.
16. Arizona (10-3 in 2023)
Previous: 11
What changed: The Wildcats were the trendy Pac-12 favorite, but Jedd Fisch left to take the Washington job. Arizona picked up five transfers and lost four after hiring San Jose State coach Brent Brennan.
Lowdown: There still is more than enough talent for the Wildcats to make a run in their conference. Quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan resisted the transfer portal, and linebacker Jacob Manu had 116 tackles last season. Quali Conley – who had 842 rushing yards and nine TDs last season – followed Brennan from San Jose State. The schedule is tough with matchups against Kansas State, TCU, UCF and Utah, but that sleeper tag should stick. We're just putting them behind the Utes in the pecking order now.
17. Oklahoma (10-3 in 2023)
Previous: 17
What changed: Oklahoma had 18 players enter the transfer portal, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Former North Texas coach Seth Littrell was promoted to offensive coordinator, and the Sooners will make the move to the SEC in Brent Venables' third season, but not much has changed form our initial read.
Lowdown: Five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold will get a push from backup quarterback Casey Thompson. Linebacker Danny Stuntsman – who had 104 tackles and 16 tackles for loss – bypassed the 2024 NFL Draft. That is huge heading into a SEC schedule that features an opener against Tennessee and coach Josh Heupel, a former OU quarterback. A tough back-half of the schedule ends with Alabama (Nov. 23) and LSU (Nov. 30). We still have Oklahoma one spot ahead of their in-state rival.
18. Oklahoma State (10-4 in 2023)
Previous: 19
What changed: Quarterback Alan Bowman returned for a seventh season, and Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon returned after briefly entering the transfer portal. Oklahoma State lost nine players to the transfer portal, including quarterback Gunnar Gundy – who left for Ohio.
Lowdown: Mike Gundy has led the Cowboys to 18 consecutive winning seasons. Will this be the year they finally break through to the CFP? Gordon – a first-team All-American who rushed for 1,732 yards and 21 TDs – fits in front of an experienced offensive line, and linebacker Nickolas Bowman returned after compiling 140 tackles last season. Oklahoma and Texas are gone for the SEC. Will the Cowboys run the Big 12 show now? Home games against Arkansas (Sept. 7), Utah (Sept. 21) and a road trip to Kansas State (Sept. 28) will be tell-tale signs.
19. USC (8-5 in 2023)
Previous: 21
What changed: The Trojans hired UCLA defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, the move that will get the most attention heading into 2024. Analyst Kliff Kingsbury left to become the offensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders. Caleb Williams declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Lowdown: None of this is surprising, but this is a pivotal year for third-year coach Lincoln Riley after a disappointing 2023 season. Miller Moss is coming off a six-TD performance in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville, and Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch could be in line for breakout seasons. How much can Lynn improve the defense? That is the big question heading into a blockbuster opener against LSU at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1. The Big Ten opener at Michigan on Sept. 21 will be an interesting barometer, and Notre Dame still is on the schedule as the Nov. 30 regular-season finale.
20. Kansas State (9-4 in 2023)
Previous: 20
What changed: Collin Klein left to take the offensive coordinator job at Texas A&M, and 15 Kansas State players left via the transfer portal. That will be a challenge for Chris Klieman, who enters his sixth season with the program.
Lowdown: Former Utah State and Texas Tech coach Matt Wells takes over at offensive coordinator, and dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson replaces Will Howard. Johnson had 178 passing yards, 71 rushing yards and three TDs in the Pop-Tarts Bowl victory against NC State. Penn State transfer receiver Dante Cephas could make an impact, and the defense should be solid as usual. The September schedule is tough, with home matchups against Arizona (Sept. 14) and Oklahoma State (Sept. 28) and a road trip to BYU (Sept. 21). If Kansas State is a Big 12 championship contender, then we're going to find out early.
21. Washington (14-1 in 2023)
Previous: 9
What changed: Washington lost 34-13 to Michigan in the College Football Playoff championship game, then Kalen DeBoer took the job at Alabama. The Huskies also could have as many as 10 players drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft – including Michael Penix Jr., Dillon Johnson and Rome Odunze. The Huskies hired Jedd Fisch away from Arizona.
Lowdown: Will Rogers opted to stay after briefly re-entering the portal after DeBoer's departure. Rogers has 94 career TD passes and can be a transition quarterback for Fisch. Arizona transfer running back Jonah Coleman – who rushed for 871 yards and five TDs – could be the starter, and the Huskies also added via the portal with some playmakers to help ease heavy losses on the defense. How will that translate in the new-look Big Ten? Michigan (Oct. 5) and USC (Nov. 2) come to Husky Stadium, and the road tests at Penn State (Nov. 9) and Oregon (Nov. 30) will be tough. Washington will not regress as far as TCU did in 2023, but this will not be easy.
22. Louisville (10-4 in 2023)
Previous: 22
What changed: Second-year coach Jeff Brohm brought in 26 players via the transfer portal. That group includes Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough – who will replace veteran Jack Plummer at quarterback. Shough has 36 TDs and 17 interceptions between five years at Oregon and Texas Tech. Can he stay healthy in his seventh season?
Lowdown: Toledo transfer Peny Boone had 1,400 rushing yards and 15 TDs last season. That should help ease the loss of Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo. South Alabama receiver Caullin Lacy had 91 catches for 1,316 yards and seven TDs. Edge rusher Ashton Gillotte – who had 11 sacks – leads the defense. Brohm can build on that successful first season and be an ACC sleeper worth watching.
23. Texas A&M (7-6 in 2023)
Previous: N/R
What changed: First-year coach Mike Elko brought in 23 transfers, and that culture shift could be huge for a program that has the talent. The Aggies also hired Kansas State offensive coordinator Collin Klein. Purdue edge rusher Nic Scourton could be an impact player. He had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss for the Aggies last season.
Lowdown: Too soon? The urgency to turn it around escalates with Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC, and Conner Weigman returns after suffering a season-ending foot injury. He is a five-star talent on his third offensive coordinator. Jahdae Walker and Moose Muhammad are experienced targets, too. Elko will shape up the defense, too. The schedule features home-game bookends against Notre Dame (Aug. 31) and Texas (Nov. 30).
24. Georgia Tech (7-6 in 2023)
Previous: 25
What changed: The Yellow Jackets lost 21 players to the transfer portal, which is a concern for Brent Key entering his second full season with the program. Georgia Tech landed nine transfers, including a few potential starters from a defense that ranked 120th in the FBS at 437.1 yards per game.
Lowdown: Now, let's talk about the offense. Haynes King totaled 2,842 passing yards, 737 rushing yards and 37 TDs last season. Jamal Haynes (1,059 yards) is back and receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (48 catches, 714 yards, 6 TDs) is a next-level talent. Linebacker Kyle Efford will lead that improvement on defense, and there remains an opportunity to make a statement in the Aug. 24 opener against Florida State in Dublin, Ireland.
25. Kansas (9-4 in 2023)
Previous: 23
What changed: Not much. Lance Leipold – who seemingly is a target in every coaching search – is back for his fourth season. The Jayhawks lost six players to the transfer portal.
Lowdown: Kansas was seen as a Big 12 sleeper last season, but that was before Jalon Daniels' season was sidetracked by injuries. Daniels will benefit from the return of Devin Neal, who rushed for 1,280 yards and 16 TDs. Leipold has experience with an expanded playoff from his days with Wisconsin-Whitewater in Division III. The Jayhawks will play four home games at Arrowhead Stadium this season, including games against TCU, Houston, Colorado and Iowa State.
