ESPN identifies the biggest question mark for each Top 25 team entering fall
ESPN identified the biggest question marks for each Top 25 team going into the 2024 college football season.
Some questions aren’t as difficult to answer as others, particularly in the top 10. But, if they linger into the season, they could be big problems.
Below are the biggest question marks for each Top 25 in college football, per ESPN.
1. Georgia: Pass rush
There aren’t many questions about Georgia going into the 2024 season. However, there was no consistent pass rush last season.
What could help this fall is Mykel Williams, who’s considered a first-round talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. If he breaks out, perhaps the rest of the team will follow.
2. Ohio State: Quarterback
This is a pretty big question mark for arguably the second best team in the country, one that’s a national title contender. Kansas State transfer Will Howard is the favorite to win the job.
He was very solid with the Wildcats, but this is a whole ‘nother level in the Big Ten when Ohio State is basically national title or bust. Still, his track record suggests this won’t be a huge question.
3. Texas: Pass defense
Texas’ biggest question is its back end, ranking No. 116 in pass defense in 2023. The biggest example was Michael Penix Jr. picking apart Texas in the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns added safety transfer Andrew Mukuba from Clemson to help out. If the pass rush improves upon its 2023 performance, this should be a question answered.
4. Oregon: Safeties
Oregon’s biggest question mark is the safety position after losing three from last year’s squad. The Ducks did add Kobe Savage from Kansas State though, helping the cause.
As ESPN points out, Tysheem Johnson has potential, but that’s it right now. This could very well be the Achilles heel for the Big Ten contender in 2024.
5. Notre Dame: Wide receiver
Notre Dame solved the quarterback question by adding Duke transfer Riley Leonard. But, wide receiver is next on the exam.
The Fighting Irish did add Beaux Collins and Kris Mitchell from Clemson and FIU, respectively. But the unit struggled last year and Notre Dame hasn’t had a 1,000 yard pass catcher since Chase Claypool in 2019.
6. Ole Miss: Roster depth
Ole Miss doesn’t have many questions, except you know, depth behind its stars. Sure, this is a very talented team that could compete for the SEC and the College Football Playoff.
However, if the Rebels are plagued by injuries, this season could go sideways. The depth is better than recent years, but it’s still a big question mark.
7. Alabama: Returning receivers
Alabama seems to churn out wide receivers every year, but 2024 is more of a question based on the production coming back. Kobe Prentice returns as the most proven of the group.
Alabama added transfer Germie Bernard (Washington) and brought in true freshman Ryan Williams. The latter has a lot of talent, but again, there are a lot of ifs.
8. Missouri: Defense
The offense is pretty much set but the defense as a whole could be a question, according to ESPN. The Tigers lost players to the NFL, including three defensive backs.
So, Eli Drinkwitz went hard in the portal as well as replacing the defensive coordinator. In comes Corey Batoon for Blake Baker so all eyes will be on this unit.
9. Utah: Quarterback/Offensive line
ESPN even acknowledged this was a questionable question, so to speak. Cam Rising is a proven, veteran quarterback, but he is injury prone behind an offensive line without two starters from 2023.
If the offensive line jells together, Rising could be upright and be productive. Utah better hope he is, considering the Utes are one of, if not the Big 12 favorites in 2024.
10. Michigan: Wide receiver
Not only do the Wolverines have a quarterback competition going, the wide receiver position is a big question mark. Colston Loveland mans the tight end position, but he can’t do it alone.
Tyler Morris is the “headliner,” per ESPN. He had only 13 catches last season so look for this group to go through potential growing pains early.
Biggest question marks for Top 25
11. Florida State: Depth at WR/LB
12. Penn State: Offensive tackle
13. NC State: Running back
14. LSU: Pass defense
15. Tennessee: Defense
16. Clemson: Quarterback
17. Kansas State: Linebacker depth
18. Oklahoma: Offensive line
19. Oklahoma State: Quarterback
20. Arizona: Defensive line
21. Virginia Tech: MLB
22. Kansas: Backup QB
23. Iowa: Wide receiver
24. Miami: Roster depth
25. USC: Offensive/Defensive line
Every team has its question marks but the top 25 teams need to solve these and provide answers to be successful. It could very well be the thing that holds them back this fall.