ESPN releases Final Preseason SP+ Top 25 rankings ahead of 2024 college football season

ESPN released its final preseason SP+ top 25 rankings ahead of the 2024 college football season and it’s another look ahead to the fall.

“As always: SP+ is a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency,” ESPN’s description reads. “It is a predictive measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football, not a résumé ranking.”

Let’s dive into ESPN’s final rankings before the season gets rolling at the end of the month.

1. Georgia

Georgia is the No. 1 team in the country, the same as the AP’s rankings. It’s hard to argue against it, unless you’re on the Ohio State train this season.

Carson Beck is a Heisman candidate, if not the favorite this season. With the way Georgia operates, Kirby Smart could well win his third national title as a head coach in four years.

2. Ohio State

The Buckeyes come into the 2024 season absolutely loaded on offense, defense and even the coaching staff. Adding Chip Kelly as the OC was the first step. Hence this high ranking in the preseason poll.

But Ryan Day’s offense of transfers QB Will Howard and RB Quinshon Judkins screams potential. Freshman WR Jeremiah Smith looks like the next big thing and let’s not forget transfer DB Caleb Downs coming from Alabama. National title or bust.

3. Oregon

The Ducks also have a national title or bust mentality this season and the rankings seemingly reflect those thoughts. Dan Lanning goes into Year 3 with recruiting and transfer portal wins as well.

Going into the fall with a veteran team, particularly with quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks could very well win the Big Ten and get a top-two seed in the playoff. This is one of the more complete teams in college football.

4. Alabama

The Crimson Tide no longer have Nick Saban roaming the sidelines, instead it’s Kalen DeBoer coming over from Washington. Jalen Milroe is back at quarterback and some quality pieces stayed put, putting Alabama in the top five of the poll.

So with some portal additions and new offensive wrinkles for the Heisman candidate Milroe to use, this could be a fun team. There’s a lot more buzz about Georgia and Texas in the SEC, but don’t forget about this traditional power.

5. Texas

Texas has a lot of firepower again, headlined by wide receiver transfer Isaiah Bond. Quinn Ewers will operate another playoff ready team in 2024.

Despite moving to the SEC with a more difficult schedule, the rankings still put the Longhorns in the top five, per ESPN. Steve Sarkisian might have his best team yet.

6. Penn State

The Nittany Lions could finally make the College Football Playoff, now that the bracket expanded to 12 teams. James Franklin does have a talented team though, as reflected in the rankings.

This Penn State squad being a playoff team probably hinges on Drew Allar’s development under center. If he lives up to more of his recruiting potential, it could be a game changer for the Nittany Lions.

7. Michigan

The Wolverines are a really good football team and likely deserve a top 10 spot in the rankings. Sherrone Moore brings a lot of familiarity to 2024.

Guys like Mason Graham and Will Johnson on defense and Donovan Edwards on offense highlight the team. But the QB question is the biggest one going into the fall.

8. Ole Miss

Speaking of fun teams, Ole Miss is going to be a fun watch this fall. This could be Lane Kiffin’s best team ever with a lot of veterans, putting them in the top 10 of the poll.

Jaxson Dart is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the SEC and the Rebels are considered a dark horse for the conference. Certainly one of the 12 best teams in the country though right?

9. Notre Dame

Oh the hype is real regarding Notre Dame and Marcus Freeman going into Year 3. This roster is deep and it’s been improved in the transfer portal.

Still an Independent, Notre Dame can’t go higher than the No. 5 seed in this year’s expanded playoff. But it could be a dangerous team. Transfers Riley Leonard (QB), Beaux Collins and Kris Mitchell (WRs), this could be a fun offense.

10. LSU

LSU lost its Heisman Trophy QB Jayden Daniels but Garrett Nussmeier takes over. Brian Kelly goes into Year 3 with a lot of expectations. This team can still compete at a high level in the SEC and make the bracket.

There’s a lot of blue-chip talent all over the place. And despite getting Blake Baker as the new DC, the defensive personnel took some hits. It’ll be a TBD situation with them this fall.

ESPN Top 25 SP+ rankings

11. Missouri
12. Florida State
13. Oklahoma
14. Texas A&M
15. Tennessee
16. Clemson
17. Kansas State
18. Utah
19. Miami
20. Oklahoma State
21. USC
22. Kentucky
23. Florida
24. Iowa
25. Auburn

The rankings are here, once again, and we’re that much closer to football. ESPN’s metrics are a little different but it’s certainly an interesting look at the best teams in college football.