ESPN releases Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for 2024 college football season

ESPN released its way-too-early top 25 rankings for the 2024 college football season and it’s already set up for a great year.

Look, we can say that now since the 2023 campaign just ended with Michigan on top. Do we get more of the same or are there more contenders coming? We might want to go with the latter due to the 12-team playoff coming next fall.

Let’s dive into ESPN’s way-too-early top 25 rankings ahead of the 2024 season.

1. Georgia

Georgia might be thinking to itself: “we could’ve won it all this year.” The Bulldogs did not get a three-peat since they missed out on the CFP.

However, Kirby Smart’s crew proved it was still one of the best teams in the country and you can make arguments all day on how they would’ve done in this year’s playoff. The reset for next year is one to watch.

2. Texas

Texas almost had it, and we mean almost. It was nearly a miraculous comeback in the Sugar Bowl against Washington, but there’s no denying this season. 

Steve Sarkisian got his crew a Big 12 title and nearly a chance to play for a national championship. The move to the SEC next year is going to be fascinating. Texas is back.

3. Oregon

Oregon was dominant all season long, except for those two games against Washington. That’s gotta sting. But Dan Lanning and crew will get their chance against the Huskies in the Big Ten.

It’ll be an interesting facelift for those west coast teams but there’s no doubt Lanning built something in Eugene. Now, can he sustain it for the long haul?

4. Alabama

Let’s get to Alabama, this year’s SEC champion. The voters opted to go with Georgia above the Crimson Tide despite Nick Saban beating his former protege in the title game.

But Alabama had its chances and blew a lead against Michigan in the Rose Bowl. If the Crimson Tide made the title game, who knows what happens? Still, Saban isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

5. Ohio State

Ohio State leaves the 2023 season with questions after a loss and guys transferring out. But, the Buckeyes landed Will Howard and Quinshon Judkins in the portal to plug in at QB and RB.

So basically, Ryan Day hit the reset button to try and break the three year skid against Michigan and not winning the Big Ten for next year. Buckle up for 2024.

6. Michigan

This is an interesting spot for Michigan and it likely hinges on who’s coming back next year at coach, quarterback and one star defender. Or basically, who steps in place of some big names.

Let’s be real, Michigan will be really good next year, but it hinges on Jim Harbaugh’s return or departure to the NFL. Still, this’ll be a Big Ten contender at minimum.

7. Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin and the Rebels are already a sleeper for next year’s national title. Ole Miss has plenty of talent coming back as well as the ability to hit the portal.

With the team’s two losses only coming to Alabama and Georgia, like Missouri, this team is going to be a player. Get your popcorn ready for the rise of Ole Miss

8. Missouri

Eli Drinkwitz should definitely be one of the best stories of the 2023 season. Missouri capped off the year 11-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.

If he can push all of the right buttons with this crew, what about next year? Better, worse? We shall see, but Mizzou is suddenly a player year-to-year in the SEC.

9. Arizona

Jedd Fisch turned it all around in 2023 after winning six games over the course of his first two years. After a 10-win year, there are bigger expectations for the Wildcats in 2024.

Arizona will move to the Big 12 and with the way he operated this year, Fisch has to think his squad can compete for a conference title. Put some respect on this squad next fall!

10. Notre Dame

Gotta look at the addition of quarterback Riley Leonard as another plug and play for the Fighting Irish next year. Marcus Freeman has shown a lot of promise for this program.

But, going into 2024, it’s time to really put the foot on the gas. Notre Dame could very well be back in the playoff mix.

Rest of ESPN Early Top 25

11. Washington
12. Penn State
13. Utah
14. LSU
15. Oklahoma
16. Florida State
17. Tennessee
18. Oklahoma State
19. Clemson
20. NC State
21. Kansas State
22. Louisville
23. Kansas
24. SMU
25. Iowa

Let the debate begin because it’s going to last until late August this year. College football is over for the season, so let us rest, recuperate and get charged up for a new year in seven months!