The 2024 college football season will feature a new 12-team playoff format that will introduce much-needed parity to the game we all love, providing a path forward for programs that were previously left out of the postseason discussion due to the record and strength of the timeline. and, on some occasions, lack of blue blood status.
However, the conference realignment will only make things more interesting once the schedule begins, as Texas and Oklahoma will officially join the SEC next month, while Oregon, UCLA and USC will head to the Big Ten as the Power 5 conference continues to dominate. the scenario due to the lucrative TV deals that will come into effect this season.
Focusing on the game itself, it’s officially rankings season as Athlon Sports has released its latest preseason rankings, with 12 of the SEC’s 16 teams making the Top 40, including several programs in the Top 5. Here it is where every ranked SEC program is in the 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason Rankings.
12
Florida alligators
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 5-7 (3-5 SEC)
Overall rating: 37th
With one of the toughest schedules in the country this season, the Gators could surprise the country or spell doom for coach Billy Napier’s future.
For more Florida news and analysis, visit Gatorswire
11
Kentucky Wild Cats
Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Keaten Wade (20) sacks Akron Zips quarterback DJ Irons (0) while Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Deone Walker (0) sacks Akron Zips offensive lineman Joshua Blanchard ( 55), while the Cats defeat Akron 35-3 on Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington. September 16, 2023
2023 Record: 7-6 (3-5 SEC)
Overall rating: 35th
It could be a difficult year for a Kentucky team to replace several starters at key positions, including quarterback, but don’t forget about elite defensive lineman Deone Walker, who could end up being a Top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
For more Kentucky news and analysis, visit UKWildcatswire
10
Brown Tigers
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) walks with the ball during the A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
2023 Record: 6-7 (3-5 SEC)
Overall rating: 34th
Head coach Hugh Freeze is an offensive genius across the board, but is quarterback Payton Thorne talented enough to vastly improve on his 2023 flaws? Well, at least he’ll have freshman wide receiver Cam Coleman at his disposal.
For more Auburn news and analysis, visit Auburnwire
9
Texas A&M Aggies
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 7-6 (4-4 SEC)
Overall rating: 19th
The Jimbo Fisher era is over, and new head coach Mike Elko has already made a significant impact this off-season, both in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail, building a 2024 roster that has every chance of not only improving to finishing in 7-6. in 2023, but compete for a playoff spot with a potential 10-2 or 9-3 finish.
8
Oklahoma earlier
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables watches a University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, Saturday, April 20, 2024.
2023 Record: 10-3 (7-2 Big 12)
Overall rating: 18th
Former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold is a stud on the field, so the offense is in good hands, while the defense looks much improved, especially in the secondary. However, after losing nearly all of their starting offensive linemen from last season, can the Sooners hold their own in the trenches against the SEC’s best pass rushers? We’ll see.
For more Oklahoma news and analysis, visit Soonerswire
7
Tennessee Volunteers
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 9-4 (4-4 SEC)
Overall rating: 15th
Every year we hope that coach Josh Heupel’s offense will take the Volunteers to the next level, but due to issues with quarterback Joe Milton last season, that was never the case. Second-year signal-caller Nico Iamaleava is the real deal, while defensive end James Pearce will likely rack up double-digit sacks while terrorizing offensive tackles week after week.
For more Tennessee news and analysis, visit Volswire
6
LSU Tigers
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)
Overall rating: 13th
This is a difficult question. LSU is very talented on paper, but losing Heisman quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receivers Malik Nabors and Brian Thomas to the NFL leaves a giant hole on offense, while the secondary hasn’t improved after a disastrous season.
For more LSU news and analysis, visit LSUTigerswire
5
Missouri Tigers
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 11-2 (6-2 SEC)
Overall rating: 9th
The bottom line is that quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III are back, making Missouri one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the country, but the defense could be suspect as 2023 defensive coordinator Blake Baker , left for LSU in the offseason.
4
Alabama Crimson Tide
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 12-2 (8-0 SEC)
Overall rating: 7th
Nick Saban has retired and former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer now has the keys to the castle for the first coaching change in more than a decade. The return of Heisman-favorite quarterback Jalen Milroe should ease the transition for DeBoer, as Alabama is still extremely talented on both sides of the ball.
For more Alabama news and analysis, visit RollTidewire
3
Old Miss Rebels
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Record: 11-2 (6-2 SEC)
General registration: 5th
If this isn’t the year, when will it be? Ole Miss is LOADED from top to bottom after coach Lane Kiffin once again dominated the transfer portal, while quarterback Jaxson Dart will return for a final round with receiver Tre Harris by his side.
two
Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers during spring practice at Frank Denius’ training camps in Austin, Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
2023 Record: 12-2 (8-1 Big 12)
Overall rating: 3rd
For those who are excited about Texas A&M vs. Texas being back with the Longhorn’s move to the SEC, for the game to truly be meaningful, both teams will need to finish strong before their Nov. 30 meeting. All the talent to lead the Longhorns back to the playoffs, but an early test against Michigan coupled with a midseason game against Georgia could define their season.
For more Texas news and analysis, visit Longhornswire
1
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws the ball during the second half of his team’s 2023 game against Florida at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
2023 Record: 13-1 (8-0 SEC)
Overall rating: 1st
For anyone expecting Georgia to decline significantly, or even slightly, after losing just one game in 2023, recent history should quickly answer any remaining questions. Quarterback Carson Beck has all the tools of a future NFL starter, while another successful draft has created another deep roster that should challenge every team the Bulldogs will face in 2024.
For more Georgia news and analysis, visit UGAWire
