College Football’s 2024-25 Season Kicks Off with AP Preseason Top 25 Rankings

As the college football season approaches, the release of the Associated Press (AP) Preseason Top 25 rankings offers fans and analysts a glimpse into which teams might dominate the field. The 2024 season brings high expectations, especially for the top-ranked programs, and the rankings set the stage for what promises to be an exciting year. From perennial powerhouses to emerging contenders, the AP poll reflects the depth of talent across the nation.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

  • Ceiling: 12-0
  • Floor: 8-4

Georgia sits atop the AP rankings, holding the title of the nation’s best team heading into the 2024 season. The Bulldogs will debut their revamped passing game on August 31st in Atlanta against Clemson. This matchup will test Georgia’s new quarterback Carson Beck and his chemistry with receivers like Dominic Lovett and Arian Smith, as they fill the void left by departing stars. With one of the top offensive lines in the country, Georgia is positioned for another stellar season, but early challenges could expose any weaknesses.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Ceiling: 12-0
  • Floor: 8-4

Ohio State’s potent offense, projected to be among the nation’s best, faces a major test on October 5th against Iowa. The Hawkeyes are known for their stingy defense, which will pressure Ohio State’s offensive line to perform consistently. This mid-season clash will serve as a key indicator of whether the Buckeyes are true national championship contenders or if they might fall short of expectations.

3. Oregon Ducks

  • Ceiling: 12-0
  • Floor: 9-3

Ranked third in the AP poll, Oregon will enter Big Ten play with sky-high expectations. Their October 12th showdown against Ohio State in Eugene will be a defining moment. With both teams potentially in the top five at that point, this game could shape the trajectory of Oregon’s season and their hopes of a conference title.

4. Texas Longhorns

  • Ceiling: 12-0
  • Floor: 8-4

Texas enters the 2024 season with renewed optimism, but their true test comes on October 12th against Oklahoma in Dallas. The Longhorns have struggled in this rivalry, losing four of the last five matchups. A strong start to the season could set the stage for a pivotal showdown with Georgia, making this year’s Red River Rivalry a critical game for Texas.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

  • Ceiling: 12-0
  • Floor: 7-5

The Alabama Crimson Tide, ranked fifth, will face Georgia in a high-stakes SEC clash on September 28th. This will be Alabama’s first conference game under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, and the pressure will be immense as they aim to uphold the program’s legacy. Alabama’s home dominance under Nick Saban is legendary, and this game will be a litmus test for the Tide’s 2024 aspirations.

AP Top 25 Rankings for 2024 Season

  1. Georgia Bulldogs
  2. Ohio State Buckeyes
  3. Oregon Ducks
  4. Texas Longhorns
  5. Alabama Crimson Tide
  6. Ole Miss Rebels
  7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  8. Penn State Nittany Lions
  9. Michigan Wolverines
  10. Florida State Seminoles
  11. Missouri Tigers
  12. Utah Utes
  13. LSU Tigers
  14. Clemson Tigers
  15. Tennessee Volunteers
  16. Oklahoma Sooners
  17. Oklahoma State Cowboys
  18. Kansas State Wildcats
  19. Miami Hurricanes
  20. Texas A&M Aggies
  21. Arizona Wildcats
  22. Kansas Jayhawks
  23. USC Trojans
  24. NC State Wolfpack
  25. Iowa Hawkeyes

The 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff. As always, the journey from preseason hype to postseason glory is filled with twists and turns. Fans should keep an eye on these rankings as the season progresses, knowing that surprises are inevitable in the world of college football.