Back to poll results >>

jonstark19 Ballot for 2024 Preseason

Ballot Type: Hybrid

Submitted: Aug. 16, 2024, 8:45 a.m.

Overall Rationale: I tried to strike a balance between returning production, proof of concept, and future projection. I feel like there's not a better rationale/methodology for pre-season rankings and blending what we know from the past with what we expect for the future. At the top is Georgia and Ohio State, the two consensus favorites ahead of 2024. On their heels are respective Big Ten and SEC newcomers Texas and Oregon, stacked with returning talent and portal additions to make a title run in their new conferences. The rest of the top 10 is rounded out by more programs with high ceilings but also a few more question marks than the top 4 favorites. Will Alabama continue to roll without Saban? Can Michigan reload after a title run? Can Penn State/Notre Dame finally get over the hump? Can FSU bounce back after a disappointing end to last season? The next programs up outside the top 10 are a few favorites of mine in Tennessee and Miami, two programs with upgrades at the QB position for this season in Nico and Ward. Next up is Tiger territory, featuring Mizzou, LSU, and Clemson as similarly situated teams that could make the jump from good to great. Finally, we get to some Big 12 programs occupying 5 of the next 6 slots. The Big 12 will be a true tossup this year, I expect one of these teams to step up and snag a top 4 seed in the 12 team playoff. Finally, we have a pair of in-state rivals with Iowa and Iowa State, followed by two ACC squads that should make a leap this season. On the outside looking in: Texas A&M, USC, Louisville, Boise State, SMU, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Auburn, Colorado, and Nebraska.

Back to poll results >>