The preseason US LBM college football coaches poll is out. The initial Top 25 for this year is dominated by teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference, but there is also strong representation from the Big 12.
With all of the uncertainty and change entering this season, it’s worth analyzing the schools that find themselves starting in the rankings. What are the strengths and potential trouble spots ahead for the contenders? Who are the potential standouts worth keeping an eye on?
Here are season outlooks for all of the teams that begin their campaigns in the preseason poll:
1. Georgia (13-1)
Points: 1,364 (46 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 3. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Clemson (Atlanta)
A run for a historic three-peat ended in the SEC championship game last season. Now the Bulldogs will try to get back to the top of the mountain with one of the nation’s top rosters. QB Carson Beck should be a Heisman contender and will have the advantage of a receiving group that includes Dominic Lovett and Miami (Fla.) transfer Colbie Young. Great defense is a constant for Kirby Smart’s team, and this year will be no exception with DL Mykel Williams, LB Smael Mondon and DB Malaki Starks, all future NFL draft picks.
TOP DOGS: Georgia leads preseason poll dominated by SEC, Big Ten
LEFT OUT: Five teams snubbed in the preseason Top 25 ranking
2. Ohio State (11-2)
Points: 1,302 (seven first-place votes). Previous ranking: 10. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Akron
The pressure is on Ryan Day to beat Michigan after three consecutive losses. This could be the best defense in the country, and easily Day’s best group since the 2019 unit that led the Bowl Subdivision in several major categories. While headlined by All-America picks, led by JT Tuimoloau, what separates the Buckeyes is potentially unmatched depth across the board, with five-star talent sitting behind established starters at every level and itching to get a shot in the lineup. What might ultimately determine the team’s success is how Day sorts out the quarterback competition, with Kansas State transfer Will Howard the presumed favorite.
3. Oregon (12-2)
Points: 1,228. Previous ranking: 7. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Idaho
Among the four teams joining the Big Ten from the Pac-12, the Ducks look to be the most prepared for life in the conference. The offense should continue to put up eye-opening numbers behind new QB Dillon Gabriel, who tossed 30 scores for Oklahoma last season and will be at or near the top of every preseason Heisman Trophy watch list. What makes Oregon capable of winning its conference debut is the strength on both lines of scrimmage.
4. Texas (12-2)
Points: 1,223 (one first-place vote). Previous ranking: 4. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Colorado State
The Longhorns are really back. Now the question is whether they can stay there after making their first College Football Playoff. QB Quinn Ewers and OL Kelvin Banks are two of the SEC’s best at their positions. CJ Baxter should slot in at running back, while significant wide-receiver losses were addressed with transfers Isaiah Bond (Alabama), Silas Bolden (Oregon State) and Matthew Golden (Houston). The defense also got into the portal, notably to address defensive line departures after having one of the top rush defenses in the country.
5. Alabama (12-2)
Points: 1,077. Previous ranking: 5. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Western Kentucky
Transitions don’t get any bigger than the Crimson Tide dealing with the loss of this generation’s greatest college football coach. But thinking there will be a huge drop from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer would be unwise. DeBoer took Washington to the national title game and has veteran QB Jalen Milroe and enough offensive talent to be among the top groups in the country. The defense again looks stout with LB Deontae Lawson and DB Malachi Moore leading the way.
6. Mississippi (11-2)
Points: 1,019. Previous ranking: 9. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Murray State
Expectations are at a five-decade high for the Rebels, who are one of the top contenders for the SEC title. The offense is expected to be prolific. QB Jaxson Dart returns for his third year as a starter with a veteran offensive line. Tre Harris and South Carolina transfer Juice Wells give Ole Miss the best receiver combination in the conference. Walter Nolen arrives from Texas A&M, along with Princely Umanmielen from Florida to bolster the defensive line. The back half of the defense is where the Rebels need improvement.
7. Notre Dame (10-3)
Points: 969. Previous ranking: 14. Opens: Aug. 31 at Texas A&M
Another year, another transfer quarterback to lead Notre Dame. Riley Leonard was a breakthrough player with Duke in 2022 and was having a solid 2023 before leg and foot injuries derailed it. Leonard should get plenty of help from a defense that boasts one of the best secondaries in the country with Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts as the ringleaders. The first game against Texas A&M could prove whether the Fighting Irish are a legit College Football Playoff contender.
8. Michigan (15-0)
Points: 944 (one first-place vote). Previous ranking: 1. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Fresno State
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