College Football Preseason AP Poll projections: Breaking down the top contenders and sleepers

Images courtesy of Ohio State & Georgia Athletics
Images courtesy of Ohio State & Georgia Athletics

The 2024 College Football Preseason AP Poll is scheduled to be released later this afternoon, but before then let's dive into a few contenders and sleepers heading into the season. Let's look at some of the top teams heading into this preseason poll before it officially is released.


College football preseason AP Poll projections: The contenders

Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs are likely going to be the top team in the College Football Preseason AP Poll. The program is known for its dominance on the defensive side of the field while having some outstanding offensive players as well.

The big question will be how the passing attack looks without tight end Brock Bowers. Expect quarterback Carson Beck to look incredible as a Heisman Trophy contender.

Ohio State Buckeyes

If you aren't high on the Georgia Bulldogs, the Ohio State Buckeyes may be the top team in the College Football Preseason AP Poll. The Buckeyes have one of the most impressive defensive units in the nation. Offensively, they arguably upgraded at the quarterback spot as they had transfer Will Howard join the program.

They still have an incredible offense as well with the departure of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL. Do not be surprised to see the Buckeyes run the table this season.


College Football Preseason top sleeper predictions

Louisville Cardinals

The Louisville Cardinals had a season where they were able to make the ACC Championship Game last season and people are already giving up on them to be contenders once again this season.

This program was 10-1 last year. With quarterback Tyler Shough being a veteran, they should be able to expect a good season out of him.

Coach Jeff Brohm is entering his second season with the program and can surprise a lot of people as one of the top sleeper teams for the College Football Preseason AP Poll.

Tennessee Volunteers

With the addition of the Texas Longhorns, the Tennessee Volunteers are looking a bit underappreciated heading into the 2024 CFB season. However, they have some of the best talents in the conference with James Pearce Jr. and hoping that quarterback Nico Iamaleava continues to progress.

Coach Josh Heupel has a great situation as he is leading and should be able to contend as a team on not as many people's radar.


2024 College Football key matchups and games to watch

There are going to be a lot of games between dominant programs to keep an eye out for throughout the season but below is a list of some that immediately catch the eye. Check out the CFB schedule each week for more exciting games but here are just a few that are expected to be massive:

  • 8/31: Clemson vs. Georgia
  • 9/1: USC vs. LSU
  • 9/7: Texas vs. Michigan
  • 9/28: Georgia vs. Alabama
  • 10/5: Clemson vs. Florida State
  • 10/19: Georgia vs. Texas
  • 11/30: Michigan vs. Ohio State
Edited by nagpaltusharn25
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications