After missing out on the College Football Playoff last year, Georgia kicks off the 2024 season at the top of the preseason YSL News Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-134, firmly positioned as the favorite for both the SEC title and the national championship.

Ohio State sits in second place, preparing for their season opener with Will Howard, a Kansas State transfer, taking the helm as starting quarterback. Following them is Texas at No. 3, an SEC team that earned a Big 12 title and a playoff spot last year.

Completing the top ten are Oregon at No. 4, Alabama at No. 5, LSU at No. 6, Notre Dame at No. 7, Clemson at No. 8, Penn State at No. 9, and Mississippi at No. 10.

Similar to the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, this re-rank reflects the dominance of the two strongest conferences in the Bowl Subdivision. The SEC accounts for eight teams in the top 25, while the Big Ten has six, the ACC features five, and the Big 12 includes four. Memphis is the only Group of Five team represented, landing at No. 19, making them a viable candidate for the 12-team playoff.

Noteworthy teams outside the top 25 include Texas A&M at No. 28, Boise State at No. 30, Auburn at No. 43, and Florida at No. 59.

The two participants from last year’s championship match have dropped in the rankings. Defending champion Michigan now stands at No. 16 after losing key players, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy and coach Jim Harbaugh, during the offseason. Meanwhile, Washington is significantly lower at No. 47 after a major talent drain; they return only two of last year’s starters from both offense and defense.

The re-rank is experiencing a gradual increase. In 2010, there were 120 FBS teams; this count rose to 134 this year with the inclusion of Kennesaw State as a transitional member of Conference USA. Below is the official preseason ranking along with last season’s records.