Yes, we’re early into 2024, and a lot has happened in the college football world that can shape the upcoming season. So, it’s actually never too early to offer up our initial Top 25 for the 2024 campaign.
Statistics in parenthesis are from the 2023 season unless otherwise noted.
SMU won nine straight and a league title in its final season in the American Athletic Conference in 2023 before losing to Boston College at the rain-soaked Fenway Bowl. Quarterback Preston Stone is expected back after throwing for 3,197 yards with 28 touchdowns and six interceptions before breaking his leg in the Mustangs’ regular-season finale. He’s also slated to have running back Jaylan Knighton (5.5 yards per rush, seven rushing TDs) and most of his offensive line return from a squad that averaged 38.7 points per game. Now, SMU will play in the Big 12, but the league is relatively open enough for Rhett Lashlee’s group to make some serious noise.
Jimbo Fisher is gone, and the Mike Elko era has begun at College Station. He inherits talented quarterback Conner Weigman (1,875 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, two interceptions in nine career games), who could be something special if he remains healthy. The Aggies will be tested early with Notre Dame at home to open the season, but they also get Missouri, LSU and Texas on the Kyle Field turf. So, the potential for serious 2024 success is there for Texas A&M.
