AP Top 25 College Football Rankings: Unranked Teams to Watch for 2024 Playoff
The latest AP Top 25 rankings have been released, revealing a list that closely mirrors last week’s Coaches Poll. Notably, no Group of 5 teams made the rankings this year, leaving at least one unranked team with a chance to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Based on historical trends, there is a possibility that two sleeper teams could also emerge.
In recent years, we have seen remarkable stories unfold. For instance, last season, Missouri finished No. 8 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, despite starting the year unranked. Similarly, TCU, after being excluded from the preseason poll, made a stunning run to the national title game. Baylor also made headlines by climbing to No. 5 from an unranked position. With such precedents in mind, six unranked teams have the potential to break into the Playoff in 2024 if the stars align.
Virginia Tech
The Hokies discovered their offensive identity in the second half of 2023, clinching five victories in their last seven games. Quarterback Kyron Drones showcased his athleticism with a standout performance against Tulane, leading to a decisive 41-20 victory over the No. 23 ranked team in the Military Bowl. Drones ended the season with an impressive 17 touchdown passes against just three interceptions.
Virginia Tech boasts a dynamic running back in Bhayshul Tuten, who is a well-rounded player known for his speed and agility. The receiving corps is deep, featuring 6-foot-5, 221-pound Da’Quan Felton, a matchup nightmare for defenses, along with the return of Ali Jennings, a promising talent from Old Dominion who missed most of last season due to injury. Defensively, Brent Pry’s squad has playmakers in both the defensive line and secondary, recording 39 sacks, which placed them second in the ACC. Middle linebacker Sam Brumfield, a former standout from Middle Tennessee, is expected to be a key figure in orchestrating the defense.
The Hokies face a challenging schedule, including a tough matchup against a physical Rutgers team followed by a road game at Miami, which is likely to be their toughest test. However, they benefit from playing Clemson at home and not facing Florida State or NC State, which could enhance their chances in a competitive ACC.
Louisville
Quarterback Tyler Shough’s talent has garnered praise from coaches at various programs, but his ability to stay healthy throughout a full season has been a concern. Under the leadership of Jeff Brohm, the Cardinals could pose a significant threat if Shough can maintain his health, especially considering he turns 25 this September. Over the last five years, Shough has struggled to play more than seven games in a season.
Louisville must fill the gaps left by explosive running backs Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo. However, there is promising talent in Maurice Turner, who has shown great burst, and 220-pound Miami transfer Don Chaney. The team also needs to replace WR Jamari Thrash, but they have brought in Alabama transfer JaCorey Brooks for the 2024 season. Defensively, seven starters return, including productive edge rusher Ashton Gillotte, linebacker T.J. Quinn, and cornerback Quincy Riley, from a unit that ranked No. 10 nationally against the run and No. 21 overall.
The Cardinals face a challenging schedule with road games against Notre Dame and Clemson, along with a matchup against Miami sandwiched between two other road contests. However, if Shough can stay healthy, Louisville has the talent to contend for 10 victories.
Iowa State
After a couple of challenging seasons, Iowa State is starting to find its footing again, with a young but experienced roster returning nine starters on both sides of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht has shown promise, leading the Cyclones to victories against Kansas State and Oklahoma State last year while throwing six touchdown passes without an interception in those games. Complementing him is sophomore running back Abu Sama III, alongside a talented group of wide receivers led by preseason All-Big 12 pick Jayden Higgins.
The Cyclones’ defense is solid, anchored by the safety duo of Beau Freyler, who recorded 107 tackles and three interceptions last season, and Jeremiah Cooper, known for his five interceptions. The defensive unit was highly effective, ranking No. 7 in red zone defense nationally. Domonique Orange, a 6-foot-4, 325-pound defensive lineman, possesses the potential to be a dominant force in the trenches. Key challenges on their schedule include road games in Iowa City against the Hawkeyes, West Virginia, Utah, and Kansas.
UCF
Under Gus Malzahn’s leadership, UCF is poised for a strong season, particularly in the running game. Arkansas transfer quarterback KJ Jefferson, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 250 pounds, has an impressive track record, having run for 21 touchdowns and nearly 1,900 yards over five seasons in the SEC. He will be joined by RJ Harvey, who rushed for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, along with Toledo transfer Peny Boone, a formidable presence at 242 pounds and the 2023 MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Wideouts Kobe Hudson and Xavier Townsend, along with tight end Randy Pittman Jr., add depth and talent to the offense, which has the potential to be explosive.
A major concern for UCF is whether new defensive coordinator Ted Roof can improve a defense that ranked No. 122 last year in rushing defense. Cincinnati transfer Deshawn Pace is expected to make an impact, and a strong ground attack could help keep their drives alive. The Knights’ schedule includes challenging road trips to Fort Worth, Gainesville, Ames, and Morgantown, along with home games against Utah and Arizona. Jefferson’s experience, particularly his performance against Florida last year, gives UCF hope for a successful season.
Memphis
Ending the 2023 season on a high note, the Tigers triumphed over Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl, concluding with a commendable 10-win season. Head coach Ryan Silverfield’s program has retained its star quarterback Seth Henigan, who has thrown 79 touchdown passes in three seasons, and standout wide receiver Roc Taylor, who dominated against Mizzou with 143 receiving yards.
Coaches at Memphis are optimistic about their running back corps, reminiscent of the days when Mike Norvell was producing NFL-caliber backs. Mario Anderson, who was South Carolina’s leading rusher last year, has impressed in camp, as has UMass transfer Greg Desrosiers Jr. Speedster Sutton Smith adds another dynamic option to the backfield.
The Tigers’ schedule will be tested early with a significant matchup against FSU and former coach Norvell. Even if they face a setback in that game, subsequent contests against USF and Tulane will present opportunities to assert themselves. Memphis is eager to reclaim its status, aiming for a conference title in 2024 and a chance to make a notable statement.
Boise State
Boise State boasts a standout in running back Ashton Jeanty, who was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and is widely regarded as one of the top backs in college football. Jeanty averaged 159.7 all-purpose yards per game, showcasing his elite skills that have caught the attention of NFL scouts, particularly due to his receiving capabilities.
While the Broncos’ defense struggled last season, they have solid talent returning, including defensive end Ahmed Hassanein, who recorded 12.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss, and linebacker Andrew Simpson. The quarterback situation remains uncertain, with USC transfer Malachi Nelson, a former five-star recruit, competing with Maddux Madsen for the starting role. Whoever emerges will have a talented group of skill players to work with, along with one of the best special teams units in the FBS, featuring punter James Ferguson-Reynolds and kicker Jonah Dalmas.
Boise State faces a challenging road ahead, starting with a game against Oregon in Week 2, along with trips to UNLV and Wyoming, while having the advantage of hosting Washington State and Oregon State. A strong performance against the Ducks could set the tone for their season, as they aim to navigate the non-Power 5 landscape effectively.
(Top photo: Mike Watters / USA Today)
