The college football season is approaching and teams are preparing to win their conferences. Here are the 2024 college football conference winner predictions.
College Football Conference Winner Predictions
ACC: Clemson Tigers
Clemson hasn’t had the same success over the last few seasons that they did previously. They won nine games, but could build on that this season. Garrett Riley enters his second season as offensive coordinator with quarterback Cade Klubnik returning at quarterback. The receiver room has added plenty of talent, which should help them improve on their 50th-ranking last season. Defensively, Barrett Carter returns at linebacker as one of the best in the country and he’ll have a very talented defensive line in front of him. They have a tougher ACC schedule, but have the talent to overcome it.
Big Ten: Ohio State Buckeyes
After slipping up the last few seasons, Ohio State should be able to win a Big Ten this season. They won 11 games last season and brought back tons of talent. Six starters return on offense, including running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. They will be joined by Ole Miss-transfer running back Quinshon Judkins and Kansas State-transfer quarterback Will Howard. Defensively, they had an elite defense that gave up 11.2 points per game. Cornerback Denzel Burke and defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer have a chance to create an impact again this season. Safety Caleb Downs transferred in from Alabama and really lifts an already elite defense. The expectations are high, but that is because of how much talent is on the roster.
Big 12: Utah Utes
Utah didn’t have their starting quarterback last season, but still won eight games. Now, Cam Rising returns to lead the offense. There are only four returning starters on offense, but the Utes are always physical up front and they have plenty of talented pass catchers. That includes tight end Brant Kuithe and wide receiver transfer Dorian Singer. Defensively, seven starters are back from a team that allowed fewer than 20 points per game. In a bigger Big 12 this season, the Utes could be the team that gets the auto-bid to the College Football Playoff.
SEC: Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia lost just one game last season, but unfortunately it cost them a shot at the College Football Playoff. They will be looking for revenge this season. Carson Beck is back at quarterback after developing well in his first year as a starter. He has a talented offensive line in front of him and a few familiar faces to throw to, even if tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey are gone. On defense, they gave up 15.6 points per game and return six starters. There are some questions in the secondary, but safety Malaki Starks can cover up a lot of mistakes. The Bulldogs have a tough schedule that includes a lot of top teams, but they can still make the SEC Championship Game and win it.
Group of Five
AAC: USF Bulls
In his first season at USF, Alex Golesh won seven games. The better news is 17 starters return, including star quarterback Byrum Brown. They have a tough non-conference schedule, but that should help them prepare for the conference schedule.
C-USA: Liberty Flames
Liberty should win the C-USA and it likely won’t be very close. They won 13 games last season before losing in the Fiesta Bowl to Oregon. That was Jamey Chadwell’s first season and he’ll have Kaidon Salter leading the team back at quarterback. An easy schedule could help Liberty make the CFP as the group of five representatives.
MAC: Miami (OH) RedHawks
Miami won the MAC last season and return 13 total starters. This includes starting quarterback Brett Gabbert, who has played a lot of football in his career. The defense ranked eighth in the country last season, allowing just 15.9 points per game.
MWC: Boise State Broncos
Boise State won the Mountain West last season after making a change at head coach. Spencer Danielson went 3-1 as head coach after getting the interim tag, but now he is a permanent head coach. They have 14 returning starters to work with. Ashton Jeanty is a star running back who can really open things up for new quarterback Malachi Nelson, who transferred in from USC. If the defense can improve from their 55th ranking in 2023, Boise State could be in play to make the CFP as the group of five representative.
Sun Belt: Texas State Bobcats
GJ Kinne went 8-5 in his first season at Texas State. He has 13 returning starters for 2024, but has also added transfers to the mix to help out. Quarterback Jordan McCloud enters from James Madison after having a lot of success. The defense struggled last season and will need to improve, but that can be in the cards with the talent they brought back and into the school.
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