2024 Southern Football Guide

EDITOR’S LETTER

It’s College Football time again!

Prepare yourself for a new era in college football like we’ve never seen before. Welcome to the 12-team playoff. Finally, we have a college football tournament in December and January that will rival March Madness! The top four teams will receive byes through the first round, and at least one team outside the Power 4 will be included.

In addition to the expended playoff, the major realignment of conferences is upon us. We’ve had a few seasons to prepare for these major conference shifts, and 2024 brings that to reality. There is no more Pac-12, the Big Ten and SEC beefed up, as the Big 12 and ACC accepted some leftovers. After spreading Southern Football to the Northeast a few years ago, the ACC has now taken it to the West Coast with new members Cal and Stanford.

As far as what will happen on the field this fall, Georgia may be better now than the last three seasons, and with a huge chip on their shoulders. The Bulldogs and Texas should be the teams to beat in the SEC. Alabama, Ole Miss and Missouri look awfully good as well. Florida State, Miami and Clemson are the best of the ACC.

There’s nothing like Southern Football!

Charlie Miller - Editor

CHARLIE MILLER

BOSTON COLLEGE

Chestnut Hill, MA

HEAD COACH: Bill O’Brien

OC: Will Lawing

DC: Tim Lewis

2023 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1863

STADIUM: Alumni (44,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

There are plenty of reasons for optimism at Boston College this season. Bill O’Brien is a tremendous offensive coach and has proven himself at various stops in both college and the NFL. This edition of the Eagles promises to be physical upfront with an outstanding offensive line. Center Drew Kindall and fellow linemen Ozzy Trapilo and Logan Taylor are All-ACC caliber. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos ran for 1,113 yards, but threw 14 interceptions and completed fewer than 60 percent of his throws. Kye Robichaux added 780 yards, averaging 4.8 yards a carry. Lewis Bond led the team with 52 catches for 646 yards last season. Jayden McGowan from Vanderbilt and Jerand Bradley from Texas Tech are nice additions to the passing game. Expect tight end Jeremiah Franklin to grow into an integral part of the offense.

Eagles return experience on defense, with all four along the front returning. The downside is that this bunch couldn’t generate any pass rush last season, with just 13 sacks and 43 stops behind the line all season. Opponents also had little trouble running on the Eagles last season, averaging 5.3 yards a carry. New coordinator Tim Lewis emphasized aggressive pressure in the spring. Lewis expects a big year from end Donovan Ezeiruaku and linebacker Kam Arnold. The blueprint for success this season is for the defense to hold up well enough to allow the offense to grind it out behind the powerful line. Opponents put the ball on the ground 21 times last season, but the Eagles’ defense recovered only nine. Five of the team’s eight interceptions departed with Elijah Jones, so the secondary must make more plays. Amari Jackson is the best corner.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Cameron Martinez,

— The transfer from Ohio State

improves the playmaking ability in the secondary. Jayden McGowan, WR — The quick receiver comes to BC by way of Vanderbilt, where quarterback issues plagued the offense last season. McGowan should be an effective complement to Lewis Bond.

Pape Sy, T — The native of Senegal who prepped at the NFL Academy in London is the most interesting signing this year. At 6’6”, 310, Sy certainly has the size, but he will need time to develop.

DB

immediately

HEAD COACH: Justin Wilcox

OC: Mike Bloesch

DC: Peter Sirmon

2023 RECORD: 6-7 (4-5 Pac-12)

FOUNDED: 1868

STADIUM: California Memorial (63,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

So, the Coast-to-Coast Era of the ACC begins with the addition of Cal and Stanford. There will be few surprises on offense for the Bears this season. Running back Jadyn Ott carried the ball 246 times last season for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. This season there should be a more potent passing game to alleviate pressure from Ott. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza fought through rookie mistakes and turnovers, but seemed to learn and develop from the experience. He threw 14 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions in his eight starts. The Bears brought in veteran Chandler Rogers via North Texas as insurance for the younster. Three starters return on the line led by Matthew Wykoff. Transfers Mikey Matthews (Utah) and Tobias Merriweather (Notre Dame) and tight end Jack Endries will be Mendoza’s primary weapons.

The defense is certainly a strength for the Bears, featuring a tough, hard-nosed, no frills front and big-play ability at both linebacker and at cornerback. Ricky Correia leads the charge upfront and stacks up the line of scrimmage allowing the linebackers to make plays. The best playmaker is David Reese on the outside. He led the Bears with eight stops behind the line last season. Xavier Carlton is a playmaker on the other side from Reese. Youngster Cade Uluave will be thrust into the middle of the defense, but the coaches believe he will succeed immediately. The bands seem to play a lot when Cal is on the field. The defense led the nation with 28 takeaways, but the offense also turned it over 28 times. Nohl Williams and Lu-Maga Hearns III are two of the best corners in the ACC. Idaho transfer Marcus Harris will be on the field often.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Marcus Harris, CB — The Bears are set at corner, but it will be difficult to keep Harris off the field on passing downs. In three seasons at Idaho, Harris broke up 35 passes and picked off six.

Nick Morrow, T — The big true freshman should find himself in the starting lineup all season.

Tobias Merriweather, WR — Buried on the depth chart at Notre Dame, Merriweather had just 14 catches for 284 yards last season.

Mikey Matthews, WR — Hauled in 29 catches as a freshman at Utah last season.

CLEMSON

Clemson, SC

HEAD COACH: Dabo Swinney

OC: Garrett Riley

DC: Wes Goodwin

2023 RECORD: 9-4 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1889

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (81,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Clemson was not a playoff team last season, not even close. Turnovers were costly, uncharacteristic turnovers. Kicking game trouble cost the Tigers against Florida State. So, will cleaning up the turnovers cure all the ills? Not exactly. The offensive line wasn’t very good the last two seasons in pass protection or the running game. But the group promises to be better in 2024 and the running game should be a force again with Phil Mafah, a big bruiser, and Jay Haynes providing spark with his speed. The offensive coaches expect quarterback Cade Klubnik to perform more consistently with better protection. He completed 64 percent of his throws last season under pressure often. Tyler Brown returns after making 52 catches for 531 yards. Tight end Jake Briningstool hauled in 50 passes for 498 yards.

Youth and talent are the buzzwords for the defense this season. Last season, the unit limited offenses to just 288 yards a game, good for eighth in the nation. But almost all of the big guys upfront are gone. Now is the time for Peter Woods, DeMonte Capehart and Payton Page to step up. They are either the next great wave of defensive linemen at Clemson, or the Tigers are in a bit of trouble. Pass rusher T.J. Parker is excellent, but he had the benefit of talent around him last year. Linebacker Barrett Carter is one of the best in the nation. Kobe McCloud and Wade Woodaz are young, but eager to show off their talent. The secondary is young as well and could be the defense’s Achilles. R.J. Mickens is a tremendous athlete and sure tackler. The Tigers hope he doesn’t have to show off his tackling skills too often.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

T.J. Moore, WR — With a thin receiving corps, Moore has an excellent opportunity to step on the field early and often. At 6’3, 190, he has good size and ball skills.

Sammy Brown, LB — One of the top linebackers in the nation from Jefferson, Georgia, Brown was a 1,000-yard running back until focusing almost solely on linebacker his senior year. He has the size and ability to play himself into the rotation this season.

Bryant Wesco Jr., WR — Although not as polished or as fast as Moore, Wesco expects to see the field early this season.

HEAD COACH: Manny Diaz

OC: Jonathan Brewer

DC: Jonathan Patke

2023 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1838

STADIUM: Wallace Wade (40,004)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Duke has replaced Mike Elko, who left for Texas A&M, with another defensive coach, Manny Diaz. He immediately convinced former SMU OC Jonathan Brewer to come to Durham after sparking the Mustangs’ offense to 450 yards a game and more than 38 points per contest. Brewer has two proven weapons in running back Jaquez Moore and receiver Jordan Moore. Jaquez split time in the backfield last season and managed 674 yards and 5.8 yards a carry. Jordan had 62 catches for 835 yards, with three of his best four games coming in the final three games of the regular season. The wild card is quarterback Maalik Murphy, a transfer from Texas. He brings all the measurables, but needs in-game reps. There is one huge elephant in the room: All five linemen must be replaced, including two NFL draft picks. The line must develop quickly for the offfense to be effective.

Head coach Manny Diaz and DC Jonathan Patke have some talent to build from on defense, but the Blue Devils lost significant players from last season’s tremendous unit. The Blue Devils gave up just 19 points a game, leading the ACC. Linebackers Tre Freeman and Nick Morris Jr. lead the defense. Freeman was last season’s leading tackler and should be again this year. Morris is developing into a star in the middle. Duke must replace everyone upfront, but landing Kendy Charles from Liberty is a huge boost. The secondary is clearly a strength and may have to bear a heavier burden if the pass rush is slow to develop. Chandler Rivers, Tre’Shon Devones, a transfer from Rice, and Joshua Pickett are all solid at corner and will spend time together on the field in passing situations. Nickel Jaylen Stinson is a tackling machine.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Tre’Shon Devones, CB — Devones is a veteran of 35 games at Rice (missing the 2021 season with an injury) and should quickly grow into the leader of the secondary.

Star Thomas, RB — The grad transfer from New Mexico State was seond team All-CUSA in 2023. In two seasons, he caught 34 passes out of the backfield.

Kobe Smith, Edge — Undersized at under 200 pounds (for now), but the incoming freshman has a high upside.

Chase Tyler, WR — A future star, but won’t be a factor in 2024.

FLORIDA STATE

Tallahassee, FL

HEAD COACH: Mike Norvell

OC: Alex Atkins

DC: Adam Fuller

2023 RECORD: 13-1 (8-0)

FOUNDED: 1851

STADIUM: Doak Campbell Stadium (79,560)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Seminoles won the ACC in spectacular fashion, but without injured quarterback Jordan Travis, the CFP Committee felt compelled to omit the Seminoles from the postseason party. So, only those who’ve been on Mars don’t see the huge chips on these players’ shoulders. The primary newcomer is quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, formerly of Clemson, who spent a season at Oregon State. Although super talented, Uiagalelei has yet to become all he can be. Mike Norvell and OC Alex Atkins believe this is the place for his 59 percent completion percentage to explode, as will his decision-making. He’ll work behind a terrific line led by one of the best in Darius Washington. Maurice Smith and Jeremiah Byers are also All-ACC candidates. Running behind Uiagalelei is Roydell Williams, who averaged five yards a pop over his four-year career at Alabama.

The Seminoles improved significantly defensively last season. Prior to the unspeakable 63-3 bowl loss to Georgia, opponents averaged just 17.3 points a game. No team scored more than 20 from the beginning of October through the ACC Championship Game. The 2024 version should be as good, but it may take a month or so to get there. Patrick Payton exploded last season with seven sacks and 14.5 TFLs as well as 10 pass breakups. With Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. lined up on the opposite end, offenses will not be able to key on Payton. DJ Lundy was third on the team in tackles, while primarily in a reserve role. Fentrell Cypress II is the best player on this side of the ball. He had seven pass breakups, even though teams rarely tested him. Fellow corner Azareye’h Thomas broke up 10 passes and takes away the other side of the field.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Luke Kromenhoek, QB — One of the top five quarterbacks in the nation, Kromenhoek is a tremendous athlete who spent time at both receiver and defensive back. He owns a cannon arm, but isn’t polished in the pocket yet.

Manasse Itete, T — Originally from the Congo, Itete is relatively new to football. He played both ways his last two years of high school. He claims basketball as his first love.

Marvin Jones Jr., DE — The former Virginia standout can’t wait to get on the field with fellow studs on defense.

GEORGIA TECH

Atlanta, GA

HEAD COACH: Brent Key

OC: Buster Faulkner

DC: Tyler Santucci

2023 RECORD: 7-6 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1885

STADIUM: Bobby Dodd (55,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Georgia Tech posted its first winning season since 2018 and only its second conference winning mark in nine years. And it was the offense driving that momentum. Haynes King has quietly grown into one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC. He threw for 2,842 yards and completed 61.6 percent of his passes. But he has more growing to do, and that is eliminating mistakes that accounted for many of his 16 interceptions. He also ran for 731 yards and 10 TDs. King’s top targets, Malik Rutherford and Eric Singleton Jr., hope to build on their solid 2023 seasons. The offense is truly balanced with Jamal Haynes back after running for 1,059 yards while averaging 6.1 yards a carry. The offensive line is the best part of the offense. The Yellow Jackets led the conference in rushing and allowed only 15 sacks. Four starters return and welcome Middle Tennessee transfer Keylan Rutledge.

As efficient as the offense was last season, the defense was anything but efficient. The Jackets couldn’t stop the run and couldn’t muster a pass rush. Now, 17 of their paltry 21 sacks have departed, so this side of the ball has a mountain to climb and must develop quickly. They don’t come much bigger than Zeek Biggers in the middle of the defense. The Jackets need Biggers, Thomas Gord and Makius Scott to become run stoppers. Kyle Efford and Trenilyas Tatum are a bit smallish, but active linebackers. Transfers Jackson Hamilton and E.J. Lightsey will contribute behind them. Ahmari Harvey is the best cover corner, and he snatched three picks last season. Clayton Powell-Lee and LaMiles Brooks support the run well and are sure tacklers. But the coaches would like to see runners stopped before reaching the safeties.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Thomas Gore, DL — Gore, a transfer from Miami, is critical to the Jackets’ ability to rotate run stoppers upfront.

Keylan Rutledge, OL — The athletic lineman started 11 games for Middle Tennessee and earned All-CUSA honors last season. He should slide into one of the guard positions this fall.

Romello Height, Edge — The Yellow Jackets are counting on the former USC Trojan to bolster a lackluster pass rush

Jayden Davis, S — Davis redshirted last season at Cincinnati and missed most of his senior year in high school with a torn meniscus, so he’s eager for a full, healthy season.

LOUISVILLE

Louisville, KY

HEAD COACH: Jeff Brohm

OC: Brian Brohm

DC: Ron English and Mark Hagen

2023 RECORD: 10-4 (7-1)

FOUNDED: 1798

STADIUM: Cardinal Stadium (62,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Jeff Brohm certainly made a huge splash leading the Cardinals to a berth in the ACC title game, and their first double-digit win season since joining the ACC. The season ended with a bit of a thud losing to Kentucky, dropping the championship game to Florida State without its quarterback and a lackluster effort against USC in the Holiday Bowl. The Cardinals will break in a new quarterback this season. Tyler Shough comes to Louisville after three seasons at Oregon followed by three at Texas Tech. He’s certainly talented with 4,625 career passing yards with a 63.2 percent completion rate and 36 touchdowns and 17 picks. But he has never played in more than seven games in a season. Most of the skill players are imports this season. Donald Chaney (Miami), Ja’Corey Brooks (Alabama) and Caullin Lacy (South Alabama) and Shough are getting to know each other this summer.

Ron English rebuilt the defense almost entirely last season, the unit led the ACC against the run. The big guys upfront will be new, but proven transfers. Pass rusher Ashton Gillotte is elite and will be one of the best in the nation this season. The energetic end had 12 TFLs in the nine regular season games against ACC foes and Notre Dame. Dezmond Tell and Thor Griffith should hold up well against the run this season. Linebacker TJ Quinn is a beast and sure tackler, who plays sideline to sideline. The Cardinals like funnelling everything to him in the middle. The secondary may be the best unit on the team. Devin Neal and Benjamin Perry are elite players and Quincy Riley is a premier corner. Neal and Riley combined to breakup 17 passes and picked off seven. Corey Thornton, from UCF, can make offenses pay if they stay away from Riley.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Tyler Shough, QB — Shough’s first collegiate action came with the Oregon Ducks in 2018. The kid can play, but can he remain healthy?

Donald Chaney, RB — The transfer from Miami had his 2022 season wrecked by injury, but he ran for 478 yards last season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

Ja’Corey Brooks, WR — Brooks caught 57 passes for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons at Alabama.

Caullin Lacy, WR — The quick wideout led the Sunbelt with 1,316 yards receiving and was named All-SBC.

MIAMI

Coral

Gables,

FL

HEAD COACH: Mario Cristobal

OC: Shannon Dawson

DC: Lance Guidry

2023 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5) FOUNDED: 1925

STADIUM: Hard Rock (65,326)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Miami could be scary good on offense this season. Last year, the Hurricanes averaged 5.1 yards per rush and 6.4 yards per play, both ranking in the top 25 nationally. Opponents managed just 16 sacks and the Hurricanes converted 41.1 percent on third down. Arguably, Cam Ward, who comes from Incarnate Word via Washington State, is an upgrade at quarterback. Damien Martinez is a huge addition at running back. In addition to Martinez, Ward is surrounded by explosive weapons. Xavier Restrepo returns after an 85-catch, 1,092-yard season. Jacolby George added 57 catches for 864 yards. The big fellas upfront should keep pressure off of Ward and give him time to make reads and make plays. Jalen Rivers is a special player at left tackle. Zach Carpenter, a transfer from Indiana, is a perfect fit in the middle for the Hurricanes.

Miami has some impressive measureables defensively, but too many lapses gave away too many points. The Hurricanes totaled 88 stops behind the line, allowed just 3.3 yards per rush, held opponents to 35.8 percent on third down and gave up just 321 yards a game. But lapses against North Carolina, Louisville and Boston College were particularly painful. Rueben Bain Jr. and Francisco Mauigoa accounted for 30 TFLs and 15 sacks. At times, Bain was unblockable coming off the edge, and almost always commands a double team. Mauigoa is one of the best linebackers in the nation. Tyler Barron, from Tennessee, and Simeon Barrow Jr., from Michigan State, should contribute immediately. The secondary is stocked with veteran talent. Damari Brown and Daryl Porter Jr. must step up to fill the shoes of the departed Kamren Kinchens and Te’Corey Couch.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Cam Ward, QB — In two seasons at Washington State, Ward threw for 6,968 yards, completed 65.5 percent, averaged 7.1 yards per attempt and had 48 TD passes with just 16 picks. Damien Martinez, RB — Martinez averaged 6.1 yards per carry in each of his two seasons at Oregon State, gaining 1,185 yards last season.

Zach Carpenter, C — The intelligent lineman originally signed with Michigan before spending the last three seasons at Indiana where he earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten last season.

NC STATE

HEAD COACH: Dave Doeren

OC: Robert Anae

DC: Tony Gibson

2023 RECORD: 9-4 (6-2)

FOUNDED: 1887

STADIUM: Carter-Finley Stadium (57,583)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The NC State defense was so good last season that it took only 20 points to win. The Wolfpack was 9-1 when scoring 20 points last season and 0-3 when scoring fewer. The defense likely won’t provide that opportunity again, but the offense promises to be improved in every facet. With Grayson McCall at quarterback, expect the Pack to open up the offense. Last season quarterback Brennan Armstrong was the lone running threat, but enter Jordan Waters from Duke and suddnely the ground attack is formidable. Waters ran for 819 yards last season for Duke, where he played in 51 games, including the recent bowl game after he committed to NC State through the portal. KC Concepcion was the main man last season with 71 catches for 839 yards and 320 yards rushing, second only to Armstrong. Justin Joly from UConn and Noah Rogers from Ohio State will bolster the receiving corps.

Defense has not been a problem since Dave Doeren arrived at NC State. Last season opponents averaged just 20.8 points a game, 28 percent on third down and 332 yards per game. The Wolfpack had 24 takeaways that directly led to 50 points. The defense will miss Payton Wilson in the middle, one of the best football players in program history. Expect the coaches to get creative to exploit the strength of the secondary and not expose the inexperience at linebacker. Sean Brown is a linebacker in a safety’s body and will line up all over the field. Travali Price and Davin Vann are excellent on the outside, but there isn’t much depth upfront. Aydan White will vie for All-ACC at cornerback. He’s in good company with safety Devan Boykin who had three picks and plays the run extremely well. There are high expectations for Ohio State import Ja’Had Carter.

passing yards averaging almost 10 yards per

Jordan Waters, RB — The former Duke running back brings toughness and an extra gear to the Wolfpack running game that will be critical for the offense to take another step.

Ja’Had Carter, DB — The safety returns to the ACC after starting for three seasons at Syracuse and playing sparingly last season for Ohio State.

Grayson McCall, QB — After earning three Sun Belt POY awards, McCall is eager to test his abilities at the Power 4 level. He has 10,000 career

attempt.

NORTH CAROLINA

Chapel Hill, NC

HEAD COACH: Mack Brown

OC: Chip Lindsey

DC: Geoff Collins

2023 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1789

STADIUM: Kenan Memorial (50,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Last season, North Carolina led the ACC with 491 yards a game and averaged 34.5 points a game. But Drake Maye and flashy receiver Tez Walker are no longer around. However, Omarion Hampton returns with 1,504 yards on the ground and another 222 receiving last season. J.J. Jones caught 46 passes for 711 yards, both best on the team last season. So there are weapons in place for another potent season. Max Johnson, with starts at both LSU and Texas A&M on his resume, will lead the offense. He had a 2,800-yard passing season as a sophomore at LSU in 2021, but his two seasons at A&M were forgetable. The offensive line was better in the running game than in pass protecton last season. Maye’s mobility masked that problem somewhat. But the line must be better this season with Johnson in the pocket. John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit are terrific tight ends.

The UNC defense hasn’t been very good for several seasons now. Last season, the Heels gave up 404 yards a game (94th in the nation), but allowed fewer than 28 points a game (72nd). Opponents converted fewer than 39 percent on third down, which was a tick better than the national average. The defensive front is large and experienced. More consistent run stops are needed for this unit to take the next step. Kaimon Rucker is the playmaker with 15 TFLs last season. Power Echols will man the middle this season coming off a 100-tackle season. Amare Campbell, who had an interception and two sacks in limited action, is a rising star on the outside. The secondary is stocked with solid, but not outstanding, players. The unit needs to create more big plays to force turnovers and stop drives earlier in possessions.

DEPTH CHART

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Max Johnson, QB — After a solid season at LSU in 2021, Johnson transferred to Texas A&M where injuries curtailed his development and left him behind Conner Weigman.

Austin Blaske, C — The former Georgia Bulldog is a huge addition, not because the kid can play, but because the Tar Heels really have no other option at center.

Jakeen Harris, DB — Harris started 22 of the 48 games in which he appeared for NC State over a five-year stint in Raleigh. He suffered a season-ending injury in the second game last season. Joshua Harris Sr., DL — Has played in 50 games.

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh, PA

HEAD COACH: Pat Narduzzi

OC: Kade Bell

DC: Randy Bates

2023 RECORD: 3-9 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1787

STADIUM: Heinz Field (68,400)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

This time last year, Pitt was on the verge of asserting itself as one of the top three programs in the ACC. Then, THUD! Last season the offense could not have been much worse. The Panthers averaged 18 points a game against FBS competition, committing 21 tunrovers and converting just 32 percent on third down. But 2024 is a new season, and Nate Yarnell finally gets his shot at running the offense. He’ll have a couple of talented running mates in receiver Konata Mumpfield and running back Rodney Hammond Jr. Mumpfield has 102 catches for 1,127 yards in his two seasons at Pitt. Hammond ran for 145 yards in the win over Boston College. Yarnell was effective in two starts at the close of the season, a win over Boston College and a loss to Duke. He proved to be an effective game manager and didn’t make mistakes. He will need to take the next step to playmaker this fall.

The defense replaced four tremendous players last season and still carried this team on its back. The Panthers didn’t have an intimidating pass rush last season, but managed 83 stops behind the line. Not much of that production returns this season though. The biggest unexpected loss is the transfer of linebacker Bengally Kamara to South Carolina. Nate Matlack joins the fray from Kansas State and should provide some punch at the point of attack. Linebacker Solomon DeShields also transferred out, leaving a huge hole at the position. Keye Thompson comes to the Panthers from Ohio, but he hardly moves the needle. The corners are okay, but typically require safety help over the top and need a strong pass rush to excel. Jeremiah Anglin Jr. from Kentucky should help tremendously. Donovan McMillon and Javon McIntyre are solid safeties.

DEPTH CHART

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Nate Matlack, DE — The Panthers need a strong push upfront, and Matlack is the only candidate that can pull that off.

Eli Holstein, QB — The young transfer from Alabama will challenge Nate Yarnell.

Desmond Reid, RB — Reid follows his OC Kade Bell from Western Carolina. Last season, Reid ran for 897 yards in just eight games averaging 6.8 yards per carry and 112 yards a game.

Censere Lee, WR — Lee is a deep threat who also comes from Western Carolina.

HEAD COACH: Rhett Lashlee

OC: Casey Woods

DC: Scott Symons

2023 RECORD: 11-3 (8-0, AAC)

FOUNDED: 1911

STADIUM: Ford Stadium (32,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The SMU offense packed a punch last season on the ground and through the air, ranking eighth in the nation in scoring, 16th in total offense, converted 43 percent on third down and scored on 93 percent of their trips to the red zone. Pretty much everyone returns, so the only reason to think the Mustangs can’t repeat that success is the upgrade in the schedule from the AAC to the ACC. Preston Stone threw for 3,197 yards with 28 TDs and just six picks. Five of those interceptions came in the first five games. Stone spread the ball around effectively with seven receivers catching as many as 24 passes for 370 yards. All seven return. Jaylan Knighton accounted for 745 rushing yards at 5.5 yards a pop. Running mate LJ Johnson Jr. had 576 yards averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Logan Parr and Justin Osborne are the best athletes on a very good offensive line.

The SMU defense was outstanding in 2023 and it all started upfront. The Mustangs had 81 solo tackles for loss last season, the fourth highest total in the nation. Elijah Roberts was the most disruptive from his end position. Kori Robertson Jr. specializes in clogging the middle, but he had three sacks and grabbed an interception. Transfers Anthony Booker Jr. (Arkansas), Mike Lockhart (West Virginia) and Jonathan Jefferson (Georgia) should comprise an outstanding rotation as the heart of the defense. Kobe Wilson and Ahmad Walker are all-conference caliber linebackers, stout against the run and can get into the backfield as well. Isaiah Nwokobia and Jonathan McGill are excellent against the run, but support the corners in the pass defense primarily. Nwokobia led the Mustangs with four picks last season and the two safeties combined to breakup 12 passes.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Omari Abor, DE — The active end from Ohio State will certainly be a integral part of the rotation, especially in passing situations.

Derrick McFall, RB — The talented freshman is listed as a running back, but with the logjam there he may find himself on the field in the return game or as a deep threat in the passing game.

Savion Byrd, T — The talented tackle began last season as starting guard for Oklahoma until an injury hijacked his season.

STANFORD

Palo Alto, CA

HEAD COACH: Troy Taylor

OC: Troy Taylor

DC: Bobby April

2023 RECORD: 3-9 (2-7, Pac-12)

FOUNDED: 1885

STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (50,424)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Stanford offense was not good in 2023 by any measure. The Cardinal averaged fewer than 120 yards a game on the ground, gave up 41 sacks and converted just 36 percent on third down. The good news is that Ashton Daniels grew up quickly last season and was a much better player over the second half of the season. Receiver Elic Ayomanor is an electric threat with 1,013 yards last season, 294 of them coming in one outing against Colorado. That’s pretty much it for good news. Daniels was second to fellow quarterback Justin Lamson in rushing last season. Sedrick Irvin is the leading returning running back with just 113 yards on 26 carries. The offensive line that couldn’t pass protect and struggled carving out running room returns all five starters from last season. Is that a good thing? Perhaps the year of experience and maturity will help.

The story isn’t any better on defense than offense with a similar theme: Abysmal last season, but most of the personnel returns. Stanford was the worst FBS defense allowing 51.3 percent conversions on third down. The unit allowed 37.17 points a game (only UMass gave up more) and yielded 461.7 yards per game (only North Texas was worse). There was no push upfront last season, which put undue pressure on a decent linebacking corps. The addition of Clay Patterson from Yale may help. David Bailey can be disruptive off the edge. Anthony Franklin had 5.5 stops behind the line. Linebackers Gaethan Bernadel and Tristan Sinclair were the leading tacklers last season, but they need help from the big guys upfront. The secondary wasn’t horrible, and that unit too could benefit from a better pass rush. Stanford had just eight interceptions last season.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Emmett Mosley V, WR — The speedster is expected to stretch the field for the Cardinal this season. He ran a 11.47 in the 100m as a high school freshman.

Clay Patterson, DL — Patterson spent five years at Yale and is a two-time All-Ivy player.

Cam Richardson, CB — Stanford coaches believe Richardson can develop into a solid cover corner, and he may be thrown to the wolves this season.

Jahsiah Galvan, LB — Spent two years at Northern Iowa and led the team in tackles last season.

SYRACUSE

Syracuse, NY

HEAD COACH: Fran Brown

OC: Jeff Nixon and Mike Johnson

DC: Elijah Robinson

2023 RECORD: 6-7 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1870

STADIUM: Carrier Dome (49,262)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The offense was hot and cold last season, never luke warm. The Orange averaged 343 yards a game, but never actually got close to that number. Syracuse amassed 400 or more yards six times, all wins; but couldn’t muster more than 281 in seven losses. But that was 2023, now there’s a whole new system for 2024. Head coach Fran Brown may have hit a home run in the portal with Kyle McCord from Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ coaches kept a tight rein on the offense and McCord wasn’t asked to do too much, actually. He tossed 24 touchdown passes and threw just six picks, so he’s proven he can manage an offense. But Brown believes he can be so much more. Oronde Gadsden II can be one of the best tight ends in the country. LaQuint Allen is a 1,000-yard runner. Putting transfers from Georgia in the lineup at receiver (Jackson Meeks, Zeed Haynes) can’t be bad.

The Syracuse defense should be pretty good this season. The secondary is solid if not outstanding and Marlowe Wax is one of the best linebackers in the nation. The Orange has rebuilt the line through the portal. Fadil Diggs is the best acquistion bringing an aggressive approach from Texas A&M. He expects to wreak havoc in opponents’ backfields. Dion Wilson Jr. from New Mexico State adds some beef upfront. Derek McDonald is an excellent complement to Wax at linebacker. Wax led the team with 11.5 TFLs and added an interception and forced four fumbles. Anwar Sparrow is a budding star. In the secondary, Jayden Bellamy was thrown in the fray early last season and he didn’t exactly disintegrate, but he got burned a little. Brown should be an excellent mentor for the youngster. Alijah Clark and Justin Barron can bring the heat against the run.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Kyle McCord, QB — The successful signal-caller for a top seven team will now lead the offense for the Orange.

Fadil Diggs, DE — The two-year captain at Texas A&M notched 18.5 tackles behind the line in his 33 games for the Aggies. His younger brother, Fatim, is an incoming freshman for the Orange. Duce Chestnut, DB — Chestnut started all 24 games for Syracuse as a freshman and sophomore, earning Freshman All-America honors. He returns after an unsuccessful hiatus at LSU where he saw action in four games last September.

VIRGINIA

Charlottesville, VA

HEAD COACH: Tony Elliott

OC: Des Kitchings

DC: John Rudzinski

2023 RECORD: 3-9 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1819

STADIUM: Scott (61,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Virginia allowed 43 sacks last season, among the worst eight teams in the nation, as both Anthony Colandrea and Tony Muskett were constantly under pressure. So, the first order of business is to plug holes in pass protection. One step is the addition of center Drake Metcalf, who excels in pass blocking. Metcalf spent last season at UCF after three years at Stanford. Brian Stevens is a solid lineman, but as a group and individually, these guys must be better. Neither Muskett nor Colandrea has earned the starting job at quaterback outright. Kobe Pace had the most carries on the team, but averaged just 3.1 yards per rush. Malik Washington and his 110 catches will surely be missed. Malachi Fields, who had 58 catches for 811 yards, and Notre Dame transfer Chris Tyree must fill those large shoes. Tight end Sackett Wood Jr. can make plays, and the Cavs will need him.

Virginia and BYU each had 11 sacks last season, the only two schools in the country with fewer than one sack per game. The Cavaliers somehow managed to hold opponents to 33.8 points a game, even with no threat of a pass rush. Kam Butler managed 3.5 sacks from his defensive end spot, but he must be better and the Cavs must get him some help. The linebackers are the strength of the defense but are asked to do far too much. James Jackson and Kam Robinson each had a sack and combined for three of the team’s eight interceptions. They both make plays sideline-to-sideline. Kempton Shine, from Eastern Michigan, and Corey Thomas Jr. from Akron, were brought in to bolster the secondary. But neither made first-, second- or third-team All-MAC. Safety Jonas Sanker is a baller, and made more than 100 tackles last season, but that’s way too many for a safety.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Corey Thomas Jr., DB — Thomas is a veteran of 41 games at Akron and made four stops behind the line last season.

Kempton Shine, DB — The Eastern Michigan transfer broke up 21 passes over the past two seasons.

Trell Harris, WR — The solid receiver had 26 catches for 399 yards for Kent State last season

Sage Ennis, TE — Used sparingly at Clemson, Ennis is a trusted blocker and can be a reliable target in the red zone.

VIRGINIA TECH

Blacksburg, VA

HEAD COACH: Brent Pry

OC: Tyler Bowen

DC: Chris Marve

2023 RECORD: 7-6 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1872

STADIUM: Lane (65,632)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Hokies’ offense was close to nonexistent in 2022. But last season, Virginia Tech was extremely potent in both the running and passing games. Kyron Drones isn’t the second coming of Michael Vick, but he is one of the best quarterbacks to suit up for the Hokies in some time. He threw for 2,085 yards and 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions, starting just 11 games. Coaches would like to see his 58.2 completion percentage increase, which would likely inprove the team’s 35 percent third down conversion rate. Drones’ weapons are returning as Bhayshul Tuten is back after running for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jaylin Lane (41 catches, 538 yards, six TDs) and Da’Quan Felton (38, 667, 8) are the leading receivers. Tight end Nick Gallo and deep threat Ali Jennings return after missing most of last season with injuries.

The Virginia Tech defense has been a work in progress for two seasons and the growth last year suggests this could be a banner year for this side of the ball. The Hokies gave up 316.8 yards a game, good enough for second in the ACC behind Clemson. Virginia Tech is equally stingy against the run and pass, but the group created just 16 turnovers. The Hokies were tremendous getting in the backfield of opponents with 7.2 tackles for loss per game. The defensive pressure begins with Antwaun Powell-Ryland coming off the edge. He led the way with 14.5 TFLs. Three other players with seven or more stops behind the line return as well. Cole Nelson wreaks havoc opposite Powell-Ryland and linebackers Keli Lawson and Keonta Jenkins get in the backfield as well. Dorian Strong is the best defender in the secondary. He broke up eight passes and picked off three.

Sam Brumfield, LB — Middle Tennessee’s leading tackler last season made 6.5 stops behind the line and is credited with eight QB hurries. He was named second team All-CUSA.

Montavious Cunningham, OL — The honor student made 11 starts at tackle for Georgia State last season and should earn a starting spot for the Hokies this season.

Aeneas Peebles, DT — The Duke transfer found his way into opposing backfield often enough to make 9.5 stops there, which is a perfect fit in the Hokies’ aggressive pressure style of defense.

WAKE FOREST

Winston-Salem, NC

HEAD COACH: Dave Clawson

OC: Warren Ruggiero

DC: Brad Lambert

2023 RECORD: 4-8 (1-7)

FOUNDED: 1834

STADIUM: Truist Field (31,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Wake Forest offense that averaged 36, 41, 36 points a game from 2020-22 fell apart last season and managed just 20 a game, tied with Pittsburgh for lowest in the ACC. Maybe all the blame shouldn’t be shouldered by the offensive line, but the Deacons averaged just 3.3 yards a carry and only Colorado and Old Dominion allowed more than Wake’s four sacks a game. It doesn’t help that three of the top four receivers and second-leading rusher transferred out. That hurts on several fronts. But new quarterback Hank Bachmeier, who began his career at Boise State, can be effective throwing the ball down the field if he can stay upright long enough. Taylor Morin, working out of the slot, will be Bachmeier’s top target. He caught 41 passes for 617 yards last season. Demond Claiborne ran for 586 yards averaging 4.3 per carry.

The Wake Forest defense actually improved last season and should be stable this year. There were some key losses, but Jasheen Davis returns to make life miserable for ACC offenses. He logged 17 stops behind the line last season as opponents couldn’t solve how to block him. Fellow lineman Kevin Pointer made nine tackles for loss and leading linebacker Dylan Hazen added 8.5. The Deacons are counting on Southern Illinois transfer Brandon Combs to fill the vacant spot at linebacker left by Jacob Roberts. Wake Forest created only 16 turnovers last season, forcing just seven fumbles, and that needs to improve. Of the eight interceptions, only four were by players returning this season. Capone Blue, from Kent State, should help bolster the secondary at corner. Myles Turpin is the most likely true freshman to see time on defense.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Hank Bachmeier, QB — Bachmeier made 29 starts over four seasons at Boise State and started eight times for Louisiana Tech last season as injuries havve palgued him throughout his career.

Capone Blue, CB — Blue started 11 games for Kent State and broke up 10 passes for the Golden Flashes.

Branson Combs, LB — The 24-year-old is a veteran of 49 games (28 starts) at Southern Illinois since singing with the Salukis in 2019.

THE SIDELINES

NOTRE DAME

South Bend, IN

HEAD COACH: Marcus Freeman

OC: Mike Denbrock

DC: Al Golden

2023 RECORD: 10-3

FOUNDED: 1842

STADIUM: Notre Dame Stadium (80,795)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Typically, when teams undergo the kind of changes that the Notre Dame offense has over the offseason, a rebuilding, sub-par season is in the offing. But this is the Fighting Irish, and there are players in the fold ready to step in, plus a few key transfers. The most important factor will be the play of quarterback Riley Leonard from Duke. He was enjoying a terrific season last year until an ankle injury killed his buzz. He tried to play through it, but his play—and the Blue Devils—suffered mightily. But he’s big and can run, giving the offense options. The receiving corps has been rebuilt, but should be strong. Kris Mitchell is a premier deep threat and had 64 catches for FIU last year. Beaux Collins has 1,290 career receiving yards at Clemson. The line will miss two NFLers from last season, but there are highly regarded players ready to shine.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden has turned the Golden Domers into a formidable unit in his two seasons at Notre Dame. Before his arrival, the Irish defense ranked 43rd in the nation. That improved to 21st, then fifth last season, giving up just 276 yards a game. The interior line is deep and stocked with players that understand the system and are rock solid against the run. The pressure will come from Duke import RJ Oben off the edge. Freshman Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa will have the chance to show off his pass rushing skills in certain situations. Jack Kiser is experienced at linebacker and Drayk Bowen is a rising star. The secondary is among the best anywhere. Safety Xavier Watts would be the best player on most any defense in the nation. Benjamin Morrison is an outstanding corner, which increases pressure on Jaden Mickey on the other side. Jordan

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

is a huge addition.

Riley Leonard, QB — Leonard is an outstanding leader and threw for an efficient 175 yards and ran for 98 in a huge win over Clemson while at Duke last season.

Kris Mitchell, WR — The transfer from FIU gives the Irish a deep threat. He had 100 catches for 1,663 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career for the Panthers.

RJ Oben, DE — The former Duke star had 14 tackles for loss in 38 games (23 starts) for the Blue Devils.

Jordan Clark, DB — The transfer from Arizona State has outstanding man-to-man cover skills.

Clark

ALABAMA

Tuscaloosa, AL

HEAD COACH: Kalen DeBoer

OC: Nick Sheridan

DC: Kane Wommack

2023 RECORD: 12-2 (8-0)

FOUNDED: 1831

STADIUM: Bryant-Denny (100,077)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

That sigh of relief heard around the SEC when Nick Saban announced his returement is now the league collectively tensing up looking at all the talent in Tuscaloosa with a coach who has an extraordinary record of winning. Jalen Milroe should be a perfect fit for this up tempo offense. While the Washington Huskies were wildly successful, they had three of the best receivers in the land. Germie Bernard has followed his coach from Washington and had 34 catches last season playing behind three NFL guys. Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law are unproven but certainly talented. Freshman Caleb Odom has tight end size with wideout skills. Justice Haynes had only 25 carries last season, but he was never thrown for a loss and averaged 6.7 yards per carry. Parker Brailsford joins the Tide from Washington to play center. He and left tackle Kaydn Proctor were Freshman All-Americans.

This Alabama defense may not be among the best in recent history, but teams will find it exceedingly difficult to run and pass against this squad. Upfront, the four-man rotation is almost impossible to penetrate. Jah-Marien Latham, Que Robinson and LT Overton must produce at higher levels coming off the edge than they have in the past. Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson are as good in the middle as Alabama has had in a while and that alone should scare offenses. The new coaching staff has melded a secondary from some veterans and transfers, with a few freshman, in search of the right mix. Malachi Moore is one of the best safeties in the nation. Keon Sabb is a temendous addition from Michigan. Domani Jackson (USC) and DaShawn Jones (Wake Forest) will battle freshmen Red Morgan, Zabien Brown and Zavier Mincey for reps at corner.

Keon Sabb, S — Sabb played in all 15 games for Michigan, starting five last season. He logged a career-high six tackles in the national championship game.

DaShawn Jones, CB — His three interceptions led Wake Forest last season.

Zabien Brown, CB — A top-five cornerback in high school last season, Brown will see the field plenty this fall.

Caleb Odom, WR — Odom is listed among the best tight ends in the nation by recruiting services, but his skills translate well in the Alabama offense as a wideout.

ARKANSAS

Fayetteville, AR

HEAD COACH: Sam Pittman

OC: Bobby Petrino

DC: Travis Williams

2023 RECORD: 4-8 (1-7)

FOUNDED: 1871

STADIUM: Reynolds Razorback (76,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Arkansas offense was really bad last season. And uncharacteristically for a Sam Pittman coached team is that the offensive line was horrible. The Hogs produced fewer than 330 yards a game (13th in the SEC) and allowed 93 tackles for loss, 47 of which were sacks, both numbers worst in the SEC. The staff scoured the portal for a quick fix and brought in some solid additions. Taylen Green joins the Hogs from Boise State where he played much better in his final four games, completing 69 percent of his throws. Ja’Quinden Jackson comes to Fayetteville from Utah where he led the Utes with 797 yards. The most important additions are upfront. Addison Nichols comes from Tennessee to play center, and tackles Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State) and Fernando Carmona (San Jose State) join Joshua Braun to comprise a formidable unit.

The Arkansas defense was solid in 2023, especially given the fact the offense provided little help. The Hogs have signiciant depth on the defensive front around superstar Landon Jackson at end. He made 13.5 stops behind the line last season. After losing the team’s top two tacklers to the portal, depth at linebacker is awfully thin. But veteran Brad Spence proved capable in limited action last season. He retunred an interception 85 yards for a score. Xavien Sorey Jr. comes from Georgia and is a potential star after seeing sparse duty on a deep Georgia team. Jaylon Braxton is a good cover corner, and safety Jayden Johnson is a tackling machine supporting the run. There is stength in numbers in the secondary, if not quality. The Hogs hope transfers Doneiko Slaughter (Tennessee) and Anthony Switzer (Utah State) can solidify the unit.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Green, QB —

enjoyed more than a few flashes of greatness at Boise State, but he also suffered through inconsistency at times. Accuracy vs. eratic throwing will be a key to watch this season.

Doneiko Slaughter, DB — Slaughter started his first collegiate game back in 2020, but has primarily played in a reserve role since.

Fernando Carmona, T — Carmona started all 24 games over the last two seasons at San Jose State allowing just five sacks in 993 pass snaps. But that was a MWC schedule, not the SEC.

Taylen

Green

AUBURN

Auburn, AL

HEAD COACH: Hugh Freeze

OC: Derrick Nix

DC: DJ Durkin

2023 RECORD: 6-7 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1856

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The offense that was pretty bad last season promises to be improved this season, especially in the passing game. Quarterback Payton Thorne has the ability to air it out downfield, but wasn’t asked to do that last season. Expect more of that in 2024 because the receivers are in place to perform. Cam Coleman, one of the most coveted recruits in the country, instantly improves the downfield passing attack. Robert Lewis from Georgia State and KeAndre Lambert-Smith from Penn State, both have more than 100 career receptions. Running back Jarquez Hunter posted three 100-yard rushing games last last season. Expecting the offensive line to be significantly better might be a stretch. The personnel didn’t change except the addition of left tackle Percy Lewis form Mississippi State. Jeremiah Wright may become the best of the lineman by seasons’ end.

The size and depth of the Auburn defense at the point of attack is small and thin. Not exactly built for the rigors of the SEC. Jalen McLeod is active and aggressive on the outside and penetrated the backfield often enough to have 10.5 stops behind the line. The Tigers will certainly welcome Austin Keys back at middle linebacker after an injury-riddled season. Running mate Eugene Asante could become one of the best in the SEC. But beyond those two, there’s a dropoff in talent and experience. The secondary is a work in progress and may need a few games to settle in comfortably. Keionte Scott was excellent at safety, especially against the run. Now he’s asked to play corner. Kayin Lee is a rising start, but it needs to rise quickly and shine brightly. Jerrin Thompson, a transfer from Texas and a veteran of 49 games and 31 starts with five career interceptions, could be a huge boost.

2023 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Cam Coleman, WR — A-Day Offensive MVP after a four-catch, 92-yard performance that included a 34-yard touchdown. His speed and acceleration are elite.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR — The receiver labored for three seasons at Penn State in a conservative offense with a limited passing attack. He still managed 116 catches for 1,298 yards. Isaiah Raikes, DL — Raikes played in 42 games, but made only four starts in his career at Texas A&M. He spent the spring semester at USC before transferring to Auburn.

FLORIDA

Gainesville, FL

HEAD COACH: Billy Napier

OC: Rob Sale and Russ Callaway

DC: Austin Armstrong

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1905

STADIUM: Ben Hill Griffin (88,548)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The seemingly stagnant Florida offense the past few years needs to take off in 2024 in order for the Gators to get off this losing binge. The offense relies on the air attack and Graham Mertz showed last season he can be the passer that Wisconsin thought it was recruiting a few years ago. Mertz threw for 2,903 yards in 11 games completing 73 percent of his passes. He threw just three interceptions all season. For Mertz to post a similar stat line this season, some imported receivers must contribute quickly. That shouldn’t be a problem for Elijhah Badger from Arizona State and Chimere Dike from Wisconsin. The Gators hope they have solidified pass protection off the edge with Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, a transfer from San Diego State and the healthy return of left tackle Austin Barber. Montrell Johnson Jr. split time in the backfield last season, but will be the main man in 2024.

Florida’s defense wasn’t horrible last year, averaging 382 yards allowed, which placed the Gators in the middle of the pack nationally. However, every SEC foe (except Vanderbilt) ran that average up, and only three SEC defenses were worse. The Gators got off the field on third down, but couldn’t make big plays. Florida forced just seven turnovers and had only 22 sacks. The 58 tackles for loss placed the Gators outside the top 100. The quest for more pressure starts in the hole with Princely Umanmielen leaving for Ole Miss. He accounted for about 30 percent of the team’s sacks. Justus Boone, recovering form a knee injury, must step up his game. Shemar James is solid at linebacker, but he’s also recovering from a knee injury. Grayson Howard comes from South Carolina to replace Scooby Williams. The young secondary in 2023 picked off just one pass.

Elijhah Badger, WR — Badger brings 142 catches for 1,640 yards over four seasons at Arizona State to the Florida offense.

Chimere Dike, WR — Dike had 97 receptions for 1,478 yards in four seasons in the passing-averse Wisconsin offense.

Asa Turner, S — Signed with Washington in 2019 and has 43 games under his belt (28 starts). Turner started all three postseason games last season for the Huskies, but played in only four regular season games, preserving a redshirt season.

GEORGIA

HEAD COACH: Kirby Smart

OC: Mike Bobo

DC: Glenn Schumann

2023 RECORD: 13-1 (8-0)

FOUNDED: 1785

STADIUM: Sanford (93,023)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

So, 42-2 and two national championships over three seasons, and yet, so many Georgia fans are lamenting that SEC title game loss to Alabama. Talk about high expectations. While we’re at it, lets raise those high expectations with the thought that this will be an awesome Bulldogs team. Carson Beck has developed into, perhaps, the best quarterback in the land. He plays behind the best offensive line in the land that allowed just 58 tackles for loss. The running back room was restocked with the transfer in of Trevor Etienne. Roderick Robinson II is a power runner to complement Etienne. Dominic Lovett caught 54 passes for 613 yards and Dillon Bell and Rara Thomas also return. Colbie Young joins the party from Miami. Tight ends Ben Yurosek and Oscar Delp are not Brock Bowers, but both are all-conference quality receivers.

There are elite players at every level on defense with talented backups providing depth. The Bulldogs ranked ninth in the nation in total defense (289.1 yards per game) and fifth in scoring (15.6 ppg) and were the best getting off the field on third down (25.7%). And all that without the Bulldogs creating numerous big plays (17 turnovers, 31 sacks, 76 TFLs). Smael Mondon Jr. leads a terrific group of linebackers that is quite deep. Mondon was second on the team in tackles last season. The big threesome upfront (Mykel Williams, Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson) combined for 12.5 stops behind the line. Williams is a top NFL talent. Malaki Starks is the best player in the secondary; he’s stout against the run and had three picks last season. One crucial component will be the play of Joenel Aguero filling Tykee Smith’s shoes at the Star position.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Trevor Etienne, RB — Florida’s best running back last season now suits up for the Bulldogs. Etienne ran for 753 yards (5.3 yards per carry) while splitting time in the Gators’ backfield.

Ellis Robinson IV, CB — Georgia signed four of the top 25 players in the nation, led by Robinson, who will play immediately.

KJ Bolden, S — Bolden, from the Buford High School Football Factory could join Robinson in the secondary early in the season.

Colbie Young, WR — Young hauled in 47 passes for 563 yards for Miami.

KENTUCKY

Lexington, KY

HEAD COACH: Mark Stoops

OC: Bush Hamdan

DC: Brad White

2023 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1865

STADIUM: Kroger Field (61,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Kentucky has an impressive eight-year run of winning records and bowl appearances. However, over those eight seasons, the Wildcats are 31-33 in the SEC. After two seasons with proven veteran quarterbacks from the portal leading the offense, this season Brock Vandagriff will take the reins. He comes to Lexington via the portal as well, but has thrown just 21 collegiate passes. His upside is extremely high. Vandagriff has two established receivers in Dane Key, who led the team with 636 yards last season, and the speedster Barion Brown, who led the Wildcats with 43 catches. Ja’Mori Maclin from North Texas will join the receiving corps. Kentucky hasn’t had an effective power running game in a few years, but that may change with the addition of Chip Trayanum from Ohio State. Jalen Farmer (Florida) and Gerald Mincey (Tennessee) fill out the offensive line nicely.

The Kentucky defense held opponents to 353.5 yards a game, which isn’t bad. Teams ran for a low 3.3 yards per rush. But opponents made plays when it counted, converting 43 percent on third down. The Wildcats forced just 18 turnovers and managed only 36 sacks. Respectable numbeers playing an SEC schedule, but for the Wildcats to turn the .500 corner in the league, they must be better. The defensive toughness starts upfront with future high NFL pick Deone Walker. He and Keeshawn Silver make yards up the middle almost impossible. Fellow 320-pounder Josiah Hayes suffered a torn Achilles in the spring game that could cost him the entire season. J.J. Weaver is an excellent linebacker and welcomes Jamon Dumas-Johnson from Georgia as an attacking linebacker. Maxwell Hairston is the best cover corner for a secondary good enough for opponents to keep trying to run.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

DJ Waller Jr., CB — Waller was on the field in 11 games for the national champion Wolverines last season.

Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB — The athletic linebacker started all 15 games for Georgia’s national championship team in 2022 and was a finalist for the Butkus Award. An injury cost him the last four games of the season last year.

Kristian Story, S — The safety played in 39 games at Alabama— mostly on special teams—and is anxious to prove he can play.

Chip Trayanum, RB — Ran for 373 yards for Ohio State in 2023.

HEAD COACH: Brian Kelly

OC: Joe Sloan

DC: Blake Baker

2023 RECORD: 10-3 (6-2)

FOUNDED: 1860

STADIUM: Tiger (102,321)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The LSU offense has been off the charts explosive the last two seasons. The Tigers will be very good again in 2024, but Jayden Daniels won’t be in the huddle, and the excitement and prodcution he brought to Baton Rouge is gone. Garrett Nussmeier hasn’t been twiddling his thumbs while watching Daniels. The LSU veteran is more than capable of leading a productive offense. However, after losing Daniels and two of the best receivers in school history, the passing game is certain to suffer a bit. But Aaron Anderson, Kyren Lacy and Chris Hilton Jr. combined for 55 catches in limited duty and Lacy finished with seven touchdowns. CJ Daniels comes from Liberty and is a second deep threat with Hilton. Josh Williams carried the ball only 55 times, but he’ll get closer to 150 this season. Will Campbell, one of the top tackles in the nation, anchors a very good offensive line.

Opposing offenses ran the ball down the throat of the LSU defense last season. The Tigers gave up 416 total yards a game and opponents ran for more than 2,000 yards, gaining 4.5 yards per carry. So Brian Kelly reached out to Blake Baker, who led a vaunted Missouri defense last season, to reconstruct the mess. Harold Perkins Jr. is the star of the defense and creates havoc rushing the passer. But even Perkins needs to be better against the run. Major Burns, from his safety position, was the team’s leading tackler last season, which exposes the troubles upfront. Jardin Gilbert started at safety at Texas A&M in 2022-23 until injured. The corners are young, but talented PJ Woodland, a prized recruit, will be thrown into the fray immediately. For the corners to get more stops on third down, the safeties must provide more help instead of having to focus on the running game.

PJ Woodland, CB — A 4-star cornerback according to Rivals, Woodland played multiple positions in high school on both sides of the ball. He topped 1,300 receiving yards his senior season and earned Mississippi 7A DPOY.

CJ Daniels, WR — The experienced receiver began his career at Liberty in 2020. He caught 55 passes for 1,067 yards and 10 TDs last season.

Jardin Gilbert, S — A veteran of 25 games with Texas A&M over the past three seasons, Gilbert isn’t daunted by big-time football games.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Starkville, MS

HEAD COACH: Jeff Lebby

OC: Jeff Lebby

DC: Coleman Hutzler

2023 RECORD: 5-7 (1-7)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

New coach Jeff Lebby, who will serve as his own offensive coordinator, jumped head first into the portal and has a new quarterback, running back, receiving corps and five new offensive linemen (three likely starters). The Mississippi State offense wasn’t too efficient or explosive last season, so an overhaul is a good thing. Blake Shapen comes in from Baylor as the new quarterback. Shapen has thrown for 4,897 yards over the last two seasons. Lebby expects to throw downfield more this season with Shapen. Returning receivers (Jordan Mosley and Creed Whittemore) accounted for just 14 catches for 147 yards. Kevin Coleman from Louisville and Kelly Akharaiyi from UTEP should contribute immeditely. Davon Booth comes to Starkville from Utah State to be the feature back. He ran for 805 yards gaining 6.7 yards per carry for the Aggies.

Much like the offense, the defense is in rebuild mode. There are more returning players, but the most productive playmakers have moved on. De’Monte Russell has the ability to become a playmaker upfront. The pressure is on Kedrick Bingley-Jones to, well, apply pressure at the point of attack. Imported linebacker Stone Blanton from South Carolina should become the main man in the middle of the defense. J.P. Purvis and John Lewis return with rather non-descript experience. Safety Corey Ellington had to make too many tackles last season. He’s a solid safety, especially against the run but can defend the pass as well. The Bulldogs have high expectations for Traveon Wright from Memphis, Montre Miller from West Virginia and JUCO Brylan Lanier. At least two of those guys need to step up to become lock down corners.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Blake Shapen, QB — Shapen started, and won, the 2021 Big 12 Championship Game as a redshirt freshman. Kelly Akharaiyi, WR — The UTEP transfer is the truest deep threat on the Bulldogs’ roster. He tallied 1,033 yards last year averaging 21.5 per catch.

Montre Miller, DB — Miller was a two-year starter for Kent State before spending last season (played in one game) at West Virginia.

Traveon Wright, CB — Wright didn’t see any action at Memphis last season as a freshman.

MISSOURI

Columbia, MO

HEAD COACH: Eliah Drinkwitz

OC: Kirby Moore

DC: Corey Batoon

2022 RECORD: 11-2 (6-2)

FOUNDED: 1839

STADIUM: Faurot Field (71,168)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Missouri’s offense was so good last season and everything went right. The Tigers averaged 434 yards a game, 4.5 yards per carry, converted 43 percent on third down, committed just eight turnovers and scored on all but two trips to the red zone. While everything may not fall into place in 2024, the personnel is there for this to be a special season in Columbia. Brady Cook has proven to be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation. He has, perhaps, the best receiver in the nation in Luther Burden III. They connected 86 times for 1,212 yards last season. The running game won’t have the power feel that it did in 2023, but two transfers, Marcus Carroll (Georgia State) and Nate Noel (App State) should pile up yards behind a very good offensive line. Cayden Green and Marcus Bryant should be a formidable duo on the left side of the line.

Most experts believed that the defense would be the strength of the team last year. It’s not that the defense wasn’t terrific, just that the offense took off. The defense that allowed 3.8 yards per rush, 335 yards per game and totaled 39 sacks should be as good this season. The depth chart below includes seven players among the front seven from the portal, so depth upfront will be a strength. Zion Young (from Michigan State) on the end and Chris McClellan (Florida) are especially good. Chuck Hicks is a playmaker at linebacker. Of his 11 stops behind the line last season, nine were on running plays. His running mates Johnny Walker Jr. and Triston Newson made (9.5 and seven tackles for loss, respcectively. The secondary suffered huge losses and could be where the team breaks down. Toriano Pride Jr. from Clemson is solid at one corner.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Jeremiah Beasley, LB — The four-star linebacker signed with Michigan and spent the spring semester there before transferring out. He’s super athletic, but may need time to develop as a playmaker.

Marcus Carroll, RB — Carroll had 1,350 yards rushing for Georgia State last season and another 234 in the passing game.

Nate Noel, RB — Noel will share time with Carroll in the backfield. He had 1,126 yards as a sophomore at App State in 2021, but injuries have taken a toll. He battled through leg injuries for 834 yards last season.

OKLAHOMA

Norman, OK

HEAD COACH: Brent Venables

OC: Seth Littrell

DC: Zac Alley and Todd Bates

2023 RECORD: 10-3 (7-2, Big 12)

FOUNDED: 1890

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (80,126)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Oklahoma offense was outstanding last season scoring 41.7 points a game and rolling up 507 yards per contest. Jackson Arnold didn’t have an integral role playing behind Dillon Gabriel, but he did rally the Sooners in a win at BYU and started the bowl game against Arizona. He’s certainly capable of leading this explosive attack. Gavin Sawchuk wasn’t asked to carry a heavy load in the backfield last season, but he ran for 744 yards and averaged 6.2 per carry. Jalil Farooq and Nic Anderson combined for 83 catches and 1,482 yards yielding to Drake Stoops as the go-to receiver. Andrel Anthony and Deion Burks from Purdue are also big-play threats. It’s not a guarantee that the overhauled line will be good, but the Sooners brought in talent to restock. Michael Tarquin from USC and Branson Hickman from SMU are notable additions.

One can’t help but expect Brent Venables, one of the best defensive coordinators in recent memory, to have a monster defense. It appears to be coming, but why has it taken so long? This team held opponents to 31 percent on third down and picked off 20 passes, so it’s beginning to come together. But the Sooners need more than the 24 sacks they managed in 2023. The defense is built around linebackers Danny Stutsman and Kip Lewis, the top two tacklers from a year ago. They are athletic, rangy and can bring the wood. Stutsman had 16 stops behind the line, 13 of them on running plays. Ethan Downs is developing as a top-tier playmaker as well. The line is rebuilding, but the addition of Damonic Williams from TCU is nice as he teams with fellow 320-pounder Da’Jon Terry. Billy Bowman Jr. led the secondary with six interceptions and returned three for scores.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Branson Hickman, C — Hickman will be a key leader upfront after starting 33 of SMU’s last 34 games.

Deion Burks, WR — The speedy wideout had a breakout season last year with 47 catches for 629 yards and seven TDs.

Caiden Woullard, DE — Woullard was named All-MAC first team after notching 9.5 sacks and nine pressures.

Damonic Williams, DT — The big fella was a huge part of TCU’s recent success as he started all 27 games in the middle of the defense over the last two seasons.

HEAD COACH: Lane Kiffin

OC: Charlie Weis Jr.

DC: Pete Golding

2023 RECORD: 11-2 (6-2)

FOUNDED: 1848

STADIUM: Vaught-Hemingway (64,038)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Lane Kiffin can coach offense. The Rebels love to crank it up and produced 456 yards a game last season. Ole Miss averaged 28 points a game in SEC games, 33 points against teams not named Alabama or Georgia. The components for a repeat are back this season. Jaxson Dart is a terrific quarterback for this offense. He can run, avoid sacks and threw for 3,364 yards and completed 65 percent. In 358 passes, he threw just five picks. Tre Harris is one of the best receivers in the SEC, Antwane Wells comes to Oxford from South Carolina and will be a huge factor. When most people think Kiffin, they think pass. But Ole Miss runs almost 60 percent of the time, and averaged 176 yards a game on the ground. Losing Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State is a blow, but they still have a Bentley (Ulysses) and Henry Parrish from Miami. The offensive line is certainly in the top half of SEC.

The Ole Miss defense allowed just 27 points a game against SEC teams. Opponents averaged 5.5 yards a play and 382.5 yards a game; not outstanding, but pretty good. Jared Ivey and JJ Pegues are playmakers upfront and combined for 19.5 tackles for loss last season. Walter Nolen was the best defensive lineman in the portal, so Ivey and Pegues should be even more productive alongside Nolen. The holdover linebackers are solid, but add Chris Paul Jr. in the middle and Princely Umanmielen on the outside and this group could be outstanding. The secondary could be the downfall for this team. Safeties John Saunders Jr. and Trey Washington are solid, especially in run support. Well-traveled transfers Trey Amos (Louisiana, Alabama), Brandon Turnage (Alabama, Tennessee) and Isaiah Hamilton (Texas Southern, Houston) hope to solidify the corners.

Princely Umanmielen, OLB — The best Edge/OLB in the portal led Florida in sacks, pressures and TFLs last season.

Isaiah Hamilton, CB — After three seasons at Texas Southern, Hamilton started all 12 games for Houston last season.

Chris Paul Jr., LB — Named a 2022 Freshman All-SEC, Paul has steadily improved since then.

Walter Nolen, DT — The former five-star lineman lived up to his billing in two seasons at Texas A&M.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Columbia, SC

HEAD COACH: Shane Beamer

OC: Dowell Loggains

DC: Clayton White

2023 RECORD: 5-7 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1801

STADIUM: Williams-Brice (77,559)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

South Carolina couldn’t sustain drives (33.8 percent on third down), couldn’t run the ball (2.8 yards per carry), couldn’t stay healthy and allowed 41 sacks. This spring the Gamecocks used the portal to rebuild the receiving corps and deepen the offensive line. For now, expect LaNorris Sellers to make an impact in this offense with his legs and arm. But the quarterback has a short leash with Robby Ashford and Davis Beville in the fold. Running back Raheim Sanders was the best in the SEC two years ago, but last season the Arkansas Razorback was beset by multiple injuries. Having Oscar Adaway III from North Texas will help spell Sanders. This is a run-first offense, but receiver Jared Brown from Coastal Carolina should have a significant impact. The offensive line problems were more a product of inconsistent lineups rather than talent, so having healthy veterans is a good thing.

The defense needs to improve dramatically in every facet. The Gamecocks didn’t get any pressure on quarterbacks last season and had just 21 sacks. Opponents were successful on 43 percent of third downs, so South Carolina couldn’t get off the field. They also forced only 13 turnovers, which didn’t create enough easy opportunities for the offense. Gilber Edmond has returned to South Carolina from Florida State, and Kyle Kennard joins the team from Georgia Tech in hopes of bringing more heat off the edge. Alex Hutley, Tonka Hemingway and T.J. Sanders provide a strong push in the middle. Debo Williams is a tacklng machine, but he needs some help. Both Bam Martin-Scott and Charlotte transfer Demetrius Knight Jr. need to be on the field. The Gamecocks will ride with the same suspects in the secondary from last season.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Jared Brown, WR — Brown amassed close to 1,000 yards from scrimmage each of the last two years at Coastal Carolina.

Raheim Sanders, RB — After 1,443 yards rushing in 2022, Sanders had just 209 last season on 62 carries.

Dalevon Campbell, WR — The well-traveled veteran has more than 1,000 yards receiving over the past two seasons at Nevada after beginning his career at Illinois.

Kyel Kennard, DE — South Carolina is looking for a boost to the pass rush from Kennard who has 21.5 tackles for loss over his 42 games at Georia Tech.

TENNESSEE

Knoxville, TN

HEAD COACH: Josh Heupel

OC: Joey Halzle

DC: Tim Banks

2023 RECORD: 9-4 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1794

STADIUM: Neyland (101,915)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Tennessee offense posted decent numbers, but had trouble producing against good defenses. The Vols averaged 5.4 yards per run and converted 41.7 percent on third down. Tennessee fans are excited to see what quarterback Nico Iamaleava can do in this offense over a full season. He provided a thrilling glimpse in the bowl win over Iowa. Iamaleava has a talented and proven group of receivers. Squirrel White leads the way, but his slight frame makes him easy to tackle—if defenders can get their hands on him. Bru McCoy could be the most productive receiver if he can stay on the field. Chris Brazzell II from Tulane is a huge plus. The running back room is ultra talented and Dylan Simpson will get the lion’s share of carries. All the backs will run behind a tremendous line. Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins are two of the best linemen in the SEC.

The Tennessee defense has been special for two seasons now. Opponents averaged just 3.2 yards per run and five yards a play. The defense produced 18 turnovers last season and held opponents to 37 percent on third down. The defensive front is massive and tough. Omari Thomas, Bryson Eason and Omarr Norman-Lott are huge and not easily moved. James Pearce is a beast on the outside and eager to play himself into the first five picks of the draft. Getting Keenan Pili back after missing most of last season with an arm injury is a boost. He will patrol the middle. The secondary could become an issue, but maintaining the pass rush of recent seasons will cover a multitude of mistakes and shortcomings in the defensive backfield. Jermod McCoy from Oregon State started five games for the Beavers as a true freshman and wasn’t overmatched.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Lance Heard, T — Heard comes to Knoxville via LSU to solidify the line.

Chris Brazzell II, WR — The tall receiver led Tulane with 44 catches and 711 yards.

Boo Carter, DB — The brilliant two-way star in high school spent the spring working with the seconday and he may see the field early this fall.

Jakobe Thomas, S — Thomas had four picks as a freshman at Middle Tennessee in 2022. He was asked to play the run more last season as a starting safety.

TEXAS

Austin, TX

HEAD COACH: Steve Sarkisian

OC: Kyle Flood

DC: Pete Kwiatkowski

2023 RECORD: 12-2 (8-1, Big 12)

FOUNDED: 1883

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (105,213)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

This Texas offense will be extremely good again this season. The Longhorns are incredibly balanced. Quarterback Quinn Ewers can run, the backs can catch and the line can plow open a running game and pass protect, well, that’ still improving, but certainly sufficient. Ewers is clearly the No. 1 QB, but Arch Manning will get on the field in some way. The receiving corps was decimated with departures. But the Longhorns reloaded through the portal and Ewers will have a plethora of weapons to call on. Isaiah Bond comes from Alabama and is a legit deep threat. Silas Bolden from Oregon State will work from the slot and Matthew Golden (Houston) is a tremendous third option. The Horns suffered a blow in fall camp with a season-ending injury to CJ Baxter. Jaydon Blue must now bear a heavy workload. The line will be one of the best in the SEC, and Kelvin Banks Jr. is NFL ready.

The Texas defense is certainly good enough to be in the thick of the SEC race, especially given the potent offense. However, generating a consistent pass rush would cure pretty much everything that might ail this group. Ethan Burke led the team with just 5.5 sacks last season, so that alone speaks volumes of the lack of pressure on the passer. Barryn Sorrell must step up his game, and Trey Moore should provide a huge boost opposite Burke. Former Arizona DC Johnny Nahsen joins the staff this season and he brought a couple of big guys—Bill Norton and Tiaoalii Savea—to plug up the middle for the Longhorns. Last season, opponents began to exploit the secondary and put up some scary passing numbers late in the season. Again, a stout pass rush will make a difference. Malik Muhammad can hold his own in coverage, but Gavin Holmes and Jay’Vion Cole must hold up on the other side.

another 30 starts before coming home.

Trey Moore, LB — Moore had 18 tackles for loss in 2022, 14 sacks last season on the way to AAC DPOY honors.

Isaiah Bond, WR — The explosive receiver has been instrumental in Alabama success the last two seasons.

Matthew Golden, WR — Golden had 76 catches for 988 yards over two years at Houston.

Andrew Mukuba, S — The Austin native earned Freshman All-America honors at Clemson in 2021, and became the first true freshman DB to start season opener at Clemson. He subsequently made

TEXAS A&M

College Station, TX

HEAD COACH: Mike Elko

OC: Collin Klein

DC: Jay Bateman

2023 RECORD: 7-6 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1871

STADIUM: Kyle (102,733)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The new staff may have sights set on emphasizing a running game, but the Texas A&M passing game will be potent. Quarterback Conner Weigman made four starts last season before a season-ending injury. In two games against Power 5 competition, he completed just 58 percent with two touchdowns and two picks. But the Aggies believe he is ready for prime time SEC action. His receiving corps is top notch with three of the top five receivers returning. Jahdae Walker, Moose Muhammad III and Noah Thomas combined for 91 catches and close to 1,300 yards. There will be a tandem in the backfield as both Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels are talented. The two-headed monster provides a healthy competition and ensures there’s fresh legs on the field. The offensive line is built around tackle Trey Zuhn III and center Mark Nabou.

The Aggies’ defense was sturdy last season, but didn’t create turnovers. Opponents ran for 3.4 yards a pop and gained an average of just 5.2 yards a play. Foes converted only 32 percent of third downs, but the Aggies forced a paltry 13 turnovers. Shemar Turner and Albert Regis will miss Walter Nolen upfront, but the two remaining big guys form a solid wall. Nic Scourton from Purdue is expected to generate a punishing pass rush. Taurean York proved to be a tackling machine as a freshman last season. Offenses must account for him on every snap. There are six transfers among the 10 players on the secondary two-deep. Bryce Anderson is still the best player in the secondary, but how all the positions shake out is still up in the air. Freshmen Myles Davis and Jordan Pride may play their way into the rotation as well.

Solomon DeShields, LB — The veteran from Pittsburgh totaled eight tackles behind the line, which ranked second on the Panthers.

Cashius Howell, DE — Howell starred at Bowling Green where he led the MAC with 9.5 sacks last season.

Tristan Jernigan, LB — The athletic freshman from Tupelo, Miss., will get an opportunity to show what he can do this fall.

Nic Scourton, DE — The transfer from Purdue led the Big Ten with 10 sacks last season earning second team All-Big Ten.

VANDERBILT

Nashville, TN

HEAD COACH: Clark Lea

OC: Tim Beck

DC: Clark Lea

2023 RECORD: 2-10 (0-8)

FOUNDED: 1873

STADIUM: FirstBank (40,550)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Tim Beck led the offense at New Mexico State last season with success under head coach Jerry Kill. Beck will bring that offense to Vanderbilt and a few key players with him, starting with quarterback Diego Pavia, who threw for 2,973 yards in 15 games for the Aggies last season. He completed 60 percent and had 26 touchdowns and nine picks. Tight end Eli Stowers—once a backup quarterback at Texas A&M—caught 35 passes from Pavia last season for 366 yards. Junior Sherrill and Quincy Skinner Jr. had 20 catches apiece last season in limited action. Loic Fouonji joins the receivers’ room from Texas Tech where he had 52 catches in 45 career games. Sedrick Alexander is a talented runner and adept at finding small creases. If the offensive line can give the skill players time and space to operate, the offense will have a chance at success, but that’s a huge if.

Much like the offense, the defense will be outmanned in pretty much every SEC game. The defense allowed 455 yards a game last seaon and 36 points a game. Opponents averaged 5.1 yards a play on the ground, so teams weren’t afraid to load up and run and converted 47 percent on third down. Vanderbilt managed just 21 sacks and created only 16 turnovers. So, there is a ton of room for improvement. Linebacker Langston Patterson and safety CJ Taylor are the best players on this side of the ball. Yilanan Ouattara is a huge body inside, but he must play bigger. Traditional pressure must come from Khordae Sydnor and Prince Kollie on the outside. Taylor and Patterson will bring pressure on blitzes. De’Rickey Wright pairs well with Taylor and both make plays all over the field. TCU transfer Randon Fontenette is a player to watch at safety/linebacker.

2024 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Steven Losoya, C — The Commodores’ new center spent the past two seasons at Mississippi State. In 12 starts for the Bulldogs last season, he allowed no sacks and just one QB hit, according to Pro Football Focus.

Khodae Sydnor, DE — The Purdue transfer had 6.5 tackles for loss in 2022 in a backup role, but played sparingly last season. Chase Mitchell, T — Mitchell made 14 starts at left tackle for Liberty last season.

Randon Fontenette, LB/S — The athletic defender ended his freshman season at TCU with eight tackles vs. Oklahoma.

78 | 2024 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

AAC Army

A.30 Lehigh

S.7 at Florida Atlantic

S.21 Rice

S.26 at Temple

O.5 at Tulsa

O.12 UAB

O.19 East Carolina

N.2 Air Force

N.9 at North Texas

N.23 Notre Dame (Bronx)

N.30 UTSA

D.14 Navy (Landover)

Charlotte

A.31 James Madison

S.7 at North Carolina

S.14 Gardner-Webb

S.21 at Indiana

S.28 at Rice

O.5 East Carolina

O.19 at Navy

O.26 at Memphis

O.31 Tulane

N.16 South Florida

N.23 at Florida Atlantic N.30 UAB

East Carolina

A.31 Norfolk State

S.7 at Old Dominion

S.14 App State

S.21 at Liberty

S.28 UTSA

O.5 at Charlotte

O.19 at Army

O.26 Temple

N.7 Florida Atlantic

N.14 at Tulsa

N.23 at North Texas

N.30 Navy

Florida Atlantic

A.30 at Michigan State

S.7 Army

S.14 FIU

S.21 at UConn

S.28 Wagner

O.12 North Texas

O.19 at UTSA

N.1 South Florida

N.7 at East Carolina

N.16 at Temple

N.23 Charlotte N.30 at Tulsa

Memphis

A.31 North Alabama

S.7 Troy

S.14 at Florida State

S.21 at Navy

S.28 Middle Tenn

O.11 at South Florida

O.19 North Texas

O.26 Charlotte

N.2 at UTSA

N.8 Rice

N.16 UAB N.28 at Tulane

Navy

A.31 Bucknell

S.7 Temple

S.21 Memphis

S.28 at UAB

O.5 at Air Force

O.26 Notre Dame (E. Ruth.)

N.2 at Rice

N.9 at South Florida

N.16 Tulane

N.30 at East Carolina

D.14 Army (Landover)

North Texas

A.31 at South Alabama

S.7 S.F. Austin

S.14 at Texas Tech

S.21 Wyoming

S.28 Tulsa

O.12 at Florida Atlantic

O.19 at Memphis

O.26 Tulane

N.9 Army

N.15 at UTSA

N.23 East Carolina

N.30 at Temple

Rice

A.31 Sam Houston

S.7 Texas Southern

S.14 at Houston

S.21 at Army

S.28 Charlotte

O.12 UTSA

O.19 at Tulane

O.26 at UConn

N.2 Navy

N.8 at Memphis

N.23 at UAB

N.30 South Florida

South Florida

A.31 Bethune-Cookman

S.7 at Alabama

S.14 at Southern Miss

S.21 Miami

S.28 at Tulane

O.11 Memphis

O.19 UAB

N.1 at Florida Atlantic

N.9 Navy

N.16 at Charlotte

N.23 Tulsa

N.30 at Rice

Temple

A.30 at Oklahoma

S.7 at Navy

S.14 Coastal Carolina

S.21 Utah State

S.26 Army

O.5 at UConn

O.19 Tulsa

O.26 at East Carolina

N.9 at Tulane

N.16 Florida Atlantic

N.22 at UTSA

N.30 North Texas

Tulane

A.29 SE Louisiana

S.7 Kansas State

S.14 at Oklahoma

S.21 at Louisiana

S.28 South Florida

O.5 at UAB

O.19 Rice

O.26 at North Texas

O.31 at Charlotte

Tulsa

A.29 Northwestern St.

S.7 at Arkansas State

S.14 Oklhoma State

S.21 at Louisiana Tech

S.28 at North Texas

O.5 Army

O.19 at Temple

O.26 UTSA

N.2 at UAB

N.14 East Carolina

N.23 at South Florida

N.30 Florida Atlantic

UAB

A.29 Alcorn State

S.7 at ULM

S.14 at Arkansas

S.28 Navy

O.5 Tulane

O.12 at Army

O.19 at South Florida

N.2 Tulsa

N.9 UConn

N.16 at Memphis

N.23 Rice

N.30 at Charlotte

UTSA

A.31 Kennesaw State

S.7 at Texas State

S.14 at Texas

S.21 HCU

S.28 at East Carolina

O.12 at Rice

O.19 Florida Atlantic

O.26 at Tulsa

N.2 Memphis

N.15 North Texas

N.22 Temple N.30 at Army

ACC

Boston College

S.2 at Florida State

S.7 Duquesne

S.14 at Missouri

S.21 Michigan State

S.28 WKU

O.5 at Virginia

O.17 at Virginia Tech

O.25 Louisville

N.9 Syracuse

N.16 at SMU

N.23 North Carolina

N.30 Pittsburgh

Cal

A.31 UC Davis

S.7 at Auburn

S.14 San Diego State

S.21 at Florida State

O.5 Miami

O.12 at Pittsburgh

O.19 NC State

O.26 Oregon State

N.8 at Wake Forest

N.16 Syracuse

N.23 Stanford N.30 at SMU

O.12 at Wake Forest

O.19 Virginia

N.2 Louisville

N.9 at Virginia Tech

N.16 at Pittsburgh

N.23 The Citadel

N.30 South Carolina

Duke

A.30 Elon

S.6 at Northwestern

S.14 UConn

S.21 at Middle Tenn.

S.28 North Carolina

O.5 at Georgia Tech

O.18 Florida State

O.26 SMU

N.2 at Miami

N.9 at NC State

N.23 Virginia Tech

N.30 at Wake Forest

Florida State

A.24 Ga. Tech (Dublin)

S.2 Boston College

S.14 Memphis

S.21 Cal

S.28 at SMU

O.5 Clemson

O.18 at Duke

O.26 at Miami

N.2 North Carolina

N.9 at Notre Dame

N.23 Charleston So. N.30 Florida

Georgia Tech

A.24 Fla. State (Dublin)

A.31 Georgia State

S.7 at Syracuse

S.14 VMI

S.21 at Louisville

O.5 Duke

O.12 at North Carolina

O.19 Notre Dame

O.26 at Virginia Tech

N.9 Miami

N.21 NC State N.29 at Georgia

Louisville

A.31 Austin Peay

S.7 Jacksonville State

S.21 Georgia Tech

S.28 at Norte Dame

O.5 SMU

O.12 at Virginia

O.19 Miami

O.25 at Boston College

N.2 at Clemson N.16 at Stanford

N.23 Pittsburgh N.30 at Kentucky

Miami

A.31 at Florida

S.7 Florida A&M

S.14 Ball State

S.21 at South Florida

S.27 Virginia Tech

O.5 at Cal

O.19 at Louisville

NC State

A.29 Western Carolina

S.7 Tennessee (Char.)

S.14 La. Tech

S.21 at Clemson

S.28 Northern Illinois

O.5 Wake Forest O.12 Syracuse O.19 at Cal N.2 Stanford N.9 Duke N.21 at Georgia Tech N.30 at North Carolina

North Carolina A.29 at Minnesota

S.7 Charlotte S.14 NC Central S.21 James Madison S.28 at Duke

O.5 Pittsburgh O.12 Georgia Tech O.26 at Virginia N.2 at Florida State N.16 Wake Forest N.23 at Boston College N.30 NC State

Pitt A.31 Kent State S.7 at Cincinnati S.14 West Virginia S.21 Youngstown State O.5 at North Carolina O.12 Cal O.24 Syracuse N.2 at SMU N.9 Virginia N.16 Clemson N.23 at Louisville N.30 at Boston College

SMU

A.24 at Nevada A.31 HCU S.6 BYU S.21 TCU

S.28 Florida State O.5 at Louisville O.19 at Stanford O.26 at Duke N.2 Pittsburgh N.16 Boston College N.23 at Virginia N.30 Cal Stanford A.30 TCU S.7 Cal Poly S.20 at Syracuse S.28 at Clemson O.5 Virginia Tech O.12 at Notre Dame O.19 SMU O.26 Wake Forest N.2 at NC State N.16 Louisville N.23 at Cal N.29 at San Jose State

Syracuse A.31 Ohio

Clemson

A.31 Georgia (Atlanta)

N.9 Temple

N.16 at Navy

N.28 Memphis

O.19 Charlotte

S.7 App State

S.21 NC State

S.28 Stanford

O.5 at Florida State

O.26 Florida State N.2 Duke

N.9 at Georgia Tech

N.23 Wake Forest N.30 at Syracuse

S.7 Georgia Tech

S.20 Stanford

S.28 Holy Cross O.4 at UNLV

O.12 at NC State O.24 at Pittsburgh

N.2 Virginia Tech

N.9 at Boston College

N.16 at Cal

N.23 UConn

N.30 Miami

Virginia

A.31 Richmond

S.7 at Wake Forest

S.14 Maryland

S.21 at Coastal Carolina

O.5 Boston College

O.12 Louisville

O.19 at Clemson

O.26 North Carolina

N.9 at Pittsburgh

N.16 at Notre Dame

N.23 SMU

N.30 at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech

A.31 at Vanderbilt

S.7 Marshall

S.14 at Old Dominion

S.21 Rutgers

S.27 at Miami

O.5 at Stanford

O.17 Boston College

O.26 Georgia Tech

N.2 at Syracuse

N.9 Clemson

N.23 at Duke

N.30 Virginia

Wake Forest

A.29 NC AT&T

S.7 Virginia

S.14 Ole Miss

S.28 Louisiana

O.5 at NC State

O.12 Clemson

O.19 at UConn

O.26 at Stanford

N.8 Cal

N.16 at North Carolina

N.23 at Miami

N.30 Duke

Big 12

Arizona

A.31 New Mexico

S.7 Northern Arizona

S.13 at Kansas State

S.28 at Utah

O.5 Texas Tech

O.12 at BYU

O.19 Colorado

O.26 West Virginia

N.2 at UCF

N.15 Houston

N.23 at TCU

N.30 Arizona State

Arizona State

A.31 Wyoming

S.7 Miss. State

S.12 at Texas State

S.21 at Texas Tech

O.5 Kansas

O.11 Utah

O.19 at Cincinnati

N.2 at Oklahoma State

N.9 UCF

N.16 at Kansas State

N.23 BYU

N.30 at Arizona

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

Baylor

A.31 Tarleton State

S.7 at Utah

S.14 Air Force

S.21 at Colorado

S.28 BYU

O.5 at Iowa State

O.19 at Texas Tech

O.26 Oklahoma State

N.2 TCU

N.16 at West Virginia

N.23 at Houston

N.30 Kansas

BYU

A.31 Southern Illinois

S.6 at SMU

S.14 at Wyoming

S.21 Kansas State

S.28 at Baylor

O.12 Arizona

O.18 Oklahoma State

O.26 at UCF

N.9 at Utah

N.16 Kansas

N.23 at Arizona State

N.30 Houston

Cincinnati

A.31 Towson

S.7 Pittsburgh

S.14 at Miami (Ohio)

S.21 Houston

S.28 at Texas Tech

O.12 at UCF

O.19 Arizona State

O.26 at Colorado

N.9 West Virginia

N.16 at Iowa State

N.23 at Kansas State

N.30 TCU

Colorado

A.29 North Dakota St.

S.7 at Nebraska

S.14 at Colorado State

S.21 Baylor

S.28 at UCF

O.12 Kansas State

O.19 at Arizona

O.26 Cincinnati

N.9 at Texas Tech

N.16 Utah

N.23 at Kansas

N.29 Oklahoma State

Houston

A.31 UNLV

S.7 at Oklahoma

S.14 Rice

S.21 at Cincinnati

S.28 Iowa State

O.4 at TCU

O.19 at Kansas

O.26 Utah

N.2 Kansas State

N.15 at Arizona

N.23 Baylor

N.30 at BYU

Iowa State

A.31 North Dakota

S.7 at Iowa

S.21 Arkansas State

S.28 at Houston

O.5 Baylor

O.12 at West Virginia

O.19 UCF

N.2 Texas Tech

N.9 at Kansas

N.16 Cincinnati N.23 at Utah

N.30 Kansas State

Kansas

A.29 Lindenwood

S.7 at Illinois

S.13 UNLV

S.21 at West Virginia

S.28 TCU

O.5 at Arizona State

O.19 Houston

O.26 at Kansas State

N.9 Iowa State

N.16 at BYU

N.23 Colorado N.30 at Baylor

Kansas State

A.31 UT Martin

S.7 at Tulane

S.13 Arizona

S.21 at BYU

S.28 Oklahoma State

O.12 at Colorado

O.19 at West Virginia

O.26 Kansas

N.2 at Houston

N.16 Arizona State

N.23 Cincinnati N.30 at Iowa State

Oklahoma State

A.31 South Dakota St.

S.7 Arkansas

S.14 at Tulsa

S.21 Utah

S.28 at Kansas State

O.5 West Virginia

O.18 at BYU

O.26 at Baylor

N.2 Arizona State

N.9 at TCU

N.23 Texas Tech N.29 at Colorado

TCU

A.30 at Stanford

S.7 LIU

S.14 UCF

S.21 at SMU

S.28 at Kansas

O.4 Houston

O.19 at Utah

O.26 Texas Tech

N.2 at Baylor

N.9 Oklahoma State N.23 Arizona N.30 at Cincinnati

Texas Tech

A.31 Abilene Christian

S.7 at Wash. State

S.14 North Texas

S.21 Arizona State

S.28 Cincinnati

O.5 at Arizona

O.19 Baylor

O.26 at TCU

N.2 at Iowa State

N.9 Colorado

N.23 at Oklahoma State

N.30 West Virginia

UCF

A.29 New Hampshire

S.7 Sam Houston

S.14 at TCU

S.28 Colorado

O.5 at Florida

O.12 Cincinnati

O.19 at Iowa State

O.26 BYU

N.2 Arizona

N.9 at Arizona State

N.23 at West Virginia

N.29 Utah

Utah

A.29 Southern Utah

S.7 Baylor

S.14 at Utah State

S.21 at Oklahoma State

S.28 Arizona

O.11 at Arizona State

O.19 TCU

O.26 at Houston

N.9 BYU

N.16 at Colorado

N.23 Iowa State

N.29 at UCF

West Virginia

A.31 Penn State

S.7 Albany

S.14 at Pittsburgh

S.21 Kansas

O.5 at Oklahoma State

O.12 Iowa State

O.19 Kansas State

O.26 at Arizona N.9 at Cincinnati N.16 Baylor N.23 UCF N.30 at Texas Tech

Big Ten

Illinois

A.29 Eastern Illinois S.7 Kansas S.14 Central Michigan S.20 at Nebraska S.28 at Penn State O.12 Purdue O.19 Michigan O.26 at Oregon N.2 Minnesota N.16 Michigan State N.23 at Rutgers N.30 Northwestern (Chi.)

Indiana A.31 FIU S.6 Western Illinois S.14 at UCLA S.21 Charlotte S.28 Maryland O.5 at Northwestern O.19 Nebraska O.26 Washington N.2 at Michigan State N.9 Michigan N.23 at Ohio State N.30 Purdue

Iowa A.31 Illinois State S.7 Iowa State S.14 Troy S.21 at Minnesota O.5 at Ohio State

O.12 Washington O.19 at Michigan State O.26 Northwestern N.2 Wisconsin N.8 at UCLA N.23 at Maryland N.29 Nebraska

Maryland A.31 UConn S.7 Michigan State S.14 at Virginia S.21 Villanova S.28 at Indiana O.11 Northwestern O.19 USC O.26 at Minnesota N.9 at Oregon N.16 Rutgers N.23 Iowa N.30 at Penn State

Michigan A.31 Fresno State S.7 Texas S.14 Arkansas State S.21 USC S.28 Minnesota O.5 at Washington O.19 at Illinois O.26 Michigan State N.2 Oregon N.9 at Indiana N.23 Northwestern N.30 at Ohio State

Michigan State A.30 Florida Atlantic S.7 at Maryland S.14 Prairie View A&M S.21 at Boston College S.28 Ohio State O.4 at Oregon O.19 Iowa O.26 at Michigan N.2 Indiana N.16 at Illinois N.22 Purdue N.30 Rutgers

Minnesota A.29 North Carolina S.7 Rhode Island S.14 Nevada S.21 Iowa S.28 at Michigan O.5 USC O.12 at UCLA O.26 Maryland N.2 at Illinois N.9 at Rutgers N.23 Penn State N.29 at Wisconsin

Nebraska A.31 UTEP S.7 Colorado S.14 Northern Iowa S.20 Illinois S.28 at Purdue O.5 Rutgers O.19 at Indiana O.26 at Ohio State N.2 UCLA N.16 at USC N.23 Wisconsin N.29 at Iowa

80 | 2024 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

Northwestern

A.31 Miami (Ohio)

S.6 Duke

S.14 Eastern Illinois

S.21 at Washington

O.5 Indiana

O.11 at Maryland

O.19 Wisconsin

O.26 at Iowa

N.2 at Purdue

N.16 Ohio State (Chi.)

N.23 at Michigan

N.30 Illinois (Chi.)

Ohio State

A.31 Akron

S.7 Western Michigan

S.21 Marshall

S.28 at Michigan State

O.5 Iowa

O.12 at Oregon

O.26 Nebraska

N.2 at Penn State

N.9 Purdue

N.16Northwestern (Chi.)

N.23 Indiana N.30 Michigan

Oregon

A.31 Idaho

S.7 Boise State

S.14 at Oregon State

S.28 at UCLA

O.4 Michigan State

O.12 Ohio State

O.18 at Purdue

O.26 Illinois

N.2 at Michigan

N.9 Maryland

N.16 at Wisconsin N.30 Washington

Penn State

A.31 at West Virginia

S.7 Bowling Green

S.21 Kent State

S.28 Illinois

O.5 UCLA

O.12 at USC

O.26 at Wisconsin

N.2 Ohio State

N.9 Washington

N.16 at Purdue

N.23 at Minnesota N.30 Maryland

Purdue

A.31 Indiana State

S.14 Notre Dame

S.21 at Oregon State

S.28 Nebraska

O.5 at Wisconsin

O.12 at Illinois

O.18 Oregon

N.2 Northwestern

N.9 at Ohio State

N.16 Penn State

N.22 at Michigan State

N.30 at Indiana

Rutgers

A.29 Howard

S.7 Akron

S.21 at Virginia Tech

S.27 Washington

O.5 at Nebraska

O.12 Wisconsin

O.19

UCLA

O.25 at USC

N.9 Minnesota

N.16 at Maryland

N.23 Illinois

N.30 at Michigan State

UCLA

A.31 at Hawaii

S.14 Indiana

S.21 at LSU

S.28 Oregon

O.5 at Penn State

O.12 Minnesota

O.19 at Rutgers

N.2 at Nebraska

N.8 Iowa

N.15 at Washington

N.23 USC

N.30 Fresno State

USC S.1

LSU (Las Vegas)

S.7 Utah State

S.21 at Michigan

S.28 Wisconsin

O.5 at Minnesota

O.12 Penn State

O.19 at Maryland

O.25 Rutgers

N.2 at Washington

N.16 Nebraska

N.23 at UCLA

N.30 Notre Dame

Washington

A.31 Weber State

S.7 Eastern Michigan

S.14 Wash. State (Sea.)

S.21 Northwestern

S.27 at Rutgers

O.5 Michigan

O.12 at Iowa

O.26 at Indiana

N.2 USC

N.9 at Penn State

N.15 UCLA N.30 at Oregon

Wisconsin

A.30 Western Michigan

S.7 South Dakota

S.14 Alabama

S.28 at USC

O.5 Purdue

O.12 at Rutgers

O.19 at Northwestern

O.26 Penn State

N.2 at Iowa

N.16 Oregon

N.23 at Nebraska

N.29 Minnesota

CUSA

FIU

A.31 at Indiana

S.7 Central Michigan

S.14 at Florida Atlantic

S.21 Monmouth

S.28 La. Tech

O.8 at Liberty

O.16 at UTEP

O.22 Sam Houston

O.29 New Mexico State

N.16 at Jacksonville St.

N.23 at Kennesaw State

N.30 Middle Tenn.

Jacksonville State

A.29 Coastal Carolina

S.7 at Louisville

S.14 at Eastern Michigan

S.21 Southern Miss

O.4 at Kennesaw State

O.9 New Mexico State

O.23 Middle Tenn.

O.30 at Liberty

N.9 at La. Tech

N.16 FIU

N.23 Sam Houston

N.30 at WKU

Kennesaw State

A.31 at UTSA

S.7 Louisiana

S.14 at San Jose State

S.28 UT Martin

O.4 Jacksonville State

O.15 at Middle Tenn.

O.23 Liberty

O.30 at WKU

N.9 at UTEP

N.16 Sam Houston

N.23 FIU

N.30 at La. Tech

Liberty

A.31 Campbell

S.7 at New Mexico State

S.14 UTEP

S.21 East Carolina

S.28 at App State

O.8 FIU

O.23 at Kennesaw State

O.30 Jacksonville State

N.9 at Middle Tenn.

N.16 at UMass

N.23 WKU

N.29 at Sam Houston

La. Tech

A.31 Nicholls

S.14 at NC State

S.21 Tulsa

S.28 at FIU

O.10 Middle Tenn.

O.15 at New Mexico St.

O.22 UTEP

O.29 at Sam Houston

N.9 Jacksonville State N.16 at WKU

N.23 at Arkansas

N.30 Kennesaw State

Middle Tenn.

A.31 Tennessee Tech

S.7 at Ole Miss

S.14 WKU

S.21 Duke

S.28 at Memphis

O.10 at La. Tech

O.15 Kennesaw State

O.23 at Jacksonville St.

N.2 at UTEP

N.9 Liberty

N.23 New Mexico State

N.30 at FIU

O.29 at FIU

N.9 WKU

N.16 at Texas A&M

N.23 at Middle Tenn.

N.30 UTEP

Sam Houston

A.31 at Rice

S.7 at UCF

S.14 Hawaii

S.21 New Mexico State

S.28 Texas State (Hou.)

O.3 at UTEP

O.16 WKU

O.22 at FIU

O.29 La. Tech

N.16 at Kennesaw State

N.23 at Jacksonville St.

N.29 Liberty

UTEP

A.31 at Nebraska

S.7 Southern Utah

S.14 at Liberty

S.21 at Colorado State

O.3 Sam Houston

O.10 at WKU

O.16 FIU

O.22 at La. Tech

N.2 Middle Tenn.

N.9 Kennesaw State

N.23 at Tennessee

N.30 at New Mexico St.

WKU

A.31 at Alabama

S.7 Eastern Kentucky

S.14 at Middle Tenn.

S.21 Toledo

S.28 at Boston College

O.10 UTEP

O.16 at Sam Houston

O.30 Kennesaw State

N.9 at New Mexico State

N.16 La. Tech

N.23 at Liberty

N.30 Jacksonville State

Indies

Notre Dame

A.31 at Texas A&M

S.7 Northern Illinois

S.14 at Purdue

S.21 Miami (Ohio)

S.28 Louisville

O.12 Stanford

O.19 at Georgia Tech

O.26 Navy (E. Ruth.)

N.9 Florida State

N.16 Virginia

N.23 Army (Bronx)

N.30 at USC

UConn

A.31 at Maryland

S.7 Merrimack

S.14 at Duke

S.21 Florida Atlantic

S.28 Buffalo

UMass

A.31 Eastern Michigan

S.7 at Toledo

S.14 at Buffalo

S.21 Cent. Conn. St.

S.28 at Miami (Ohio)

O.5 at Northern Illinois O.12 Missouri O.26 Wagner N.2 at Miss. State N.16 Liberty N.23 at Georgia N.30 UConn

MAC

Akron

A.31 at Ohio State

S.7 at Rutgers S.14 Colgate

S.21 at South Carolina S.28 at Ohio O.5 Bowling Green O.12 at Western Mich. O.26 Eastern Michigan N.2 Buffalo N.13 at Northern Illinois N.19 at Kent State N.26 Toledo Ball State S.7 Missouri State S.14 at Miami S.21 at Central Michigan S.28 at James Madison O.5 Western Michigan O.12 at Kent State O.19 at Vanderbilt O.26 Northern Illinois N.5 Miami (Ohio) N.12 at Buffalo N.23 Bowling Green N.29 at Ohio

Bowling Green A.29 Fordham

S.7 at Penn State

S.21 at Texas A&M S.28 Old Dominion O.5 at Akron O.12 Northern Illinois O.19 Kent State O.26 at Toledo N.5 at Central Michigan N.12 Western Michigan N.23 at Ball State N.29 Miami (Ohio)

Buffalo A.29 Lafayette S.7 at Missouri S.14 UMass S.21 at Northern Illinois S.28 at UConn O.12 Toledo O.19 Western Michigan O.26 at Ohio N.2 at Akron N.12 Ball State N.20 at Eastern Mich. N.26 Kent State

New Mexico State

A.31 SE Missouri

S.7 Liberty

S.14 at Fresno State

S.21 at Sam Houston

S.28 New Mexico

O.9 at Jacksonville State

O.15 La. Tech

O.5 Temple

O.19 Wake Forest O.26 Rice

N.1

Georgia State

N.9 at UAB

N.23 at Syracuse

N.30 at UMass

Central Michigan

A.29 Cent. Conn. St. S.7 at FIU

S.14 at Illinois

S.21 Ball State

S.28 San Diego State

O.12 Ohio

O.19 at Eastern Mich.

O.26 at Miami (Ohio)

N.5 Bowling Green

N.12 at Toledo

N.19 Western Michigan

N.30 at Northern Illinois

Eastern Michigan

A.31 at UMass

S.7 at Washington

S.14 Jacksonville State

S.21 Saint Francis

S.28 at Kent State

O.12 Miami (Ohio)

O.19 Central Michigan

O.26 at Akron

N.2 Toledo

N.13 at Ohio

N.20 Buffalo

N.30 at Western Mich.

Kent State

A.31 at Pittsburgh

S.7 Saint Francis

S.14 at Tennessee

S.21 at Penn State

S.28 Eastern Michigan

O.12 Ball State

O.19 at Bowling Green

O.26 at Western Mich.

N.6 Ohio

N.13 at Miami (Ohio)

N.19 Akron

N.26 at Buffalo

Miami (Ohio)

A.31 at Northwestern

S.14 Cincinnati

S.21 at Notre Dame

S.28 UMass

O.5 at Toledo

O.12 at Eastern Mich.

O.19 Ohio

O.26 Central Michigan

N.5 at Ball State

N.13 Kent State

N.19 Northern Illinois

N.29 at Bowling Green

Northern Illinois

A.31 Western Illinois

S.7 at Notre Dame

S.21 Buffalo

S.28 at NC State

O.5 UMass

O.12 at Bowling Green

O.19 Toledo

O.26 at Ball State

N.6 at Western Michigan

N.13 Akron

N.19 at Miami (Ohio)

N.30 Central Michigan

Ohio

A.31 at Syracuse

S.7 South Alabama

S.14 Morgan State

S.21 at Kentucky

S.28 Akron

O.12at Central Michigan

O.19 at Miami (Ohio)

O.26 Buffalo

N.6 at Kent State

N.13 Eastern Michigan

N.20 at Toledo

N.29 Ball State

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

Toledo A.29 Duquesne

S.7 UMass

S.14 at Miss. State

S.21 at WKU

O.5 Miami (Ohio)

O.12 at Buffalo

O.19 at Northern Illinois

O.26 Bowling Green

N.2 at Eastern Michigan

N.12 Central Michigan

N.20 Ohio

N.26 at Akron

Western Michigan

A.30 at Wisconsin

S.7 at Ohio State

S.14 Bethune-Cookman

S.28 at Marshall

O.5 at Ball State

O.12 Akron

O.19 at Buffalo

O.26 Kent State

N.6 Northern Illinois

N.12 at Bowling Green

N.19at Central Michigan

N.30 Eastern Michigan

MWC Air Force

A.31 Merrimack

S.7 San Jose State

S.14 at Baylor

S.28 at Wyoming

O.5 Navy

O.12 at New Mexico

O.19 Colorado State

N.2 at Army

N.9 Fresno State

N.16 Oregon State

N.23 at Nevada

N.30 at San Diego State

Boise State

A.31 at Georgia So.

S.7 at Oregon

S.21 Portland State

S.28 Wash. State

O.5 Utah State

O.12 at Hawaii

O.25 at UNLV

N.1 San Diego State

N.9 Nevada

N.16 at San Jose State

N.23 at Wyoming

N.29 Oregon State

Colorado State

A.31 at Texas

S.7 Northern Colorado

S.14 Colorado

S.21 UTEP

O.5 at Oregon State

O.12 San Jose State

O.19 at Air Force

O.26 New Mexico

N.2 at Nevada

N.15 Wyoming

N.23 at Fresno State

N.29 Utah State

Fresno State

A.31 at Michigan

S.7 Sacramento State

S.14 New Mexico State

S.21 at New Mexico

S.28 at UNLV

O.18 at Nevada

O.26 San Jose State

N.2 Hawaii

N.9 at Air Force

N.23 Colorado State

N.30 at UCLA

Hawaii

A.24 Delaware State

A.31 UCLA

S.14 at Sam Houston

S.21 Northern Iowa

O.5 at San Diego State

O.12 Boise State

O.19 at Wash. State

O.26 Nevada

N.2 at Fresno State

N.9 UNLV

N.16 at Utah State

N.30 New Mexico

Nevada

A.24 SMU

A.31 at Troy

S.7 Georgia Southern

S.14 at Minnesota

S.21Eastern Washington

O.5 at San Jose State

O.12 Oregon State

O.18 Fresno State

O.26 at Hawaii

N.2 Colorado State

N.9 at Boise State

N.23 Air Force

N.30 at UNLV

New Mexico

A.24 Montana State

A.31 at Arizona

S.14 at Auburn

S.21 Fresno State

S.28 at New Mexico St.

O.12 Air Force

O.19 at Utah State

O.26 at Colorado State

N.2 Wyoming

N.8 at San Diego State

N.16 Wash. State

N.30 at Hawaii

San Diego State

A.31 Texas A&M-Comm.

S.7 Oregon State

S.14 at Cal

S.28 at Central Michigan

O.5 Hawaii

O.12 at Wyoming

O.26 Wash. State

N.1 at Boise State

N.8 New Mexico

N.16 at UNLV

N.23 at Utah State

N.30 Air Force

San Jose State

A.29 Sacramento State

S.7 at Air Force

S.14 Kennesaw State

S.20 at Wash. State

O.5 Nevada

O.12 at Colorado State

O.19 Wyoming

O.26 at Fresno State

N.9 at Oregon State

N.16 Boise State

N.22 UNLV

UNLV

A.31 at Houston

S.7 Utah Tech

S.13 at Kansas

S.28 Fresno State

O.4 Syracuse

O.11 at Utah State

O.19 at Oregon State

O.25 Boise State

N.9 at Hawaii

N.16 San Diego State

N.22 at San Jose State

N.30 Nevada

Utah State

A.31 Robert Morris

S.7 at USC

S.14 Utah

S.21 at Temple

O.5 at Boise State

O.11 UNLV

O.19 New Mexico

O.26 at Wyoming

N.9 at Wash. State

N.16 Hawaii

N.23 San Diego State N.29 at Colorado State

Wyoming

A.31 at Arizona State

S.7 Idaho

S.14 BYU

S.21 at North Texas

S.28 Air Force

O.12 San Diego State O.19 at San Jose State

O.26 Utah State

N.2 at New Mexico

N.15 at Colorado State N.23 Boise State N.30 at Wash. State

Pac-12

Oregon State

A.31 Idaho State

S.7 at San Diego State

S.14 Oregon S.21 Purdue

O.5 Colorado State O.12 at Nevada O.19 UNLV O.26 at Cal N.9 San Jose State N.16 at Air Force N.23 Wash. State N.29 at Boise State

Wash. State

A.31 Portland State

S.7 Texas Tech

S.14 Washington (Sea.)

S.20 San Jose State

S.28 at Boise State

O.12 at Fresno State O.19 Hawaii O.26 at San Diego State N.9 Utah State N.16 at New Mexico

N.23 at Oregon State N.30 Wyoming

SEC Alabama A.31 WKU

S.7 South Florida

O.5 at Vanderbilt O.12 South Carolina O.19 at Tennessee O.26 Missouri N.9 at LSU N.16 Mercer N.23 at Oklahoma N.30 Auburn

Arkansas

A.29 Ark.-P.B, (Little Rock) S.7 at Oklahoma State S.14 UAB S.21 at Auburn S.28Texas A&M (Arlington) O.5 Tennessee O.19 LSU O.26 at Miss. State N.2 Ole Miss N.16 Texas N.23 La. Tech N.30 at Missouri

Auburn A.31 Alabama A&M S.7 Cal S.14 New Mexico S.21 Arkansas S.28 Oklahoma O.5 at Georgia O.19 at Missouri O.26 at Kentucky N.2 Vanderbilt N.16 ULM N.23 Texas A&M N.30 at Alabama

Florida A.31 Miami S.7 Samford S.14 Texas A&M S.21 at Miss. State O.5 UCF O.12 at Tennessee O.19 Kentucky N.2 Georgia (Jax) N.9 at Texas N.16 LSU N.23 Ole Miss N.30 at Florida State

Georgia A.31 Clemson (Atlanta) S.7 Tennessee Tech S.14 at Kentucky S.28 at Alabama O.5 Auburn O.12 Miss. State O.19 at Texas N.2 Florida (Jax) N.9 at Ole Miss N.16 Tennessee N.23 UMass N.29 Georgia Tech

O.12 Wash. State

N.29 Stanford

S.14 at Wisconsin S.28 Georgia

Kentucky A.31 Southern Miss S.7 South Carolina S.14 Georgia S.21 Ohio S.28 at Ole Miss O.12 Vanderbilt O.19 at Florida O.26 Auburn N.2 at Tennessee N.16 Murray State N.23 at Texas N.30 Louisville

82 | 2024 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

LSU

S.1 USC (Las Vegas)

S.7 Nicholls

S.14 at South Carolina

S.21 UCLA

S.28 South Alabama

O.12 Ole Miss

O.19 at Arkansas

O.26 at Texas A&M

N.9 Alabama

N.16 at Florida

N.23 Vanderbilt N.30 Oklahoma

Missouri

A.29 Murray State

S.7 Buffalo

S.14 Boston College

S.21 Vanderbilt

O.5 at Texas A&M

O.12 at UMass

O.19 Auburn

O.26 at Alabama

N.9 Oklahoma

N.16 at South Carolina

N.23 at Miss. State N.30 Arkansas

Miss. State

A.31 Eastern Kentucky

S.7 at Arizona State

S.14 Toledo

S.21 Florida

S.28 at Texas

O.12 at Georgia

O.19 Texas A&M

O.26 Arkansas

N.2 UMass

N.9 at Tennessee

N.23 Missouri

N.29 at Ole Miss

Oklahoma

A.30 Temple

S.7 Houston

S.14 Tulane

S.21 Tennessee

S.28 at Auburn

O.12 Texas (Dallas)

O.19 South Carolina

O.26 at Ole Miss

N.2 Maine

N.9 at Missouri

N.23 Alabama N.30 at LSU

Ole Miss

A.31 Furman

S.7 Middle Tenn.

S.14 at Wake Forest

S.21 Georgia Southern

S.28 Kentucky

O.5 at South Carolina

O.12 at LSU

O.26 Oklahoma

N.2 at Arkansas

N.9 Georgia

N.23 at Florida

N.29 Miss. State

South Carolina

A.31 Old Dominion

S.7 at Kentucky

S.14 LSU

S.21 Akron

O.5 Ole Miss

O.12 at Alabama

O.19 at Oklahoma

N.2 Texas A&M

N.9 at Vanderbilt

N.16 Missouri

N.23 Wofford

N.30 at Clemson

Tennessee

A.31 Chattanooga

S.7 NC State (Charlotte)

S.14 Kent State

S.21 at Oklahoma

O.5 at Arkansas

O.12 Florida

O.19 Alabama

N.2 Kentucky

N.9 Miss. State

N.16 at Georgia

N.23 UTEP

N.30 at Vanderbilt

Texas

A.31 Colorado State

S.7 at Michigan

S.14 UTSA

S.21 ULM

S.28 Miss. State

O.12 Oklahoma (Dallas)

O.19 Georgia

O.26 at Vanderbilt

N.9 Florida

N.16 at Arkansas

N.23 Kentucky

N.30 at Texas A&M

Texas A&M

A.31 Notre Dame

S.7 McNeese

S.14 at Florida

S.21 Bowling Green

S.28 Arkansas (Arlington)

O.5 Missouri

O.19 at Miss. State

O.26 LSU

N.2 at South Carolina

N.16 New Mexico State

N.23 at Auburn N.30 Texas

Vanderbilt

A.31 Virginia Tech

S.7 Alcorn State

S.14 at Georgia State

S.21 at Missouri

O.5 Alabama

O.12 at Kentucky

O.19 Ball State

O.26 Texas

N.2 at Auburn

N.9 South Carolina

N.23 at LSU

N.30 Tennessee

SBC App State

A.31 ETSU

S.7 at Clemson

S.14 at East Carolina

S.19 South Alabama

S.28 Liberty

O.5 at Marshall

O.12 at Louisiana

O.26 Georgia State

N.2 Old Dominion

N.7 at Coastal Carolina

N.23 James Madison

N.30 at Georgia So.

Arkansas State

A.31 Central Arkansas

S.7 Tulsa

S.14 at Michigan

S.21 at Iowa State

O.5 South Alabama

O.12 at Texas State

O.19 at Southern Miss

O.26 Troy

N.9 at Louisiana

N.16 at Georgia State

N.23 ULM

N.30 Old Dominion

Coastal Carolina

A.29 at Jacksonville St.

S.7 William & Mary

S.14 at Temple

S.21 Virginia

O.5 Old Dominion

O.10 at James Madison

O.19 Louisiana

N.2 at Troy

N.7 App State

N.16 at Marshall

N.23 Georgia Southern N.30 at Georgia State

Georgia Southern

A.31 Boise State

S.7 at Nevada

S.14 SC State

S.21 at Ole Miss

S.28 at Georgia State

O.12 Marshall

O.19 James Madison

O.24 at Old Dominion

N.2 at South Alabama

N.16 Troy

N.23 at Coastal Carolina

N.30 App State

Georgia State

A.31 at Georgia Tech

S.7 Chattanooga

S.14 Vanderbilt

S.28 Georgia Southern

O.12 Old Dominion

O.17 at Marshall

O.26 at App State

N.1 at UConn

N.9 at James Madison

N.16 Arkansas State

N.23 at Texas State

N.30 Coastal Carolina

James Madison

A.31 at Charlotte

S.7 Gardner-Webb

S.21 at North Carolina

S.28 Ball State

O.5 at ULM

O.10 Coastal Carolina

O.19 at Georgia So.

O.26 Southern Miss

N.9 Georgia State

N.16 at Old Dominion

N.23 at App State

N.30 Marshall

Louisiana

A.31 Grambling State

S.7 at Kennesaw State

S.21 Tulane

S.28 at Wake Forest

O.5 at Southern Miss

O.12 App State

O.19 at Coastal Carolina

O.29 at Texas State

N.9

Arkansas State

N.16 South Alabama

N.23 Troy

N.30 at ULM

Marshall

A.31 Stony Brook

S.7 at Virginia Tech

S.21 at Ohio State

S.28 Western Michigan

O.5 App State

O.12 at Georgia So.

O.17 Georgia State

N.2 ULM

N.9 at Southern Miss

N.16 Coastal Carolina

N.23 at Old Dominion

N.30 at James Madison

Old Dominion

A.31 at South Carolina

S.7 East Carolina

S.14 Virginia Tech

S.28 at Bowling Green

O.5 at Coastal Carolina

O.12 at Georgia State

O.19 Texas State

O.24 Georgia Southern

N.2 at App State

N.16 James Madison

N.23 Marshall

N.30 at Arkansas State

South Alabama

A.31 North Texas

S.7 at Ohio

S.12 Northwestern State

S.19 at App State

S.28 at LSU

O.5 at Arkansas State

O.15 Troy

O.26 ULM

N.2 Georgia Southern N.16 at Louisiana

N.23 at Southern Miss N.29 Texas State

Southern Miss

A.31 at Kentucky

S.7 SE Louisiana

S.14 South Florida

S.21at Jacksonville State

O.5 Louisiana

O.12 at ULM

O.19 Arkansas State

O.26 at James Madison

N.9 Marshall

N.16 at Texas State

N.23 South Alabama

N.30 at Troy

Texas State

A.31 Lamar

S.7 UTSA

S.12

Troy

A.31 Nevada

S.7 at Memphis

S.14 at Iowa

S.21 Florida A&M

S.28 ULM

O.3 Texas State

O.15 at South Alabama

O.26 at Arkansas State

N.2 Coastal Carolina

N.16 at Georgia So. N.23 at Louisiana

N.30 Southern Miss

ULM

A.29 Jackson State

S.7 UAB

S.21 at Texas

S.28 at Troy

O.5 James Madison

O.12 Southern Miss

O.26 at South Alabama

N.2 at Marshall

N.9 Texas State

N.16 at Auburn

N.23 at Arkansas State

N.30 Louisiana

Arizona State

S.28 Sam Houston (Hou.)

O.3 at Troy

O.12

Arkansas State

O.19 at Old Dominion

O.29 Louisiana

N.9 at ULM

N.16

N.23

Southern Miss

Georgia State

N.29 at South Alabama