College football started on August 29th so let’s make preseason division predictions for the Big 10, Big 12, SEC and ACC.
Big 10 Winner: Ohio State Buckeyes Predicted regular season record: 11-1
Ohio State’s 2023 record was 11-2, with their only regular season loss being to Michigan. But OSU also lost in an upset to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. Although OSU underperformed in the final weeks of the season, I think they can bounce right back this season. With Will Howard earning the starting job and Emeka Ebuka as his main receiver, this offense will be explosive despite losing Marvin Harrison Jr. to the draft. The Buckeyes also have 5 star WR Jeremiah Smith and with him on one side and Ebuka on the other, this WR core is going to be electric. Their secondary is getting a major upgrade as well. They will have 4 star CB Aaron Scott Jr. and 4 star CB Bryce West, who will both lead the secondary. They also got 4 star edge rusher Eddrick Houston who will most likely be leading the D line this season. Without a doubt the Buckeyes are my pick to win the Big 10.
Big 12 Winner: Utah Utes Predicted regular season record: 12-0
The Utes had a record last season of 8-5 and lost 14-7 against Northwestern in the Las Vegas Bowl and definitely did not perform as well as they could have last year. I think that Cameron Rising can lead Utah to a season where they can win out the Big 12. With weapons like Dorian Singer and Mycah Pittman, this wide receiver core will be able to rack up a ton of yards. Running Back Mikah Brenard played 1 game in 2023 and had 16 carries for 76 yards with a touchdown against Florida before getting knocked out for the season with an injury, but will return for this season as a senior. With this offense, I think they will be close to unstoppable and will be a contender for a playoff spot.
ACC Winner: Florida State Seminoles Predicted regular season record: 11-1
Florida State went 13-1 in the 2023 season with their only loss being to Georgia in the Cotton Bowl. The Seminoles played really well all around up until their final game of the season, where they lost 63-3. Although this was very disappointing, Florida State is sure to have another great season. With Jordan Travis in the NFL, the QB position is a big spot to fill for FSU. DJ Uiagalelei is suppose to get the starting spot right now after transferring to FSU from Oregon State. FSU has some high expectations for the Wide Receivers for this upcoming season after losing Keon Coleman to the draft. But their WR core looks solid, led by Ja’Khi Douglas and Malik Benson, I think they will definitely be more of a passing team again this season. They have a decent amount of new recruits coming in as well. CB’s Charles Lester III and Jamarl Howard (both 4 star recruits) are not set to start this season but will get their share of playing time alongside returning corner backs like Fentrell Cypress II and Azareye’h Thomas, who will both be starters. Overall, FSU is going to look really good this season and if everyone can stay healthy, I can see the Seminoles as a top playoff seed.
SEC Winner: Georgia Bulldogs Predicted regular season record: 11-1
Georgia’s record last season was 13-1 with their only loss falling to Alabama, but I believe they can go undefeated this season. They are bringing in new recruits like 5 star corner back Ellis Robinson IV to support their secondary that was one of the only weak sports during the 2023 season. They also are bringing in 5 star Linebacker Justin Williams and with him alongside JR Daylen Everette who played very well last season. This defense is going to be elite. But the defense isn’t going to be the only great thing about this team either. They are going to have an explosive offense with Carson Beck getting the starting QB job again, but this time without his star Tight End Brock Bowers. He will have some other great players like Slot Receiver Arian Smith who dominated in the postseason with 153 yards on 8 receptions for 2 touchdowns. If Beck and Smith can connect well at the start of the season, I don’t see a way this team doesn’t make it to the 12 team playoffs.
