NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking College Football’s Top 60 Offenses for the 2024 Season

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

60. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers were, to be blunt, a disaster on offense. The offensive line was alright, and the running backs were above average, but the passing game and quarterback play was an albatross that sunk the Huskers on multiple occasions. Enter true freshman and five-star recruit Dylan Raiola. Labeling him the savior is unfair, but in reality, he’s been treated as one, and the expectations are sky-high. The bar is relatively low for him to improve the attack. He needs to take care of the ball and provide accurate throws to a reinvigorated group of receivers led by Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor. If they can eliminate most of the crippling turnovers, the offense will take a step forward, and the schedule offers an opportunity for Nebraska to go from a step forward to a leap forward.

Nebraska 2024 Win Total: 7.5
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes had an outstanding 2023 season, but it was considered a disappointment, given the talent level in Columbus. Losing Marvin Harrison Jr. is a significant blow, but despite that, this offense is even more talented than last year. Another loss to Michigan and then watching the Maize and Blue hoist the national title served as a call to arms for the Buckeye faithful. They have gone all in, acquiring talent via the transfer portal to build perhaps the most impressive roster in the country. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson form an elite one-two punch in the backfield. Wide receiver is loaded with Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Bryson Rodgers, and Brandon Inniss, plus the arrival of incoming freshman Jeremiah Smith. Smith is a generational talent that will immediately have an impact, and his ceiling in Year 1 is All-Big Ten. The offensive line should be among the nation’s best with the return of Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, plus portal addition Seth McLaughlin. The only question marks are at tight end and quarterback. Gee Scott and Will Kacmarek are likely not big difference makers at tight end. Will Howard arrives from Kansas State and should provide more of a running threat than the departed Kyle McCord, but it’s unclear how big of an upgrade he is as a passer. It’s not inconceivable that true freshman Julian Sayin ends up pushing Howard for snaps at QB1. The cherry on top of the sundae is former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State 2024 Win Total: 10.5
2. Oregon Ducks
Offensive coordinator Will Stein is a genius. One of the most significant offseason developments for the Oregon Ducks was keeping Stein in Eugene instead of taking a head coaching position. His return nearly guarantees that Oregon will have a terrific offense. The Ducks are not just successful because of the scheme and will again have top-end offensive talent. They averaged 531.4 yards per game last season and will look to top that number in 2024 as they move to the Big Ten. Bo Nix, Troy Franklin, and Bucky Irving are gone, but Dillon Gabriel is a perfect fit for Stein’s system and should be a like-for-like replacement with Nix. Tez Johnson returns at wide receiver and will be joined by top transfer Evan Stewart, along with Traeshon Holden, Gary Bryant Jr., Jurrion Dickey, and Kyler Kasper. Terrance Ferguson and Kenyon Sadiq are terrific tight ends, and the offensive line is a veteran group that added Matthew Bedford from Indiana to round out the group. Running back will again be a strength, with Jordan James stepping into the leading role and Noah Whittington serving as RB2. The Ducks will be a top-five offense again.

Oregon 2024 Win Total: 10.5
3. Ole Miss Rebels
Lane Kiffin knows offense, and the Ole Miss Rebels have loaded up in 2024 for a run at an SEC Championship and a trip to the College Football Playoff. The Rebels averaged 35.1 points per game and had more than 6000 yards of offense in 2023. They are expecting those numbers to improve in 2024. Jaxson Dart is one of the top quarterbacks in the country and has an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions. Tre Harris is the top wide receiver and one of the best weapons in the SEC. Juice Wells will be his partner, and Jordan Watkins is a terrific slot receiver. Caden Prieskorn is one of the premier pass-catching tight ends in college football and the running back room, despite losing Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State, is loaded with Ulysses Bentley IV returning and multiple transfers adding good depth and versatility. The lone question is how the offensive line, with three transfers projected to start, will mesh.

Ole Miss 2024 Win Total: 9.5
4. Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns have some questions on offense, but head coach Steve Sarkisian has earned the benefit of the doubt. They had an excellent transfer window that addressed needs well. Wide receiver was the biggest area of concern, and the Longhorns hit the refresh button, adding three likely starters: Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, and Silas Bolden. Those guys might not be as good as Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy, but they’ll be pretty close, and Texas has several young freshmen and sophomores ready to fill in as potential breakout candidates. CJ Baxter is prepared to take over as the lead running back after a moderately successful freshman campaign, and Jaydon Blue is an excellent backup. Quinn Ewers is one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks and leaders, and Arch Manning is waiting in the wings in case of injury. The most underappreciated part of the offense is the veteran offensive line led by outstanding left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Texas has one of the best lines in the country, one of the best quarterbacks, and one of the best offensive minds orchestrating the pieces.

Texas 2024 Win Total: 10.5
5. Liberty Flames
Liberty does not have one of the most talented offenses, but you had better believe that the Flames will end up with one of the most productive attacks in the country. Head coach Jamey Chadwell always puts up points, and he convinced quarterback Kaidon Salter to return for the 2024 season after flirting with the transfer portal. With that piece in place and basically every player involved in the nation’s leading rushing attack returning (including running back Quinton Cooley), Liberty has the pieces to replicate the 2023 success. That includes both starting tackles returning and a couple of good portal additions to step in on the interior. Outside of Chadwell, the schedule is the biggest reason for optimism surrounding the offense. Liberty is much better on offense than every defense they will face in 2024. They may not quite reach the 38.3 points per game they averaged last season, but they will come close.

Liberty 2024 Win Total: 10.5
6. Tennessee Volunteers
Josh Heupel is an offensive savant, and when he has a difference-maker as a quarterback, his team produces points at a prolific clip. Turn the clock back to 2022 with Hendon Hooker at quarterback. Hooker threw for 27 touchdowns with two interceptions and completed nearly 70 percent of his passes as Tennessee put up a ridiculous 46.1 points per game. They dropped back to a more modest 31.8 points per game in 2023 with Joe Milton at quarterback. Still, they accomplished something significant during that down season: Nico Iamaleava got some seasoning and gained a year of experience in the Heupel system. The former five-star prospect is now QB1, and there is growing buzz around Knoxville that Iamaleava is more than just hype. The Volunteers think he has the goods, which means huge numbers are in store for this attack. The offensive line is strong, Chris Brazzell and Squirrel White should complement each other nicely at receiver, and Tennessee has a good rushing attack that will have big holes thanks to the passing game. It’s all about the quarterback, and if Iamaleava is elite, the Tennessee offense will be one of the nation’s best.

Tennessee 2024 Win Total: 9.5
7. Oklahoma Sooners
Let us get the negative out of the way first: Oklahoma’s offensive line is a work in progress. Despite a couple of late transfer portal additions, the Sooners still have a lot of question marks, and it would be a major surprise to see this offensive line end up as one of the better ones in the SEC. The line should not be a sieve, and Oklahoma checks all the boxes. Much like Tennessee, Oklahoma has a former five-star quarterback ready to enter the spotlight as Jackson Arnold takes over at quarterback. Gavin Sawchuk and Tawee Walker form a good one-two punch at running back, and Arnold can also pick up first downs with his legs. The place this offense stands out is at wide receiver. The Sooners might have the deepest wide receiver room in the country and will utilize four and five-wide sets to showcase it. Deion Burks is a considerable addition via the transfer portal from Purdue and joins a unit that brings back young players Nic Anderson and Jayden Gibson, along with veterans Andrel Anthony and Jalil Farooq. Gibson averaged 26.79 yards per catch, and Anderson averaged 21 per reception. SEC defenses better be ready to run because if they can’t pressure Arnold, the Sooners can light up the scoreboard.

Oklahoma 2024 Win Total: 7.5
8. Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are loaded with talent and are the favorites to win the national title again. Carson Beck has a chance to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country this season after he smartly chose to come back for another season of college football before heading to the NFL. The most significant question mark might be at tight end as do-it-all superstar Brock Bowers is gone. Georgia’s staff and insiders are confident that Oscar Delp is ready to be a star. Even the most optimistic UGA backer can’t think Delp will make up for the loss of Bowers, but Georgia hopes they have upgraded at running back and wide receiver as well. The Bulldogs added veteran possession target Colbie Young from Miami to a group that includes Dominic Lovett, London Humphreys, and Rara Thomas. The running back room now has Florida transfer Trevor Etienne and the developing Roderick Robinson. The offensive line is somewhat unknown, but the Bulldogs have recruited so well that they’ll bring in five-star redshirts who will form a strong line.

UGA 2024 Win Total: 10.5
9. Miami Hurricanes
Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes have been building toward this season, and they landed prized transfer quarterback Cam Ward to solidify their “all-in” push for 2024. The Hurricanes have one of the ACC’s best offensive lines, anchored by Freshman All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa and left tackle Jalen Rivers. They will be blocking for Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez and returning sophomore Mark Fletcher Jr. Those two should be an excellent tandem that complements each other well, as long as Fletcher Jr. is healthy after his season-ending knee injury in 2023. The wide receiver room is loaded with Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George leading a very talented and deep room. Tight end might be the most significant question mark after the Hurricanes got next to nothing from the position in 2023. Cam McCormick returns for the ninth season (you read that correctly, nine years!), but Miami hopes someone like Elijah Arroyo or Riley Williams can step up at the position. It all comes down to Ward. If he can play at the elite level that he flashed at times for Washington State, Miami has the talent to make a run at the ACC title.

Miami 2024 Win Total: 9.5
10. LSU Tigers
Jayden Daniels is gone. Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers were also picked in the first round of the NFL Draft. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock pulled a reverse Brian Kelly and fled to Notre Dame. There are many question marks, but the LSU Tigers still have a high ceiling on offense and the chance to be one of the country’s best attacks again. It starts up front with an offensive line led by the bookend offensive tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones. Campbell might be the absolute top lineman in the nation, and Jones is a stellar right tackle. The tight end position should be strong as Mason Taylor returns after an injury hampered him in 2023. The Tigers hope Kaleb Jackson is ready to break out at running back, and LSU is expected to utilize the position more in 2024. The wide receiver position lost a lot, but they have a ton of talent returning as well: Kyren Lacy is a star, and he’ll be joined by transfers CJ Daniels and Zavion Thomas, along with returning players Chris Hilton and redshirt freshman Kyle Parker. Garrett Nussmeier finally gets his time to star as QB1 for LSU. Nussmeier has been a backup but has 219 pass attempts and has been effective whenever given the chance.

LSU 2024 Win Total: 9.5
11. Memphis Tigers
The Liberty Flames rightfully get a lot of praise as an offensive juggernaut after putting up 38.3 points per game despite coasting for nearly every fourth quarter they played all regular season. Most of the praise misses that the Group of Five team with the most statistically proficient offense was the Memphis Tigers. Memphis put up 39.4 points per game in 2023 and racked up 306.5 passing yards per game. Ryan Silverfield got a contract extension, and star quarterback Seth Henigan is back for another season as the Tigers are one of the main favorites in the AAC. The red zone offense is one of the big reasons for the success, as they scored on 55 of 63 trips inside the 20-yard line. Including Henigan, the offense returns seven starters, including an excellent offensive line and receivers, such as Roc Taylor and Demeer Blankumsee.

Memphis 2024 Win Total: 9.5
12. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide lost legendary head coach Nick Saban and several players to the transfer portal, but they are still loaded with offensive talent. The Tide hired one of the brightest offensive minds in the country to lead the program. Kalen DeBoer has produced prolific offenses at every career stop, most recently in Washington. Jalen Milroe is, at first glance, not the ideal quarterback for a DeBoer offense. Still, there are several past examples of DeBoer utilizing a quarterback with rushing ability with great effectiveness. Milroe will likely run the ball a lot, and if he can stay healthy, that will be incredibly dangerous for opposing defenses. The Crimson Tide should be good on the offensive line thanks to Parker Brailsford's transfer and a few stalwarts' return. The running backs are pretty good with Justice Haynes and Jam Miller returning. The most significant question mark is whether or not the wide receivers can develop and positively surprise. Make no mistake: Alabama will not fall off a cliff with the retirement of Saban.

Alabama 2024 Win Total: 9.5
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a few question marks: will Duke transfer Riley Leonard be healthy for the 2024 season? How does Notre Dame replace three starters on the stellar offensive line? Do the Fighting Irish have any difference-makers at wide receiver? They have plenty of answers and are coming off a season that saw them average 39.2 points per game. That included 5.3 yards per carry as the ground game often physically overwhelmed ND’s opponents. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price will step up with Audric Estime gone, and Mitchell Evans returns one of the nation’s better tight ends. If Leonard is healthy, he’s a very dangerous dual-threat quarterback. He still needs to progress some as a passer, but the Irish hope that the arrival of new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock can help Leonard in that department. They’ll turn to Kris Mitchell and Beaux Collins to bolster a talented, young, wide receiver room. Notre Dame gets the benefit of the doubt with the offensive line as they continue to recruit well with that group.

Notre Dame 2024 Win Total: 10.5
14. Kansas State Wildcats
The Kansas State Wildcats are ranked this high primarily because of the exciting trio of Avery Johnson, Dylan Edwards, and DJ Giddens. Johnson is a rising star that is ready for a turn in the spotlight. He’s a gifted passer, but his true value comes from being a runner, where he can be electric. Offensive coordinator Collin Klein left for Texas A&M, but the Wildcats have dealt with change at that position before and kept on humming, and the key is head coach Chris Klieman. Klieman has an outstanding mind and has built a great culture in Manhattan. The wide receiver room is stocked well with three starters returning and Penn State transfer Dante Cephas joining. The most significant issues are on the front, as Kansas State has to replace four offensive line starters and star tight end Ben Sinnott. Giddens is an outstanding running back who is undervalued nationally, and Edwards transferred in from Colorado and offers a great complementary skillset. The Wildcats are one of the favorites in a very crowded Big 12, and if they can figure out the offensive line, they could be a playoff team.

Kansas State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
15. Kansas Jayhawks
Star quarterback Jalon Daniels spent most of the 2023 season sidelined by a back injury. Most figured that would cripple the Kansas Jayhawks offense and leave them well outside of the bowl picture. Instead, Lance Leipold’s crew averaged 446 yards per game and pieced together a postseason berth. Daniels is now healthy, and KU hopes he can return to being one of the most dynamic players in the country. He’s not alone. Kansas has a great group of receivers led by Lawrence Arnold, and Devin Neal is one of the nation’s best running backs that few know about. Kansas does have to replace some quality starting offensive linemen, and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki was snatched up by Penn State. Still, if Daniels stays healthy, the Jayhawks will be a blast to watch...unless you are an opposing defense.

Kansas 2024 Win Total: 8.5
16. Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats offense took off when Noah Fifita permanently entered the lineup at quarterback. The Wildcats averaged 34.6 points per game with nearly 310 passing yards per contest and just shy of 140 yards on the ground. Head coach Jedd Fisch departed for Washington, and there was a concern that stars Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan would follow Fisch to Seattle. Arizona hired Brent Brennan from San Jose State, and the QB/WR combo was enticed to stay in Tucson. Brennan should keep the fun offense intact, and Fifita is a terrific talent who will give fits to the Big 12 defenses. McMillan is a big and agile target with a great catch radius, and Arizona added some solid pieces in the transfer portal to surround them. The big question will be whether or not the offensive line can keep Fifita upright all year.

Arizona 2024 Win Total: 7.5
17. UCF Knights
If Gus Malzahn could handpick the talent he would have on hand to run his ideal offense, he would likely select the following for his skill positions: a big and physical quarterback who was mobile, a stable of interchangeable and explosive running backs, a couple of dynamic wide receivers that can stretch defenses. Now, take a look at UCF’s roster for the 2024 season. KJ Jefferson is not a perfect quarterback, but he’s a good fit for a Malzahn offense. The Knights have one of the best running back groups in the country with the explosive RJ Harvey, Toledo transfer Peny Boone, and Johnny Richardson. That is an outstanding stable of backs. Top wide receiver Javon Baker is now on the Patriots, but Kobe Hudson averaged more than 20 yards per reception in 2023 and is ready for a star turn, and Auburn transfer Ja'Varrius Johnson is an upgrade at slot. Jefferson needs to be consistent on short and intermediate throws. Still, the Knights should be able to overwhelm teams with their running game if the offensive line is remotely competent. Bad news for opponents: the line should be better than competent, with a strong group of transfers bolstering the unit.

UCF 2024 Win Total: 7.5
18. South Florida Bulls
The South Florida Bulls being this high on the list is almost entirely because of two people: head coach Alex Golesh and quarterback Byrum Brown. Golesh was the offensive coordinator for Tennessee during the Hendon Hooker-led season, and his first campaign in Tampa was enjoyable. The primary takeaways were that Golesh could coach offense, and Brown is an absolute star. Brown ran over 800 yards and threw for over 3,300 with 37 total touchdowns. He should be even better with another season in this system. The South Florida Bulls scored a total of 415 points in 2023 and brought back top receiver Sean Atkins and top running back Nay’Quan Wright, plus most of the offensive line. That unit needs to improve in pass protection, but there is so much to like, and the Bulls should be able to light up the scoreboard consistently in the AAC.

South Florida 2024 Win Total: 7.5
19. Florida State Seminoles
The 2023 Florida State offense averaged 34.6 points per game, with Jordan Travis anchoring the unit as the star quarterback for much of that campaign before his injury. The issue for Florida State is that most pieces from that offense are gone. Mike Norvell and his staff deserve some benefit of the doubt, and they are certainly not bereft of talent. DJ Uiagalelei transfers in from Oregon State and Norvell is tasked with getting the most from the former five-star recruit. Does Uiagalelei have another step up to reach, or has the time for progression passed him by, and “he is who he has been”? FSU has a solid offensive line to protect for him, and the versatile Lawrance Toafili is a fun chess piece to use at tailback, receiver, or tight end. FSU will not have the star power of Johnny Wilson or Keon Coleman at wide receiver, and they’ll need a few young players, Malik Benson and Hykeem Williams chief among them, to step into starring roles to match last season’s numbers.

Florida State 2024 Win Totals: 9.5
20. SMU Mustangs
The SMU Mustangs rode a solid and balanced offense and defense to the American Athletic Conference title in 2023 and are now a member of the ACC. The Mustangs took advantage of the weakened AAC but now must deal with a true power conference. Rhett Lashlee is an excellent offensive coach and returns quarterback Preston Stone. They were 16th in the nation in total offense and returned nearly everyone, including top wideout Jake Bailey and star tight end RJ Maryland. The offensive line had to reshuffle some pieces in the transfer portal, but it is still a good group, and Stone is a good orchestrator of what Lashlee wants to do with the attack. SMU has not faired well against power conference foes in the past decade, and how they handle the transition to the ACC will be fascinating. They do avoid Clemson, NC State, and Miami and get to host FSU in Dallas, and that should help the transition.

SMU 2024 Win Total: 7.5
21. Missouri Tigers
The Missouri Tigers averaged 32.5 points per game in 2023 and returned two of the most critical components from that unit: quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden. Burden might be the best pass-catcher in the country this season, and he is coming off of a season where he hauled in 86 passes for 1,212 yards, along with nine touchdowns. No. 2 target Theo Wease is also back after he was finally able to stay healthy and fulfill some of his potential. Brady Cook is an underrated quarterback who completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 3,317 yards with 21 touchdowns. The Tigers have an excellent offensive line, and head coach Eli Drinkwitz has proven that he knows how to build a program that is built for sustained success. Missouri has a favorable schedule and should replicate the numbers they put up in 2023.

Missouri 2024 Win Total: 9.5
22. Penn State Nittany Lions
The numbers from the Penn State offense in 2023 were quite good. They averaged 36.2 points per game (good for 12th nationally), had two rushers go for more than 750 yards on the ground, and quarterback Drew Allar threw for 25 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Look closer, and there was just something missing from the Nittany Lions. They beat up teams like Delaware (63 points), Maryland (51 points), and Michigan State (42) but struggled to score against Michigan, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. James Franklin knows that he has to get a bit more if PSU can reach the next step and is turning to offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to bring more explosiveness to the attack. Allar is back and needs to be more willing to test defenses vertically instead of being scared to make a mistake. The running backs are terrific, but they need to find a few more long runs instead of only churning out four and five-yard chunks. The offensive line lost one star in Olu Fashanu, and there are concerns that this unit won’t be as strong as it was in 2023. Can Kotelnicki make enough of a difference to push PSU up another level?

Penn State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
23. Clemson Tigers
If the Clemson Tigers can better eliminate disastrous turnovers, they could have a much-improved offense in 2024. They began the season with costly mistakes over and over, often in the red zone. It cost them the game against Florida State and played a huge factor in the opening defeat to Duke. Clemson is now entering year two for Cade Klubnik as a starting quarterback and year two with Garrett Riley as offensive coordinator. Some growth on that front is expected and necessary. The offensive line is anchored by Blake Miller and a veteran group around him, plus new offensive line coach Matt Luke. Phil Mafah will be a force for opposing defenses to try and deal with at running back. The most significant question mark comes at wide receiver. The Tigers need Tyler Brown, Antonio Williams, and Troy Stellato to stay healthy, and they are banking on a pair of incoming five-star freshmen (Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore) to elevate the passing attack. If they can immediately step in and have significant impacts, Clemson will have a great chance to win the ACC.

Clemson 2024 Win Total: 9.5
24. North Carolina State Wolfpack
North Carolina State may have some question marks on defense, but the offense should be fun. Four of five offensive line starters are returning, Duke transfer Jordan Waters will take over at running back, Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall will lead the offense as QB1, and All-American Kevin “KC” Concepcion is a stud playmaker. Dave Doeren has built an excellent program in Raleigh and is a sleeper in the ACC because of their potential on offense. Concepcion needs some help, and they are hoping Dacari Collins can take a big step to provide a solid second option. As a transfer from UConn, Justin Joly is an interesting added weapon at slot/tight end. Whether or not NC State is a genuine threat in the ACC will depend on Grayson McCall’s ability to translate his game into a major conference.

NC State 2024 Win Total: 8.5
25. Texas State Bobcats
Texas State won’t have the same level of talent as some of the teams that end up below them on this list, but young coach GJ Kinne looks like the offensive whiz he was billed as, and Texas State will put up a boatload of points. The Bobcats had nearly 6,000 yards of offense and averaged 36.7 points per game. TJ Finley transferred to Western Kentucky, so Texas State upgraded, grabbing the 2023 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year Jordan McCloud. McCloud transferred from James Madison after Curt Cignetti and his staff left for Indiana. He is a veteran, and that will be just what Kinne needs to keep his attack humming. Ismail Mahdi is an explosive running back who could put up monster numbers in 2024, and three offensive line starters are returning. It would be a surprise if Texas State did not at least match the 2023 numbers. They play Arizona State on September 14, and the Sun Devils must be very wary of that game.

Texas State 2024 Win Total: 8.5
26. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets enter the 2024 season with four of five offensive line starters returning, an excellent dual-threat veteran quarterback in Haynes King, and a pair of dynamic young skill players who are threats to score every time they touch the ball. Under many circumstances, they would be a major sleeper team, but the Yellow Jackets face an incredibly tough schedule. They begin in Dublin with Florida State and have their annual non-conference game against Georgia. In addition, they draw Louisville, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Miami, and NC State in the ACC. The only top ACC squad they avoid is Clemson. Still, Georgia Tech has the offensive goods to have a successful season. Eric Singleton Jr. is one of the game’s brightest young wide receivers, and running back Jamal Haynes is coming off a 1,059-yard season where he averaged 6.09 yards per carry. GT was balanced on offense in 2023, averaging more than 200 yards passing and rushing. That should continue this season.

Georgia Tech 2024 Win Total: 5.5
27. Colorado Buffaloes
The Colorado Buffaloes have gotten a lot of hype this offseason, particularly in the ratings release by the EA Sports College Football 25 team. Colorado was ranked as the eighth-best offense in the country by EA Sports, and that seems relatively high. Despite the hot start by Colorado in 2023, they ended up ranked 60th in points per game with 28.2, and they failed to produce much of anything on the ground as the offensive line was routinely overwhelmed. Still, the Buffaloes should have a good attack led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders and dynamic wide receivers Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. They hit the transfer portal to try to fix the offensive line. Whether or not that new unit can gel and play together will go a long way toward determining Colorado’s 2024 fate.

Colorado 2024 Win Total: 5.5
28. Texas A&M Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies did not exactly play the most exciting brand of football under head coach Jimbo Fisher. While Mike Elko will not come in and deploy a turbo-tempo attack, new offensive coordinator Collin Klein is expected to be a bit more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball, and Texas A&M has the talent to put up some good numbers. They averaged 33.3 points per game last season despite some injuries, and while they have lost a couple of top producers from 2023, they get back quarterback Conner Weigman. Weigman is a former blue-chip prospect who has not been able to put it together yet. If Klein and Elko can get the best out of him, Texas A&M could be poised for a very nice season. Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss are a decent one-two combo at running back, but the Aggies need to find some difference-makers at wide receiver.

Texas A&M 2024 Win Total: 8.5
29. USC Trojans
Having a Lincoln Riley offense outside of the top 25 seems a bit crazy, but things are not perfect in Los Angeles right now for the USC Trojans. They averaged 41.8 points per game last season, but that was when Caleb Williams played the superhero role and elevated everyone around him. Miller Moss had a solid bowl game against Louisville, but taking too much from one exhibition contest is ill-advised. Moss is still inexperienced, and the USC offense sputtered during their spring game. The offensive line has question marks, and the running back room lacks a true standout. The one area of the attack that should be very difficult to handle for defenses would be the wide receiver room. Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch are now sophomores, and both are in line for breakout campaigns. Achieving anything close to 40 points per game would be a significant accomplishment for the Trojans.

USC 2024 Win Total: 7.5
30. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Virginia Tech Hokies have gained some steam as a sleeper pick to win the ACC in 2024. That is largely due to the returning production on the offensive side of the ball and the continued progression of quarterback Kyron Drones. Drones threw for 2,085 yards with 17 touchdowns and added 818 yards on the ground with five more touchdowns. If he can add 10-15 percent more to his game in 2024 and become more consistent as a passer, the Hokies could take off. Bhayshul Tuten returns after leading the Hokies in rushing, and they are hoping veteran wide receiver Da’Quan Felton can take another leap forward after hauling in 667 yards receiving in 2023. Virginia Tech has a very manageable schedule and could be in for an exciting season.

Virginia Tech 2024 Win Total: 8.5
31. Michigan Wolverines
Looking at Michigan’s offensive performance in 2023 and attempting to project what it means for 2024 is largely a fruitless endeavor. The Wolverines bring back tight end Colston Loveland, one of the nation’s best, and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is now the head coach. However, nearly everything else will be different personnel-wise. Donovan Edwards is now the main guy at running back, and mobile threat Alex Orji is likely to start at quarterback. Michigan will likely outperform this ranking if he can settle into the position and prove an adequate passer. The biggest question will be whether or not the offensive line can come close to matching the dominance the 2023 version showed. That line allowed Michigan to grind their opponents into dust with a truly overpowering running attack. If that takes even a ten percent step back, they must find additional playmakers at wide receiver.

Michigan 2024 Win Total: 9.5
32. Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Oklahoma State Cowboys return many key pieces from a 2023 offense that ranked 54th in points per game (29.6). That number is deceiving, as the Cowboys leaned on a solid running game and were more focused on grinding out wins than lighting up the scoreboard. So, while the offense was not particularly prolific, it was highly effective. Ollie Gordon returns as one of the best running backs in the country, and he helped OK State average nearly five yards per carry in 2023. The offensive line is one of the best units in the Big 12, and the Cowboys have a pair of solid receivers, Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens. The biggest question comes at quarterback. Is the veteran Alan Bowman capable of elevating his game and improving his 15:14 touchdown to interception ratio?

Oklahoma State 2024 Win Total: 8.5
33. Florida Gators
Florida’s 2023 offense was not perfect, but it was good enough to have a strong season if the defense would have been average. The Gators averaged 28.4 points per game and were pretty balanced under the guidance of quarterback Graham Mertz. Florida convinced Mertz to return for his final season, and the Gators would be pretty happy if he could replicate his 72.9 completion percentage and 20-touchdown performance. Trevor Etienne left for Georgia, but UF feels great about Montrell Johnson Jr. and Treyaun Webb as a dynamic duo. Johnson averaged an impressive 5.38 yards per carry and is poised for a solid senior season. The Gators lost Ricky Pearsall, but the staff feels good about Eugene Wilson and the options they added in the transfer portal to add to the overall depth of the group. Getting above 30 points per game is the goal, and it should be attainable despite the brutal schedule.

Florida 2024 Win Total: 4.5
34. Utah Utes
The Utah Utes have a rock-solid program with a strong culture, and they enter their first season in the Big 12 as the favorite, albeit a slim one, in the crowded league. That is because of a belief in quarterback Cam Rising returning from injury and fixing an attack that floundered without him. Rising will not be alone in a return to the lineup after an injury. His top target, tight end Brant Kuithe, is expected back. That should make a significant difference for the passing attack. Utah needed help with wide receiver, and they are hoping former USC Trojan and Arizona Wildcat Dorian Singer can add considerable punch. Micah Bernard and Jaylon Glover should lead the rushing attack, and the offensive line is typically a strength under Kyle Whittingham, regardless of personnel. With even moderate injury luck, Utah will be one of the most improved offenses in the country.

Utah 2024 Win Total: 9.5
35. Wisconsin Badgers
Much was made about the coming offensive transformation under first-year head coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo at Wisconsin. The Badgers switched from their traditional run-focused attack to a spread concept with Air Raid principles. The fact that the transformation did not occur immediately is not surprising. Seeing the Badgers average only 23.5 points per game in 2023 was. That number placed Wisconsin 93rd in the country, just below Syracuse. Placing Wisconsin at 35th for 2024 is a bet on Year 2 and the typical bump you see in new schemes and new coaches. Wisconsin added Tyler Van Dyke from Miami to lead the offense and hopes he can revert to his freshman form in a scheme he should be comfortable in. Will Pauling and Bryson Green are solid wide receivers, and Tucker Ashcraft is emerging at tight end. The offensive line is, as usual, quite good, and the running game should be a strength if Wisconsin chooses to lean on it and then hit teams with play-action passing.

Wisconsin 2024 Win Total: 6.5
36. North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels averaged 34.5 points per game in 2023, good for 20^th in the country. Obviously, those numbers were significantly influenced by the presence and play of quarterback Drake Maye. Maye is gone but the Tar Heels do return star running back Omarion Hampton and will still be plenty capable of putting up good numbers. UNC ran for five yards per carry and were quite balanced, something they will try to continue but they’ll probably lean even more heavily on Hampton in 2024. Chip Lindsey is a good offensive coordinator and he should be able to get the most out of Max Johnson and leading wide receiver JJ Jones in the passing game.

North Carolina 2024 Win Total: 7.5
37. Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals have a lot of question marks in terms of personnel but Jeff Brohm is the head coach which means the offense is going to be fine. Jack Plummer has finally exhausted his collegiate eligibility, so Brohm got another veteran from the portal to replace him: Tyler Shough. Shough is very capable but he’s yet to stay consistently healthy and the Cardinals offensive line is the major weak point heading into 2024. Donald Chaney is now the lead running back and he’s a downgrade from the duo of Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo so they may need to rely more on the passing game with portal additions Caullin Lacy, Ja’Corey Brooks and Mark Redman. If Shough can stay healthy, Louisville has the pieces under Brohm to have a strong attack.

Louisville 2024 Win Total: 8.5
38. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The change of the Big 12 offers a real chance for the Texas Tech Red Raiders to take advantage of a relatively weak schedule and perhaps outperform the talent level they actually have in Lubbock. Head coach Joey McGuire is well-thought of and is particularly well-liked in the state of Texas and offensive coordinator Zach Kittley was a very hot-name when he took the Texas Tech OC position prior to the 2023 campaign. The return of Behren Morton offers a safe option at quarterback, but Morton's ceiling is not particularly high, particularly with three of the top four receivers exiting. The strength of the attack is running back Tahj Brooks. He ran for more than 1,500 yards in 2023 and the offensive line is outstanding at run blocking.

Texas Tech 2024 Win Total: 7.5
39. Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers had a poor offense in 2023, but a lot of things changed in Bloomington ahead of the 2024 campaign. IU has a new head coach in Curt Cignetti and a lot of the personnel has changed. Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan has a history of producing strong attacks and IU has completely remade the two-deep that will take the field in 2024. Kurtis Rourke is a major upgrade at quarterback and the wide receiver room is one of the better pass-catching units in the Big Ten. Running back is a bit of a mystery, but they have a lot of options, with Justice Ellison, Kaelon Black, and Ty Son Lawton highlighting the group. If Kurtis Rourke is healthy after an injury-riddled 2023, the Hoosiers will be massively improved on this side of the ball.

IU 2024 Win Total: 5.5
40. Arkansas Razorbacks
Head coach Sam Pittman is on one of the hottest seats in the country. Former head coach and controversial figure Bobby Petrino was brought in to try and fix the offense and ranking Arkansas in the top 40 is a bet on Petrino’s past success replicating itself and on new quarterback Taylen Green elevating his play after transferring from Boise State. Green is a promising talent who can hurt opponents with his arm and his legs. He’s similar to former QB KJ Jefferson, but Green is not as thick, and he’s more explosive as a runner. Andrew Armstrong is the best wide receiver but he desperately needs more help to avoid defenses keying in on him alone. One of the keys to the season might be how quickly the revamped offensive line can mesh and whether or not they can be an above-average unit in the SEC.

Arkansas 2024 Win Total: 4.5
41. UNLV Rebels
The UNLV Rebels averaged 34.4 points per game, good for 22^nd-best in the country, in 2023. It was a fantastic season under head coach Barry Odom. The Rebels scored 40 against Vanderbilt, 45 against UTEP, 45 against Nevada, and 36 in a bowl game loss to Kansas. The offense was the primary catalyst for the 9-5 season and they return star wide receiver Ricky White. Jayden Maiava left to be the backup at USC, so Odom brought in Matthew Sluka from Holy Cross. White had 1,483 receiving yards on 88 receptions last season, and he will hope to repeat that performance before going to the NFL. Jacob De Jesus and Kaleon Bullungay are the second and third options. Four of the five offensive line starters return, and a couple of transfer running backs should be good enough in the backfield. As long as Sluka can successfully move up to the FBS, UNLV will be a potent offense again.

UNLV 2024 Win Total: 7.5
42. West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia’s 2023 offense started the season looking for an identity. They only scored 15 points against Penn State, 17 against Pittsburgh, and 20 against Texas Tech. The attack took off as the calendar turned to October, and the Mountaineers took advantage of a bye week. They scored 39 against Houston, 34 against Oklahoma State, 41 in a win over UCF, 37 in a win over BYU, and at least 30 in each of the final three games (all wins). They averaged 31.5 points per game, but there is a reason to think that number could increase in 2024. Dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene is back after rushing for 13 touchdowns and 6.43 yards per carry. The top two running backs are also back, and Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson Jr. form one of the better one-two punches in the country. Those parts of the offense are unquestionably excellent, but the offensive line needs to replace a couple of critical pieces, and the wide receiver group is average at best. The rushing attack alone makes WVU a difficult offense to handle.

West Virginia 2024 Win Total: 6.5
43. Boston College Eagles
Much has changed at Boston College on the sideline. The head coach bolted for an NFL assistant’s job, and the Eagles turned to former Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien to lead the program. Much remains the same from the 2023 season, and while Boston College averaged only 24.8 points per game, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Thomas Castellanos returns to lead the attack after throwing for 2,248 yards and rushing for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns. Under the guidance of O’Brien, a season of 2,500 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards with 30 total touchdowns is a real possibility. Kye Robichaux is back as the lead running back, and the top two wide receivers, Lewis Bond and Joseph Griffin Jr., are now juniors. The offensive line does not figure to be a strength, but with a mobile threat like Castellanos, it’s not a primary concern either. Can Boston College jump up to 30 points per game? That’s a giant leap, but it seems possible.

Boston College 2024 Win Total: 4.5
44. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texas Tech Red Raiders averaged 27.4 points per game, but the offense was unbalanced and only averaged 5.33 yards per play. In short, Texas Tech did not get much from the passing game, and they leaned heavily on running back Tahj Brooks. Brooks is back, and he should be a beast again. Tech’s 2024 offense needs Behren Morton to be healthy and more consistent as a vertical passer if they want to increase their production as a unit. Morton is now a junior after he completed 62.1 percent of his passes with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The primary issue was that he only averaged six yards per attempt, and the inability to stretch the defense cluttered the box and made Brooks’s job that much harder. The pieces are in place for Texas Tech to improve on offense, but Morton has to be better.

Texas Tech 2024 Win Total: 7.5
45. Syracuse Orange
Last season was an odd year for Syracuse as they began the campaign 4-0 with significant offensive outputs against Colgate, Western Michigan, and Purdue. The offense collapsed as the calendar turned to October, and the Orange scored ten points or fewer in four straight losses. They made a bowl game as Dino Babers was fired, but they were dog-walked by the South Florida Bulls on December 21, losing 45-0. Fran Brown was hired as the new head coach, and the Orange turned to the transfer portal to fire up the offense. Kyle McCord is now the quarterback and leading rusher LeQuint Allen returns after a 1,000-yard season. Oronde Gadsen is back after missing much of 2023, and he is a mismatch at tight end/wide receiver. They addressed the wide receiver via the transfer portal and hope the offensive line can be adequate. Syracuse should be able to improve on their 2023 numbers with a soft schedule lined up.

Syracuse 2024 Win Total: 7.5
46. Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos averaged 32.1 points per game (32^nd in the nation) in 2023 and return star running back Ashton Jeanty to lead the 2024 attack. Jeanty is a terrific runner and pass-catcher and he’ll be the focal point of every opposing defense the Broncos face. It is not hyperbole to call him a top three running back in the country. The offensive line is mostly intact from 2023 and should be one of the better units in the Mountain West Conference. The questions come in the passing game as quarterback Taylen Green left for Arkansas and the top receiver left for TCU. Malachi Nelson, a former five-star recruit transfers in from USC to start at quarterback but what he is as a collegiate player is still very much to be determined. How good Nelson can be will determine what Boise State’s 2024 ceiling is.

Boise State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
47. UCLA Bruins
UCLA’s 2023 offense was heavily run-focused and churned out 4.88 yards per carry as they averaged 26.5 points per game. Things ran more smoothly with Ethan Garbers at quarterback and he returns for his final season in college to lead the team after head coach Chip Kelly left for the offensive coordinator position at Ohio State. Deshaun Foster was hired and Eric Bienemy was brought from the NFL to be the offensive coordinator. No one knows what to expect from Bienemy but it would be unwise to change from a heavy-focus on the run. T.J. Harden is a terrific and underappreciated running back and the offensive line should be able to continue paving the way for him. Garbers has solid weapons with both Logan Loya and J. Michael Sturdivant returning but he needs to find a way to be more explosive. Garbers played in 11 games and only threw for 1,136 yards. The attack runs the risk of being too one-dimensional and the defenses in the Big Ten are too good for that to work.

UCLA 2024 Win Total: 4.5
48. TCU Horned Frogs
Perhaps it is unwise to discount an offense led by head coach Sonny Dykes but there are a lot of question marks that TCU needs to find answers to before they can threaten for a Big 12 crown again. One year after playing for the national title, the Horned Frogs went just 5-7 and fell out of the top 40 in offense. They lost leading rusher Emani Bailey and they are hoping Cam Cook and Trey Sanders can be good enough to make up for it. Josh Hoover will get his chance as QB1 and he offers plenty of promise as a dual-threat player that could grow into the role but he is still very inexperienced entering this season. The receivers are pretty good thanks to the arrival of Boise State transfer Eric McAlister and the return of Savion Williams and the offensive line could feature five new starters from the transfer portal. That might work out but it’s a huge risk.

TCU 2024 Win Total: 7.5
49. Cal Golden Bears
Optimism surrounding the Cal Golden Bears and their 2024 offense begins with the presence of star running back Jaydn Ott. The junior had 1,315 yards rushing (5.35 yards per carry) with 12 touchdowns along with 25 catches and two more receiving touchdowns. He is a versatile threat that is one of the better running backs in the country. Fernando Mendoza was an upgrade at quarterback after he took over as the starter and he helped guide the Golden Bears to a bowl game but Justin Wilcox clearly was not entirely convinced as he brought Chandler Rogers in from North Texas. The top receiver left for Washington so they’ll need Trond Grizzell to make a step forward. The offensive line is a concern and they need a passing game to avoid teams keying in on Ott.

Cal 2024 Win Total: 6.5
50. Illinois Fighting Illini
The general expectation for Bret Bielema teams are that opposing defenses will face a large offensive line, a heavy rushing attack and an opportunistic passing game will pounce if you load the box to stop the run. Well, the 2023 Illini did not get the memo and Bielema has adjusted quite a bit since arriving in Champaign. Illinois spreads things out more on offense than would be expected and they throw the ball slightly more than they run it. Bielema needs Luke Altmyer to take a step forward and stop turning the ball over. Leading rusher Reggie Love left for Purdue and the rushing attack will now be led by sophomore Kaden Feagin. Illinois is counting on newcomers at wide receiver to fill the gaps created by personnel losses but there is a real hope the offensive line could be much improved from last season.

Illinois 2024 Win Total: 5.5
51. Virginia Cavaliers
A season ago, the Virginia Cavaliers entered the 2023 season, with Tony Muskett expected to lead the offense after transferring in from the FCS. Head coach Tony Elliott eventually figured out that freshman Anthony Colandrea was a much better option, and the Cavaliers upset North Carolina on the road and were very competitive against Miami and Louisville. They also knocked off Duke 30-27 on November 18 to reach a 3-9 record. Colandrea threw too many interceptions but offers a high-upside that could help elevate UVA’s offense in 2024. Virginia returns four starters on the offensive line and adds a transfer from UCF to round out the group. Kobe Pace is an okay running back, but they need additional explosion from someone in that group, as the receiver room has to figure out how to replace the production of leading wide receiver Malachi Washington.

Virginia 2024 Win Total: 4.5
52. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State is a popular sleeper pick to compete for the seemingly wide-open Big 12 Championship. A big part of the optimism is that the offense seemed to figure some things out in the back half of the season and could be a much better unit in 2024. Iowa State scored 30 against Cincinnati and Baylor, 45 against BYU, and 32 against Kansas State, all in the campaign's second half. Rocco Becht should be much better after one year of experience at quarterback, and Abu Sama is one of the nation’s more intriguing running backs. Sama III only had 84 carries in 2023, but the freshman averaged 7.31 yards per carry. Key wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are also back, and there is a chance both of them could exceed 1,000 yards in 2024. Iowa State has the pieces to be significantly better on this side of the ball in 2024.

Iowa State 2024 Win Total: 7.5
53. Auburn Tigers
Man, if the Auburn Tigers had a quarterback you could trust, there would be many articles about Hugh Freeze’s squad being sleepers for a playoff bid out of the SEC. Despite a horrific campaign from Payton Thorne in 2023, Auburn averaged 26.2 points per game and ran the ball for 4.79 yards per carry with 22 rushing touchdowns. Thorne is back for another season, and Auburn needs him to turn in a better performance from the 16 touchdowns and ten interceptions he put forth last year. He will get help from a much better pass-catching group that includes freakazoid freshman Cam Coleman. Jarquez Hunter is back at running back after averaging 5.72 yards per carry, and the offensive line should be better and deeper than it was in 2023. The pieces are in place for this to be an excellent unit, but they need the crucial final piece of the puzzle, a quarterback they can rely on, to take off.

Auburn 2024 Win Total: 7.5
54. Maryland Terrapins
The Maryland Terrapins averaged 29.7 points per game and were 7-0 when scoring 31 points or more and 1-5 when held under that threshold. Unfortunately for the Terps, a lighter schedule also coincides with the departure of quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. Billy Edwards Jr. and MJ Morris (NC State transfer) are the two candidates vying for the job, and both offer some dual-threat capability. Edwards has more of a rushing upside but has not shown he can carry a two-dimensional offense. They also lost tight end Corey Dyches and leading playmaker Jeshaun Jones, leaving Tai Felton, Kaden Prather, and young tight end Preston Howard. Roman Hemby is probably the team’s most proven weapon, and he’ll need to help carry the running game as the Terrapins likely lean more toward the ground attack.

Maryland 2024 Win Total: 6.5
55. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Mississippi State Bulldogs were put into an impossible position with the untimely death of Mike Leach, and they turned to defensive-minded Zach Arnett to try to keep the ship from sinking completely. It failed, and the Bulldogs were forced to part ways and start over quickly. They have returned to the offensive well and hired Jeff Lebby to reinvigorate the moribund attack. The offense is entirely new, as the offensive line has four starters coming in from the portal, and Blake Shapen is in at quarterback. Mississippi State is counting on UTEP transfer Kelly Akharaiyi and Louisville transfer Kevin Coleman to bring some explosion to an offense that had absolutely none of it a season ago. There is no doubt that Lebby will have a good offense in Starkville in the future, but it will take a bit of a miracle to be consistently competitive in the SEC in year one.

Mississippi State 2024 Win Total: 4.5
56. South Carolina Gamecocks
The South Carolina Gamecocks were boom or bust in 2023. That was partly due to their schedule, partly due to injuries, and partly due to wildly erratic play. Spencer Rattler is gone, and South Carolina turns to potential breakout star LaNorris Sellers. Sellers is a dual-threat quarterback who will be among the more exciting players in the SEC, but it would be unwise to expect him to produce at a high level immediately. Sellers will likely have a few weeks where he will look fantastic and the Gamecocks upset an opponent or two. There will also be weeks where he seems as inexperienced as he is. The more significant concern is that the cast around Sellers is suspect. The offensive line was awful in 2023, and they are relying on Rocket Sanders to be healthy and shoulder the load of running back. The wide receiver room is starting over, and South Carolina faces a demanding schedule.

South Carolina 2024 Win Total: 5.5
57. Washington Huskies
Ranking Washington here is a gigantic shrug of the shoulders and an admittance that they are a complete mystery. Jedd Fisch comes in from Arizona, and the Huskies have to replace nearly every major piece from the 2023 elite attack, and it could be a surprise either way. Will Rogers will start at quarterback after transferring from Mississippi State. He’s a good fit as an accurate short and medium-range passer. That’s precisely what Fisch and offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll wanted at Arizona. The top four receivers and best tight end from last season are all gone, so players like Denzel Boston and Giles Jackson have to go from being bit players to leaders. At running back, Jonah Coleman will lead after transferring from Arizona. This is an entirely new offense, and the range of outcomes is extensive.

Washington 2024 Win Total: 6.5
58. Kentucky Wildcats
The success of the Kentucky Wildcats largely depends on whether or not Brock Vandagriff is worth the hype as a former blue-chip prospect. The transfer from Georgia has not seen the field yet, and he is now the unquestioned starter for the Wildcats. Star running back Ray Davis covered a lot of issues in 2023, and he’s gone. UK needs the offensive line to improve, and Ohio State transfer DeaMonte “Chip” Trayanum to be their new battering ram. Trayanum will not provide much explosiveness, so they must find that in the passing game. The one area that should not be questioned is wide receiver, as the Wildcats return Dane Key and Barion Brown, both of which can stretch the field. If Vandagriff is ready for his starting role and can shine, Kentucky will outperform this ranking, but if he struggles or is merely average, the Wildcats will not reach the 29.1 points per game they averaged in 2023.

Kentucky 2024 Win Total: 6.5
59. Baylor Bears
Dave Aranda is under a lot of pressure in Waco, and he will rely on dynamic transfer quarterback Dequan Finn to jolt the offense and guide the Bears to a bowl game. Finn comes to Baylor from Toledo and has a pair of good wide receivers, Monaray Baldwin and Ketron Jackson. The offensive line is the key. It was the worst line in the Big 12 last season, and the Bears have to get that fixed, or nothing else will matter. That was a young line, and Aranda hopes a year of experience will significantly help. Plus, a pair of transfers are joining to battle for a starting spot. If the line can reach average play in the Big 12, the Bears will jump forward, but it might not be enough to save Aranda.

Baylor 2024 Win Total: 5.5
60. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers were, to be blunt, a disaster on offense. The offensive line was alright, and the running backs were above average, but the passing game and quarterback play was an albatross that sunk the Huskers on multiple occasions. Enter true freshman and five-star recruit Dylan Raiola. Labeling him the savior is unfair, but in reality, he’s been treated as one, and the expectations are sky-high. The bar is relatively low for him to improve the attack. He needs to take care of the ball and provide accurate throws to a reinvigorated group of receivers led by Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor. If they can eliminate most of the crippling turnovers, the offense will take a step forward, and the schedule offers an opportunity for Nebraska to go from a step forward to a leap forward.

Nebraska 2024 Win Total: 7.5
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes had an outstanding 2023 season, but it was considered a disappointment, given the talent level in Columbus. Losing Marvin Harrison Jr. is a significant blow, but despite that, this offense is even more talented than last year. Another loss to Michigan and then watching the Maize and Blue hoist the national title served as a call to arms for the Buckeye faithful. They have gone all in, acquiring talent via the transfer portal to build perhaps the most impressive roster in the country. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson form an elite one-two punch in the backfield. Wide receiver is loaded with Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Bryson Rodgers, and Brandon Inniss, plus the arrival of incoming freshman Jeremiah Smith. Smith is a generational talent that will immediately have an impact, and his ceiling in Year 1 is All-Big Ten. The offensive line should be among the nation’s best with the return of Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, plus portal addition Seth McLaughlin. The only question marks are at tight end and quarterback. Gee Scott and Will Kacmarek are likely not big difference makers at tight end. Will Howard arrives from Kansas State and should provide more of a running threat than the departed Kyle McCord, but it’s unclear how big of an upgrade he is as a passer. It’s not inconceivable that true freshman Julian Sayin ends up pushing Howard for snaps at QB1. The cherry on top of the sundae is former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State 2024 Win Total: 10.5

Ranking College Football’s Top 60 Offenses for the 2024 Season

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