ESPN predicts Georgia will bounce back in a big way in 2024

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Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

 

ESPN predicts Georgia will bounce back in a big way in 2024

By Andrew Kulha  |  Last updated 1/9/24

The confetti from Michigan’s College Football Playoff National Championship win is still probably in trash bags behind Houston’s NRG Stadium, but it’s never too early to discuss the upcoming college football season.

That’s clearly what the folks over at ESPN felt, as they have already released a “way-too-early” college football Top 25 ranking for the 2024 season.

 

Most of the programs that you’d expect find themselves up near the top of the list, but it’s worth noting that despite missing the CFP for the first time in three seasons, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach is bullish on the Georgia Bulldogs bouncing back in a big way.

 

How big?

 

According to these rankings, UGA is ranked ahead of everybody, and that includes the rising Texas Longhorns as well as the defending champion Wolverines.

 

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Head coach Kirby Smart simply reloaded on talent on the recruiting trail, bringing in 2024’s top-ranked class to stack onto 2023’s No. 2-ranked class.

 

Schlabach is also expecting quarterback Carson Beck to make a huge difference as a senior.

 

“The winning might not slow down with starting quarterback Carson Beck opting to return for his senior season. His experience will be invaluable during a 2024 schedule that kicks off with a high-stakes opener against Clemson in Atlanta,” he wrote.

 

Georgia will be losing tight end Brock Bowers to the NFL, but the Bulldogs did just recently poach Florida running back Trevor Etienne in the transfer portal. Etienne rushed for 753 yards and eight touchdowns last season for the Gators and should be an immediate impact player for UGA.

 

Texas lands at No. 2 in the rankings, followed by Oregon at No. 3 and Alabama at No. 4.

 

Michigan is expected to fall off next season and may not even have Jim Harbaugh as head coach, so it isn’t surprising to see the Wolverines land at No. 6 here. Washington, on the other hand, falls all the way to No. 11 with Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk leaving.

 

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