Georgia owns way-too-early rankings, consensus top team for 2024

The Michigan Wolverines just won the 2023 national title over the Washington Huskies, but for the rest of the country, attention has already turned to 2024. With that, we’ve got way-too-early rankings released by several different outlets all with one thing in common: the Georgia Bulldogs at No. 1.

Listed as favorites according to FanDuel, Kirby Smart and company were one of the top teams in 2023. UGA fell just short of its attempt at a three-peat, losing in the SEC Championship Game by three points to Alabama and missing out on the College Football Playoffs. With the likes of quarterback Carson Beck, – considered by some as one of the favorites to take home the Heisman Trophy – and linebacker Smael Mondon set to return alongside All-American safety Malaki Starks on top of the new players added to the team in a top-ranked Class of 2024 and through the transfer portal, it’s easy to understand why folks consider the Bulldogs to be the best headed into next season.

It won’t be easy for the Bulldogs though. They’ve got a tough schedule ahead of them for 2024 in a new-look SEC. Texas and Oklahoma join the league, and divisions are a thing of the past. With that, gone are the days of playing the SEC East. Instead, Georgia gets road trips to Tuscaloosa, Austin and Oxford to play three of the consensus top 10 teams in the country. Also away from home is a date with Clemson in the season-opener (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta) to set the stage for a slate that includes tough tests against teams like Tennessee and Georgia Tech featured in at least one way-too-early look, plus rivals Florida and Auburn.

Below is a compilation of what five outlets had to say about the Bulldogs, each ranking Georgia at No. 1…

ESPN: After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff for the third straight season, the Bulldogs reloaded with another No. 1-ranked recruiting class and blasted Florida State 63-3 in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Georgia has won 30 of its past 31 games and 46 of 48. 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. Georgia’s demanding slate includes SEC road games at Kentucky, Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss. Replacing Bowers and McConkey presents a challenge, but the Bulldogs have stockpiled tight ends and receivers. Adding Etienne, who ran for 1,472 yards with 14 touchdowns at Florida the past two seasons combined, was important with Edwards and Kendall Milton departing. Developing depth in the interior defensive line and in the secondary will be a priority in the spring.

On3: The Bulldogs return Heisman Trophy contender Carson Beck at quarterback, a veteran offensive line and a young defense chalked with blue-chip prospects who gained lots of experience in 2023. Kirby Smart also inked the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and landed impact transfers like Trevor Etienne, London Humphreys and Colbie Young.

USA TODAY: After this year’s setback, the Bulldogs start their quest to get back to the top of the college football mountain with Carson Beck returning as one of the elite quarterbacks in the country. Incoming Florida transfer Trevor Etienne will help at running back, and there’s enough talent at receiver and tight end to make this an upper-echelon offense. The defense was slightly down in 2023 but should be capable of getting back to its usual high standard with LB Smael Mondon and DB Malaki Starks leading the way.

Sporting News: The Bulldogs will be right back in the national championship hunt because Kirby Smart has amassed so much talent through recruiting. Carson Beck is back at quarterback, and Florida running back Trevor Etienne and Miami receiver Colbie Young were key additions through the portal. The defense is loaded with four- and five-star talent that will be playing with a reborn edge. The opener at Clemson (Aug. 31) precedes road games at Alabama (Sept. 28) and Texas (Oct. 19). This team has the depth built to handle that schedule and a 12-team CFP run. 

Athlon Sports: The Bulldogs fell short in their quest for a three-peat national championship run thanks to a loss in the SEC Championship to Alabama. The ’24 season could be a revenge tour of sorts as coach Kirby Smart’s team looks to get back to the top of college football with a difficult slate that includes road trips to play Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas. Quarterback Carson Beck returns after a standout debut, and the Bulldogs reloaded the supporting cast through the portal with key additions in running back Trevor Etienne (Florida) and at receiver with Colbie Young (Miami) and London Humphreys (Vanderbilt). Smart has a few holes to fill on defense, but as usual, this group will rank among the best in the nation.