Preseason Rankings 50-26: Home of the Group of 5 Future Champions

 College football is officially back today and that means I've got to get to work and finish these rankings. Only Sam Houston State was in action on this penultimate list with the Bearkats suffering a collapse at the hands of Western Kentucky. The day started in one island (Ireland) and ended on another (Hawaii).

Here's a look at those teams that are just on the outside looking in at the Top 25.

The Panthers are going to try and make everyone forget the Pirates were so terrible this season by capturing an ACC title.

50.  Pitt

Last Year Finish (67, 7-6)

A Quick Note: The Panthers started the season 7-0 and then they decided to take the rest of the year off.

Prediction: 7-5

49. Washington 

Last Year Finish (73, 6-7)

A Quick Note: The Huskies were in hangover mode after making the National Championship in 2023.

Prediction: 8-4

48. Ohio 

Last Year Finish (15, 11-3, MAC Champions)

A Quick Note: Tim Albin did what Frank Solich couldn't, win the MAC, and then bolted. Now it's up to Brian Smith to take over the reins.

Prediction: 6-6

47 Sam Houston State. 

Last Year Finish (25, 10-3)

A Quick Note: Phil Longo looked like he was going to have a good coaching debut and then the Hilltoppers decided to score the final 21 points of the game to win 41-24.

Prediction: 6-6

46. Georgia Tech 

Last Year Finish (60, 7-6)

A Quick Note: The Yellow Jackets were 2-3 against teams from the Top 25 with both wins coming against top ten teams.

Prediction: 7-5

Jim Mora Jr. is clearly upset that I forgot they were good last season.

45. UConn 

Last Year Finish (38, 9-4)

A Quick Note: The Huskies finished with a winning record for the first time since 2010 when they played in the Big East (RIP).

Prediction: 8-4

44. Liberty 

Last Year Finish (39, 8-4)

A Quick Note: The Flames were a team of streaks starting 5-0, going 5-2, then 8-2, and finishing 8-4.

Prediction: 10-2

43. James Madison 

Last Year Finish (35, 9-4)

A Quick Note: It doesn't matter who the coach is at James Madison, they are on easy mode since joining the FBS.

Prediction: 9-3

42. Oklahoma 

Last Year Finish (78, 6-7)

A Quick Note: The Sooners are the highest ranked team that had a losing record in 2024, so at least Brent Venables has that going for him.

Prediction: 6-6

41. USC 

Last Year Finish (61, 7-6)

A Quick Note: The Trojans struggled in their transition year to the Big Ten.

Prediction: 7-5

Row the boat to mediocrity.

40. Minnesota 

Last Year Finish (48, 8-5)

A Quick Note: Getting doused in mayonnaise was the highlight for PJ Fleck and the Gophers.

Prediction: 7-5

39. Nebraska 

Last Year Finish (63, 7-6)

A Quick Note: Remember when Nebraska was a powerhouse? Matt Rhule is 12-13 in two years, and it's been since 2012 when the Cornhuskers last won 10 games.

Prediction: 7-5

38. Colorado 

Last Year Finish (33, 9-4)

A Quick Note: Can Deion do it without his son? We'll soon find out.

Prediction: 5-7

37. Tulane 

Last Year Finish (41, 9-5)

A Quick Note: The Green Wave remained competitive even under a first-year coach. 

Prediction: 9-3

36. UNLV 

Last Year Finish (16, 11-3)

A Quick Note: The Dan Mullen era started off a little bumpy as they barely snuck past Idaho State (FCS) and became the first team with a Win Average above 200.

Prediction: 8-4

Kirk Ferentz has over 200 wins but is just 10-11 in bowl games.

35. Iowa 

Last Year Finish (51, 8-5)

A Quick Note: Kirk Ferentz is back for year 27 at Iowa and there's no doubt that it still won't result in his first Big Ten Championship since 2004.

Prediction: 7-5

34. Texas A&M 

Last Year Finish (47, 8-5)

A Quick Note: The Aggies finished on a sour note losing four of their final five games.

Prediction: 7-5

33. Duke 

Last Year Finish (37, 9-4)

A Quick Note: The Blue Devils lost their QB and their coach and still managed to win nine games last season.

Prediction: 8-4

32. Baylor 

Last Year Finish (46, 8-5)

A Quick Note: The Bears took a six-game winning streak into bowl season before getting knocked around by LSU.

Prediction: 8-4

31. TCU 

Last Year Finish (34, 9-4)

A Quick Note: The Horned Frogs finished hot winning six of their final seven.

Prediction: 8-4

It'll be a tough act to follow for Brian Newberry after a successful 2024.

30. Navy 

Last Year Finish (23, 10-3)

A Quick Note: Brian Newberry won 10 games, beat Army, and knocked off an SEC team in a bowl game, and that was just year one.

Prediction: 9-3

29. Texas Tech 

Last Year Finish (44, 8-5)

A Quick Note: The Big 12 is wide open after some key player departures, could the Red Raiders take advantage? 

Prediction: 8-4

28. Syracuse 

Last Year Finish (17, 10-3)

A Quick Note: Can Fran Brown and Syracuse win without Kyle McCord?

Prediction: 7-5

27. Florida 

Last Year Finish (45, 8-5)

A Quick Note: The Gators snapped their three-year losing streak last season.

Prediction: 6-6

26. Michigan 

Last Year Finish (43, 8-5)

A Quick Note: It's a new Michigan tradition to have your coach suspended for at least 3 games every year. But as long as they beat Ohio State, then who cares.

Prediction: 8-4