Welcome to my Final 134 Faculty Soccer Rankings — end-of-season version!
A rating of your complete Soccer Subdivision is a service I wished to offer at the start of the yr and on the finish of the common season, as a result of I wished to acknowledge not simply all of the groups within the FBS, however all of these groups courageous sufficient to area 11 on all sides of the ball and play 12 video games within the hardest division of the game.
This season is especially fascinating on the subject of performing a rating of this measurement as a result of we’ve obtained such volatility within the sport because of the emergence of the switch portal, fast eligibility upon switch, the usage of identify, picture and likeness, unprecedented motion amongst groups from convention to convention, and the introduction of the 12-team format of the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
In performing a rating like this, the problem shifted from that of the preseason, the place I used all obtainable information to create a rating primarily based on who I believed the very best groups have been initially of the season, to utilizing empirical proof, in addition to the attention check, to evaluate a rating for every crew. Naturally, groups that received extra video games are ranked larger, however I additionally thought-about 5 different necessary elements when finalizing these rankings:
1. Did this crew have a signature win? Michigan’s upset of Ohio State is one instance of a signature win, the sort that throws into flux not simply the fast way forward for OSU, however that of these related to their power of file all through the game.
2. How did you fare in opposition to ranked opponents? A crew like South Carolina, which performed 9 groups that have been ranked in my prime 25 at one time or one other all through the season, deserves recognition for the powerful schedule it performed.
3. Did you fireplace your head coach earlier than the season ended? If the top coach was sufficient of an obstacle to profitable that the athletic director made the choice to fireplace him in the course of the season, that has to depend in opposition to how we would view a crew that’s, by definition, and not using a everlasting head coach.
4. Did you go bowling? Groups that met the .500 threshold to go bowling this yr need to be ranked forward of most groups who didn’t as a result of profitable issues. Nonetheless, I did make exceptions. Kansas, as an illustration, received simply 5 video games however beat three ranked opponents in a row to show their benefit.
5. Did you begin quick or end robust? Baylor completed the season with six consecutive wins, whereas Pittsburgh completed with 5 consecutive losses.
This Final 134 Faculty Soccer Rating serves to place the 12-game common season into perspective — not the postseason. Whereas I’ll carry out one other prime 25, it bears mentioning 119 packages received’t be in it. And that is as a lot for them as it’s for Oregon followers, who get to see their undefeated Geese sitting at No. 1.
With that, here’s a have a look at my Final 134 Faculty Soccer Rankings on the conclusion of the 2024 faculty soccer common season.
Have a difficulty with my rankings? Suppose your alma mater is simply too low, or your college’s rival is simply too excessive? Get at me on Twitter, @RJ_Young, and I am going to choose my favourite tweets and reply to them in a future article.
1. Oregon Geese
File: 12-0
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 4
The Geese have the dignity of being the one crew to run the desk at 12-0. They’ll enter the Massive Ten Championship Recreation in opposition to Penn State as the favourite and with the very best likelihood of profitable the No. 1 total seed within the first-ever 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff.
File: 11-1
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 3
The Longhorns completed the common season 11-1 and punched their ticket to the SEC Championship Recreation for a rematch with the one crew that beat them this season. Their win in opposition to Texas A&M all however secured their spot within the 12-team CFP, no matter whether or not they win the league title recreation.
3. Notre Dame Preventing Irish
File: 11-1
Convention: Impartial
Authentic 134 Rating: 16
The Preventing Irish closed out the common season with a win over USC, placing them at 11-1, with their lone loss coming to an upstart Northern Illinois crew that has since regarded prefer it was enjoying properly above its head.
Notre Dame’s wins in opposition to Texas A&M, Military and Navy contributed to what ought to be an invite to the CFP with an opportunity to host a playoff recreation.
File: 11-1
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 14
Penn State put collectively an 11-1 season and a possibility to not simply win its first Massive Ten Championship since 2016, however to unseat the No. 1 crew within the nation and maybe win the No. 1 seed within the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
That is additionally the primary time Penn State has received 11 video games within the common season since 2008.
File: 11-1
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 97
The Hoosiers made historical past this season as the primary Indiana crew to win 10 video games in a season. With their solely loss coming in opposition to a top-10 Ohio State crew, the Hoosiers have proven sufficient to earn an invite to the CFP for the primary time.
Not dangerous for a program that had received simply 9 video games within the earlier three years — mixed.
File: 10-2
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 2
Having earned the appropriate to play for the SEC Championship following Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma, the Dawgs completed 10-2 after an 8OT thriller in opposition to rival Georgia Tech. Barring a devastating loss within the title recreation, Georgia ought to be one of many 12 groups enjoying for the nationwide title in three weeks.
File: 10-2
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 1
The Buckeyes have been within the driver’s seat to safe a spot within the Massive Ten Championship Recreation, lock up a assured spot within the CFP, and finish a depressing three-game shedding streak to their hated rivals. Then, all of it got here aside.
The Buckeyes fell to the Wolverines, 13-10, and Ryan Day turned the primary head coach to lose 4 video games in a row to Michigan since John Cooper (1988 to 1991).
8. SMU Mustangs
File: 11-1
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 32
The Mustangs completed the common season 11-1 and have the possibility to win the ACC Championship of their first yr of membership in opposition to perennial ACC championship contender Clemson.
File: 10-2
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 13
With a win in opposition to Vanderbilt, Tennessee put itself within the dialogue as one of many 12 greatest groups within the sport. There is no such thing as a doubt the Vols boast one of many sport’s greatest tailbacks in Dylan Sampson. He completed the common season with 1,485 dashing yards — together with 178 in opposition to Vandy — and 22 TDs.
10. Arizona State Solar Devils
File: 10-2
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 56
Kenny Dillingham put himself within the Coach of the Yr dialog with top-of-the-line turnarounds within the sport. His Solar Devils went from 3-9 final yr to enjoying for the Massive 12 championship this season.
File: 9-3
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 9
The Tide licked their wounds after a devastating loss to Oklahoma final week to win the Iron Bowl. However the defending SEC champs must watch another person win the league crown this season. Nonetheless, a 10-win season is inside attain for Kalen DeBoer in Yr 1 in Tuscaloosa.
File: 11-1
Convention: Mountain West
Authentic 134 Rating: 44
Whereas Ashton Jeanty is placing collectively the best yr by a working again since 1988, the Broncos have received 11 video games for the primary time since 2019. Their lone loss got here to the No. 1 crew within the nation on the street, on the final play of the sport.
File: 10-1
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 101
Military capped its greatest season since 1996 with 10 wins and earned the appropriate to play for the American Athletic Convention title for the primary time ever.
File: 10-2
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 26
The Hurricanes blew a 21-0 lead in opposition to Syracuse on the street, and, with it, their likelihood to play for the ACC title. Now, at 10-2, the Hurricanes need to depend on the choice committee’s view of their résumé for any hope of receiving an invite to the 12-team playoff.
File: 10-2
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 25
The Cyclones began the season 7-0 and have been ranked inside the highest 12 of the AP Ballot. After shedding two in a row in early-November, they bounced again and received their remaining three video games, securing the primary 10-win season at school historical past.
File: 9-3
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 61
The Gamecocks beat a whopping six ranked opponents this yr — together with 4 of their final 5 — and all three of their losses got here to packages who have been ranked after they performed South Carolina.
The Gamecocks, who beat Clemson within the final recreation of the common season, will hope the Tigers win the ACC title to assist bolster their argument for an invite to the CFP.
17. Ole Miss Rebels
File: 9-3
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 6
The Rebels completed with 9 wins for the third time in 4 years, however this season shall be judged as a failure for Lane Kiffin and a roster constructed to earn an invite to the CFP.
18. Clemson Tigers
File: 9-3
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 19
The Tigers bounced again from a 34-3 loss to Georgia to complete with 9 wins for the 14th yr in a row and can play for the ACC title on Saturday. A win in opposition to SMU not solely books Clemson’s room on the CFP, however may imply South Carolina will get to come back too.
19. BYU Cougars
File: 10-2
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 48
BYU began the season 9-0 and ranked as excessive as No. 6 within the CFP Rankings. The Cougars misplaced two in a row down the stretch, however managed to cap off the common season with a 30-18 win over Houston, this system’s Tenth victory of the yr.
20. Texas A&M Aggies
File: 8-4
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 22
Following a loss to Notre Dame within the opening week of the season, the Aggies ran off seven straight wins and have been ranked No. 10 within the nation. However Mike Elko’s crew misplaced three of their remaining 4, together with a loss to in-state foe Texas within the regular-season finale.
File: 9-3
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 41
The Buffaloes flipped their season from 2023 (4-8) into top-of-the-line tales of the yr, with Travis Hunter changing into the primary participant in FBS historical past to file a minimum of 1,000 receiving yards, 10 TDs and a number of INTs in a single season.
And whereas Shedeur Sanders set the single-season file for passing yards at Colorado with 3,926, he additionally leads the nation in passing TDs with 35.
22. Memphis Tigers
File: 10-2
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 37
The Tigers earned a win in opposition to Florida State in Week 3 after which knocked off No. 17 Tulane on Thanksgiving to make sure no crew enjoying within the AAC title recreation would have extra wins than Memphis.
Mario Anderson rushed for 1,252 yards within the common season, together with 177 within the Tigers’ upset of TU to complete the season.
23. Missouri Tigers
File: 9-3
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 10
Missouri completed with 9 or extra wins in back-to-back years for the primary time since 2014, and the Tigers did it the arduous approach. Six of their 9 wins got here in opposition to energy convention opponents, and all however certainly one of them have been determined by a single possession.
24. Illinois Preventing Illini
File: 9-3
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 87
Bret Bielema’s squad started the season 4-0 and received six of their first seven, together with wins in opposition to then-top 25-ranked opponents Kansas, Nebraska and Michigan. The nine-win season is Illinois’ first since 2007.
25. UNLV Rebels
File: 10-2
Convention: Mountain West
Authentic 134 Rating: 69
The ten-win season by the Rebels is their first since 1984, and so they have a shot to not simply avenge their loss to Boise State within the Mountain West Championship, however to maybe punch their ticket to the CFP with a program-tying eleventh win this season.
File: 10-2
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 45
Within the preseason 134, I wrote that Cameron Whitfield and Jordan Lawson must be nice if Louisiana wished to be nice, too. The duo mixed to guide Louisiana in sacks, with 5 and 4, respectively, whereas Whitfield recorded two pressured fumbles. Add to this, South Alabama and Tulane are the one packages to defeat the Ragin’ Cajuns.
File: 9-3
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 66
The Inexperienced Wave misplaced only one recreation this season to a non-Energy 4 crew, and it was to a 10-win crew in Memphis. Operating again Makhi Hughes rushed for greater than 1,300 yards for the second season in a row to propel Tulane to the convention title recreation.
28. LSU Tigers
File: 8-4
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 7
The Tigers bounced again from a gap loss to USC and the lack of working again John Emery and linebacker Harold Perkins to harm, to win six in a row earlier than struggling a three-game shedding streak that relegated what may’ve been a 3rd straight 10-win season right into a yr of missed alternatives.
File: 8-4
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 18
The Wildcats have only one loss in opposition to a crew that at the moment is not ranked inside the highest 25 (Houston). Operating again DJ Giddens went over 1,300 yards dashing.
30. Syracuse Orange
File: 9-3
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 81
Kyle McCord entered Week 14 seeking to end the common season as essentially the most prolific passer within the nation with 3,946 yards and 9 video games of 300 passing yards or extra. In his remaining recreation for the Orange, McCord threw for 380 yards with three TDs in an upset of No. 6 Miami.
File: 8-4
Convention: Pac-12
Authentic 134 Rating: 93
Regardless of shedding presumptive Heisman finalist Cam Ward to the switch portal, Wazzu managed to earn a prime 25 rating throughout the common season and can go bowling for the third time in 4 years.
File: 7-5
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 8
The Wolverines started the season and not using a clear reply at quarterback, and after beginning three totally different gamers on the place, they have been pressured to choose Davis Warren, a participant who has thrown extra INTs than TDs this season.
Whereas the emergence of Kalel Mullings felt like discovered cash, Donovan Edwards’ disappearing act was disconcerting. Edwards, who was featured on the quilt of EA Sports activities’ “Faculty Soccer 25,” by no means discovered the shape he confirmed within the postseason the final two years.
And except for Colston Loveland, the Wolverines lacked a dominant receiving menace in Sherrone Moore’s first yr on the helm.
Regardless of all of that, the Wolverines upset No. 2 Ohio State on the street, 13-10, forcing the Buckeyes to crumble like a soft-baked cookie. When Wolverine gamers tried to plant their flag on the O-block on the 50-yard line, Ohio State gamers engaged them in an altercation.
Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and U-M’s solely landing, mentioned it greatest: “They gotta learn to lose.”
Kalel Mullings on scuffle after Michigan vs. Ohio State – ‘That is dangerous for the sport. Classless’
33. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
File: 8-4
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 67
The Gamecocks completed convention play 7-1 with an opportunity to safe their first league title in simply their second yr in FBS play. Since becoming a member of C-USA, the Gamecocks are 13-3 in opposition to convention foes.
34. Ohio Bobcats
File: 9-3
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 117
The Bobcats responded to shedding their All-MAC QB Kurtis Rourke to Indiana with a visit to the MAC Championship Recreation. QB Parker Navaro threw for 1,934 yards and rushed for 876 yards this season.
35. Liberty Flames
File: 8-3
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 42
The Flames couldn’t observe up their 2023 season with one other 13-win yr, however they did win 5 in a row earlier than struggling their first loss. The one downside is that they completed the second half of their schedule 3-3.
File: 8-4
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 39
In his first yr, Bob Chesney’s crew dropped 70 on North Carolina in a signature win. QB Alonza Barrett handed for greater than 2,400 yards and rushed for greater than 400 yards to make sure the Dukes continued their file of profitable a minimum of eight video games in each FSB season they’ve performed thus far.
37. Sam Houston State Bearkats
File: 9-3
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 109
Head coach KC Keeler took the teachings realized from the Bearkats’ first yr in FBS — going 3-9 — and used them to flip SHSU right into a winner with quarterback Hunter Watson working and passing for greater than 2,000 yards. Within the preseason, I wrote that this crew ought to throw a celebration in the event that they reached six wins. And now they’re a win away from placing collectively a 10-win season in solely their second yr in FBS play. Bravo, Bearkats.
38. Duke Blue Devils
File: 9-3
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 51
Manny Diaz’s first yr was a convincing success as his Blue Devils ensured a third-straight season of eight or extra wins for the primary time since 2015. In a topsy-turvy season, the Blue Devils seem like a constant menace to title contenders within the ACC.
File: 9-3
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 71
Defensive lineman Mike Inexperienced leads all FBS gamers in sacks with 15 and has additionally pressured three fumbles on a Thundering Herd crew that was excellent at dwelling (6-0). Marshall punched its ticket to the Solar Belt Championship Recreation with a win over James Madison within the regular-season finale.
40. Navy Midshipmen
File: 8-3
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 108
The Midshipmen started the season 6-0 earlier than taking their first loss to Notre Dame. Nonetheless, with a win in opposition to Military, Navy can win 9 video games for the primary time since 2019.
File: 8-4
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 35
The Cardinals had a signature win over Clemson earlier this season. All however certainly one of their losses (Stanford) got here to packages which can be at the moment, or have been, ranked within the prime 25.
42. Buffalo Bulls
File: 8-4
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 120
Bulls linebackers Shaun Dolac and Crimson Murdock are the 2 most prolific tacklers within the sport. Buffalo coach Pete Lembo is constructing a program that ought to compete for the MAC Championship within the close to future.
File: 8-4
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 77
The RedHawks put collectively an 8-4 season and clinched a spot within the MAC Championship Recreation in opposition to Ohio, regardless of starting the season 1-4. Not dangerous for a program who misplaced their Lou Groza Award winner to Alabama by way of the switch portal.
44. Iowa Hawkeyes
File: 8-4
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 24
Kaleb Johnson is the best tailback within the Massive Ten with over 1,500 dashing yards and 21 TDs this season. This season marks the twelfth in a row that Iowa has gone bowling.
45. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
File: 8-4
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 59
The Hilltoppers have three losses to groups which can be going bowling, two of which have been ranked within the prime 25 this season in BC and Bama. The Hilltoppers face the Gamecocks for the C-USA title in a rematch of their regular-season finale.
46. Baylor Bears
File: 8-4
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 69
Midway by way of the season, the Bears have been gazing a 2-4 file earlier than Dave Aranda discovered a method that led to 5 consecutive wins in opposition to convention opponents, giving Baylor followers motive to be optimistic concerning the 2025 season.
47. Texas Christian Horned Frogs
File: 8-4
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 47
Quarterback Josh Hoover would possibly’ve been the Massive 12 Offensive Participant of the Yr had TCU received a pair extra video games. He threw for a minimum of 300 yards and two TDs in six video games this season.
48. Texas Tech Crimson Raiders
File: 8-4
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 34
Tahj Brooks loved a record-breaking season with over 1,300 yards on the bottom for the second-consecutive season. Maybe the season didn’t finish because the Crimson Raiders had hoped, however they’ve steadily made positive factors towards changing into the Massive 12 title contender they imagine their program is able to being within the CFP period.
File: 6-6
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 99
The Commodores are top-of-the-line tales of the season. Not solely did they beat then-No. 1-ranked Alabama, however they’re going bowling for the primary time since 2018 and have an opportunity to win seven video games for the primary time since 2013.
50. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
File: 7-5
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 53
The Yellow Jackets knocked off groups ranked within the prime 10 — Florida State and Miami — on the time that they performed. They’ve continued to seem like a crew one or two performs away from becoming a member of the higher echelon of the ACC. The Yellow Jackets turned their rivalry recreation with Georgia into an 8OT basic that they misplaced on the finish, however with a longtime id that Brent Pry can construct round heading into their bowl recreation.
51. Bowling Inexperienced Falcons
File: 7-5
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 94
Harold Fanning is the very best tight finish within the Group of 5 and can be a worthy winner of the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s greatest tight finish. He totaled 100 catches for 1,342 yards with 9 receiving TDs on a crew that received 5 of its final six.
52. Toledo Rockets
File: 7-5
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 80
Reaching a excessive level within the season with a win in opposition to Mississippi State, the Rockets struggled to point out that kind throughout convention play.
53. Arkansas State Crimson Wolves
File: 7-5
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 65
Butch Jones’ Crimson Wolves have been a wild journey in 2024. Solely two of their losses weren’t a blowout — 28-18 to Michigan and 40-32 to Previous Dominion — and all however certainly one of their wins was a one-score recreation.
File: 7-5
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 91
The Panthers started 7-0 and ranked inside the highest 25. Then, they misplaced the subsequent 5 video games in a row. Which means Pitt hasn’t received a single recreation since Oct. 24.
File: 7-5
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 114
After firing head coach Mike Houston, East Carolina promptly received four-straight and completed with a 7-5 file. In all 4 wins, the Pirates scored 38 factors or extra.
56. Florida Gators
File: 7-5
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 56
The Gators have been 4-5 after they beat LSU and Ole Miss to earn bowl-eligibility in a yr that regarded prefer it could possibly be Billy Napier’s final in Gainesville. Now, with gifted freshman DJ Lagway at QB, the Gators already really feel like a crew seeking to enter the highest 25 subsequent season in the event that they hit the switch portal.
File: 7-5
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 95
The Huskies performed their greatest soccer on the street after they knocked off beforehand unbeaten Notre Dame. Heading into the postseason, Thomas Hammock’s crew is the one one that may make that declare.
File: 8-4
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 96
Jay Norvell entered this season with an 8-16 file by way of two years. Needing a breakthrough season, his Rams completed with eight wins for the primary time since 2014 and can go bowling for the primary time since 2017.
Utah State Aggies vs. Colorado State Rams Highlights
File: 8-4
Convention: Impartial
Authentic 134 Rating: 107
Jim Mora has quietly pulled off one of many extra spectacular returns to relevance within the sport. After 12 consecutive shedding seasons, the Huskies will end with their first profitable season since 2010 (8-5).
Solely certainly one of their losses this season was a blowout — 50-7 in opposition to Maryland — whereas the others have been by seven factors or fewer to P4 foes Wake Forest, Duke and Syracuse.
60. Kansas Jayhawks
File: 5-7
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 20
The Jayhawks’ file lies about how good this crew was this season. They turned the primary crew with a shedding file to win three-straight video games in opposition to top-25 opponents in FBS historical past.
61. West Virginia Mountaineers
File: 6-6
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 21
West Virginia reached bowl eligibility for the fourth time in 5 years, but it surely looks like endurance is carrying skinny amongst a fan base that watched BYU, Iowa State, Arizona State and Colorado every have a street towards enjoying within the Massive 12 title recreation subsequent week, whereas Utah, Oklahoma State and Kansas struggled.
File: 7-5
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 85
The Eagles started flying excessive with a win in opposition to Florida State on the street and attaining a prime 25 rating within the AP Ballot. Regardless of shedding three in a row at one level, BC completed the common season by profitable three of its final 4. The Eagles received 5 video games at dwelling for the primary time since 2018.
File: 7-5
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 55
The Bobcats completed the common season at 7-5 total and led the Solar Belt in each scoring (37.1 factors) and yards (474.3 yards) per recreation. In addition they boast essentially the most prolific TD passer within the convention in Jordan McCloud (29 TDs).
However the story for the Cats was all about their run recreation: When GJ Kinne’s offense rushed for 190 yards or extra, they have been an ideal 7-0. After they did not rush for 190-plus yards, they have been 0-5.
Kinne additionally turned the primary head coach to clinch back-to-back profitable seasons in Texas State historical past.
64. USC Trojans
File: 6-6
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 17
The Trojans realized what life is like beneath Lincoln Riley and not using a Heisman finalist at quarterback in a aggressive Massive Ten, and it wasn’t enjoyable. Nonetheless, they confirmed flashes of brilliance with a gap win in opposition to LSU and an opportunity to defeat No. 3 Penn State on the Coliseum slipping by way of their fingers.
File: 7-5
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 72
The Gophers have been 2-3 after a devastating loss to Michigan. However they used that loss to regroup and win 4 in a row to succeed in bowl-eligibility. Minnesota completed the common season with a 24-7 victory in opposition to Wisconsin.
Koi Perich made a powerful case for All-Massive Ten choice with 5 passes defended and 5 INTs on a protection that gave up simply 18.4 factors per recreation.
File: 6-6
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 46
Regardless of going bowling, UNC fired head coach Mack Brown earlier than the Tar Heels’ finale in opposition to in-state rival NC State — after which let him coach in that recreation.
Brown, 73, a Corridor of Fame coach and famend for main Texas to its solely nationwide title in 54 years, developed New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and noticed working again Omarion Hampton rush for greater than 1,500 yards and 15 TDs in every of the final two seasons.
Nonetheless, after giving up a school-record 70 factors to James Madison in September and hopes of a visit to the CFP this season dashed, Brown’s ouster felt imminent.
File: 8-4
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 64
The Eagles not solely went into Saturday’s recreation in opposition to Appalachian State with an opportunity to play within the Solar Belt title recreation, however with an opportunity to make sure a profitable file in Statesboro for the primary time since 2020.
File: 6-6
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 29
In a pattern that got here to outline the SEC this season, the Razorbacks picked up their signature win with an upset of then-No. 4-ranked Tennessee in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks will go bowling for the fourth time in 5 years with Sam Pittman as head coach.
69. Oklahoma Sooners
File: 6-6
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 11
Oklahoma performed many of the season with out its beginning offensive line and prime three large receivers. The Sooners modified their beginning quarterback — twice — and fired their offensive coordinator midway by way of the yr. Irrespective of. The Sooners nonetheless picked up a signature win in opposition to then-No. 7 Alabama at dwelling to present the OU devoted a motive to be grateful on Thanksgiving.
70. Auburn Tigers
File: 5-7
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 38
The Tigers regarded like they could possibly be the worst crew within the SEC. However 2024 taught us that even Auburn may beat a top-25 Texas A&M crew in quadruple additional time and earn a signature win in an in any other case troublesome season.
File: 6-6
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 31
Matt Rhule led the Huskers to bowl eligibility and a non-losing season for the primary time since 2016 with a real freshman QB and an offensive coordinator in Dana Holgorsen, who joined this system in November. Rhule was capable of breathe life right into a fan base determined to really feel something aside from despair.
The Huskers received 5 of their first six, have been ranked within the AP High 25 for the primary time in eight years, and earned a signature victory in opposition to rival Colorado this season.
File: 7-5
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 110
Nick Nash proved to be the very best large receiver within the Group of 5 and certainly one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award with over 1,300 yards receiving and 100 catches.
73. Cal Golden Bears
File: 6-6
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 68
Other than changing into the one FBS program to lose to Florida State this season — after a 3-0 begin — and shedding 4 in a row, Justin Wilcox’s program navigated one of many longest schedules within the nation, making cross-country journeys to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Dallas. The Bears will play in a postseason bowl recreation in back-to-back seasons for the primary time since 2018 and 2019.
File: 6-6
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 62
After going 2-4 by way of the primary half of the season, South Alabama received 4 of their subsequent 5 video games. A loss in opposition to Texas State to shut out the common season spoiled the Jaguars’ probabilities of a Solar Belt title. Nonetheless, South Alabama goes bowling for the third yr in a row.
File: 6-6
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 83
The Huskies’ first season within the Massive Ten was a blended bag with a win in opposition to then-No. 10-ranked Michigan and a program-building win in opposition to USC. However losses to Rutgers and Iowa would possibly’ve left UW followers scratching their heads about what to make of Yr 1 beneath Jedd Fisch.
File: 6-6
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 70
The Bulls reached bowl eligibility for the second yr in a row with Alex Golesh as head coach. In addition they scored 35 or extra factors in each win this season.
File: 7-5
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 36
The Scarlet Knights secured bowl eligibility in consecutive seasons for the primary time since 2012. Rutgers received three of its remaining 4 video games of the common season, together with a formidable 41-14 victory over Michigan State within the finale. Operating again Kyle Monangai rushed for greater than 1,000 yards for the second season in a row.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan State Spartans Highlights
File: 6-6
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 52
Regardless of shedding head coach Jeff Tedford initially of the season, the Bulldogs received three of their first 4 video games. Quarterback Mikey Keene has thrown for two,892 yards and 18 touchdowns whereas finishing larger than 70 p.c of his passes.
79. UTSA Roadrunners
File: 6-6
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 49
The Roadrunners performed in seven video games the place they or their opponent scored a minimum of 45 factors. UTSA additionally scored 38 factors or extra in 5 of their final six video games.
80. Appalachian State Mountaineers
‘File: 5-6
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 40
The Mountaineers struggled to search out consistency, even with quarterback Joey Aguilar throwing for a minimum of 200 yards in each recreation performed this season.
File: 5-7
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 27
The Badgers misplaced quarterback Tyler Van Dyke to a season-ending harm however bounced again to play No. 1 Oregon tight, shedding 16-13 again in Week 12. Nonetheless, the offense was dangerous sufficient that Luke Fickell fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo. A double-digit loss to rival Minnesota cemented a shedding season in Madison.
82. North Texas Imply Inexperienced
‘File: 6-6
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 116
Chandler Morris led the American Convention in passing with 3,774 yards and 31 passing touchdowns. Chandler and the Imply Inexperienced began the season 5-1 earlier than shedding 5 in a row. They closed out the yr with a 24-17 win over Temple, making them bowl eligable. The Imply Inexperienced scored 35 factors or extra in seven video games this season.
File: 6-6
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 113
WMU may have folded after opening the season 0-2 with losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State. As a substitute, the Broncos received 5 of their subsequent six. They then closed out the common season with a win over Jap Michigan. In that alone, the Broncos confirmed how a lot they’ve improved since 2023 — after they went 4-8.
‘File: 5-7
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 57
The Bearcats regarded like they have been threatening to contend for a spot within the Massive 12 title recreation by way of Week 8. However shedding 5 in a row not solely doomed any likelihood of competing for the league crown, however left them out of a postseason bowl recreation.
Nonetheless, Corey Kiner proved a playmaking talisman with over 1,000 yards on the bottom.
File: 5-7
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 82
In Yr 1 with Jonathan Smith as head coach, the Spartans completed 5-7 however can construct on the budding relationship between QB Aidan Chiles and WR Nick Marsh. Marsh, a real freshman, led the Spartans in receiving yards and TDs.
File: 6-6
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 58
The Hokies turned the primary P4 crew to endure a defeat to Vanderbilt in additional than two years. In addition they didn’t beat a P4 foe till Week 6 of this season (Stanford). Bhayshul Tuten completed with over 1,000 yards dashing — together with a 266-yard efficiency in opposition to BC.
87. Louisiana-Monroe
‘File: 5-7
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 134
In one of many extra outstanding turnarounds this season, the WarHawks regarded like they have been going to compete for an opportunity to play within the Solar Belt Championship recreation earlier than shedding to South Alabama. Quite a lot of that was because of the play of Ahmad Hardy, who rushed for greater than 1,300 yards dashing and 13 TDs.
88. North Carolina State Wolfpack
File: 6-6
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 31
The Wolfpack started the season trying and enjoying like a prime 25 crew earlier than shedding Grayson McCall to harm for many of the season. The Wolfpack did end the common season with a win over in-state rival North Carolina to develop into bowl eligible.
89. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
‘File: 6-6
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 60
The Chants adopted a 3-0 begin by shedding 4 of their subsequent 5 video games. Nonetheless, Ethan Vasko helped Coastal Carolina develop into bowl eligible by beating Georgia State 48-27 for its sixth win of the season within the common season finale.
‘File: 5-7
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 105
Hawaii had an up-and-down season, however the Rainbow Warriors completed off the marketing campaign with a memorable 38-30 win over New Mexico. Micah Alejado, who was making his first profession begin at quarterback for Hawaii, threw 5 landing passes within the win, one thing no different Hawaii quarterback has ever executed.
‘File: 5-7
Convention: Pac-12
Authentic 134 Rating: 79
The Pac-12 champs have to have a look at the crew they beat for that title (Washington State) and ask how they did not profit from this season. The Beavers began out 4-1, however then misplaced six of their final seven video games to shut out the yr.
File: 5-7
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 89
There have been occasions when Tony Elliott’s crew regarded prefer it was destined to earn entry into the highest 25 — significantly when it obtained off a 4-1 begin with a win in opposition to BC and but once more when the Cavs knocked off Pitt.
File: 5-7
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 129
The Eagles felt like they could be a drive within the MAC after they received 5 of their first seven video games earlier than a four-game shedding streak put an finish to that thought.
94. UCLA Bruins
File: 5-7
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 74
Regardless of shedding their first 5 video games in opposition to P4 foes, the Bruins discovered their ft in Yr 1 beneath DeShaun Foster, profitable three in a row to climb out of the underside of the Massive Ten.
95. Utah Utes
File: 5-7
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 12
The Utes by no means regarded wholesome sufficient to compete at a excessive degree this season, going by way of 5 QBs and taking one of many largest nosedives within the rankings by a preseason league-title contender.
File: 4-8
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 86
The Demon Deacons completed the common season 4-8 and and not using a single win in opposition to a program with a profitable file. In addition they gave up 40 or extra factors in 5 video games this season.
File: 5-7
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 125
The Bulldogs struggled to attain this season, accounting for simply 21.2 factors per recreation. Their 12-7 win in opposition to Western Kentucky was their solely victory in opposition to a crew with a profitable file.
98. Arizona Wildcats
‘File: 4-8
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 23
The Wildcats tried to lean on their QB-WR duo of Noah Fifita and Tetaroia McMillan, however that wasn’t sufficient to construct on their magic season a yr in the past. As a substitute, Arizona completed 4-8 total and simply 2-7 within the Massive 12.
Regardless of this, McMillan entered the ultimate week of the season as certainly one of three finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s greatest receiver.
File: 5-7
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 90
The Falcons have been unable to lean on their dashing assault like they’ve in years previous. In actual fact, they didn’t win a recreation in opposition to an FBS opponent till Nov. 9. However Air Power was capable of shut out the season with a four-game profitable streak.
100. Maryland Terrapins
‘File: 4-10
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 33
Mike Locksley’s Terps started the season 4-3 earlier than shedding their final 5 video games by a mean of almost 23 factors per recreation. In what may’ve been a magical yr for this program, Maryland completed second from final within the 18-team Massive Ten.
101. Previous Dominion Monarchs
File: 5-7
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 73
Previous Dominion performed many of the season with out star linebacker Jason Henderson and didn’ earn its first win till Week 5 of the season. The Monarchs run-game was its greatest asset in 2024, placing up greater than 190 yards per recreation this season.
‘File: 4-8
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 75
The Wildcats started the season 3-3 earlier than shedding 5 of their subsequent six video games, with their sole win throughout that stint coming in opposition to 1-11 Purdue.
103. Houston Cougars
File: 4-8
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 76
After scaring Oklahoma in a Week 2 loss, the Cougars upset a prime 25-ranked Kansas State crew, displaying the form of crew they have been able to being when enjoying at their greatest.
104. New Mexico Lobos
File: 5-7
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 118
The Lobos misplaced their first 4 video games of the season — together with to FCS Montana State — earlier than reeling off three in a row and 4 of the subsequent six to present themselves an opportunity to go bowling.
105. Central Michigan Chippewas
File: 4-8
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 121
CMU coach Jim McElwain introduced his retirement on Nov. 20 with only one recreation remaining within the season. The Chippewas had misplaced 5 in a row earlier than incomes their fourth win of the season in Week 13.
106. Kentucky Wildcats
‘File: 4-8
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 28
The Wildcats are one other crew indicative of simply how unstable the SEC may be. They misplaced to SEC Championship participant Georgia by a single level, 13-12, and pulled off one of many greater upsets within the sport with a 20-17 win in opposition to Ole Miss. Nonetheless, that victory over Ole Miss marked this system’s solely convention win this season.
107. UCF Knights
File: 4-8
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 54
Operating again RJ Harvey completed the season with 1,577 yards dashing and 22 dashing touchdowns, solidifying himself as one the very best gamers within the Massive 12. However a five-game skid after a 3-0 begin led to a shedding season and Gus Malzahn making the choice to resign as head coach at UCF and develop into the subsequent offensive coordinator at Florida State.
108. Utah State Aggies
‘File: 4-8
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 104
The Aggies didn’t beat an FBS opponent till Week 9 and gave up 35 factors or extra in seven video games.
109. Charlotte 49ers
File: 5-7
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 128
Charlotte coach Biff Poggi was fired earlier than the season completed, compiling a 6-16 file in two years as head coach for the 49ers. After a 3-3 begin, the 49ers misplaced 4 in a row earlier than Poggi was let go.
‘File: 3-9
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 122
Following a 10-2 season and an look within the C-USA title recreation, the Aggies went again to sq. one with former head coach Jerry Kill and quarterback Diego Pavia heading to Vanderbilt to show that program round, whereas Tony Sanchez struggled to rekindle the magic of the 2023 season this yr.
File: 3-9
Convention: Massive 12
Authentic 134 Rating: 15
The Cowboys joined the Seminoles as certainly one of two packages to start the season ranked inside the highest 25 of my Final 134, after which ending within the backside 25 after going 0-9 in Massive 12 play.
112. Stanford Cardinal
‘File: 3-9
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 98
The Cardinal struggled most with their passing offense, even with Elic Ayomanor at large receiver. Quarterback Ashton Daniels threw for 1,700 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. They did present what they’re able to with a win late this season in opposition to Louisville.
113. Center Tennessee Blue Raiders
File: 3-9
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 100
Although they began the season 1-0, the Blue Raiders gave up 35 factors or extra in eight video games whereas averaging simply 17.5.
114. UAB Blazers
‘File: 3-9
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 102
The Blazers did not get their first win in opposition to an FBS crew till Nov. 2. However after they did, it was an explosive affair — a 59-21 demolition of Tulsa that included Jalen Kitna throwing for 404 yards and 6 TDs.
115. Akron Zips
File: 4-8
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 102
The Zips received 4 video games in a season for the primary time since 2018 after profitable 4 video games whole in 2022 and 2023.
File: 3-9
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 92
Georgia State earned a win in opposition to Vanderbilt on Sept. 14 to start the season 2-1 however would not see one other win till Nov. 23 — shedding seven in a row.
117. Ball State Cardinals
File: 3-9
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 127
The Cardinals completed the season with out head coach Mike Neu after a seventh loss secured a ninth-straight shedding season for Ball State.
118. Rice Owls
File: 4-8
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 11
Rice coach Mike Bloomgren was fired Oct. twenty ninth after a 2-6 begin put Rice on monitor for a Tenth-straight shedding season. The crew completed 2-2 down the stretch and 4-8 total.
File: 3-9
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 123
Tom Herman was not allowed to complete the yr after the Owls started the season 0-6 in convention play and had fallen to 6-16 throughout his tenure as head coach. The Owls did shut out the season with a commanding 63-16 victory over Tulsa.
File: 3-9
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 103
The Aztecs fell aside within the second half of the season shedding 5 in a row after starting 3-3.
121. Troy Trojans
File: 4-8
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 50
The Trojans did not earn a win in opposition to an FBS opponent till Nov. 2. This regardless of Devonte Ross accounting for 1,000-plus receiving yards and working again Damien Taylor working for over 1,000 yards on the bottom.
122. Florida Worldwide Panthers
File: 4-8
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 124
Regardless of an underperforming season for the Panthers, Eric Rivers loved a breakout marketing campaign with 62 catches for 1,172 yards and 12 TD receptions.
123. Temple Owls
File: 3-9
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 130
Stan Drayton obtained himself fired after one more underperforming season. In two-plus years, Drayton managed to win simply 9 video games and went 4-18 in American Athletic Convention play. Temple completed the 2024 season with a 3-9 file, marking the fifth-straight shedding season for the Owls.
File: 2-10
Convention: ACC
Authentic 134 Rating: 5
Maybe no crew suffered a worst collapse from their 2023 kind than Mike Norvell’s Seminoles, who started the season ranked within the AP High 10 and proceeded to place collectively the worst season by an FSU crew since 1974, when the Noles completed 1-10. They have been nonetheless two years from hiring Bobby Bowden to develop into head coach in Tallahassee.
‘File: 3-9
Convention: AAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 119
Kevin Wilson was fired earlier than the season completed after giving up 45 factors or extra in six of 11 video games. Tulsa completed the common season with an unsightly 63-16 loss to FAU.
126. Mississippi State Bulldogs
File: 2-10
Convention: SEC
Authentic 134 Rating: 78
The Bulldogs are the one crew within the SEC and not using a convention win this season. Their solely wins this season got here in opposition to non-Energy 4 packages – Jap Kentucky and UMass.
127. Wyoming Cowboys
File: 3-9
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 84
The most effective video games Wyoming performed this season have been its remaining two of the season: a 17-13 loss to Boise State and a 15-14 win over Washington State. That is regardless of wins in opposition to Air Power and New Mexico, each being the one video games the place the Cowboys scored 28 factors or extra.
128. UTEP Miners
File: 3-9
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 126
The Miners started the season 0-6 earlier than securing their first win. Their solely wins got here in opposition to FIU, Kennesaw State and New Mexico State, whereas they have been overwhelmed a mixed 96-7 by the one P4 opponents they confronted (Tennessee, Nebraska).
129. Nevada Wolf Pack
File: 3-10
Convention: MWC
Authentic 134 Rating: 115
A program that was all the time going to be rebuilding picked up a signature win with out realizing it: a 42-37 win on Oct. 12 in opposition to would-be Pac-12 champion Oregon State, the place the Wolfpack rushed for 353 yards and 5 TDs.
In addition they had one-score losses to SMU (29-24) and Boise State (28-21).
File: 2-10
Convention: Impartial
Authentic 134 Rating: 112
Don Brown not solely obtained fired as head coach at UMass, however the Minute Males have been pressured to journey to Georgia with out him after he compiled a file of 6-28. When he was employed, the hope was he may rekindle the magic that led to his program going 43-19 from 2004 to 2008 — reaching the FCS nationwide title recreation in 2006 — however that climb again to relevance is tougher on this new period of the game.
131. Kennesaw State Owls
File: 2-10
Convention: C-USA
Authentic 134 Rating: 133
Of their first season of FBS play, the Owls managed to win simply two video games. Nonetheless, one win got here in opposition to beforehand undefeated and defending Convention USA champion Liberty.
132. Southern Miss Golden Eagles
File: 1-11
Convention: SBC
Authentic 134 Rating: 106
The Golden Eagles’ solely win this season got here in opposition to an FCS foe. Southern Miss is a G5 program that determined that being winless in opposition to groups in its personal division and league, and a loss to Arkansas State – its sixth of the season – was sufficient to maneuver on from Will Corridor.
133. Purdue Boilermakers
File: 1-11
Convention: Massive Ten
Authentic 134 Rating: 88
Purdue is the one Massive Ten crew this yr and not using a single win in opposition to an FBS member. After scoring 49 on Indiana State, the Boilermakers scored a complete of 44 factors of their subsequent 4 video games. After which they squandered their solely actual likelihood to beat a Massive Ten opponent, shedding to Illinois, 50-49, on Oct. 12.
134. Kent State Golden Flashes
File: 0-12
Convention: MAC
Authentic 134 Rating: 131
The Golden Flashes have the excellence of being the one program in FBS and not using a single win this season.
In opposition to ranked opponents, Kent State was outscored 127-0. In opposition to St. Francis, its solely FCS opponent, Kent State misplaced, 23-17. And the Crimson Flash completed with a shedding file, together with a 36-0 loss to Jap Michigan. That is the identical EMU that beat Kent State 52-33. The Golden Flashes misplaced their remaining regular-season recreation, 43-7, to Buffalo.
RJ Younger is a nationwide faculty soccer author and analyst for FOX Sports activities and the host of the podcast “The Quantity One Faculty Soccer Present.” Observe him at @RJ_Young and subscribe to “The RJ Younger Present” on YouTube.
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