(Photo: AJ Houk)
ND is #8 in Sports Illustrated’s recently released “Way-Too Early” College football ranking for 2024. SI cited the likelihood of another strong defense in 2024 combined with a Mike Denbrock/Riley Leonard led offense as keys to ND’s potential for success next season.
Georgia is predicted to be next year’s national champion, with Oregon second, Texas third and Alabama 4th. The prediction was published prior to the blockbuster news of Nick Saban’s retirement from the Crimson Tide breaking. Rounding out the the top ten starting at five are Ohio State, Michigan, Ole Miss, Missouri and Arizona.
2023 CFP finalist Washington, who will be replacing QB Michael Pennix with MIssissippi State transfer quarterback Will Rogers is slotted at No. 15. Among ND opponents next season, the top matchups according to SI’s projection appear favorable. Three teams that the Irish will play appear in the top 25, but all are slotted well below the Irish. Florida State is 14th, Louisville is 23rd and USC is 25th.
Last season SI’s 2023 “Way Too Early” prediction had the Irish finishing 11th. Georgia was No. 1. Among this years CFP participants, Michigan was predicted to finish #2, Washington #5, Alabama #7 and Texas #21.