Picking the Best College Football Team in Each State Entering the 2024 Season
With the 2024 college football season on the horizon, the anticipation for another thrilling campaign is palpable. As fans eagerly await kickoff, it’s time to dive into a state-by-state breakdown of the teams poised to reign supreme within their borders.
The Deep South
- Alabama: Alabama Crimson Tide – Despite the departure of Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide’s dynasty shows no signs of waning. A loaded roster and a proven coaching staff solidify their position atop the state.
- Arkansas: Arkansas Razorbacks – While Arkansas State could pose a challenge, the Razorbacks have the momentum and talent to claim the state crown.
- Florida: Florida State Seminoles – After a resurgence in 2023, the Seminoles are primed to build on their success and dominate in-state rivals.
- Georgia: Georgia Bulldogs – The defending national champions are the clear-cut favorites to repeat as state and national champions.
- Kentucky: Kentucky Wildcats – The Wildcats have made strides in recent years, and with a strong returning core, they have a legitimate shot at claiming the Bluegrass State.
- Louisiana: LSU Tigers – The Tigers boast a rich tradition and a talented roster, making them the overwhelming favorites in Louisiana.
- Mississippi: Ole Miss Rebels – The Rebels have emerged as a formidable force in the SEC, giving them the edge over Mississippi State.
- South Carolina: Clemson Tigers – Despite occasional hiccups, Clemson remains the dominant force in South Carolina.
- Tennessee: Tennessee Volunteers – The Volunteers have recaptured their winning spirit and look poised to claim the Volunteer State.
The Midwest
- Illinois: Northwestern Wildcats – While Illinois and others have made progress, Northwestern’s consistent performance gives them the slight edge.
- Indiana: Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Despite being independent, Notre Dame’s historical dominance within the state is undeniable.
- Iowa: Iowa Hawkeyes – The Hawkeyes have established themselves as a consistent contender in the Big Ten and their state.
- Kansas: Kansas State Wildcats – Kansas State’s recent success has elevated them above the Jayhawks in the Sunflower State.
- Michigan: Michigan Wolverines – The Wolverines have reasserted their dominance in the state, leaving little doubt about their top spot.
- Minnesota: Minnesota Golden Gophers – Despite the rise of St. Thomas in FCS, the Gophers remain the premier football program in the state.
- Missouri: Missouri Tigers – While the Tigers have faced challenges, they still hold the edge over Illinois and Kansas.
- Nebraska: Nebraska Cornhuskers – The Cornhuskers have experienced ups and downs but remain the standard-bearer in Nebraska.
- Ohio: Ohio State Buckeyes – The Buckeyes’ consistent excellence makes them the undisputed kings of Ohio.
- Wisconsin: Wisconsin Badgers – The Badgers have built a strong program and are the clear choice in Wisconsin.
The West
- Arizona: Arizona Wildcats – A dominant victory over Arizona State last season solidified the Wildcats’ position as the state’s top team.
- California: USC Trojans – Despite competition from UCLA and others, USC’s brand and recent success give them the edge.
- Colorado: Air Force Falcons – The Falcons’ consistent winning under Troy Calhoun makes them the state’s premier program.
- Oregon: Oregon Ducks – The Ducks have established themselves as a Pac-12 powerhouse and the top team in Oregon.
- Utah: Utah Utes – The Utes have emerged as a consistent contender in the Pac-12 and the state of Utah.
- Washington: Washington Huskies – The Huskies have the talent and tradition to claim the top spot in Washington.
The East
- Connecticut: UConn Huskies – While facing challenges, UConn remains the only FBS program in the state.
- Delaware: Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens – As the lone FBS program in Delaware, the Fightin’ Blue Hens reign supreme.
- Maryland: Maryland Terrapins – The Terrapins have shown improvement and hold the edge over other in-state programs.
- Massachusetts: Boston College Eagles – Boston College has a rich football history and is the top dog in Massachusetts.
- New Jersey: Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Despite challenges, Rutgers is the only Power Five program in the state.
- New York: Syracuse Orange – While New York boasts several strong programs, Syracuse’s Power Five status gives it the edge.
- Pennsylvania: Penn State Nittany Lions – Penn State’s tradition and recent success solidify their position as the state’s top team.
- Virginia: Virginia Cavaliers – The Cavaliers have shown improvement and hold the edge over Virginia Tech.
- West Virginia: West Virginia Mountaineers – The Mountaineers are the clear-cut choice in West Virginia.
The Other 48
- Alaska: No FBS programs
- Hawaii: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors – The lone FBS program in the state.
- Idaho: Boise State Broncos – Boise State’s dominance in the Mountain West makes them the top choice.
- Maine: Maine Black Bears – The Black Bears are the only FBS team in the state.
- Montana: Montana Grizzlies – The Grizzlies have a strong FCS program and are the state’s top team.
- Nevada: UNLV Rebels – While not a powerhouse, UNLV is the only FBS program in Nevada.
- New Hampshire: New Hampshire Wildcats – The Wildcats are the sole FBS team in the state.
- North Carolina: North Carolina Tar Heels – The Tar Heels have a strong program and hold the edge over NC State.
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma Sooners – Despite recent challenges, the Sooners remain the top team in Oklahoma.
- South Dakota: South Dakota State Jackrabbits – The Jackrabbits are a FCS powerhouse and the state’s top program.
- Texas: Texas Longhorns – The Longhorns’ tradition and recent resurgence give them the edge over Texas A&M.
- Wyoming: Wyoming Cowboys – The Cowboys are the only FBS team in the state.
This overview provides a snapshot of the college football landscape entering the 2024 season. While these assessments are based on recent performance and factors, the beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability.
