CFB 2024-25 Projections // Top 10 "Surprise Teams"

With College Football just one week away now, let's take a look at some surprise teams to watch out for in the 2024-25 season. This list will go down from #10 to #1 and will not feature anyone ranked in the preseason top 15. 

Even though I believe that the Cowboys are slightly over-ranked to begin this year (by a couple of spots,) I do believe that they could make some noise this year. Oklahoma State comes into this season with one of the most experienced teams in the nation. As a matter of fact, they are returning 19 of 22 starters from last year's team. Experience in a young sport like this can be very valuable. The Cowboys will play Utah (the favorite to win the conference) at home, as well as Kansas State on the road. Winning at least one of those games will be very crucial for them. I believe that they can do it, especially with the talent that they possess. Given all of that, expect the Cowboys to compete for the Big 12 title this season. 

Record Projection: 10-3

With Mikey Keene still at Quarterback, I expect this Fresno State team to be very good once again. Yes, losing former Head Coach Jeff Tedford (who stepped down in July of 2023) was some cause for concern. However, they still played very well with Interim Head Coach Tim Skipper who led them to a 37-10 victory over NMST (+3 underdogs) in the New Mexico Bowl last year. Playing Michigan to begin the year is going to be tough for them. Some teams like to get settled in early and build on early wins. Well, Fresno State will most likely lose that game and it's hard to say what they will do from there. Either way, I expect them to be very solid throughout this season. 

Record Projection: 9-4

Fortunately for the Hurricanes, they managed to pick up one of the best QB's that they could get in Cameron Ward (from WSU.) They've always been very close to breaking through, but never seem to get the job done. That being said, this could be the year that they do just that. With FSU & UNC having lost a lot, this could motivate Miami FL to make some noise in the ACC this season. Clemson will be tough to beat as well, but the Hurricanes currently own the third best odds to win their respective conference, which should be a dog fight until the very end. Ward should make this offense even more "Air-Raid" than they already are and that could be dangerous for these teams. The first game will be a difficult test that they must pass against Florida. If they get past them, getting the Noles at home is huge. Miami FL could very well be one of the best teams in football this year.

Record Projection: 11-3

#7 Iowa Hawkeyes (Ranked #25)

Iowa, Iowa, Iowa. Everyone knows that this football team could not score to save their lives last season. Despite all of that, they still managed to somehow finish with a 10-4 record. Yes, I don't expect them to win many games against the better teams in the country this year. But, this team is still a sleeper to go far and perhaps shock some teams in the Big 10. The Hawkeyes are once again loaded on the defensive side of the ball. They are going to be in low scoring games once again this season. However, I do expect their attack to be much stronger. It won't be to the caliber of some of these teams like OSU, Oregon and Michigan. But, Iowa should be able to win plenty of football games again this year. Look for them to come close to double digit wins and maybe even cracking that number once again. 

Record Projection: 9-4

After going 13-1 (8-0 in Conference) last season, I couldn't really put these Flames higher. Yes, I expect them to have double digit wins again quite easily. However, this is a team that is just as good, if not better than last year which is why I couldn't ignore them. Starting QB Kaidon Salter is one of the best in the country and could very well lead this team to a playoff spot. They are in a poor conference, which helps and could very well go undefeated this season until the playoffs. Expect another strong Liberty year. 

Record Projection: 13-1

Kansas State is a football team that could very well shock the world and win the Big 12. Their matchups against OKST as well as Kansas are both at home which could really help them. Another thing that is going for this program is that they avoid Utah until the conference championship game. If they are able to run through the conference, what's stopping them from accomplishing the feat of playing for the Big 12 title. Despite losing quite a few players, Quarterback Avery Johnson is back under center for them. He was very solid last season which is why this team is ranked heading into this year. I expect a very good season from the Wildcats here in 2024-25. 

Record Projection: 11-3

Despite being one of three teams in the Mountain West Conference that I currently have in my top 10 sleeper teams, I believe that Air Force could be legitimate contenders to perhaps even make the CFB playoff. The Falcons run that unique brand of football that many teams don't know how to stop. They avoid playing Boise State in the regular season and get to host Fresno State in what could be an absolute war. Playing at Baylor in week three will be a test for them. However, if they enter conference play with no losses, watch out for Air Force as they continue to build momentum throughout the year. 

Record Projection: 11-3

After an okay 8-6 season last year, the Broncos are back and ready to take over the Mountain West Conference. Like Air Force and Fresno State, I'm expecting a massive year from Boise State. However, I believe that Boise could be the best out of all of them. The Broncos are the favorites to win the conference, which is why I don't have them as the #1 team on this list. But, I do expect them to absolutely dominate and perhaps even knock off a team in the College Football Playoff, assuming they make it. rFR QB Malachi Nelson is still considered a freshman. Nonetheless, the Quarterback can make every single throw and he's got a defense that's returning every single starter from last year behind him. Expect big things from the Broncos this year. 

Record Projection: 12-2

Despite entering this season unranked, the Hokies could be very sneaky this season. In a weaker ACC than normal. Virginia Tech gets Clemson & Georgia Tech at home. They also avoid playing the ACC favorite in Florida State this season. Yes, they've got some tough ones on the road. However, the Hokies are returning 21 of 22 starters from last year and should be one of the most, if not the most experienced team in all of College Football. One or two upsets could see this team in the ACC Championship Game at the end of the year. Look out for VT. 

Record Projection: 10-3

#1 Arizona Wildcats (Ranked #21)

Arizona is my top "Sleeper Team" coming into this season. Returning Quarterback Noah Fifita led this program to double digit wins last year and very well could do the same thing this season. The Wildcats return eight offensive starters which should really help Fifita stay strong. Yes, Arizona heads to the Big 12 this season after being in the Pac-12. But, they've got the talent to run through the Big 12 as well if they stick together and play their best. A tough schedule makes them my top sleeper team as they could very well shock some teams. Assuming they lose to Utah on the road in week 5, important games include TCU on the road, Kansas State on the road, BYU on the road, as well as Colorado & ASU at home. Winning at least one of those games on the road and those home games will be crucial. I expect them to be strong either way.

Record Projection: 9-4