Way-Too-Early NCAAF Predictions & Future Bets to Make:

We are just over a month away from the 2024-25 College Football season. Beginning on August 24th, let's take a look at what we can expect over the course of this new season. 

Colorado Buffaloes (4-8 in 2023-24) - Even with their poor record, the Colorado Buffaloes were one of the most hyped teams last season. Head Coach Deion Sanders is now into his second season with his new program and I believe that they've got the ability to win a lot more ball games this season. More than definitely, they have the talent to reach a bowl game at the very least. Deion's sons, Shaduer and Shilo are back, as well as rising superstar and perhaps the best player in the country in Travis Hunter. No, they are not going to be National Champions this year. But, they've got what it takes to improve vastly. // Projection: 7-6

TCU Horned Frogs (5-7 in 2023-24) - Coming off a National Championship Game appearance in 2022-23, it was a very disappointing season last year for the Horned Frogs. Yes, they lost a few guys including QB Max Duggan. However, it wasn't in the cards to miss a bowl game last season. This year, they've filled a much needed hole in their secondary. Plenty of new faces will help this TCU team be much better against the pass. TCU opens the season with a couple of "easier" games against Stanford and LIU. Expect them to win both of those games comfortably and have a much stronger season this year than last. // Projection: 9-4

East Carolina Pirates (2-10 in 2023-24) - After finishing dead last in the AAC Conference last season, I'm expecting the Pirates to be much improved this year. They've got a much easier schedule and have their tougher games at home this season. ECU also avoids the likes of USF, Memphis & Tulane which should give them plenty of confidence throughout the year. They have quite a few returning faces, but also added a bunch of new transfers which should help them fill some holes. I expect the Pirates to win at least five games this season and perhaps make a bowl game like they did a couple seasons ago. // Projection: 7-6

Washington Huskies (14-1 in 2023-24) - After losing in the National Championship game last season, the Huskies lost a lot. Head Coach Kalen DeBoer was replaced by Jedd Fisch as DeBoer filled the spot at Alabama. Washington also lost QB Michael Penix Jr as well as WRs Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan & Ja’Lynn Polk. Not to mention they also lost their star LT in Troy Fatanu Jr as well. That's a lot of critical spots to fill if this team is going to want to win a bunch of football games again. Now, I don't expect them to fall completely off the map. However, newly into the Big 10, I don't expect the Huskies to come close to their 14-1 mark from last season. // Projection: 7-6 

Michigan Wolverines (15-0 in 2023-24) - Although I do believe that this Michigan program has some very strong pieces once again this year, I don't see them going undefeated again. MICH won the National Championship last season and have lost a bunch. Former Head Coach Jim Harbaugh moved up to the NFL. QB JJ McCarthy and WR Roman Wilson did the exact same thing. Looking at the rest of the conference, Ohio State is going to be the team to beat. They will also have to deal with some new faces in Washington, Oregon & USC joining their conference in the offseason (UCLA also joined but aren't on the schedule.) They've got a very good QB in Alex Orji for this season. However, don't expect another perfect year from the Wolverines. // Projection: 11-3

Florida State Seminoles (13-1 in 2023-24) - I was one of the ones that believed that the Seminoles were robbed of a CFP spot last season. Holding a perfect 13-0 record into the Selection Show, there had never been an undefeated power 5 team that didn't get in (in the 4-team playoff system.) Unluckily for them, the expansion of the College Football Playoff begins this season. We will now see a 12-team playoff and much more excitement (in my opinion.) Also unluckily for the Noles, they lost their QB Jordan Travis. They also lost WR's Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. Yes, they filled the QB spot with QJ Uiagalelei. However, I don't see how FSU wins 13 games again this season. They will drop off a bit and get close to the double digit win mark. // Projection: 9-4 

1. ) Ohio State Buckeyes - To Win the National Championship - YES (+400)
2. ) Ohio State Buckeyes - To Win the Big Ten Championship Game - YES (+155)

I love the Buckeyes this season. They are locked and loaded with massive amounts of talent filling much needed holes from last season. A new QB in Will Howard, returning RB TreVeyon Henderson & #1 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class in Jeremiah Smith should be enough as is to beat teams with ease. Not to mention that they bring back Emeka Egbuka as well as Brandon Innis at the WR position AND add RB Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss. Even without Marvin Harrison Jr this season, this offense (in my opinion) is the best in the country by far. 

3. ) Ole Miss Rebels - To Make the College Football Playoff - YES (-130)

As mentioned in my OSU analysis above, the Rebels did lose their RB Quinshon Judkins in the transfer portal. However, they've still got their QB Jaxson Dart who I believe to be one of the best QB's in the nation this season. Just like his name, Dart throws darts. He's got an awesome arm and he's got two of his top three targets from last season back with him this year. Like always, Ole Miss also made some splashes in the transfer portal as they landed Walter Nolan as well as Trey Amos & Princely Umanmielen on the defensive end. New WR Antwane Wells Jr should also help Dart and the offense. I expect them to make the 12-team playoff this season. 

4. ) Utah Utes - OVER 9.5 WINS (-135)

Without their two best offensive players for the entirety of last season, the Utah Utes finally get back QB Cameron Rising and TE Brant Kuithe. In their new conference (the Big 12,) the Utes are actually favored to win the entire conference right now. Let's not forget that these two led Utah to a 10-4 record in 2021-22 when Kuithe led the team in receiving yards. I expect them to be back and better than ever with this awesome Utes defense. Expect them to have at least 10 wins this season. 

5. ) Colorado Buffaloes - OVER 5.5 WINS (-140)

As I already mentioned, I believe that the Buffaloes are going to be much improved from last year. Don't get me wrong, they are definitely not considered as title contenders. However, Deion Sanders will have his guys ready to go for this season. Improving by just two wins shouldn't be too difficult. Expect the Buffaloes to win at least six games and get into a bowl game this season. They should go "over" this mark without much trouble. 

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Oregon Ducks 
27-21 OSU.