Predicting preseason college football rankings is Phil Steele's specialty. Of the 150 teams in the top 10 polls over the past 15 years, Steele has correctly predicted 143 of them, a success rate of 95.3 percent. When he says it, you can trust him.
More: Phil Steele's 10 surprise college football teams for 2024
Having already released his own Top 40 poll, the preseason magazine whiz now has his eye on the 2024 preseason rankings as he reveals his own prediction for where Associated Press Top 25 voters will rank the 10 best teams in college football.
Coming off an 11-win season, Missouri seems poised to take advantage of an easier schedule and a returning offensive line to make a push toward the expanded playoffs, but how well will the Tigers replace their departing defense?
Missouri final standings: No.8
This could be the moment when Lane Kiffin finally makes the Rebels into national championship contenders. With a winnable schedule, returning key players, and adding another elite transfer student, Ole Miss could very well have a shot at a national title if the playoffs are expanded.
Ole Miss final standings: No.9
James Franklin still has to prove he can beat the Big Ten's best teams, a task that will get tougher as the conference expands, but with a defense returning in full force, especially with its top two running backs, the path to an expansion playoff berth should be easier.
Penn State's latest rankings: No.13
College football's defending national champions look much different on the sideline and on the field, with head coach Sherrone Moore returning defenders like leading rusher Donovan Edwards and Will Johnson, but the schedule is tougher and there are plenty of big questions surrounding this roster.
Michigan's final standings: First place
Notre Dame is still an independent team and therefore cannot finish higher than No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but with head coach Marcus Freeman in his third year, an extremely strong pass defense and some blue-chip recruits in quarterback Riley Leonard and wide receiver Beau Collins, the Irish have made their way to the postseason.
Notre Dame's final standings: No.14
Cullen DeBoer will have the toughest job in college football replacing the GOAT, but he's taking over from Nick Saban's rookie roster and has a path to 10 wins despite some notable cuts. Jalen Milroe is back under center and should help DeBoer's offense soar again.
Alabama final standings: No.5
The Ducks moved into the Big Ten this year and are in position to win the newly formed conference with the best wide receiver corps in college football, veteran quarterback Dillon Gabriel under center and another strong defense.
Oregon's final standings: No.6
Coming off a league championship and the school's first-ever CFP appearance, coach Steve Sarkisian has the Longhorns in perfect position for the SEC with a top-tier roster led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a top-tier wide receiver transfer playing behind another strong defensive unit.
Texas final standings: 3rd place
Ryan Day retooled the team after three straight losses to Michigan, adding safety Caleb Downs, tailback Quinsion Judkins and quarterback Will Howard to team with players who can perform on both ends of the ball, and Chip Kelly to lead the offense.
Ohio State University latest rankings: 10th
Georgia, likely the No. 1 team in the preseason rankings and currently the favorite at sportsbooks to win the national title, has plenty of experienced players on both offense and defense, including quarterback Carson Beck, but faces a tough schedule with away games against Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss, as well as an opener against Clemson.
Georgia's final standings: 4th Place
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