Grading the Offseason: How Power 4 College Football Teams Stack Up
As the 2024 college football season approaches, Power 4 programs—comprising the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12—have spent the offseason retooling rosters, finalizing coaching changes, and leveraging the transfer portal. From blockbuster acquisitions to critical staff hires, we analyze which teams have positioned themselves for success and which face uphill battles when the action kicks off this fall.
Top Offseason Moves: Winners and Losers
The transfer portal has reshaped college football’s competitive landscape, with several Power 4 programs making seismic waves. Ohio State leads the pack, securing the nation’s top-ranked transfer class, headlined by quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State) and All-American safety Caleb Downs (Alabama). “Ohio State didn’t just reload; they rebuilt,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “Their offseason moves could shift the Big Ten balance of power.”
Meanwhile, the SEC’s Texas Longhorns bolstered their defensive line with standout transfers Trey Moore (UTSA) and Amari Niblack (Alabama), addressing key gaps after last year’s playoff run. Conversely, Florida State’s offseason has been marred by uncertainty, losing 15 starters to the NFL or portal while scrambling to replace quarterback Jordan Travis.
- Biggest Winner: Ohio State (No. 1 transfer class, per 247Sports)
- Sleeper Success: Missouri (added 5 four-star transfers, including WR Courtney Jackson)
- Work to Do: Clemson (ranked 14th in ACC portal rankings after minimal activity)
Coaching Carousel: Key Hires and Departures
Coaching changes have also defined the offseason. Michigan’s promotion of Sherrone Moore to replace Jim Harbaugh has drawn praise, with insiders citing his seamless transition and retention of key staff. “Moore’s familiarity with the roster and culture gives Michigan stability,” noted Big Ten Network’s Dave Revsine.
In contrast, Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer faces immense pressure following Nick Saban’s retirement. While DeBoer lured top assistants like Kane Wommack, skepticism remains about replicating Saban’s dominance. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Brent Venables made strategic hires, including defensive coordinator Zac Alley, to shore up a unit that ranked 99th in total defense in 2023.
Impact of NIL and Portal Strategies
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals continue to influence roster construction. Texas A&M’s “12th Man+ Fund” reportedly secured top-10 portal rankings, while Oregon’s “Division Street” collective helped land former Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel. However, disparities persist. “NIL has created haves and have-nots,” said CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd. “Some programs are struggling to keep pace with the financial arms race.”
The portal’s double-edged sword is evident at USC, which lost 12 starters but added 15 transfers, including defensive stars Kamari Ramsey (UCLA) and Easton Mascarenas (Oregon State). Coach Lincoln Riley called it a “necessary reset” after last year’s defensive collapse.
2024 Outlook: Teams to Watch
With fall camps approaching, early contenders are emerging. Georgia’s retention of stars like Carson Beck and Mykel Williams, paired with strategic portal additions, has them atop preseason polls. In the Big 12, Utah’s return of QB Cam Rising and a top-15 portal class makes them a playoff dark horse.
Conversely, Auburn’s inconsistent portal haul and Florida’s quarterback questions loom large. “The Gators’ season hinges on Graham Mertz’s development or a breakout from freshman DJ Lagway,” said SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum.
Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes
As the Power 4 gears up for a 12-team playoff era, offseason grades will soon be tested on the field. Teams like Ohio State and Georgia have set the standard, while others face prove-it years. For fans, the 2024 season promises drama, surprises, and the ultimate validation—or indictment—of these critical offseason decisions.
Stay updated with our preseason coverage as we break down position battles, schedule analysis, and playoff predictions.
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