July 6, 2024

A brief rundown of Georgia’s impressive lineup at the All-American Bowl includes notable recruits such as 4-star DL Jordan Thomas, 4-star RB Nate Frazier, 5-star S KJ Bolden, 4-star DL Justin Greene, 3-star RB Chauncey Bowens, 4-star WR Nitro Tuggle, and 4-star OL Nyier Daniels. The Bulldogs could have boasted an even larger presence if Ryan Puglisi and Daniel Calhoun had participated, but they opted to head home before returning to Athens for move-in day due to their early enrollee status and involvement in Georgia’s Orange Bowl practices.

During the All-American Bowl week, the Georgia signees gathered for a team photo, prompting one 2024 recruit to humorously remark, “Man, Georgia is rollin’ deep!” This extensive representation is a result of Georgia securing the top recruiting class in the nation. Despite some players opting out of the game due to bowl-season commitments, the Bulldogs remained the most well-represented program at the annual showcase event.

Dawgs247 was present at practices throughout the week, engaging in one-on-one discussions with each new Bulldog. This afforded the opportunity to witness five of them—Thomas, Frazier, Bowens, Tuggle, and Daniels—in action for the first time. Additional insights were gathered from conversations with various individuals, including showcase coaches, fellow prospects, and other 247Sports teammates attending the event.

Here are the key observations from the Georgia seven:

Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint offers advice to Georgia’s transfer wide receivers

A seasoned member of the Bulldog team shared insights into what the newest receivers at Georgia should be aware of. The Bulldogs actively sought wide receivers in the transfer portal for the second consecutive year, resulting in the recruitment of three new receivers. Offering valuable advice to the incoming players during Orange Bowl preparations, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, with his experience as a Georgia receiver, emphasized the importance of certain attributes.

In the latest recruiting cycle, Georgia secured three experienced pass-catchers, including former Vanderbilt receiver London Humphreys and former Miami receiver Colbie Young, both brought in before the Orange Bowl trip. USC wide receiver Michael Jackson III joined the Bulldogs shortly thereafter. Humphreys, who showcased his skills with 22 receptions, 439 yards, and 4 touchdowns during his single season at Vanderbilt, stood out among the transfer receivers participating in the Orange Bowl.

Rosemy-Jacksaint, familiar with Humphreys through interactions with his brother Quincy Skinner Jr., a Vanderbilt wide receiver, praised Humphreys for his impressive speed, smooth route running, and reliable hands. Expressing anticipation for Humphreys’ career at Georgia, Rosemy-Jacksaint highlighted his sneaky speed and overall skill set.

Similarly, Jackson, known for his track background and speed, contributed 17 receptions, 146 yards, and 1 touchdown in nine games in his previous season. Young, on the other hand, brings significant size and physicality at 6 feet 5 inches, concluding his time in Miami with notable stats of 47 receptions, 563 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

The Bulldogs prioritized bolstering their wide receiver corps in the transfer portal once again, aiming to make a significant impact in 2024. Despite the challenges ahead, Rosemy-Jacksaint expressed confidence in the ability of these new Bulldogs to rise to the occasion. When asked about advice for the transfer receivers, Rosemy-Jacksaint emphasized the universal importance of being ready to block as a receiver, underscoring that success in this position requires commitment, hard work, playbook knowledge, and a willingness to contribute in all facets of the game.

College football rankings: Final AP Top 25 poll projection for 2023 season

The conclusion of the 2023 college football season is marked by Monday night’s national championship game, where undefeated teams Michigan and Washington face off in Houston. This event signifies a departure from the trend of SEC teams dominating, as it’s the first time since 2018 that a non-SEC team carries the torch. The outcome guarantees a new No. 1 in the final AP Top 25 poll.

The position of the one-loss Florida State in the rankings is a subject of interest. Despite entering bowl season as ACC champions with an unblemished record, they missed the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, FSU struggled against Georgia in the bowl season. On a positive note, programs like Missouri, Ole Miss, and Arizona enter 2024 with renewed momentum following their own bowl game performances.

The much-anticipated way-too-early top 25 for the 2024 season will be revealed after the national championship game, featuring input from half a dozen national analysts. Football enthusiasts can access insider information and recruiting updates on their favorite college teams for just $1 for the first month.

As the national championship game is on the verge of kicking off, here are the projected final AP Top 25 rankings.

1. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Predicted to finish the season with an impressive 15-0 record, Michigan enters tonight’s title game as a 4.5-point favorite. Jim Harbaugh has the opportunity to join an exclusive coaching fraternity, a feat shared by Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, with both aiming to become members of the select group of coaches who have led their teams to a national title. Currently, the only active coaches in this esteemed category are Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, Dabo Swinney, and Mack Brown.

Michigan’s dominance was evident throughout the season, highlighted by victories over three consecutive ranked opponents. Notably, they secured a triumph over Ohio State for the third consecutive year, showcasing their prowess and determination to reach this pivotal point in the championship game.

2. WASHINGTON HUSKIES

Predicted ultimate record: 14 wins and 1 loss.

If Washington extends their winning streak to 22 games under DeBoer, they will secure the national championship and finish as the top team in America at the end of the 2023 season. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the team started the season ranked at No. 10 in August and faced numerous close calls. Led by Heisman runner-up Michael Penix Jr., the Huskies displayed unstoppable offensive prowess, defeating Oregon twice and overcoming Texas to reach the final game.

3. GEORGIA BULLDOGS (13-1)

Despite falling short of a third consecutive national championship, Georgia fans may view this season as a disappointment. However, it’s challenging to focus on the negatives when the Bulldogs finished with an impressive 13-1 record, highlighted by a dominant 60-point victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl. The performance showcased that Georgia is undeniably one of the nation’s top teams as the bowl season concluded. There’s a strong possibility that Georgia will climb several spots from its final regular-season ranking of No. 6.

With the return of Carson Beck and the acquisition of the No. 1 signing class in this cycle, Georgia is positioned as the preseason favorite to capture the national title in 2024.

4. TEXAS LONGHORNS (12-2)

Texas capped off its last season in the Big 12 by securing a conference championship and earning the program’s inaugural playoff appearance. Despite a setback against Oklahoma, the Longhorns’ significant non-conference victory against Alabama in Week 2 played a pivotal role in their top-four finish at the conclusion of the season. Although the team’s potent offense fell short by just one more score in the Sugar Bowl against Washington, head coach Steve Sarkisian seems to have Texas on a promising trajectory. Looking ahead, the prospect of Quinn Ewers potentially returning at quarterback, alongside the addition of Arch Manning, positions Texas to boast one of the most talented quarterback rooms in the nation.

5. FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES (13-1)

The final placement of the Seminoles in the AP Poll is contingent upon how voters assess a Florida State team that witnessed over a dozen opt-outs for the postseason. Despite winning the ACC Championship and being the first Power Five unbeaten team to miss the playoff, the Seminoles faced adversity. Coach Mike Norvell adeptly guided the team through a challenging schedule, securing notable victories over LSU and Clemson. The roster, heavily influenced by the transfer portal, showcased depth. However, all these efforts proved futile when the committee placed Alabama ahead of the Seminoles in December. The eventual AP Poll ranking for Florida State hinges on how voters weigh these factors.

6. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (12-2)

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide achieved an impressive feat by securing 11 consecutive victories, culminating in winning the SEC Championship against the then-unbeaten Georgia. This successful run propelled Alabama to the playoff semifinals, where they ultimately exited in overtime against Michigan on fourth-and-goal. The accomplishment of this Alabama team is noteworthy, especially when considering its place among the other elite teams Saban has coached throughout his illustrious tenure. The team faced early quarterback challenges that were effectively addressed by midseason, largely attributed to the contributions of Jalen Milroe. One of the most significant moments in college football during the year was Milroe’s remarkable 4th-and-31 play in the Iron Bowl against Auburn.

7. OREGON DUCKS (12-2)

If Oregon can, at the very least, secure a split against their arch nemesis Washington, there’s a strong chance that Dan Lanning and the Ducks could find themselves in playoff contention. The only setbacks in an otherwise outstanding season occurred against the reigning Pac-12 champions. Lanning has been instrumental in constructing a powerhouse in Eugene through effective recruiting. Although the task of replacing the versatile playmaker Bo Nix at quarterback in 2024 poses a challenge, the Ducks are optimistic that they’ve made the right acquisitions from the portal. Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma and Dante Moore from UCLA are seen as promising choices to fill the quarterback position and contribute to the team’s success.

8. MISSOURI TIGERS (11-2)

The Tigers, under the leadership of Eli Drinkwitz, surpassed all external expectations with an impressive 11-win season. Noteworthy achievements included Cody Schrader’s second-place finish in the Doak Walker voting for running backs and the emergence of former five-star recruit Luther Burden as one of the SEC’s most formidable wide receivers. Quarterback Brady Cook played a pivotal role in driving the diverse and dynamic offense. Missouri’s only defeats during the season were against LSU and Georgia, and their significant Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State was a landmark moment for the team.

9. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (11-2)

For the Buckeyes, a season that began with a preseason top-three ranking but concluded just inside the top 10 turned out to be a deviation from Ryan Day’s expectations. The disappointment included a third consecutive loss to Michigan and a lackluster performance in the bowl game against Missouri, aggravated by quarterback Kyle McCord entering the transfer portal. Ohio State fell considerably short of the anticipated success given its talented roster. In response, Day has evaluated quarterback options and recently secured the transfer of Will Howard from Kansas State. Despite Marvin Harrison Jr. declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, Ohio State is poised with a formidable group of returning wide receivers and remains a contender at the upper echelons of the Big Ten.

10. OLE MISS REBELS (11-2)

Lane Kiffin achieved double-digit wins at Ole Miss for the second time in three seasons, reaching the notable mark of 11 victories, solidified with a bowl season triumph against Penn State. This particular year in Oxford was extraordinary for the Rebels, with their only defeats occurring against powerhouses Alabama and Georgia in SEC play. The majority of the productive roster is set to return in 2024, featuring quarterback Jaxson Dart and a group of impactful transfers, reflecting Kiffin’s success in assembling an elite portal class. The excitement and expectations at Ole Miss are soaring to unprecedented levels, and the reasons for such enthusiasm are evident.

11. ARIZONA WILDCATS (10-3)

Arizona, led by coach Jedd Fisch, concluded the season with an impressive seven-game winning streak. Despite facing initial challenges with the loss of their starting quarterback to injury, Fisch and the Wildcats rebounded admirably, securing 10 victories, including five against ranked Pac-12 teams. Despite the noteworthy accomplishments, Fisch did not receive the national recognition he deserved. The team’s rapid ascent in the polls can be attributed to the exceptional downfield passing skills of Noah Fifita and a opportunistic defense. The decisive victory over Oklahoma in the final game is expected to propel Arizona to a higher position in the upcoming Tuesday’s final poll.

12. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (10-3)

Despite winning 10 games again, Penn State’s 2023 season fell short of the expectations set by many analysts. With Drew Allar at quarterback and several future NFL Draft picks returning on defense, the Nittany Lions were anticipated to perform at a higher level. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who has since become the head coach at Duke, delivered results on the defensive side. However, the team’s inability to generate explosive plays proved detrimental, leading to losses in crucial matchups against Michigan and Ohio State, marking a season that didn’t quite live up to its potential.

13. LSU TIGERS (10-3)

After securing another double-digit win season at LSU, Brian Kelly faces a challenging month ahead as he replaces his offensive coordinator and a significant portion of his defensive staff. The addition of Missouri’s Blake Baker to lead the coaching team adds to the adjustments. Despite quarterback Jayden Daniels winning the Heisman with a record-setting season, LSU’s overall performance fell short of expectations. The defense, in particular, did not meet the standards, leading to a historically poor showing that prevented the Tigers from making another appearance in the SEC Championship Game. Despite these challenges, a victory against Wisconsin in the bowl season should secure LSU a finish within the top 15.

14. OKLAHOMA SOONERS (10-3)

The Sooners’ hopes of contending for a league title were dashed by consecutive losses to Oklahoma State and Kansas. Despite a promising 7-0 start initiated by a victory over Texas in October, Oklahoma’s defensive struggles became apparent, prompting Brent Venables to make changes on that side of the team. Although the Alamo Bowl loss to Arizona left a disappointing conclusion to their 10-win season, the Sooners displayed notable improvement in Venables’ second campaign. As they prepare to enter the expanded SEC in 2024, expectations are high, and they are poised to be considered a top 15 team.

15. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (10-3)

If you support Notre Dame, it’s likely that you appreciate Marcus Freeman’s successful persuasion of LSU Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock to join the team in the same position. Given Denbrock’s notable impact on player development, especially evident with Daniels this past season, a similar influence with Duke transfer Riley Leonard expected to lead the offense next season could result in significant offensive improvements. Reflecting on the 2023 season, Notre Dame achieved nine victories with the assistance of Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman before convincingly defeating Oregon State in the postseason, even in Hartman’s absence.

16. LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (10-4)

In November, Louisville found itself in the playoff discussion but faltered in the rivalry game against Kentucky and subsequently lost to Florida State in the ACC Championship. The defeat to USC in the Holiday Bowl marked a third consecutive loss, preventing the program, under first-year coach Jeff Brohm, from securing a spot in the top 10. Despite this setback, the team’s achievement of winning 10 games is commendable. Furthermore, Brohm is making significant progress in enhancing the team’s talent pool through strategic acquisitions in the transfer portal during this cycle.

17. OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS (10-4)

Mike Gundy and the Cowboys exceeded expectations this season by competing for a Big 12 title, surprising many who initially considered Oklahoma State to be a mid-tier team in the conference. Despite facing challenges like significant losses through the transfer portal and being written off after a September defeat to South Alabama, the Cowboys managed to win seven of their last eight games, earning them a spot in Arlington. However, their hopes were dashed by a formidable Texas team with playoff aspirations. Looking ahead to the next season, Ollie Gordon, who secured the Doak Walker award, is set to return, and there’s additional optimism with quarterback Alan Bowman’s decision to extend his college career into a seventh season.

18. TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (9-4)

The Joe Milton era as Tennessee’s starting quarterback came to a close after just one season, and Vols fans got a glimpse of the future during the dominant victory over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. Former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava, in his first career start, showcased his talent, and with the wide receiver room now settled, including the return of Bru McCoy, he has a plethora of weapons to distribute the football next season. The convincing bowl win leads us to believe that Tennessee has secured another top 20 finish under the leadership of coach Josh Heupel.

19. IOWA HAWKEYES (10-4)

After another disappointing offensive performance, Brian Ferentz is no longer the offensive coordinator for Iowa. Despite the offensive struggles, the Hawkeyes managed to win 10 games in the regular season, securing the top spot in their division of the Big Ten during the final year of split divisions. The team’s success was largely attributed to their exceptional defensive play, boasting one of the top units in college football. However, blowout losses to Michigan and Tennessee in the final games could potentially drop Iowa outside of the top 20, especially considering their inability to score in either contest.

20. The NC State Wolfpack concluded their season with a 9-4 record, falling short of a coveted 10th win in the bowl game against Kansas State. Despite this setback, it marked a noteworthy season for experienced coach Dave Doeren. Anticipation is high for the 2024 season, with expectations of an even stronger performance from the team.

21. The Clemson Tigers finished the season with a 9-4 record, showcasing a competitive presence on the field.

22. The Oregon State Beavers achieved a 9-4 record, demonstrating their prowess throughout the season.

23. The Kansas State Wildcats wrapped up the season with a 9-4 record, exhibiting commendable efforts in their performances.

24. The Liberty Flames had an exceptional season, concluding with a remarkable 13-1 record. However, their unbeaten regular season came to an unfortunate end in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon, resulting in disappointment.

25. The JMU Dukes concluded the season with an impressive 11-2 record, highlighting their success on the field.

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