The 2024 college football season will feature 134 FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams, the same number as last year. From Kennesaw State to Ohio State, the staff at College Football Network (CFN) recently ranked all 134 teams from worst to first.
As the newest-minted FBS program, Kennesaw State ranked last at No. 134 while the Buckeyes topped CFN’s list at No. 1. The Owls are set to begin their first season in Conference USA after their FBS debut as an independent last season. Ohio State is, well, Ohio State.
As for Clemson, coach Dabo Swinney’s team rank No. 14. Among ACC teams, the Tigers fall behind Florida State and Miami on CFN’s list; the defending conference champion ‘Noles rank No. 10 while the ‘Canes place one spot ahead of Clemson at No. 13.
The site listed several factors for determining its rankings, namely quality of talent. Other factors include a team’s likelihood of competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff, strength of schedule, historical success, roster/coaching continuity and transfer portal activity — the latter component the biggest detractor for Clemson.
Explaining the Tigers’ ranking, CFN notes:
“The Tigers added zero players from the transfer portal this offseason, which isn’t exactly a positive after they posted their worst record since 2011 (9-4). T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, Barrett Carter, and Avieon Terrell lead a talented defense, but Dabo Swinney is putting all his chips on Cade Klubnik exploding in Year 2 under OC Garrett Riley. It’s a gamble that either results in a conference title bid or another lackluster season.”
Clemson opens the 2024 season against Georgia in Atlanta on August 31. Kickoff is set for noon ET. The game will be televised nationally by ABC. Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs ranked No. 2 on CFN’s list.
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