The Associated Press has officially released the first AP Top 25 poll for the 2024 college football season, and the results have sparked plenty of debate. With less than three weeks until the season kicks off, this early poll provides a glimpse into how teams are perceived as they navigate a year of significant change. The 2024 season marks the beginning of a new era in college football, with conference realignments reshaping the landscape and the College Football Playoff expanding to include 12 teams for the first time.

As with any preseason ranking, there are surprises and snubs that have fans and analysts talking. Here's a breakdown of the most notable developments in the debut of the AP Top 25 poll for the 2024 season.

Top Surprises:

1. Top Three Teams Missed the CFP Last Season

One of the most striking aspects of this year's AP Top 25 poll is the fact that the top three teams—Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon—all failed to make the College Football Playoff (CFP) last season after losing their respective conference championship games. Their strong presence at the top of the rankings indicates a belief in their potential to bounce back in 2024.

Georgia, despite losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game last year, has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the poll. The Bulldogs were undefeated heading into that game and were on the verge of capturing a third consecutive national title. Although they fell short, Kirby Smart's squad remains a powerhouse, having been the most dominant team in college football over the past three seasons. Their return to the top of the rankings reflects the confidence that Georgia will continue to set the standard in the sport.

Ohio State is the biggest mover among the top teams, jumping eight spots to claim the No. 2 position. The Buckeyes suffered a disappointing loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship last season, but with Jim Harbaugh now out of the picture in Ann Arbor, Ohio State is poised to reclaim its conference crown. The addition of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is expected to rejuvenate their offense and make them serious contenders for the national title.

Oregon rounds out the top three, rising to No. 3 despite losing star quarterback Bo Nix to the NFL. Head coach Dan Lanning has built one of the top defenses in the country, and the arrival of transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel gives the Ducks a chance to remain competitive in the Pac-12. The high ranking reflects confidence in Lanning's ability to maintain Oregon's status as a national contender, even with significant roster changes.

2. Michigan Falls to No. 9

After winning their first national championship in decades last season, the Michigan Wolverines have surprisingly dropped to No. 9 in the preseason poll. Despite finishing the 2023 season undefeated and capturing the title, Michigan has faced a tumultuous offseason that has raised concerns about its ability to repeat as champions.

The Wolverines lost head coach Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and several key players who declared for the NFL Draft. Former offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore has taken over as head coach, but the uncertainty surrounding the team's new leadership and the exodus of talent have led to a significant drop in their ranking. As the season unfolds, Michigan will need to prove that it can overcome these challenges and remain a top contender.

Biggest Snubs:

1. Washington Drops Out of the Top 25

One of the most surprising omissions from the AP Top 25 poll is the Washington Huskies. Last season, Washington was one of college football's biggest surprises, going undefeated in the regular season and reaching the National Championship Game, where they ultimately fell to Michigan. However, the offseason has been anything but kind to the Huskies, leading to their exclusion from the preseason rankings.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer departed to take over at Alabama, replacing the legendary Nick Saban. Washington also lost several key players, including quarterback Michael Penix Jr., wide receiver Rome Odunze, and the majority of their starting offensive line, such as Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten. Additionally, several top defenders, like Bralen Trice, left for the NFL or transferred to other programs. These significant losses have left Washington with a lot of uncertainty, which likely contributed to their snub from the Top 25 despite last season's success.

2. Louisville Lands Just Outside the Rankings

Another team that many expected to see in the Top 25 is Louisville, which received 111 votes but ultimately fell just short of making the list. The Cardinals had a strong 2023 season, finishing with a 10-4 record overall and going 7-1 in the ACC. Despite their success, Louisville was edged out by teams like N.C. State, Clemson, and USC, who all made the Top 25.

Louisville's exclusion is puzzling, especially considering their impressive finish last season and the relatively stable offseason they've had. While they may not have made the initial cut, the Cardinals will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves worthy of a spot in the rankings as the season progresses.

The AP Top 25 poll gives us an early look at who the frontrunners are, but as always, surprises are sure to come. Whether it's a team rising from obscurity to challenge the established powers or a powerhouse program falling short of expectations, the 2024 season promises plenty of drama and excitement. As the season kicks off, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the rankings evolve and which teams can turn their College Football 25 Coins into playoff gold.

MMOexp College Football 25 Team