Ben Kenney
June 4, 2024 11:00 am CT
ESPN recently released its updated Football Power Index metric ahead of the 2024 college football season.
The metric ranks every program from No. 1 (Georgia) to No. 132 (Kent State), creating a consistent scale with which every team can be compared. It is different from ESPN’s Bill Connelly’s SP+ metric. But the two can be used together to better understand what to expect on the field this fall.
Related: Where every Big Ten team ranks in ESPN’s 2024 College Football Power Index
It should be no surprise that the Big Ten and SEC dominate the top of the newly-released ranking. The sport’s new landscape saw the conglomeration of top contenders into those two conferences. The direct effect of that conference realignment is seen with the Big Ten and SEC boasting nine of FPI’s top 10 teams entering the season.
Wisconsin’s place in the ranking is more of a question. The Badgers enter the season after consecutive 7-6 campaigns, desperately in need of a resurgence. Its ceiling should be high if Phil Longo’s offense clicks and Luke Fickell’s defense takes a step forward, but a low floor also exists against a gauntlet schedule.
For reference, SP+ has the Badgers ranked No. 27 in the nation entering the season. FPI, on the other hand, is much lower on the team’s prospects.
Here is FPI’s full preseason top 40 ranking with each team’s conference championship and College Football Playoff likelihood. Wisconsin barely cracks the ranking:
1
Georgia Bulldogs
April 13, 2024; Athens, Georgia; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart on the field during the G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 26.8
Projected Record: 10.3-2.1
Conference Championship %: 32.8
College Football Playoff %: 79.1
National Championship %: 21
Get more (Georgia) news, analysis, and opinions onUGA Wire
2
Oregon Ducks
Nov. 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning (center) leads quarterback Bo Nix (10) and Ty Thompson (13) onto the field for the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 24.5
Projected Record: 10.8-1.8
Conference Championship %: 37.5
College Football Playoff %: 76.0
National Championship %: 12.8
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis, and opinions onDucks Wire
3
Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian greets wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) while warming up for the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoffsemifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK
FPI Rating: 22.9
Projected Record: 10.0-2.4
Conference Championship %: 24.2
College Football Playoff %: 67.8
National Championship %: 11.4
Get more (Texas) news, analysis, and opinions onLonghorns Wire
4
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oct. 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio; Ohio State Buckeyes running backs coach Tony Alford, head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye signal from the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium.
FPI Rating: 22.2
Projected Record: 10.2-2.2
Conference Championship %: 25.7
College Football Playoff %: 67.2
National Championship %: 10.5
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis, and opinions onBuckeyes Wire
5
Alabama Crimson Tide
Jan. 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; The University of Alabama introduced new head football coach Kalen DeBoer with a press conference at Bryant-Denny Stadium. DeBoer speaks during the press conference. Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News-USA TODAY NETWORK
FPI Rating: 21.9
Projected Record: 9.3-3.0
Conference Championship %: 14.4
College Football Playoff %: 57.2
National Championship %: 8.5
Get more (Alabama) news, analysis, and opinions on Roll Tide Wire
6
Penn State Nittany Lions
Dec. 30, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin on the sidelines against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 19.8
Projected Record: 10.1-2.3
Conference Championship %: 22.2
College Football Playoff %: 59.1
National Championship %: 6.6
Get more (Penn State) news, analysis, and opinions onNittany Lions Wire
7
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman celebrates at the 90th annual Sun Bowl game against Oregon State on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at El Paso, Texas. GABY VELASQUEZ/ EL PASO TIMES-USA TODAY NETWORK
FPI Rating: 19.0
Projected Record: 10.1-1.9
Conference Championship %: N/A
College Football Playoff %: 59.1
National Championship %: 4.8
Get more (Notre Dame) news, analysis, and opinions onFighting Irish Wire
8
Oklahoma Sooners
Dec. 28, 2023; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on in the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at Alamodome. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 17.2
Projected Record: 8.2-3.9
Conference Championship %: 5.1
College Football Playoff %: 36.6
National Championship %: 2.8
Get more (Oklahoma) news, analysis, and opinions onSooners Wire
9
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during preseason football practice held on UT’s campus on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
FPI Rating: 16.6
Projected Record: 8.6-3.5
Conference Championship %: 5.5
College Football Playoff %: 36.9
National Championship %: 2.7
Get more (Tennessee) news, analysis, and opinions onVols Wire
10
Missouri Tigers
Nov. 24, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Missouri won 48-14. Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 15.4
Projected Record: 9.0-3.2
Conference Championship %: 5.9
College Football Playoff %: 37.3
National Championship %: 2.2
11
Florida State Seminoles
Sept. 23, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell on the sideline in the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 15.1
Projected Record: 8.8-3.6
Conference Championship %: 26.2
College Football Playoff %: 35.9
National Championship %: 2.5
Get more (Florida State) news, analysis, and opinions onFSU Wire
12
Michigan Wolverines
Jan. 1, 2024; Pasadena, California; Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) scores a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 14.9
Projected Record: 8.3-3.9
Conference Championship %: 7.3
College Football Playoff %: 28.5
National Championship %: 1.7
Get more (Michigan) news, analysis, and opinions onWolverines Wire
13
LSU Tigers
Jan. 1, 2024; Tampa, Florida; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) talk on the podium after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Reliaquest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 14.6
Projected Record: 7.9-4.2
Conference Championship %: 4.4
College Football Playoff %: 25.3
National Championship %: 1.3
Get more (LSU) news, analysis, and opinions onLSU Wire
14
Texas A&M Aggies
July 21, 2022; Charlotte, NC; Duke head coach Mike Elko talks to the media during the second day of ACC Media Days at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 13.6
Projected Record: 7.6-4.5
Conference Championship %: 3.2
College Football Playoff %: 21.0
National Championship %: 1.0
Get more (Texas A&M) news, analysis, and opinions onAggies Wire
15
Clemson Tigers
Sept. 30, 2023; Syracuse, New York; Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts in the fourth quarter against Syracuse at JMA Wireless Dome. Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 12.2
Projected Record: 8.5-3.8
Conference Championship %: 19.3
College Football Playoff %: 26.9
National Championship %: 1.4
Get more (Clemson) news, analysis, and opinions onClemson Wire
16
Ole Miss Rebels
Nov. 6, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with a referee after a call during the second half against the Liberty Flames at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 12.0
Projected Record: 7.9-4.2
Conference Championship %: 2.3
College Football Playoff %: 20.7
National Championship %: 0.8
17
Kansas Jayhawks
Sept. 17, 2022; Houston, Texas; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold on the sideline during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 11.2
Projected Record: 8.7-3.6
Conference Championship %: 17.4
College Football Playoff %: 24.0
National Championship %: 0.9
18
USC Trojans
USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) talks with USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the first half of the game against No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Abigail Dollins-USA TODAY NETWORK
FPI Rating: 11.1
Projected Record: 7.1-5.1
Conference Championship %: 2.9
College Football Playoff %: 13.4
National Championship %: 0.3
Get more (USC) news, analysis, and opinions onTrojans Wire
19
Auburn Tigers
Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze and athletic director John Cohen pose for photos during Freeze’s introduction at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
FPI Rating: 10.1
Projected Record: 7.2-4.9
Conference Championship %: 0.8
College Football Playoff %: 13.5
National Championship %: 0.4
Get more (Auburn) news, analysis, and opinions on Auburn Wire
20
Florida Gators
Oct 14, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) throws a pass against the South Carolina Gameco*cks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 10.1
Projected Record: 5.9-6.1
Conference Championship %: 0.7
College Football Playoff %: 8.3
National Championship %: 0.3
Get more (Florida) news, analysis, and opinions on Gators Wire
21
Louisville Cardinals
Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm during warm ups against the Florida State Seminoles at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 10.0
Projected Record: 7.9-4.3
Conference Championship %: 12.0
College Football Playoff %: 18.3
National Championship %: 0.6
22
Kansas State Wildcats
Dec. 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman celebrates after beating the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the Pop-Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 10.0
Projected Record: 8.4-3.9
Conference Championship %: 16.0
College Football Playoff %: 21.4
National Championship %: 0.7
23
Miami Hurricanes
Nov 26, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jake Garcia (13) scrambles with the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 9.6
Projected Record: 8.2-4.0
Conference Championship %: 9.9
College Football Playoff %: 18.2
National Championship %: 0.6
24
Arizona Wildcats
Dec. 28, 2023; San Antonio, Texas; Arizona Wildcats running back DJ Williams (8) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Tanner McLachlan (84) in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Alamodome. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 9.2
Projected Record: 7.9-4.3
Conference Championship %: 11.5
College Football Playoff %: 16.0
National Championship %: 0.3
25
SMU Mustangs
Oct 20, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; SMU Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) throws the ball against the Temple Owls during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 9.0
Projected Record: 8.3-3.9
Conference Championship %: 9.0
College Football Playoff %: 16.6
National Championship %: 0.5
26
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Sep 16, 2023; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy takes the field before an NCAA football game between Oklahoma State and South Alabama at Boone Pickens Stadium. South Alabama won 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Terry-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 7.6
Projected Record: 7.6-4.6
Conference Championship %: 8.5
College Football Playoff %: 12.6
National Championship %: 0.4
27
Utah Utes
April 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks on during the second half of the Utah Spring Football Game at Rice–Eccles Stadium. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 7.5
Projected Record: 7.8-4.4
Conference Championship %: 8.2
College Football Playoff %: 12.5
National Championship %: 0.2
28
NC State Wolfpack
Dec 28, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren looks on from the sidelines during the Pop-Tarts bowl against Kansas State Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 7.5
Projected Record: 8.1-4.1
Conference Championship %: 7.5
College Football Playoff %: 13.9
National Championship %: 0.3
29
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech’s head football coach Joey McGuire pauses during a drill at a spring football practice, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Sports Performance Center. Credit: Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK
FPI Rating: 7.1
Projected Record: 7.6-4.5
Conference Championship %: 7.6
College Football Playoff %: 11.5
National Championship %: 0.3
30
TCU Horned Frogs
Nov 18, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Baylor Bears at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 7.1
Projected Record: 7.0-5.1
Conference Championship %: 7.9
College Football Playoff %: 9.9
National Championship %: 0.2
31
Washington Huskies
Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies mascot Harry the Husky and cheerleaders pose after the Pac-12 Championship game against the Oregon Ducks at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 6.7
Projected Record: 6.4-5.6
Conference Championship %: 0.5
College Football Playoff %: 6.0
National Championship %: 0.1
Get more (Washington) news, analysis, and opinions onHuskies Wire
32
UCF Knights
Dec 22, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn reacts during the second half of the Gasparilla Bowl against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 6.2
Projected Record: 7.4-4.7
Conference Championship %: 7.0
College Football Playoff %: 9.6
33
South Carolina Gameco*cks
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) sacks South Carolina Gameco*cks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 6.2
Projected Record: 6.0-6.0
Conference Championship %: 0.4
College Football Playoff %: 4.4
34
Kentucky Wildcats
Sep 30, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops walks off the field after the game against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 6.2
Projected Record: 6.0-6.0
Conference Championship %: 0.2
College Football Playoff %: 4.8
35
West Virginia Mountaineers
Oct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown talks to Field Judge Matthew Mills during the second quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 6.0
Projected Record: 6.3-5.8
Conference Championship %: 5.0
College Football Playoff %: 6.4
36
Colorado Buffaloes
Apr 27, 2024; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during a spring game event at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 6.0
Projected Record: 6.3-5.8
Conference Championship %: 4.1
College Football Playoff %: 5.8
Get more (Colorado) news, analysis, and opinions onBuffaloes Wire
37
Iowa Hawkeyes
Oct. 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 5.6
Projected Record: 7.0-5.0
Conference Championship %: 0.9
College Football Playoff %: 7.4
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis, and opinions onHawkeyes Wire
38
Oregon State Beavers
Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Tanner Miller (61) and offensive lineman Jake Levengood (70) block downfield against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 5.3
Projected Record: 7.9-4.1
Conference Championship %: N/A
College Football Playoff %: 9.8
39
Wisconsin Badgers
Oct. 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell leads the football team onto the field for warmups prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 5.0
Projected Record: 5.8-6.2
Conference Championship %: 0.5
College Football Playoff %: 3.1
40
UCLA Bruins
Feb 13, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins athletic director Martin Jarmond, right, with new head football coach DeShaun Foster during a press conference at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
FPI Rating: 4.9
Projected Record: 5.5-6.5
Conference Championship %: 0.5
College Football Playoff %: 3.1
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis, and opinions on UCLA Wire
41
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