Ranking All 96 Games for Week 1 of the 2024 College Football Season

College football’s long offseason officially ended on Saturday with four games to kick off the 2024 season. The first week of action didn't disappoint with Georgia Tech upsetting Florida State, Montana State beating New Mexico in the final seconds, and SMU rallying in the fourth quarter to knock off Nevada. While those matchups provided a nice appetizer, the main course is coming this week with a full schedule of games.

The Week 1 NCAAF slate features 96 games, including huge showdowns between Notre Dame-Texas A&M, Penn State-West Virginia, Miami-Florida, USC-LSU in Las Vegas and Georgia-Clemson in Atlanta.

With 96 games on the slate — and too many starting at the same time — Athlon Sports wants to help your channel surfing for Week 1. In addition to a quick preview, we have ranked every game based upon watchability for the first full Saturday of action. It’s not easy ranking one-sided FBS matchups or FCS versus FBS teams, but we’ve tried to weigh everything for all 96 matchups. Many factors went into this subjective ranking. But most importantly, the 2024 college football season is underway and there are plenty of excellent matchups to take in this week.

Here’s your complete viewer’s guide for Week 1 of the 2024 season:

Ranking All 96 Games for Week 1 of the 2024 College Football Season

No. 96-81

96. Merrimack at Air Force (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Air Force has won its last three openers by a combined score of 125-38. Expect the Falcons to handle Merrimack to add to its recent trend of one-sided openers.

95. Western Illinois at Northern Illinois (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Recent contests against in-state foes haven't gone well for Northern Illinois. The Huskies lost to Southern Illinois (14-11) last season and dropped its last matchup against Western Illinois (28-23) in '16. The Huskies should have better luck this time around, as the Leathernecks are 0-22 over the last two seasons.

94. Lehigh at Army (Friday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. ET)
Army is an intriguing program to watch in 2024 as it gives up FBS Independence for a conference home (AAC). The Black Knights shouldn't have much trouble with Lehigh (2-9 last year) on Friday night.

93. Bucknell at Navy (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
This is the first meeting between Bucknell and Navy since 1925. The Midshipmen shouldn't have much trouble here, as the Bison went 4-7 last season and is projected at the bottom of the Patriot League in '24. The development of Navy's offense under new coordinator Drew Cronic is a storyline to watch in this meeting.

92. Southeast Missouri State at New Mexico State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 9 p.m. ET)
New Mexico State was one of the top teams in Conference USA last season, but this program will look a lot different in '24. In addition to new coach Tony Sanchez, both sides of the ball are undergoing a major overhaul. Southeast Missouri State finished 4-7 last fall and was picked third in the Big South/OVC preseason poll. The Redhawks already have a game under their belt, defeating North Alabama 37-15 in Week Zero.

91. Tennessee Tech at Middle Tennessee (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
A pair of new coaches - Bobby Wilder (Tennessee Tech) and Derek Mason (Middle Tennessee) - is the big story in this in-state showdown. Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato is back to lead the Blue Raiders' offense and ranks among the best in Conference USA.

90. Robert Morris at Utah State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
After a tumultuous offseason, Utah State is certainly ready for the start of the actual '24 schedule. Interim coach Nate Dreiling has a good shot at the full-time gig and the audition starts on Saturday night against a Robert Morris team that went 4-7 last year.

89. Texas A&M-Commerce at San Diego State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
San Diego State coach Sean Lewis is one of the top hires of the 2023-24 cycle and a successful debut is in order against Texas A&M-Commerce (1-9 last year). The Aztecs have some intriguing pieces on offense for Lewis to deploy, including a true freshman (Danny O'Neil) starting at quarterback and Ball State transfer Marquez Cooper at running back.

88. Fordham at Bowling Green (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)
Fordham knocked off a MAC team (Buffalo) last season, so Bowling Green will be on upset alert on Thursday night. The Falcons need to contain a Rams' offense that ranked No. 12 nationally at the FCS level in passing last season. But with 13 starters back and an overall solid roster after back-to-back bowl trips, coach Scot Loeffler's squad should be able to get the victory and move to 1-0.

87. Central Connecticut State at Central Michigan (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)
Getting back on track after consecutive losing seasons will require better quarterback play from coach Jim McElwain's team. An opener against Central Connecticut (3-8 last year) should give the Chippewas a good look at Bert Emanuel Jr. and Joe Labas under center.

86. Northwestern State at Tulsa (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
Tulsa showed signs of promise at the end of the 2023 season for first-year coach Kevin Wilson. The Golden Hurricane could surprise in the AAC if the defense improves, but this game against Northwestern State will be crucial to sorting out a quarterback battle that features three candidates (Cardell Williams, Cooper Legas, and Kirk Francis) still in the mix after fall practice.

85. Grambling at Louisiana (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
These two teams have met just once on the gridiron, with the Ragin' Cajuns winning 49-17 in '18. The '24 season is a crucial one for Louisiana coach Michael Desormeaux after back-to-back six-win campaigns.

84. Stony Brook at Marshall (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. ET)
The '24 season is critical for Marshall coach Charles Huff after last year's disappointing 6-7 record. The opener against Stony Brook (0-10 in '23) is an opportunity to get the new offense under coordinator Seth Doege and an unsettled quarterback situation on track before a Week 2 matchup at Virginia Tech.

83. Lamar at Texas State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
Texas State is a program on the rise under coach GJ Kinne and enters '24 as the favorite to win the Sun Belt's West Division. Transfer quarterback Jordan McCloud (James Madison) should be one of the top signal-callers at the Group of 5 level. Don't expect the Bobcats to have much trouble in this matchup.

82. Norfolk State at East Carolina (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. ET)
The Pirates should have one of the AAC's top defenses but need an improved offense to rebound from last year's 2-10 record. Missouri transfer Jake Garcia is an intriguing pickup at quarterback. Norfolk State went 3-8 last fall and is projected to finish at the bottom of the MEAC in '24.

81. East Tennessee State at Appalachian State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Appalachian State has a huge showdown at Clemson up next, so this matchup against East Tennessee State (3-8 last year) is an opportunity to get in rhythm before the road trek to Death Valley.

Related: College Football's Best QB Matchup for Every Week of the 2024 Season

No. 80-71

80. Bethune-Cookman at South Florida (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
Bethune-Cookman was crushed in two games against FBS opponents last year, losing 56-14 to Memphis and 48-7 to Miami. The Bulls should post a similar outcome against the Wildcats, as the offense behind quarterback Byrum Brown is poised for a huge opening performance.

79. Campbell at Liberty (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. ET)
A run to the CFB Playoff and another undefeated regular season is within reach for Liberty with quarterback Kaidon Salter piloting coach Jamey Chadwell's high-powered offense. The Flames are a heavy favorite against Campbell (5-6 last year).

78. Portland State at Washington State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. ET)
Washington State has won three of the four all-time meetings against Portland State with a combined margin of victory of 151-53. The '24 season marks a new chapter for the Cougars with the Pac-2 and a scheduling partnership with the Mountain West, but coach Jake Dickert has a roster in transition with just nine returning starters and a new quarterback (John Mateer) taking over after Cam Ward transferred to Miami.

77. Idaho State at Oregon State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. ET)
A new era of Oregon State football begins here, as coach Trent Bray begins his first season in charge, and the program charts an uncertain path forward with the Pac-2. Even with all of the changes, the Beavers should have a shot at a bowl thanks to a reloaded roster from the portal. Idaho State went 3-8 last year under first-year coach (and former Colorado QB) Cody Hawkins and was picked to finish eighth in the Big Sky in the '24 media poll.

76. Towson at Cincinnati (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m. ET)
The Bearcats are hungry to rebound after last year's disappointing 3-9 mark in coach Scott Satterfield's debut. Facing a Towson team that finished 5-6 and is projected to finish in the middle of the CAA, Cincinnati should get '24 off to a 1-0 start.

75. Alcorn State at UAB (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
Can second-year coach Trent Dilfer get UAB on track after last year's 4-8 mark? Quarterback Jacob Zeno is one of the AAC's top quarterbacks but big-time concerns remain on defense. Alcorn State went 7-4 last season and was picked as the preseason favorite in the SWAC West Division. The Blazers can't afford overlook the Braves.

74. SE Louisiana at Tulane (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
New Tulane coach Jon Sumrall is one of the top hires of the 2023-24 cycle. This matchup against SE Louisiana should allow the Green Wave to get Sumrall's tenure off to a fast start and also provide insight into the quarterback battle between Ty Thompson, Darian Mensah, and Kai Horton.

73. Elon at Duke (Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
Manny Diaz's debut should be a successful one against an Elon team that went 6-5 last season. This game is also a tune-up chance for new quarterback and Texas transfer Maalik Murphy and several new starters on both sides of the ball.

72. North Carolina A&T at Wake Forest (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)
Wake Forest should have little trouble with North Carolina A&T (1-10 last year) on Thursday night. But this matchup does have intrigue with the Demon Deacons exiting fall practice with uncertainty at quarterback. Will Louisiana Tech transfer Hank Bachmeier win the starting job?

71. Howard at Rutgers (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. ET)
If the Scarlet Knights can jumpstart a sluggish passing attack in 2024, coach Greg Schiano's team has a chance to surprise with a favorable Big Ten slate. This opener against Howard (6-6 last year), is a good chance for Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis to build confidence.

Related: Ranking All 134 College Football Teams for 2024

No. 70-61

70. New Hampshire at UCF (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)
The Knights are a sleeper team to watch in the Big 12 behind coach Gus Malzahn's high-powered offense and Arkansas transfer quarterback KJ Jefferson. Look for a fast start against a New Hampshire team that finished 6-5 last year and lost quarterback Max Brosmer to transfer (Minnesota).

69. UC Davis at California (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. ET)
California defeated UC Davis 34-13 in the 2022 season opener and should take care of business in the '24 rematch. The Aggies are projected to finish near the bottom of the Big Sky under new coach (and former Cal assistant) Tim Plough this fall, so the Golden Bears have an easy path to 1-0 in their first season of ACC play.

68. Houston Christian at SMU (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
SMU used 16 points in the fourth quarter to rally for a 29-24 win over Nevada in Week Zero. Coach Rhett Lashlee has plenty to work on after the close call in Reno, but the Mustangs should find the going a little easier in Week 1 against Houston Christian.

67. North Alabama at Memphis (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
Expectations are high at Memphis after last year's 10-win campaign. Quarterback Seth Henigan is one of the top Group of 5 signal-callers, and coach Ryan Silverfield reinforced this roster through the portal. North Alabama played in Week Zero, losing 37-15 to Southeast Missouri State. The Lions were also picked seventh in the United Athletic Conference preseason poll.

66. Lindenwood at Kansas (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
The return of a healthy Jalon Daniels at quarterback for Kansas should help coach Lance Leipold's team push for a spot in the Big 12 title game. The Jayhawks won't have much trouble against a Lindenwood team that went 3-7 last year.

65. Indiana State at Purdue (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
The schedule is tough, but second-year coach Ryan Walters has Purdue's overall roster in better shape going into '24. The Boilermakers are a heavy favorite against an Indiana State team coming off a 1-10 record last fall.

64. Abilene Christian at Texas Tech (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
The Red Raiders stumbled in last year's opener at Wyoming. The guess here is this season's opener against FCS opponent Abilene Christian will go a lot better for Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire.

63. Duquesne at Toledo (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
Duquesne is the preseason favorite in the NEC, but this matchup is an opportunity for Toledo to get an extended look at some of the new faces in a lineup that returns only eight starters. New quarterback Tucker Gleason will be under the spotlight for the Rockets.

62. Alabama A&M at Auburn (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
An improved passing game is needed for Auburn to take a step forward in coach Hugh Freeze's second year. Quarterback Payton Thorne can get off to a fast start with this matchup against Alabama A&M, especially if true freshman receiver Cam Coleman lives up to the hype on Saturday night.

61. Austin Peay at Louisville (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
A favorable slate to start '24 (Austin Peay and Jacksonville State) will allow Louisville coach Jeff Brohm to work out some of the offensive issues that hovered over this team in fall practice. Expect transfer quarterback Tyler Shough to have a big day through the air against the Governors.

Related: Ranking College Football's Conferences for 2024

No. 60-51

60. Jackson State at ULM (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)
New ULM coach Bryant Vincent inherits a massive rebuilding project after the program went 10-36 over the last four years. The opener against Jackson State might be Vincent's best shot at a victory this fall, but the Tigers are coming off a 7-4 season and won't be an easy out.

59. UT Martin at Kansas State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
Led by rising star quarterback Avery Johnson, Kansas State is one of the preseason favorites in the Big 12. A road trip to Tulane is on tap for the Wildcats in Week 2, so it's important to work out some of the early question marks in a favorable matchup.

58. Murray State at Missouri (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
Missouri could be poised for a special season with quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden III headlining a dynamic offense versus a favorable slate. The Tigers shouldn't have much trouble with a Murray State team that went 2-9 last year.

57. Weber State at Washington (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 11 p.m. ET)
After playing for the national championship last season, Washington faces a major rebuilding effort under new coach Jedd Fisch. In addition to the new staff and play-callers on both sides of the ball, just two starters return for '24. Getting Weber State in the opener is a good way for Fisch to look at just how far the reloading effort has progressed.

56. Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Arkansas (Little Rock) (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
A crucial season for Arkansas coach Sam Pittman begins in Little Rock against an in-state foe. Arkansas-Pine Bluff went 2-9 last season, so the Razorbacks should have little resistance here. It's also a good chance for the Arkansas offense behind transfer quarterback Taylen Green to find a rhythm before next week's showdown at Oklahoma State.

55. Kennesaw State at UTSA (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Kennesaw State is the newest FBS member, but a road trip to San Antonio to play the Roadrunners is a tough way to start the '24 campaign. How UTSA's offense performs in replacing standout quarterback Frank Harris will be a storyline to watch in the early part of the season.

54. Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. ET)
New Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby is one of the SEC's top offensive minds, but his first season in charge in Starkville won't be easy thanks to a revamped roster. However, look for the Bulldogs to showcase their offensive scheme with plenty of big-time throws from quarterback Blake Shapen in a favorable game versus Mississippi State on Saturday night.

53. Idaho at Oregon (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
The Ducks should get an easy win in their first official game as a member of the Big Ten. Idaho is a top-10 FCS squad, but coach Dan Lanning's team just has too much depth and talent. Expect a handful of portal additions to make an instant impact for Oregon, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

52. Western Carolina at NC State (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)
The arrival of a handful of transfers - including quarterback Grayson McCall and a couple of skill players - should add up to a much-improved NC State offense in '24. Seeing how McCall performs in his Wolfpack debut with a looming showdown against Tennessee up next is the main reason to check this one out on Thursday night.

51. Richmond at Virginia (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. ET)
The Spiders have only defeated their in-state rival Virginia one time (2016) over 11 all-time matchups. The Cavaliers were more competitive in coach Tony Elliott's second season in '23, but wins need to follow this year with a 6-16 record in Charlottesville. Elliott named Anthony Colandrea as the team's starting quarterback prior to Week 1, and the sophomore is a player to watch after a promising '23 debut.

Related: College Football Bowl Projections for 2024-25

No. 50-41

50. Lafayette at Buffalo (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)
Buffalo has momentum behind new coach Pete Lembo, but Lafayette won't be easy out in Week 1. The Leopards finished 9-3 and were co-champs of the Patriot League last season. This one should be close on Thursday night.

49. Nicholls at Louisiana Tech (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
Nicholls - the preseason favorite in the Southland Conference - could be a tough out for Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are just 6-18 in two years under coach Sonny Cumbie and avoiding a loss to a FCS opponent in Week 1 is a must. Cumbie's defense must show marked improvement (33.4 points a game allowed last year), while quarterback Jack Turner needs to deliver a breakout season to spark the offense (25.9 points per contest).

48. Central Arkansas at Arkansas State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
Arkansas State rebounded from two poor showings (Oklahoma and Memphis) at the start of the 2023 season to reach a bowl in what was a critical year for coach Butch Jones. The Red Wolves feature rising star quarterback Jaylen Raynor, but Central Arkansas won't be an easy out. The Bears are the preseason favorite in the UAC and return standout quarterback Will McElvain.

47. Tarleton State at Baylor (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
Tarleton State heads into Waco with confidence after it picked up a Week Zero victory against McNeese State (26-23). The '24 season is a make-or-break year for Baylor coach Dave Aranda, and the California native made big changes to his staff and roster to get the program back on track. New play-caller Jake Spavital was a crucial hire for the offense, and transfer quarterback Dequan Finn (Toledo) should provide a spark for a unit that averaged only 23.1 points a game last year.

46. Kent State at Pitt (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
After struggling mightily on offense last year, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi made big-time changes to this group. Saturday's opener against Kent State (1-11 last season and projected at the bottom of the MAC in '24) is a chance for new play-caller Kade Bell to showcase the Panthers' up-tempo/spread attack in a favorable spot.

45. Sacramento State at San Jose State (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 10 p.m. ET)
Sacramento State - No. 10 in the first FCS poll - is a dangerous Week 1 opponent for a San Jose State team going through a major transition. New coach Ken Niumatalolo returns only six starters, and the Spartans left fall practice with uncertainty at quarterback.

44. Southern Illinois at BYU (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
BYU's quarterback battle between Gerry Bohanon and Jake Retzlaff could extend into Week 1, but a favorable matchup against Southern Illinois will allow coach Kalani Sitake to get an extended look at both signal-callers in live action. The Salukis won't be an easy out, however. Coach Nick Hill's group beat Northern Illinois last year and gave FCS national champion South Dakota State (17-10) all it could handle.

43. Eastern Illinois at Illinois (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 9 p.m. ET)
With a key non-conference showdown against Kansas up next, it's crucial for Illinois to get off to a fast start against Eastern Illinois. Offensive improvement is needed for the Fighting Illini to return to a bowl, so the opener against the Panthers is an opportunity for quarterback Luke Altmyer to showcase his offseason improvement.

42. UConn at Maryland (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
Quarterback play is under the spotlight when UConn and Maryland meet in College Park for Week 1. The Terrapins have an ongoing quarterback battle between Billy Edwards Jr. and MJ Morris, while former four-star recruit Nick Evers transferred to UConn after spending time at Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The Huskies went 0-4 against power conference opponents last season, losing three of the matchups by at least 10 points.

41. James Madison at Charlotte (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
James Madison lost a ton of talent from last year's 11-win squad, but new coach Bob Chesney reloaded the depth chart from the portal with plans on keeping this team near the top of the Sun Belt. The 49ers also hope a heavy portal class guides the team to improvement in coach Biff Poggi's second year. With both teams having so many unknowns, there's a lot of intrigue in this AAC-Sun Belt clash.

Related: College Football's Best QB Matchup for Every Week of the 2024 Season

No. 40-31

40. Sam Houston at Rice (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET) Sam Houston finished 3-9 in its FBS debut last year, but coach KC Keeler's team had a handful of close losses - potentially suggesting a turnaround into a bowl game for '24. Rice is coming off its best season under coach Mike Bloomgren, and Temple transfer EJ Warner provides an upgrade at quarterback.

39. Illinois State at Iowa (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
Although Iowa is expected to win this one easily, the offense is still a source of intrigue. The Hawkeyes have a new play-caller (Tim Lester), and Cade McNamara returns at quarterback after missing most of '23 due to injury. Will Lester's play-calling and McNamara's return equal improvement from a group that averaged only 15.4 points a game last year? Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz will miss this contest due to a one-game recruiting violation suspension.

38. Southern Utah at Utah (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 9 p.m. ET)
This one shouldn't be close on the scoreboard, but this matchup still has intrigue. How will quarterback Cameron Rising look in his return to the Utah lineup after missing all of 2023 with an injury?

37. North Dakota at Iowa State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
The Cyclones have started slow at times under coach Matt Campbell, but 17 starters are back to ensure North Dakota doesn't leave Ames with an upset win. With quarterback Rocco Becht and a standout defense returning, Iowa State will be a sleeper team to watch in the Big 12 title race.

36. Eastern Michigan at UMass (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
It's only Week 1, but this non-conference swing game could be crucial to the bowl hopes of UMass and Eastern Michigan. The Eagles won a close 19-17 battle in Ypsilanti last season.

35. FIU at Indiana (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Indiana is an intriguing team under new coach Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers have a favorable schedule, and a handful of transfers - including quarterback Kurtis Rourke - could help the program push for a bowl in '24. FIU is also trending up under coach Mike MacIntyre, with rising star quarterback Keyone Jenkins leading the way on offense. The Panthers struggled at the line of scrimmage last year and will have to show marked improvement to have any shot at an upset in Bloomington.

34. Chattanooga at Tennessee (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 12:45 p.m. ET)
Even though Chattanooga is the preseason favorite in the Southern Conference and ranked inside of the top 10 in the FCS rankings, the Volunteers should take control early and win this one without much trouble. All of the attention in this one for Tennessee should be on rising star quarterback Nico Iamaleava and his development - especially with NC State up next.

33. Furman at Ole Miss (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
With a loaded roster and high expectations after winning 11 games last season, the '24 season could be a special one for Ole Miss. Furman ranks among the top 25 teams at the FCS level, but coach Lane Kiffin's squad will get the anticipated campaign started off with a big win.

32. Temple at Oklahoma (Friday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. ET)
Friday night marks Oklahoma's first game as a member of the SEC. Don't expect Temple to put a damper on the Sooners' celebration on Friday night. The Owls ranked No. 128 in Athlon's '24 projections and are a heavy underdog (-42.5 points). Although it's hard to read much into this game, this matchup will provide early intel for Oklahoma on the development of quarterback Jackson Arnold and a rebuilt offensive line.

31. Georgia State at Georgia Tech (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET)
Georgia Tech won't have much time to celebrate its Week Zero win over Florida State. Coach Brent Key's squad returns to action on Saturday night against a rebuilding - but motivated in-state foe - Georgia State. The Panthers return 11 starters off last year's seven-win squad but have a new coach (Dell McGee) and enter the opener with uncertainty at quarterback. If the Yellow Jackets win this one, Key's team should join the top 25 rankings prior to Week 2.

Related: Ranking All 134 Starting Quarterbacks for 2024

No. 30-21

30. Florida Atlantic at Michigan State (Friday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. ET)
The Spartans had to deal with a significant amount of offseason turnover in coach Jonathan Smith's first year in charge. The progression of transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles (Oregon State) is crucial to Michigan State's bowl hopes in '24, and a Florida Atlantic defense that allowed nearly 400 yards a game last year presents an opportunity to get off to a quick start. Second-year coach Tom Herman has the Owls on the right path, but a victory in East Lansing is a tall assignment.

29. Southern Miss at Kentucky (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:45 p.m. ET)
Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff is one of the SEC's biggest wild card players for '24. This matchup against Southern Miss will provide early insight into Vandagriff's development under new coordinator Bush Hamdan, which is crucial with South Carolina coming to Lexington next week.

28. Old Dominion at South Carolina (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4:15 p.m. ET)
Old Dominion had 11 of its 13 games in '23 decided by one score. Keeping within striking distance of an upset at South Carolina is a massive challenge, however. New quarterback LaNorris Sellers is a breakout candidate for the Gamecocks, and the defense is trending up for coach Shane Beamer entering the '24 season.

27. North Texas at South Alabama (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. ET)
With an over/under of 65, the Mean Green and Jaguars could produce plenty of points in this Week 1 showdown. Both teams are also dealing with big-time changes in '24. South Alabama has a new coach (Major Applewhite) and a rising star quarterback in Gio Lopez, while the Mean Green enter the second year under coach Eric Morris hoping revamped defensive personnel and transfer signal-caller Chandler Morris (TCU) result in enough improvement to go to a bowl this fall.

26. Nevada at Troy (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
The Wolf Pack nearly pulled off a massive upset against SMU in Week 0 before falling 29-24. However, Nevada won't have much time to think about the disappointment, as a road trip to Troy is a tough way to rebound in Week 1. The Trojans lost a ton of pieces from last year's team that won the Sun Belt title and are under the direction of a new coach (Gerard Parker). Despite all of the turnover, Troy still has talent in the program and a little mystery with the new staff.

25. UTEP at Nebraska (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
The Cornhuskers are nearly a 30-point favorite in this one, so the outcome shouldn't be in doubt. However, the interest level in this game should be high to see how Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola performs in his debut.

24. Western Michigan at Wisconsin (Friday, Aug. 30 at 9 p.m. ET)
The Badgers are favored by over 20 points against Western Michigan, but this matchup has plenty of intrigue. How will Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke look in his Wisconsin debut? And how does this Wisconsin team look overall going into coach Luke Fickell's second season? Western Michigan is a sleeper team to watch in the MAC, as coach Lance Taylor has this program trending in the right direction after a 4-8 debut last year.

23. Akron at Ohio State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Catching an Ohio State team that's capable of winning the national title on the first Saturday of full action is always worth a look. However, Akron isn't expected to put up much resistance in this one and the scoreboard could get out of hand in a hurry. How the Buckeyes look on offense with new coordinator Chip Kelly and transfer quarterback Will Howard is a storyline to watch.

22. New Mexico at Arizona (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET)
New Mexico lost in the final seconds to Montana State in Week Zero, but the overall performance showed just how far this team has progressed under new coach Bronco Mendenhall. A trip to Tucson is a tough way for the Lobos to rebound, as Arizona is primed to be a Big 12 title contender in coach Brent Brennan's debut.

21. Ohio at Syracuse (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
A pair of debuts for Syracuse - coach Fran Brown and quarterback Kyle McCord (Ohio State transfer) - provide plenty of intrigue for this MAC-ACC showdown. Ohio knocked off Iowa State (10-7) last year but returns only four starters from a team that won 10 games. With a key showdown against Georgia Tech in Week 2, a fast start against the Bobcats should give Brown's team early confidence going into a crucial ACC matchup.

Related: Ranking All 134 College Football Teams for 2024

No. 20-11

20. Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
This game is likely to be overshadowed by North Dakota State-Colorado and North Carolina-Minnesota on the first Thursday of action, but Coastal Carolina traveling to Jacksonville State has the potential to be a fun matchup. Coach Rich Rodriguez's standout ground game should find plenty of room against the Chanticleers' defense. However, Jacksonville State's defense is in transition, giving Coastal Carolina quarterback Ethan Vasko a chance to pull off the road upset.

19. Boise State at Georgia Southern (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. ET)
Georgia Southern's rush defense (161.4 yards a game allowed last season) will have its hands full against Boise State's All-American running back Ashton Jeanty. Both teams opened offseason workouts with a quarterback battle, but clear winners (JC French for Georgia Southern and Maddux Madsen for Boise State) emerged this fall. Statesboro is a tough place to play in a season opener for the Broncos, but coach Spencer Danielson's squad has the better roster.

18. UNLV at Houston (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
This matchup might be one of the better under-the-radar games for Week 1. The Rebels were a surprise contender in the Mountain West under new coach Barry Odom last year and are positioned near the top of the league once again in '24. Receiver Ricky White III is an Athlon Sports All-American, but the quarterback situation is unsettled with transfers Matthew Sluka (Holy Cross) and Hajj-Malik Williams (Campbell) battling Cameron Friel to start. Houston made one of the offseason's top hires with Willie Fritz coming over from Tulane. However, the Cougars return only six starters and are in rebuild mode.

17. Wyoming at Arizona State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET)
This is the first meeting between Wyoming and Arizona State since 1977. The Sun Devils enter '24 in better overall roster shape under second-year coach Kenny Dillingham, with Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt expected to provide a spark at quarterback. Wyoming has a new coach (Jay Sawvel), but the program's overall style of play with a standout defense and ground game won't change. The Cowboys' standout defense will challenge Arizona State, but the offense will miss running back Harrison Waylee (out due to injury).

16. Miami, Ohio at Northwestern (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Regardless of how competitive this game ends up on the scoreboard, it's worth checking out for at least a few minutes for the view provided by Northwestern's temporary on-campus stadium at Lake Michigan. Miami (Ohio) defeated Northwestern 17-14 in '22 and will be a tough out again this fall. The RedHawks return the MAC's top defense (allowed 15.9 points a game last year), and quarterback Brett Gabbert (the MAC's top QB) is on track to return after suffering a season-ending injury in '23. This one won't be easy for the Wildcats.

15. UCLA at Hawaii (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
The Rainbow Warriors kicked off the '24 season with a 35-14 win over Delaware State in Week Zero. The challenge significantly increases for Hawaii this week, as coach Timmy Chang's team welcomes UCLA to Honolulu. Transition is the top storyline for the Bruins this fall, as DeShaun Foster was promoted to head coach after Chip Kelly left for Ohio State, and the roster has experienced a significant amount of turnover (just nine returning starters). New play-caller Eric Bieniemy could give running back TJ Harden a heavy workload against a suspect Hawaii rush defense. However, the Bruins enter '24 with concerns surrounding the secondary - a major concern considering Hawaii returns one of the Mountain West's top quarterbacks (Brayden Schager) and a deep group of receivers.

14. Western Kentucky at Alabama (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET)
It's the first game of the Kalen DeBoer era at Alabama and a chance to get a look at how quarterback Jalen Milroe performs in the team's new offense. Western Kentucky quarterback TJ Finley has previous SEC experience (LSU and Auburn), but coach Tyson Helton's team will need more than that to pull off the upset in Tuscaloosa as a 30-point underdog.

13. Colorado State at Texas (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian aims to show there's plenty of staying power in Austin after a trip to the CFB Playoff last season. A move to the SEC adds to the schedule difficulty and an adjustment period, but the Longhorns have all of the pieces needed for another run at the national title. Quarterback Quinn Ewers and a revamped set of receivers need to get a fast connection going in Week 1 with a looming showdown at Michigan next week. Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and receiver Tory Horton headline a passing game that ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West last year. That duo will test a Texas secondary that gave up chunks of yards at times in '23.

12. Virginia Tech at Vanderbilt (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
Virginia Tech is a trendy dark horse contender in the ACC after a strong finish to the 2023 season. The Hokies have an emerging star at quarterback in Kyron Drones and return 19 overall starters for coach Brent Pry's third year. While stability was the theme in Blacksburg, change was the biggest storyline at Vanderbilt. The Commodores had a significant roster overhaul and brought in a large transfer class to restock the depth chart. Coach Clark Lea also took over the play-calling duties and hired New Mexico State coordinator Tim Beck to do the same on offense. After a disappointing 2-10 season and all of the offseason changes, a strong showing against the Hokies could indicate Lea's tweaks have this program back on track.

11. TCU at Stanford (Friday, Aug. 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET)
This ACC-Big 12 could provide plenty of insight into how far along offseason improvement transpired at both Stanford and TCU. The Horned Frogs followed their run to the national title game with a disappointing 5-7 mark last fall, while the Cardinal went 3-9 in coach Troy Taylor's debut. With a deeper roster and better familiarity with Taylor's staff, Stanford is poised to take a step forward in '24. Of course, the move and extra travel involved with the ACC won't make things any easier. TCU coach Sonny Dykes hit the portal hard for help on both sides of the ball and hired former Boise State head coach Andy Avalos to call the defensive signals. Despite last year's disappointment, both teams have optimism going into '24 - and more than enough of a reason to stay up and watch on Friday night.

Related: Ranking College Football's Conferences for 2024

The Top 10

10. Fresno State at Michigan (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
In addition to its national title defense, the Sherrone Moore era officially gets underway at Michigan on Saturday night against a Fresno State squad that should be one of the top teams in the Mountain West. The Bulldogs are also dealing with its own transition after coach Jeff Tedford stepped down in July, prompting the program to promote Tim Skipper to the interim role. Despite losing a few key cogs, Michigan's defense still ranks among the best in the nation. But how far has the offense progressed this offseason with a new quarterback and five new starters in the trenches? Saturday night will provide the first extended look at the Wolverines' revamped offense.

9. Boston College at Florida State (Monday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
Although the new 12-team CFB Playoff format provides more mulligans for teams, urgency should be the main storyline for Florida State after a Week Zero loss to Georgia Tech. The Seminoles can't afford to go 0-2 in ACC play, but coach Mike Norvell has several areas to clean up, including both lines of scrimmage, tackling, and the passing attack on offense. Boston College gave Florida State (31-29) all it could handle last year. And after the Week Zero defensive struggles, quarterback Thomas Castellanos (400 total yards against Florida State last year) could have a huge performance in coach Bill O'Brien's debut for the Eagles.

8. North Carolina at Minnesota (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
Intrigue surrounds this toss-up battle on Thursday night. Improving the passing attack was essential this offseason for Minnesota, and coach PJ Fleck hopes New Hampshire transfer quarterback Max Brosmer provides the needed spark. The Tar Heels have struggled on defense recently, but this unit has optimism behind new coordinator Geoff Collins. Will Brosmer deliver in his FBS debut? Or will the Tar Heels show an improved defense to go with a solid offense and the play of running back Omarion Hampton? Both sides enter '24 with question marks but also upside if all of the pieces fall into place.

7. South Dakota State at Oklahoma State (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. ET)
Oklahoma State started slow last season (2-2) but rebounded to play for the Big 12 title. The Cowboys can't afford a sluggish opener this time around, as South Dakota State is the No. 1 team in the FCS ranks and is led by first-team FCS All-America quarterback Mark Gronowski. Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II has a chance for an early Heisman statement against a South Dakota State rush defense that ranked second in the FCS against the run last year. Dangerous is the easiest way to sum up this matchup for the Cowboys.

6. North Dakota State at Colorado (Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET)
North Dakota State has pulled off its share of FBS upsets in recent years and hope to deal an early setback to Coach Prime's second team in Boulder on Thursday night. After another offseason roster overhaul, the Buffaloes are in better shape than they were in '23, and the return of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter should be enough to push for a bowl - provided they start the season 1-0 and avoid an upset to the Bison.

5. Penn State at West Virginia (Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
Having the Penn State-West Virginia rivalry back on the calendar for the second year in a row as a major non-conference showdown is a big-time win for college football fans. The Nittany Lions have CFB Playoff aspirations but needs quarterback Drew Allar and a questionable group of receivers to develop under new play-caller Andy Kotelnicki. Coach James Franklin's defense also has a new coordinator (Tom Allen), but this unit will remain one of the best in the nation with edge rusher Abdul Carter leading the way. West Virginia's offense showed marked improvement after the opener versus Penn State last year, with quarterback Garrett Greene delivering a breakout season to go with a standout ground attack. Greene's development and defensive improvement will decide just how high coach Neal Brown's team can climb in the Big 12 title race. The Nittany Lions won last year's meeting in Happy Valley (38-15), so West Virginia will be out for revenge in Morgantown.

4. Miami at Florida (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET)
This showdown in the Sunshine State is one of the biggest toss-ups and also a game with potentially massive implications for both teams. Miami and Florida enter '24 looking to show they are on the right path, and the winner here will garner early momentum. The 'Canes landed one of the top quarterbacks (Cameron Ward) and running backs (Damien Martinez) in the transfer portal and both will be a massive test for a Florida defense that ranked near the bottom of the SEC last year. Florida quarterback Graham Mertz had a breakout debut in Gainesville last season and should be even more comfortable in a potential make-or-break campaign for coach Billy Napier after last year's 5-7 mark. Miami's defense held opponents to 22.8 points a game last season, but a rebuilt secondary could be vulnerable to Mertz and the Florida passing game.

3. Clemson vs. Georgia (Atlanta - Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon ET)
These two programs have combined to win four national champions since 2016 and a high-profile meeting in Atlanta is never a bad way to start '24. However, Clemson is nearly a two-touchdown underdog to preseason No. 1 Georgia. The Tigers struggled to find their offensive rhythm under new coordinator Garrett Riley last season but also need quarterback Cade Klubnik and the receivers to step up. The Bulldogs are navigating a few preseason defensive injuries, but this unit will still make life difficult for Klubnik. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck and arguably the nation's best offensive line against Clemson's standout defense will be a must-see matchup.

2. USC vs. LSU (Las Vegas - Sunday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
LSU's high-powered offense lost several key pieces from last year's group, including coordinator Mike Denbrock (Notre Dame), quarterback Jayden Daniels, and receivers Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers. But the Tigers may not miss a beat behind new signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier and one of the nation's top offensive lines. That combination is a huge test for a USC defense that struggled mightily last year but is also under new leadership in '24 (D'Anton Lynn). Coach Lincoln Riley has a track record of producing high-powered offenses, so even though Caleb Williams is off to the NFL, confidence is high in new quarterback Miller Moss. USC's offense will test just how far LSU's defense has improved under new coordinator Blake Baker.

1. Notre Dame at Texas A&M (Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET)
Even though the calendar reads Week 1, this showdown in College Station could have a massive impact on the CFB Playoff. The Aggies are poised to show marked improvement under new coach Mike Elko, and quarterback Conner Weigman returns after missing nearly all of '23 due to injury. Notre Dame's '24 slate is favorable, with this meeting at Texas A&M one of the biggest toss-ups on the slate. A rebuilt offensive line is a major concern for coach Marcus Freeman against a standout pass rush for the Aggies. Also, the Fighting Irish have to navigate transition on the offensive side of the ball in a tough spot with a new coordinator (Mike Denbrock) and quarterback (Riley Leonard). With both teams expected to fight for a playoff spot, a win here would be a huge early boost to the resume.

Related: College Football’s Best Quarterback Matchup for Each Week of the 2024 Season

Related: College Football 2024 All-America Team

Related: College Football Top 134 Team Rankings for 2024

Related: College Football Bowl Projections for 2024-25

Related: Best QBs in College Football: Ranking Every FBS Starter From No. 1 to 134