Today is officially Week 1 of the college football season. Tonight’s game may not seem interesting but keep a close eye on the North Dakota State/Colorado matchup. Deion Sanders and the boys may be in for a long night because the Bisons won’t back down from anyone.

But that’s not what we’re here for. This post is about my chosen underrated college football teams. I usually do these yearly to have an idea which teams could exceed expectations in their conference and more. Some could make sense while others I choose are unorthodox. Whether you agree or disagree, it should give you an idea of what to look out for during the season. It’s a long read so you can always skim through just to see which teams I’ve chosen to watch out for this season. Hope all you college football fans out there have a great day and week, and good luck to all your favorite college teams out there. Boomer Sooners and Go Pack!!!

AAC

RICE

Rice improved their record every season since coach Mike Bloomgren took over. Six wins and a bowl were big accomplishments last season. Despite losing Luke McCaffrey, the roster’s solid and experienced enough to improve just a tad bit. The best part is that they found their quarterback in EJ Warner (Kurt Warner’s son). The kid passed for over 3,000 yards twice with Temple before transferring from one Owl to another in Rice. He’s like the key to taking the next step offensively. Defensively, the roster could improve. There’s beef up front and hopefully their run defense can become the wall. Defensive end Coleman Coco led the team in sacks (4) and ties the team in tackles for losses (9) and could be more impactful. Their early schedule’s light enough to win early before they travel for four of their last six games. It’s not bad, but their defense must come through.

ACC

VIRGINIA TECH

The Hokies are dark horse ACC title contenders. Quarterback Kyron Drones is the answer that Va Tech was looking for. Him coupled with one of the best receiving corps in the ACC makes them dangerous offensively. Led by cornerback Dorian Strong, the secondary should be the strength of Va Tech as long as the safeties have things figured out. The front four must play a big part in the trenches against some of their upcoming opponents that likes running the ball. Otherwise, Virginia Tech can handle their schedule and have a shot at making the ACC title game.

BIG TEN

NEBRASKA

Coach Matt Rhule tends to improve programs each season. He did it twice with Temple and Baylor, so why not Nebraska? Last season showed some promise as their defense and the run game are the strengths. Establishing a consistent run game with a running back will be key, but the addition of potential phenom freshmen quarterback Dylan Raiola could elevate this offense to new heights that hasn’t been seen in years. Nebraska’s defense hopes to resemble somewhat of the Black Shirts back in the day. The defensive line, led by defensive tackle Nash Hutmacher, figures to be stalwarts. The first seven games are gettable and could send them bowling for the first time in eight seasons. If they accomplish that, it comes down to where the other wins come from and could make them the most surprising playoff contenders.

BIG 12

TEXAS TECH

Texas Tech was hyped since the offseason of 2023. Unfortunately, they faltered to a 7-6 record after losing at Wyoming in Week 1 to start the domino effect. Fortunately, they won four of their last five games to have some optimism for next season. The roster went through changes, including adding a few transfers on all sides, including Arizona State tight end Jalin Conyers. Defense played par last year and hopes to improve with defensive backs C.J. Baskerville leading the way and the linebacker unit staying healthy. The Red Raiders had a much quieter offseason this time, which is positive because their schedule could make them the sneakiest Big 12 title contender in their conference. Their only challenging matchups are at Arizona, at Iowa State, at Oklahoma State, and home against Colorado and West Virginia. Winning at least one or two puts them in the Big 12 title and college football playoff conversation.

C-USA

JACKSONVILLE STATE

The Gamecocks exceeded expectations in their first year, and you can thank that man in that picture. Rich Rodriguez got Jax State prepared for FBS competition and won nine games, including their first ever bowl win. They hope to elevate those expectations with changes happening across C-USA. They have the roster on both sides to compete but hope to improve against the run on defense and find a quarterback that can run Rich’s offense. Logan Smothers is the projected Week 1 starter, but Zion Turner’s not far off. If the offensive line improves, they could be a problem against Liberty and Western Kentucky. Their schedule’s manageable to where the team wins nine games again and maybe more to compete for the C-USA title.

MAC

BOWLING GREEN

After five long, hard seasons, coach Scot Loeffler finally made Bowling Green relevant in the MAC again. Winning six of their last nine games, including an upset over Georgia Tech on the road, makes the Falcons potential MAC title contenders. They have a strong backfield with quarterback Connor Bazelak and running back Terion Stewart along with an experienced offensive line returning four starters. Defense could play a pivotal role in Bowling Green’s MAC title run. Nose guard Anthony Hawkins leads the defense and should make life complicated for some MAC opponents going through offensive adjustments. If things go the Falcons’ way, they can win enough games to be in the conference title conversation.

MOUNTAIN WEST

HAWAI’I

Hawai’i can breathe easy knowing they play 12 games this season instead 13. Their farthest travel is in Texas against Sam Houston. Their schedule sets up for a surprising conference run while other Mountain West teams have questions, including Boise State. Out of the 12 teams in the Mountain West, Hawai’i has the most experience quarterback who stayed on one team in Brayden Schager. He called off the transfer portal hoping to get Hawai’i to a bowl game and a positive record in his last season of his career. He will be helped by his skill players but hopes the offensive line will improve. Defense must take a decent step to help the offense out. Luckily, they host Boise State and UNLV at home, so anything’s possible. However, the team must cut down on turnovers and endure a back-and-forth trip starting in September.

SEC

TEXAS A&M

I’m aware that the Aggies are ranked. A&M is also projected as the ninth best team in the SEC and lost an important player in receiver Evan Stewart. However, they have other options on the perimeter and has a stable of running backs minus Reuben Owens, who’s out for the season. The offensive line must improve and protect their quarterback, Conner Weigman. They have the horses on defense to challenge most opponents in the nation. With defensive guru Mike Elko back as the new head coach, their defense will make sure they’re one of the best in the country. The front four should be strength led by Nic Scourton (Purdue transfer) and the Shemars (last names Turner and Stewart). This team has a strong opportunity on their home schedule against all ranked opponents: Notre Dame, Missouri, LSU, and Texas. They also have no ranked opponents on the road. Whatever Mike or the Aggie AD did, they have the best chance of surprising the nation as SEC title contenders and/or playoff contenders.

SUN BELT

TEXAS STATE

Texas State exceeded all expectations under head coach GJ Kinne. In his first season, he coached the team to eight wins and their first ever bowl win in their first ever bowl appearance. The former Tulsa quarterback has two winning records in his first two seasons as head coach for them and Incarnate Word. He not only could lead them to another winning season with some returns and added transfers, including James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud, but they could potentially compete for the 12-team playoff if they can qualify for the Sun Belt title game and win. The offense should be good again, but the team hopes their defense can improve. Their schedule is gettable but defeating a questionable Arizona State team and outperforming a good UTSA team could boost their confidence to hopefully dominate the Sun Belt.

AT-LARGE

UNC

UNC’s offseason went quiet after Drake Maye departed for the NFL. They’re left with questions at quarterback and their defense wasn’t the same since COVID hit in 2020. However, coach Mack Brown’s unit returns plenty of experience on all sides with added pieces from the transfer portal while still recruiting well (ranked #26). One piece that might keep the Heels’ elevated on offense is Texas A&M transfer quarterback Max Johnson. He has starting experience and hopes to connect with his weapons, but one guy carrying the offense will be workhorse running back Omarion Hampton. Defense has experience linebacker Power Echols hoping to power this defense that must improve, and new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins hopes to help with that development. Their schedule is gettable. After their road game at Minnesota, the Heels don’t leave their home state until October 26th at Virginia and Florida State back-to-back. It’s possible UNC could win enough games to be bowl-eligible and in contention for the ACC title game while everyone else least expects it.

OKLAHOMA

Georgia faces Alabama in late September. Texas faces Michigan in Week 2. Alabama travels out of the South entirely for the first time since 2011, and then faces Georgia after the bye. Missouri deals with Texas A&M on October 5th. LSU has a Week 1 matchup with USC in Vegas. Tennessee wrestles with NC State in Week 2. Texas A&M has a tricky rivalry matchup with Arkansas in late September. What does this all mean??? Oklahoma could easily be above the entire SEC for at least half of their schedule before their last six games includes four Top 15 ranked opponents (at Ole Miss, at Missouri, Alabama, at LSU). If their defense is legit and quarterback Jackson Arnold plays up to his future potential, Oklahoma will have plenty of attention in the Top 10 or higher for at least the first half of their schedule. For now, Oklahoma could be 5-0 before the Red River Rivalry and the game will determine whether they can run the table in the SEC this season.