There are ten FBS football conferences in division one football, and each year every conference crowns a champion. In 2024, the demise of the PAC12 has eliminated one conference that needs to crown a winner, but former PAC teams found homes in other conferences where they still hope to compete at a high level. Here is every FBS conference’s dark horse to win the conference in 2024.
American: Memphis Tigers
The Memphis Tigers finished 10-3 in 2023 and finished fourth in the conference. The Tigers’ only two conference losses came against Tulane and SMU, both of whom were ranked in the AP top 25. The Transfer portal has been kind to the Tigers, as many commits are transferring from power five programs. Memphis earned themselves a spot on the map last year, and will look to build upon their previous success in 2024.
ACC: Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes just secured arguably the biggest name in the transfer portal, as the Hurricanes persuaded former Washington State Quarterback Cam Ward to remove his name from the NFL Draft and commit to Miami. Miami finished with seven wins in 2023, and this is largely in part due to the offenses’ turnover-prone nature. Ward will be replacing Tyler Van Dyke as the Starter in Miami, and will have the opportunity for a fresh start in the ACC. The ACC conference is losing big name players, and it is a conference that is anyone’s for the taking.
Big 12: Colorado Buffaloes
Coach prime learned last year how hard it is to coach in an FBS program. The Buffaloes are coming off of a season where the team did not make a bowl game, which is a far cry from the expectations that fans had to start the season. Shedeur, and Shilo Sanders are returning to Colorado, and so is Travis Hunter. With the Buffaloes joining the Big 12 conference, if there was ever a time to make some noise, here it is.
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Big 10: Penn State Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions have a projected Heisman Trophy Finalist as the team’s starting quarterback, as Drew Allar is expected to make some noise this year. In addition, leading rusher Kaytron Allen is returning to Penn State, and so are many key pieces on defense. This is a young team with potential to become a powerhouse in the Big 10.
Conference USA: Jacksonville State Gamecocks
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks finished third in Conference USA in 2023. Historically, the conference has been up for grabs by any team and has not been monopolized by one or two teams like the SEC and Big 10. The Gamecocks’ offense averaged 30 points a game last season, and the defense averaged 21 points allowed. All in all, in a conference that is usually very competitive, the Gamecocks showed their ability to hang on in close games and put the pedal to the floor during blowouts.
Mid-American: Bowling Green State Falcons
For the Falcons in 2023, when it rained; it poured. The Team had six losses, and only two of them were within one possession. However, the team only had one win that was within one possession, as the rest were comfortable scores or blowouts. The team was very inconsistent, but the offense showed their ability to spread the ball around as seven players scored a touchdown on the ground in 2023, and six more caught one or more through the air. The fact that the Falcons have such a versatile team is what makes them conference contenders in 2024.
Mountain West: Air Force Falcons
The Air Force Falcons were dominant in the first half of the season, as they racked up eight wins in a row. The team was ranked in the top 25 for multiple weeks; but ultimately finished the season winning only one of their last five games. The ground game could not be stopped, as the Falcons had five players rush for over 400 yards, and three players find the endzone six or more times. The team did not have a 1,000-yard passer, but with the service academies this is to be expected. All in all, the ground and pound, drain the clock style of offense paired with a stifling tough brick wall on defense goes against the grain of today’s game, and we are here for it.
SEC: Missouri Tigers
While the SEC has recently been dominated by Alabama and Georgia, it is still regarded as the best conference in the nation for a reason. Missouri finished the year ranked 9th in the AP poll. The team had a solid mix of both offense and defense, as both were ranked in the top 30 in terms of points scored or allowed. When your offense scores 32 points a game, and your defense only allows 20, you are set up for success. Especially with Coach Saban Retiring and Georgia losing a handful of key players, if the Tigers are going to pounce then it needs to be now. The Missouri Defense has significantly benefited from the transfer portal, and Michigan showed us last season that defense wins championships. Missouri can adopt that style and compete for an SEC Title in 2024.
Sun Belt: Old Dominion Monarchs
In terms of college football, Old Dominion is still a young team, joining the FBS in 2014.To Put it lightly the Sun Belt Conference is randomized, and Troy became the first team to win the conference in back-to-back years since Appalachian State in 2019. The thing is; many players on high caliber teams like Troy, and James Madison will not be returning in 2024. Despite finishing 6-7 in 2023, this is the team’s best record in almost a decade. Head Coach Ricky Rahine is building the team up and has increased his wins per season every year since taking over. Old Dominion is trending upwards, and is a dark horse candidate to win the conference in 2024.
