Longhorns Rank High In Post 'Portal Madness and Nick Saban Retirement' Top 12
The college football landscape is experiencing a transformation following the retirement of Nick Saban. His departure is not just impacting our predictions but is also shaping various aspects of the game.
In his recent analysis, On3's JD PicKell revealed his Top 12 poll for the upcoming 2024 season. The number 12 is pivotal as it signifies the expanded College Football Playoff, allowing a dozen teams to vie for the championship.
With a commitment to include at least one Group of Five team, the emphasis is on securing a spot within the Top 12, particularly among the Power Five teams.
And according to PicKell, the Longhorns are right up there with the best of them.
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The Longhorns have reaped the benefits of Saban's departure. Securing Isaiah Bond is a significant acquisition for Texas, especially given the impending departure of its top five offensive playmakers.
With three receivers and a tight end headed to the NFL, the Longhorns face the loss of 217 catches, 3,046 yards, and 19 touchdowns from Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Jordan Whittington, and Ja'Tavion Sanders.
Other standout Alabama transfers include Amari Niblack and Kendrick Blackshire. During the previous season with the Crimson Tide, Niblack secured 20 catches for 327 yards and shared the second position on the team with four receiving touchdowns. He displayed consistency by playing in all 14 games, making four starts for Alabama.
Interestingly, Niblack's standout performance of the season occurred in Alabama's Week 2 matchup against Texas. In that game, he contributed two catches for 49 yards, including a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown that narrowed the score, bringing Alabama within three points of the Longhorns.
This altered landscape still places emphasis on reputation, as reflected in the notable rankings of Alabama and Michigan, despite coaching changes and roster challenges. Penn State's high ranking raises questions about its recent track record and inability to break through in the Big Ten.
While uncertainties persist, there's a general consensus among analysts regarding the reliability of the Top 5 teams for 2024. Teams like Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, Oregon, and Ole Miss are considered trustworthy contenders, while the rest of college football remains open to speculation and unpredictability.
