It was just more than a month ago that Michigan ended its 26-year title drought by defeating Washington 34-13 in the CFP National Championship game.
In the 36 days since then, Alabama coach Nick Saban retired, Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL and Ohio State hired two offensive coordinators, the second one a sitting power conference coach.
Saban’s surprising announcement Jan. 10 precipitated eight coaching moves that led to five FBS schools — Washington, Arizona, South Alabama, Buffalo and San Jose State — hiring new head coaches.
After so much chaos, it’s the perfect time to update the 2024 Way-Too-Early Top 25.
Winter update: The Bulldogs came within one victory over Alabama of reaching the playoff and having a chance to win a third straight national championship. They’ll be right back in the mix this season after coach Kirby Smart reloaded with another No. 1-ranked recruiting class and a few key additions from the transfer portal. Running back Trevor Etienne (Florida), receivers London Humphreys (Vanderbilt), Colbie Young (Miami) and Michael Jackson III (USC) and tight end Benjamin Yurosek (Stanford) could help fill holes on offense. The schedule will be difficult with an opener against Clemson in Atlanta and SEC road games at Kentucky, Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss. Shoring up the secondary, which lost cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safeties Tykee Smith and Javon Bullard, will be a focus in the spring.
