2024 Preseason College Football Power Rankings: Crowded pack after Texas Longhorns

The first FBS game of the 2024 season involving a Texas FBS team is in Week 0 when SMU travels to Nevada as the Mustangs begin their first season as a Power Four program. The other 12 squads, including nationally ranked Texas and Texas A&M, begin their seasons in Week 1. Eight of the 13 programs in the Lone Star State reached a bowl game last year – down by one team from 2022. 

The 2024 season brings more change to the state than SMU’s move to the ACC. Texas joins the SEC and reunites with the Aggies. Texas A&M is one of three teams under new leadership with Mike Elko taking over in College Station. Willie Fritz (Houston) and Scotty Walden (UTEP) also start Year 1 on Aug. 31. A new 12-team playoff means higher stakes for more teams this season. With P4 conference champions receiving an auto-bid to the CFP alongside the G5 champion, as many as seven in-state teams are in the mix for a spot in the tournament.