Saturday Down South : Power Rankings Top 25 Teams Revealed

Saturday Down South men’s college basketball. The Florida Gators lead the SEC with an impressive 36-4 record, positioning them at the top of the AP Top 25 rankings. Following closely are the Auburn Tigers with a 32-6 record and the Tennessee Volunteers at 30-8, both securing spots within the top five nationally. The Alabama Crimson Tide also showcase strong performance with a 28-9 record, reflecting the depth and strength of the SEC in the current season.​Saturday.

Heading into the 2025 offseason, we’re wrapping up our final edition of the Saturday Gridiron Top 25 Rankings. After a season full of wild upsets, breakout teams, and title contenders making late-season charges, our expert panel has delivered the ultimate ranking of Saturday Down South college football’s best.

Each week, votes were cast, points were tallied, and the rankings were formed by a consensus. A first-place vote earned a team 25 points, second place 24, and so on down to one point for 25th. Here’s where the final chips fell as of Thursday, December 5, 2024:

Final 2024 Saturday Gridiron Top 25 Rankings

Also receiving votes:
Texas A&M (11), Louisville (5), Tulane (2), Florida (1)

Top Stories from the Final Rankings

Oregon Finishes Undefeated
With a perfect season and dominant performances in their conference championship, Oregon held onto the top spot without a single stumble. Their defense was relentless, and quarterback play was electric—earning them all eight first-place votes.

Texas Roars Back
The Longhorns surged in the second half of the season, taking down powerhouses and finishing just behind Oregon. With a strong recruiting class incoming, they’re already being considered a top contender for next year.

Notre Dame’s Statement Year
The Irish returned to national relevance, silencing doubters by finishing third in the rankings. Their versatility and defense were key in climbing the polls late in the year.

Biggest Climbers and Fallers

Biggest Climbers:

• Arizona State (+3): Late wins over ranked opponents gave them momentum heading into bowl season.

• SMU (+2): The Mustangs rode a high-scoring offense all the way to the Top 10.

• Syracuse, Army, and Memphis (NEW): Crashed the rankings with end-of-season upsets.

Biggest Fallers:

• Ohio State (↓6): A late loss and defensive breakdowns led to their steepest drop of the season.

• Miami (↓8): Once a Top 5 team, the Hurricanes stumbled hard at the finish line.

Key Takeaways

• The SEC Still Rules: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina all secured final Top 15 rankings.

• G5 Power Rise: SMU, Boise State, UNLV, and Army proved that Group of Five teams can compete at the highest level.

• Parity on the Rise: This year showed that traditional powers aren’t guaranteed success. Teams like Indiana, Illinois, and Memphis are stepping up big.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Here are a few early narratives for next season:

• Is Oregon the New Dynasty? If they retain key players, they could be the team to beat.

• Texas vs. Notre Dame Rivalry? These two teams might clash in playoff scenarios with high stakes.

• Watch the Mid-Majors: SMU and Boise State continue to grow, and don’t count out UNLV or Army next year either.

Saturday Gridiron Voter Panel

These rankings were compiled from a panel of eightSa turday Down South college football experts:

• Connor O’Grady – Senior Columnist

• Brett Fields – Conference Analyst

• Adam Palmer – DFS & Stats Director

• Andrew Bryant – National News Editor

• Paul Hawkins – SEC Correspondent

• Spencer Jordan – ACC & Big 12 Editor

• Derek Sheldon – Betting & Metrics Lead

• Ethan Reynolds – Evergreen Content Lead

Each brought unique insights and perspectives to our weekly rankings, offering a comprehensive look at the ever-evolving Saturday Down South college football picture.

Historical Rankings Snapshot: How the Top 5 Evolved

Post-Week 13:

1. Oregon

2. Ohio State

3. Texas

4. Notre Dame
   T5. Penn State / Georgia

Post-Week 12:

1. Oregon

2. Ohio State

3. Texas

4. Indiana

5. Penn State

Post-Week 11:

1. Oregon

2. Ohio State

3. Texas

4. Tennessee

5. Indiana

Conclusion Saturday Down South

The 2024 Saturday Down South college football season delivered everything fans could hope for—thrills, drama, underdog triumphs, and powerhouse showdowns. As the dust settles, Oregon stands tall, but challengers like Texas and Notre Dame are not far behind. With the playoff expanding and more parity than ever, the 2025 season promises even more excitement. Stay tuned for off-season transfers, spring practice reports, and early previews as the next chapter of college football begins.

FAQs Saturday Down South

How are the Saturday Gridiron Top 25 rankings determined?
Our eight-member panel ranks teams from 1 to 25 each week. A first-place vote earns 25 points, second place 24, and so on. These are then compiled to create a consensus ranking.

Why did Oregon finish No. 1?
Oregon went undefeated and dominated nearly every opponent, earning all eight first-place votes. Their balance of offense and defense made them a clear favorite.

What’s behind Miami’s drop in the rankings?
Miami lost three of their final four games and had issues with turnovers and inconsistent quarterback play, which caused their stock to fall rapidly.

Are Group of Five teams getting more respect now?
Yes! Teams like SMU and Boise State are earning national attention, thanks to consistent wins and big-game performances.

Will these rankings impact bowl selections?
While bowl selections are based on more than just rankings, being in the Top 25 typically increases a team’s chances of landing in a prestigious game.

How often are the rankings updated?
The rankings were updated weekly during the season and will resume next year with the start of the 2025 campaign.

Which team made the biggest surprise jump into the Top 25?
Syracuse, Army, and Memphis all entered the final rankings after being unranked most of the season. Their strong finishes and key upsets earned them recognition in the final poll.

Can Group of Five teams really break into the top tier consistently?
Absolutely. The success of SMU, Boise State, and UNLV shows that Group of Five programs can compete with traditional powerhouses if they consistently perform and win big games.