On paper it seems that the Independent collective is growing, but Oregon State and Washington State have an agreement to each play six games against Mountain West competition in 2024. Also, they’re technically still at the wheel of the Pac-12 (yep, not actually dead yet!) thanks to NCAA bylaws that allow a conference a two-year grace period in which it can exist without a minimum number of schools (seven) in the case of departures.
The Beavers and Cougars could still save the Pac-12, or just join a different conference in a couple of years. One of the two seems imminent. Massachusetts has had enough of life as an Independent and will rejoin the MAC as a full member of the conference next season. Notre Dame only operates as an Independent for football. And Army, previously amongst the ranks, joined the AAC for football beginning this year.
So if you’re still following, by 2026 there is a possibility that Connecticut remains the only Independent program in FBS. A lot can happen in two years’ time, but the route to FBS for programs not currently playing in the division has generally shifted to just joining a conference immediately.
In other words, enjoy this preview – it may not be around for much longer.
Teams I Like
Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman has proven himself as a young head coach ready to take on the new realities of college football, ensuring that the Fighting Irish continues to reload each season with talent eager to join via the transfer portal. Notre Dame has added transfers that should play a significant role this season to almost every unit, highlighted by former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, who replaces last year’s transfer gem Sam Hartman (Wake Forest).
The Fighting Irish face a difficult schedule, starting out of the gate with a tough trip to College Station, and later must navigate a “neutral” site game against Georgia Tech (in Atlanta), home contest versus Florida State and finally the battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh at the end of November. While there are certainly landmines on the journey to the Playoff, it is almost expected that Notre Dame will get there. Freeman’s squad is a bona fide national title contender.
Not High On
None
Looking at the five teams that can in some way be considered Independents this season, I don’t see a lot of huge surprises in either the positive or negative direction. Some extra time was spent evaluating the two former Pac-12 teams Oregon State and Washington State, with particular deliberation on Washington State, which garnered some attention following a surprising first half start in 2023 but faded hard in the second half. In the end, making the postseason should be possible but it won’t be a shock if the Cougars just miss out once again.
Players To Watch
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame quarterback
Do you think Leonard’s performance against Notre Dame last season had anything to do with his presence in South Bend in 2024? I wouldn’t doubt it. The senior gave Notre Dame’s defense fits last season, gashing it with his legs for 88 yards rushing which contributed to the Fighting Irish allowing more yards on the ground (189) to Duke than against any other team in 2023.
Leonard did leave that game injured on the final play, but wasn’t bothered by that enough to pass up the offer to play with the Golden Domers. I expect that OC Mike Denbrock will attempt to reign in Leonard’s head first style slightly the way that he did with Jayden Daniels at LSU, but he’ll have to be careful pulling back the reigns too much because it is his versatility that makes the senior so dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Cam Edwards, Connecticut running back
Edwards ended up being the Huskies’ top back in 2023 despite not even playing in the first three games of the season, but will be the feature this season. Given some question marks at quarterback and new OC Gordon Sammis’s pedigree (he was the run game coordinator for Connecticut last season), chances are good that the offense will want to rely on a healthy dose of the run game in 2024.
Despite only amassing 618 yards last season, the junior was named a first-team All-Independent and should have a great opportunity to flirt with the 1,000 yard mark this season assuming that he stays healthy.
Games to Watch
Notre Dame at Texas A&M (August 31)
The Fighting Irish have no time to dust off the cobwebs; the Aggies will be a sneaky good team this season and are led by new head coach Mike Elko, who nearly orchestrated a big upset over Notre Dame last season when he was at Duke.
Boise State at Oregon State (November 30)
Both teams could have the possibility of reaching double-digit victories this season, with the Beavers seemingly needing this one more to achieve that. With some fortuitus bounces, these two might even be battling for a Playoff spot when this game kicks off.
Notre Dame at Southern Cal (November 30)
The Trojans figure to be their usual potent selves offensively under Lincoln Riley, and could give the Fighting Irish a difficult time capping off an unbeaten regular season if that’s how Notre Dame enters this one.
Aw, Shuck It (3 Bets to Place)
*odds via DraftKings at time of publication. Around The Corn is not responsible for lost bets!
Notre Dame to make Playoff (-160)
The schedule isn’t easy by any means, but the Fighting Irish are one of a few teams that I think have a solid chance to run the table during the regular season. With its brand and starting position in the rankings, Notre Dame will certainly make the inaugural 12-team party if that happens.
Oregon State over 7.5 wins (+110)
Looking at the schedule top to bottom, this seems like a low figure for Oregon State. Yes, they lost their head coach that orchestrated a quick turnaround over the past couple of seasons and must replace an all-conference running back plus starting quarterback. But there seems to be enough in the cupboard for Trent Bray to flirt with 10 wins.
Connecticut over 4.5 wins (-130)
It won’t be easy and it may not be pretty at times, but the Huskies have clawed their way to bowl eligibility under Jim Mora when nobody thought they would, and I think they’ll do that again in 2024.
Predictions
- Notre Dame (12-0)
- Oregon State (9-3)
- Washington State (7-5)
- Connecticut (6-6)
- Massachusetts (5-7)
