Michigan football ranked 9th in AP poll, scheduled to face three top-5 teams

The AP released its preseason poll for the 2024 college football season and ranked the defending national champions ninth. Michigan football is ranked behind Penn State and Notre Dame and well behind second-ranked Ohio State.

Georgia is ranked No. 1 for the second year in a row according to the AP Poll, but 18 of the past 20 teams ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll didn't finish the season No. 1. That includes the 2024 season which saw Michigan football top the final AP poll rankings as national champions.

The Wolverines have finished in the top three in each of the past three seasons. Doing that in 2024 will be a challenge for Michigan football. Ohio State is ranked No. 2 in the poll followed by Oregon at No. 3. Texas is also ranked fourth and will play at Michigan football in a non-conference game.

SEC, Big Ten dominate AP poll

Alabama rounds out the top five. Ole Miss is sixth, followed by North Dame (7th) and Penn State (8th). More than ever, preseason polls don't matter. The final rankings will determine the 12 playoff teams and also the five top-ranked conference champions.

With the strength of schedule (U-M also plays 24th-ranked USC), the Wolverines should make the 12-team playoff if its able to win 10 games. Even a nine-win season could have Michigan football in the mix.

For the most part, it's hard to argue with the AP ranking. Michigan should have an elite defense, but the offense has question marks, namely at quarterback. It's also notable that eight of the top 10 teams and 12 of the 16 teams in the AP poll are from the Big Ten or SEC.

Six Big Ten teams total made the AP preseason Top 25 poll.