2024 Pre-season Power Rankings

Preseason Power Rankings 2024

The 4th season of the ACL is upon us. This Power Rankings is the sweetest yet. Arizona as the defending champion is the only time I can get away with ranking the Albatross first with no bias allegations. With that said, there are many questions for the season ahead. What new teams will make a playoff push? Which players become breakout stars. What high draft picks are busts? Will we see teams be aggressive in positioning themselves for the huge FA class next season? With the biggest question of course being, who will be the 2024 ACL Champion? This edition of ACL Power Rankings focuses on each team’s biggest question that will define their season.

1. Arizona Albatross

Can Arizona be the first repeat champions in the ACL?

The core of the roster returns and appears poised for another strong season. This has been true of the previous champions but neither even made it back to that final matchup. The heavy investment in the QB room needs to pay dividends or the opportunity cost will lead to many questions of what if.

2. South Dakota Bighorns

Did South Dakota protect the future too much this offseason?

A formidable starting lineup and depth shows strong roster construction. This team has the flexibility and foundation for sustained contention. Winning a ring has proved to be elusive for the Bighorns. Passing on some opportunities to push their chips in may come back to haunt.

3. Maryland Marines

Do the Marines have enough to fulfill the dynasty proclamation? 

Parity reigns supreme in the ACL. Maryland can get as hot as any team which equips them well for the playoffs. A first round exit last year leads to a key season for the Mahomes and Kelce led team. Another early exit would spell the end of the “dynasty” before it could really begin.

4. Virginia Heifers

Is this Virginia’s last shot at a title? 

One of the best regular season teams in ACL history with the best QB it’s hard to see the Heifers missing the playoffs anytime soon. However, a deeper look shows some potential cracks in the lineup. It’s make or break time for the top franchise to never be in the championship matchup.

5. Hawaii Hookies

Will the off-season moves be enough? 

The Hookies were one of the most aggressive teams this offseason and filled holes across their lineup. However they passed on the opportunity to add the top player by ADP available in free agency. With the entire Pacific division having a good shot to make the playoffs, this may come back to haunt them. 

6. California Pansies

Will it pay off again to zig when others zag?

The most important position in the ACL, QB, has been tricky for California. Choosing to invest in other positions they possess a deep lineup. The move paid off last year in a run all the way to the championship but the sustainability of this plan is a question mark. 

7. Minnesota Fighting Squirrels

How far can the top of the roster carry Minnesota?

A lock to win their division. A deep playoff run will need to be carried by their star trio of Stroud, CMC, and JJ. Calling this season a success for the Fighting Squirrels will be determined in the last 4 weeks rather than the first 13.

8. Washington Geoducks

Was last season a fluke or a sign of things to come?

After back to back successful seasons, missing the playoffs on a tie breaker was a disappointment. Rather than panic and start a rebuild or make significant roster changes. The Geoducks chose to stay the course betting on their current roster by only making minor depth additions. Time will show if patience is a virtue or the downfall of the original champ.

9. Vermont Football Team

Can Vermont show flashes that it competing for the Atlantic division is in the not-so-distant future? 

Vermont was the bottom feeder of the Atlantic division that featured the two best regular season records last year. With these other teams facing aging rosters this season is a chance to show that soon the Football Team will be the ones running the Atlantic. LaPorta, London, and Murray provide an exciting core. 

10. Wisconsin Gamecocks

Can Wisconsin continue the positive momentum following a late free agency push? 

Sweeping in at the last moment to get Williams in Round 2 of free agency was the move of the offseason. Showing that Wisconsin is intent on finding a way to contend sooner rather than later. Without a first round pick in the next draft, Wisconsin must find a way to push for the division crown if Minnesota stumbles.

11. Ohio Good Sirs

Can Ohio win a division game? 

After three seasons, Ohio is 0-12 in the division while 14-13 otherwise. With a young team full of top picks from the 2023 draft, Ohio still appears a year away from contention. The first step to reaching the playoffs must be to get that elusive divisional matchup victory. 

12. Iowa State Psyclones

How does ISU build for the future? 

Some lottery luck jump-started the rebuild after a brief run at the division last season. However, with lots of holes on the roster 2024 looks to be a tough season for the Psyclones. A top pick and lots of cap space for what projects to be the best Free Agent class in ACL history presents a great opportunity and hope for the future.