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College football rankings: Georgia, Alabama, Michigan lead way-too-early top 25 ahead of 2024 season

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College football rankings: Georgia, Alabama, Michigan lead way-too-early top 25 ahead of 2024 season


1 The Bulldogs have still won 29 out of their last 30 games. If not for a stumble against Alabama, they would have been playing for a third straight national championship. With Carson Beck and most of a rock-solid defense returning, there’s no shame in winning three out of the last four nattys. 2 Nick Saban has stiff-armed retirement rumors as he turns 73 next Halloween. The defense will take some hits, and there’s a question whether Saban will go after a quarterback in the transfer portal, but expect the Crimson Tide to be a slam dunk for the expanded College Football Playoff. 3 Disclaimer: This ranking is based on what we know the day after the national title game. Jim Harbaugh is still the coach. He is poised to land the No. 15 recruiting class, per 247Sports. J.J. McCarthy has a decision to make, but with or without Coach Khaki, the Wolverines aren’t going to slide much. 4 Bo Nix is gone. So is underrated runner Bucky Irving. But Dan Lanning might have the best quarterback room in the country with Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore transferring in. The Ducks will be some folks’ favorite to win the Large 18 in their first year as part of the league. 5 What was Quinshon Judkins thinking by entering the portal? The warm embrace of Oxford, Mississippi, and the Lane Train would have made him a Heisman Trophy contender. Now? Well, good luck with NIL riches, kid. Kiffin has plenty of running back depth even after making Judkins a star. 6 One of the strongest quarterback rooms in the country is suddenly in transition. Upset that freshman Avery Johnson was being promoted at Kansas State, Will Howard transferred to Ohio State to replace Kyle McCord, who transferred out because …? Will the Buckeyes be better at the position in 2024? C.J. Stroud seems like a decade ago. 7 Quinn Ewers has decided to stay at Texas, and he might grow into a Heisman finalist next season. Arch Manning remains on the roster, too. The wide receiver room is being rebuilt, and Steve Sarkisian has plenty to build off following a transformative 2023 season. 8 Eli Drinkwitz lost defensive coordinator Blake Baker to his former employer, LSU. That’s significant but nothing Drink can’t overcome with two-thirds of the Triplets coming back — Luther Burden and Brady Cook. 9 Have you seen Notre Dame’s 2024 schedule? It is Charmin soft, which means the Fighting Irish should not have any problem winning nine games. To get into the playoff, Notre Dame better win 11 games as it does not have a conference affiliation to fall back on as an automatic qualifier. 10 Jedd Fisch for president — and any other public office you’d like to name. The third-year Wildcats coach established himself as a big-timer and Arizona as a playoff contender in 2024 by winning 10 games for only the second time since 1998. Noah Fifita should contend for the Heisman. 11 Quarterback Jackson Arnold was impressive in his bowl game debut. The Sooners should be OK after the loss of Gabriel. The defense improved significantly in Year 2 under Brent Venables. 12 The Grant Nussmeier era begins. Brian Kelly has made sure his QB will get plenty of support on the other side of the ball by blowing out the core of the defensive staff. By this metric, the sixth-best team in the SEC should be able to make the CFP.      13 Quarterback Cam Rising’s return marks his 27th year of eligibility — and it makes the Utes a playoff contender. Just kidding … about the eligibility part. Utah is definitely a contender with its typical physicality across both lines. 14 Nico Iamaleava, the floor is yours. The much-hyped, NIL-fueled QB will be more hyped after an impressive Citrus Bowl debut. He’ll operate behind an offensive line that returns mostly intact. There is depth at running back, too. 15 There are too many roster losses to project a top-10 finish even after an inspiring run in 2023. Michael Penix Jr. and WR Rome Odunze are gone. It will be fascinating to watch Mississippi State transfer — and Mike Leach prodigy — Will Rodgers take over. Cal WR Jeremiah Hunter also transfers in.       16 There have been six offensive coordinators in the last 10 years for James Franklin. The talented Andy Kotelniki is the latest. One issue? Kotelniki is a master in squeezing most out of dual-threat QBs; Drew Allar is not that.      17 Wildcat Nation can’t wait for Johnson’s first full season. The native of Maize, Kansas, is amaz-ing. His seven rushing touchdowns tied the K-State freshman record. In his starting debut against NC State in the bowl game, Johnson accounted for 249 yards and three total touchdowns.     18 You’re reading this right. Based on this ranking, the Mustangs are the ACC favorite. The defending AAC champions won 11 games for the first time since pre-death penalty days in 1982. Preston Stone returns at QB. Rhett Lashlee is just getting started. 19 Opt outs and injuries that impacted the Orange Bowl appearance gave us a glimpse of how much the Seminoles will lose in 2024. D.J. Uiagalelei is the biggest get, but going on his third school, DJU has a long way to go if he wishes to leave a lasting college legacy and get ready for the NFL. 20 Here’s how great college football is entering 2024. After winning nine games for the first time since 2007, the Jayhawks can legitimately contend for a playoff spot. Coach Lance Leipold gets back firestarter QB Jalon Daniels after an injury. The defense has made huge strides since Leipold’s first year in 2021. 21 The Tigers seems to be on their way back up after finishing 9-4, winning the last five games in a row. Will Shipley declared for the NFL Draft. Cade Klubnik made progress, but the Tigers are a borderline playoff team unless they win the ACC. 22 The Wolfpack are going to be interesting as hell. You might as well pencil in NC State for at least eight wins given Dave Doeren’s consistency. Grayson McCall comes over from Coastal Carolina to give the Pack a difference maker at QB. Kevin Concepcion could have a breakout season catching his passes. 23 The Cowboys will get a sniff at the Big 12 title again after losing to Texas in 2023. Heisman-worthy RB Ollie Gordon is back along with QB Alan Bowman. There’s a reason there are four Big 12 teams in this top 25. The league is going to be entertaining as hell in its new configuration.      24 New coach Mike Elko has plenty to work with in his first season. Connor Weigman should progress if he stays healthy. The offseason’s biggest get was offensive coordinator Collin Klein from Kansas State. Klein is a play calling wizard. 25 Let’s face it. The Cardinals’ defensive effort against Florida State in the ACC Championship Game kept the ‘Noles out of the CFP. In Year 2, Jeff Brohm has one of the top transfer classes. QB Tyler Shough (Texas Tech), WR Ja’Corey Brooks (Alabama) and RB Don Chaney (Miami) make the Cardinals darkhorse ACC contenders.





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As Texas braces for messy Senate runoff, Georgia Republicans fear similar fate unless Trump endorses

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As Texas braces for messy Senate runoff, Georgia Republicans fear similar fate unless Trump endorses


ATLANTA — Georgia Republicans are getting antsy. As U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff dominates the nation in fundraising and makes his case to voters, three Republicans who want his spot are still competing among themselves for their party’s nomination.

This week’s election frenzy in Texas didn’t help. After President Donald Trump declined to help clear the field with an endorsement, Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton are primed for a bitter and expensive runoff that could sap resources needed in more competitive states.

Trump has since promised to choose between the two of them, but he hasn’t said when he’ll make an announcement or whom he’ll support. And there’s no sign that the president is ready to get involved in Georgia’s primary on May 19, meaning Republicans there could be on course for a similar predicament.

“I’d like to have as many days as I can to focus the public’s attention on the choice between our nominee and Sen. Ossoff,” said state party chair Josh McKoon. “Assuming that President Trump does not weigh in, it seems like it is more likely than not that we will have a runoff.”

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Each of Georgia’s three main Republican contenders — Rep. Mike Collins, Rep. Buddy Carter and former football coach Derek Dooley — has positioned himself as the best person to help Trump in Washington. Trump could almost certainly anoint a winner if he wanted to use his influence.

“It is the gold standard of the party,” said Faith & Freedom Coalition chairman Ralph Reed. “It’s the strongest endorsement I’ve ever seen in my career.”

Ossoff sees political advantage in the competition for Trump’s support.

Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., speaks before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, Sept. 24, 2024, at the Johnny Mercer Theatre Civic Center, in Savannah, Ga. Credit: AP/Evan Vucci

“My opponents have already made clear they will be Donald Trump’s puppets,” Ossoff said in a speech this week at Georgia’s capitol.

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The non-endorsement looms over race

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, warned in an interview with The Washington Examiner last month that the wide primary field could end in a general election loss in Georgia.

“We need to get it down to one candidate as soon as possible,” Scott said. “And if we are able to do so, we have a chance to be successful there. But as long as we have three candidates, it’s going to be tougher for us.”

Republican strategist and Collins ally Stephen Lawson warned that Ossoff “continues every day going unscathed.”

Derek Dooley, a Republican candidate for Senate in Georgia, attends...

Derek Dooley, a Republican candidate for Senate in Georgia, attends an Atlanta Young Republicans campaign event, Feb. 12, 2026, in Atlanta. Credit: AP/Alyssa Pointer

“I do think there has to be some sense of urgency on settling on a candidate and clearing the field sooner rather than later,” he said.

Collins has a long list of endorsements in the state, and he’s backed by the Club for Growth, a nationally influential conservative advocacy group. He describes himself as the “America First MAGA candidate.”

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However, he also facing an ethics complaint from a congressional watchdog accusing his policy adviser and former chief of staff of improperly hiring his girlfriend as an intern even though she didn’t complete assigned work. Collins has called the complaint “bogus.”

Carter said in an interview this week that “I’m the one without any baggage.”

A political fixture in southeast Georgia, Carter says he’s a “MAGA warrior.” He has called for expanded immigration enforcement in the state despite criticisms of aggressive tactics elsewhere.

As Republicans compete with each other, Ossoff has been boosting his cash advantage. The senator has over $25.5 million on hand. Meanwhile, Collins has $2.3 million, Dooley has $2.1 million, and Carter has $4.2 million, including many of his own dollars.

However, McKoon said he’s confident Republican donors will coalesce around a winner and help them catch up.

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Trump ‘wants to win’

Trump has a mixed track record on endorsements, particularly in Georgia. In 2021, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler lost to Ossoff and Sen. Raphael Warnock. In 2022, Warnock beat football star Herschel Walker.

Carter noted that Republicans have a narrow majority in the House, including Collins and himself, and guessed that Trump doesn’t want to jeopardize that.

“The president really is probably going to sit this one out,” Carter said.

Collins flattered Trump’s endorsement record, saying he has “always had the impeccable ability to put his name on someone at the right time to get the most bang for his buck.”

Candidates aren’t just trying to convince voters they align with Trump — they’re also trying to convince the president that they would come out on top in November. That’s what matters most to Trump, Reed said.

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“The only thing that drives Trump more than finding candidates that are loyal both philosophically and personally is identifying and getting behind candidates that can win,” Reed said. “He wants to win.”



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Amid tariff and trade confusion, Georgia posted record exports in 2025

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Amid tariff and trade confusion, Georgia posted record exports in 2025


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The value of Georgia products sold overseas surpassed $60 billion last year, state officials said.

Georgia was ninth in the U.S. for exports in 2025, propped up by its logistics infrastructure of the world’s busiest airport, an extensive railroad network and the ports of Brunswick and Savannah (pictured). (Courtesy of Georgia Ports Authority 2024)

Despite a barrage of new tariffs imposed across the globe, Georgia saw another record year for international trade in 2025.

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Total trade last year reached nearly $211 billion, up almost 6% from 2024. Imports, subject to many tariffs enacted by the Trump administration, made up most of that activity, growing about 3% to more than $150 billion, according to a state report released Thursday.

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Georgia's top exported product in 2025 was civilian aircraft and ancillary parts, such as Gulfstream’s G500 and G600 aircraft seen on the assembly line in Savannah in December. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia’s top exported product in 2025 was civilian aircraft and ancillary parts, such as Gulfstream’s G500 and G600 aircraft seen on the assembly line in Savannah in December. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Amy Wenk

Amy Wenk is the consumer brands reporter for the AJC.



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Cal Men’s Basketball: Bears Stay Focused and Outlast a Beleaguered Georgia Tech 76-65

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Cal Men’s Basketball: Bears Stay Focused and Outlast a Beleaguered Georgia Tech 76-65


image courtesy of @CalMBBAll

Cal entered tonight’s matchup against a destitute Georgia Tech side dusting themselves off from an unexpected loss to a middle of the road Pitt team. The Golden Bears were looking to stay on the bubble of the NCAA tournament, while Tech, who finished last in ACC play, were simply trying to finish out their season with pride. This game marked the beginning of what will prove to be a long road trip for the boys from Berkeley.

Tech came out red hot from 3, thanks to forward Kowacie Reeves, who went 5-8 from behind the arc in the first half, while the entire Cal team was 0-12. His 19 points provided the difference in a first half with long stretches where neither team could put the ball in the basket.

Cal were frustrated early offensively, with Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames held scoreless in the first half. Lee Dort proved his offensive value, as the highest scorer for the Bears in the first half, particularly finding success in the paint, and they started the second half off feeding him early inside with some success.

The Bears opened the second half strong, finding ways to run their sets and get more players looks around the basket. Simultaneously, Camden began to find his shot from three, and things began to fall into place for a Cal side that was already having a decent night on the boards.

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Georgia Tech could not keep pace once Cal’s offense found a rythm, though they would have to do so without any scoring contributions from Justin Pippen, who went 0-7 from the field, but closed out the night with eight assists and two rebounds.

Ultimately, Tech’s 18 turnovers, and Cal’s persistence gave way to a Bears lead that wouldn’t be overcome. The Yellow Jackets did not have an answer for Lee Dort’s efforts in the paint, and when Dai Dai Ames found his footing on offense, eventually the game was all but finished. Despite a valiant effort, the Yellow Jackets could not maintain an offensive pace or defensive effort to keep up with Cal, who face Wake Forest this Saturday in another must win.



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