Ahead of the 2024 college football season, PFF College’s Max Chadwick listed the four most underrated teams.
West Virginia and UCF were the two Big 12 programs that made the list, along with SMU and Virginia Tech from the ACC.
The Mountaineers finished 2023 with a 9-4 record, whereas the Knights finished their first season in the Big 12 with a 6-7 record.
WVU capped their season with a 30-10 victory over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, leading to one of the most bittersweet moments of his coaching career: The Mayo Bath.
Quarterback Garrett Greene silenced all critics last season after throwing for 2,406 yards, as well as 772 yards on the ground. Star running back Jahiem White returns for his sophomore season alongside junior CJ Donaldson.
Head coach Neal Brown received an extension in March that will keep him in Morgantown through 2027 after the win over UNC.
UCF is expected to be led by former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson, who threw 19 touchdowns for the Razorbacks last season.
The Knights bolstered their running back room by bringing in Toledo transfer Peny Boone to pair alongside RJ Harvey—Both of whom ran for at least 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023—giving them one of the best RB tandems in the country.
WVU opens up the 2024 season at home against Penn State on Aug. 31, while the Knights host New Hampshire on Aug. 29.
