Every year, a few college football teams come out of nowhere, or at least out of the "others receiving votes" category, and crash the Top 25. Whether it's the product of a hot start, a favorable schedule or a breakout quarterback, momentum builds fast in college football.
The teams below didn't finish the 2024 season ranked, but each has a path to early-season relevance, public buzz or even a legitimate conference title run.
Should you believe the hype? These are last season's unranked squads to keep an eye on as potential movers in September.
LSU UNDER 8.5 wins (+135) 
The Tigers at plus money have value when considering their schedule and roster concerns. LSU opens the season at Clemson, a more complete team, then travels to Ole Miss, Alabama and Oklahoma, all three teams with strong home-field edges.
Even home games against Florida and South Carolina are not guaranteed wins with the Tigers' offensive line in transition after losing both starting tackles to the NFL and a run game that is relying on a true freshman to carry the load after averaging just 116 yards per game last season, 104th in the country.
Most of the wide receivers are new, so early chemistry with QB Garrett Nussmeier could take time. There's talent, but between the turnover, health questions, and a brutal road slate, nine wins is a tall ask.
Michigan to win the Big Ten (+850)
The Wolverines closed last season with three straight wins, including impressive performances at Ohio State and against Alabama. They should use that momentum this season with a deep group of pass rushers and a secondary that could be among the best in the country.
Michigan's schedule sets up well for a potential undefeated Big Ten run, with the Big Game back in Ann Arbor, where Michigan has won four straight in the rivalry. Five-star freshman QB Bryce Underwood provides upside and depth far better than last year's carousel. If the quarterback positions hits, along with the defense, this ticket has legs.
Florida UNDER 7.5 wins (-140)
The juice on this bet isn't ideal, but it's warranted. Florida's schedule is brutal, with road trips to LSU and Texas A&M plus games against Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee -- all teams with solid defenses. Quarterback DJ Lagway has potential, but he has dealt with shoulder issues and has no proven depth behind him.
The Gators' defense finished strong last year, but it's thin in the interior and the secondary has durability concerns, especially with DB Devin Moore. If Lagway misses time or the trenches wear down, this could easily be a 6-6 season for Florida with Billy Napier heading out the door.
Kansas State to win the Big 12 (+550)
Quarterback Avery Johnson has taken the next step as a leader and passer, and the offense is balanced with a deep backfield and a promising receiver group. The Wildcats' defensive front is among the best in the conference, and linebacker Austin Romaine gives the unit a true anchor.
Kansas State's early schedule is quirky, but winnable, starting with Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, a game the Wildcats should handle. If the secondary holds up, this veteran team has all the tools to make a serious run at the conference title.
Texas A&M OVER 7.5 wins (-170)
I'm high on the Aggies but fully aware I'm probably walking into heartbreak again. The Aggies' offense has serious upside with dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed, a healthy RB Le'Veon Moss, and one of the best offensive lines in the country.
Mike Elko's defense collapsed late last year, including a blown, 17-point lead to USC, but the Aggies also shut out Texas in the second half and made key portal additions. Elko took over playcalling and publicly called out the issues: coverage, tackling, and focus. If Texas A&M's defense makes even a moderate jump, eight wins should be this team's floor.
Oklahoma UNDER 6.5 wins (+140)
Cal transfer running back Jaydn Ott brings name recognition, but he wasn't fully healthy last season and didn't log a 100-yard rushing game. Even if Ott and Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer click in this offense, the Sooners' offensive line is still a major liability after giving up 50 sacks in 2024.
I like Mateer's potential. He is a solid quarterback, but Oklahoma's schedule is brutal with Michigan early, followed by what could be a challenging game against Texas and games against South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Alabama in a single stretch. For a team that went 2-6 in the SEC last season and still lacks proven playmakers, seven wins feels like a reach.
Louisville UNDER 8.5 wins (+120)
The bad outweighs the good when it comes to the Cardinals, at least early. Louisville's defense was a problem last year (100th against the pass), and the Cardinals lost their best cover corner and top pass rusher. That's not a small fix, and though they hit the portal hard this offseason, those additions are largely unproven.
Louisville is also banking on USC transfer quarterback Miller Moss instantly clicking in a new system behind an offensive line made up of transfers and holdovers from last season. The Cardinals are good enough to beat the easier teams on the schedule -- but not complete enough to win nine games.
South Carolina OVER 7.5 wins (+130)
This is a good bet if you believe quarterback LaNorris Sellers is the engine of this team. He's a dual-threat returning in an offense that finished fourth in the SEC in rushing and finally has continuity.
Despite the massive defensive turnover, the Gamecocks still have foundational playmakers and an early schedule that sets up well for a fast start with five of their first eight games at home. Even if they stumble in the gauntlet of LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss, the Gamecocks could hit eight wins before hosting Clemson in a high-upside rivalry finale.