The Related Press launched its High 25 preseason school soccer ballot on Monday. Unsurprisingly, Georgia ranked No. 1, however that does not assure the Bulldogs will win one other nationwide championship.
Per Brad Crawford of 247Sports, no preseason No. 1 has gained the nationwide championship since Alabama in 2017. In contrast to the Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide had been a unanimous high staff. Georgia has 46 first-place votes within the ballot, forward of Ohio State (15) and Oregon (one).
Georgia’s daunting schedule consists of Southeastern Convention highway video games towards No. 4 Texas, No. 5 Alabama and No. 6 Ole Miss. ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index rates the Bulldogs’ schedule because the third-most troublesome within the nation behind Mississippi State and Florida.
Georgia, nonetheless, has gained two nationwide championships over the previous three seasons. Bulldogs defensive again Malaki Starks not too long ago prompt they may elevate the benchmark in 2024.
“We do not speak about [national championships], we win them,” Starks said at SEC Media Days. “That is the most important factor for us proper now. Maintaining our head down and retaining the usual the usual. I believe the objective yearly is to lift the usual and that is simply soccer.”
Together with a stingy protection — which ranked first within the SEC in factors allowed final season (16.6) — the Bulldogs characteristic star quarterback Carson Beck. As of Monday, ESPN Guess offers Beck the second-best Heisman Trophy odds (+800) behind Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel.
Final season, Georgia went 13-1 however missed the School Soccer Playoff after dropping to Alabama within the SEC Championship Recreation. Making the CFP could possibly be simpler this season because it’s increasing from 4 to 12 groups. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs aren’t an awesome nationwide title favourite. As of Monday, Ohio State and Georgia are tied for the perfect odds (+325) to win the championship, via ESPN Guess.
Georgia needs to be within the thick of the nationwide championship hunt in 2024, however do not be shocked if the Bulldogs fail to seize one other title.