Louisiana expects to return to Sun Belt title contention in 2024 after a pair of six-win seasons. The proud program, which won 10 or more games in 2019, 2020, and 2021, should boast one of the best defenses in the conference in 2024.
If the Ragin’ Cajuns can rebound from the transfer of quarterback Zeon Chriss – he left for Houston – they should challenge Texas State for the Sun Belt West crown. The team’s offensive line looks like one of the conference’s best on paper, and guard AJ Gillie should play a starring role for the unit that returns four starters. He’s one of the conference’s best players, regardless of position.
Non-conference matchups with Tulane and Wake Forest in late September will be critical games and could determine the team’s potential to make a College Football Playoff run. While fans might be somewhat frustrated with back-to-back six-win seasons, there’s reason for significant optimism entering 2024.
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Louisiana Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds
Louisiana’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +600, via BetMGM.
Louisiana Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Louisiana’s win total Over/Under is 7.5, with Over 7.5 at -145 and Under 7.5 at +120.
Louisiana Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs. Grambling State
9/7 at Kennesaw State
9/21 vs. Tulane
9/28 at Wake Forest
10/5 at Southern Miss
10/12 vs. App State
10/19 at Coastal Carolina
10/29 at Texas State
11/9 vs. Arkansas State
11/16 vs. South Alabama
11/23 vs. Troy
11/30 at ULM
Bold indicates Sun Belt contests
Key Louisiana Football Returners
2023 Sun Belt Third Team
OL AJ Gillie
Sun Belt Honorable Mention
LB KC Ossai
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Louisiana Football Could Win The League
Even with Chriss’ transfer, Louisiana returns both Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge at quarterback. Each has thrown for over 2,000 career yards, as they don’t lack meaningful experience at the college level.
Coupled with a veteran offensive line, good running backs, and quality receivers, Louisiana figures to have one of the Sun Belt’s most consistent offensive attacks regardless of who earns the nod at quarterback. JUCO transfer Samari Collier can’t be counted out of the competition either, as he drew rave reviews during spring ball.
Dre’Lyn Washington is particularly intriguing at running back, having surpassed 500 rushing yards in 2023 with just 92 carries. If he receives a heavier workload, he could find himself near the top of the Sun Belt in rushing yards. Wide receiver Jacob Bernard led the team in receptions (39) and yards (476) last fall, and he returns to pace a deep group of receivers.
The defense returns more than half of its starters, including dynamic front seven players Jordan Lawson and Cameron Whitfield. The Ragin Cajuns’ defensive backfield might be the best in the conference, with Caleb Anderson, Jalen Clark, Keyon Martin, and Tyree Skipper among the top defensive backs.
It’s hard to find any glaring weaknesses with Louisiana’s roster.
2024 Louisiana Football Season Prediction
I’m exceptionally high on both Texas State and Louisiana. While Texas State should overwhelm teams with offensive firepower, the Ragin’ Cajuns should strike a better balance, despite being less potent offensively. There’s a defensive competence expected for Louisiana that can’t be said for Texas State, at least not yet.
The two teams play at Texas State on Oct. 29 – a Tuesday – in a game that could go a long way toward determining the winner of the Sun Belt West.
I like both teams to go over their win total, and I believe Louisiana has a legitimate shot to beat both Tulane and Wake Forest. If Louisiana is 3-1 or 4-0 after September, the Ragin’ Cajuns should be considered a real contender for the Group of Five playoff spot.
