Top 5 special teams units heading into Week 5 of 2024 college football season ft. Tennessee Volunteers
The 2024 college football season is beginning to heat up as the calendar turns to Week 5. There have been plenty of shocking upsets and big-time ranked wins in the early part of the season, leading to major shakeups in the AP Top 25 Poll rankings.
Multiple special teams units have played vital roles in their team's early season fortunes. Take a look at five special teams units that have stood out to begin the 2024 college football season.
Top five special teams units in college football entering Week 5
#1 Tennessee Volunteers
The No. 5-ranked Tennessee Volunteers have been great on special teams this season. They lead the nation in kicking points, averaging 14.0 kicking points per game. Max Gilbert has connected on all 24 of his extra point attempts and 10-of-11 field goals, with a long of 45 yards. Josh Turbyville has also knocked down two extra points.
Jackson Ross has punted 10 times for an average of 45.3 yards, which ranks 31st in the nation. Tennessee averaged 22.3 yards per kickoff return and 18.8 yards per punt return, ranking 39th and 18th, respectively. Their 61.3 punt return yards per game lead the nation. Jordan Ross has returned one punt for a touchdown.
They have gotten off to a 4-0 start with victories over the then-No. 24-ranked NC State Wolfpack and then-No. 15-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. They will have a bye in Week 5 after kicking off SEC play in the latter matchup last weekend.
#2 Oregon Ducks
The No. 8-ranked Oregon Ducks have been explosive on special teams. They have averaged 48.7 yards per kickoff return and 15.3 yards per punt return, ranking second and 30th in the nation, respectively. Their 35.7 punt return yards per game ranks 10th.
Jayden Limar has a kickoff return touchdown after picking up a ball that Noah Whittington returned 100 yards and dropped before entering the end zone. Tez Johnson has returned a punt for a touchdown. Meanwhile, their 8.0 kicking points per game ranks tied for 46th in the nation.
Atticus Sappington is 12-of-13 on extra point attempts and four-of-five on field goal attempts, with a long of 39 yards. Ross James has punted 10 times for an average of 49.6 yards, ranking sixth in the nation. Oregon has won their first three games of the season and face a familiar foe in the UCLA Bruins as they kick off their first season in Big Ten play.
#3 Georgia Bulldogs
The No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs have also been strong on special teams. They rank tied for 14th in the nation, averaging 9.7 kicking points per game.
Peyton Woodring has been perfect, connecting on all 11 extra point attempts and all six field goal attempts, including a 55-yarder. Brett Thorson has punted 11 times for a 49.5 average, ranking seventh in the nation.
While the Bulldogs are yet to return a kickoff this season, they rank 24th in the nation, averaging 28.3 punt return yards per game. Georgia won their first three games of the season, including a blowout victory over the then-No. 14 Clemson Tigers. They are also 1-0 in SEC play after beating the Kentucky Wildcats.
The Bulldogs visit the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide in a Week 5 matchup that could have huge College Football Playoff and SEC implications.
#4 Baylor Bears
The Baylor Bears have been yet another strong special teams unit. They have averaged 8.3 kicking points per game, tied for 39th in the nation.
Isaiah Hankins has knocked down all 11 extra point attempts and is 7-10 on field goals with a 51 yard season long. Connor Hawkins has also connected on an extra point attempt. Palmer Williams has punted 14 times for an average of 54.2 yards, a mark that leads the nation.
They have averaged 29.8 yards per kickoff return and 19.3 yards per punt return, ranking tenth and 19th in the nation, respectively. Their 38.5 punt return yards per game ranks sixth in the nation. Jamaal Bell has returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
The Bears are 2-2, though, both their losses have come in Big 12 play. They will face the No.22-ranked BYU Cougars in Week 5.
#5 Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons round out the list, as their special teams unit has been impressive early on.
They have averaged 9.0 kicking points per game, ranking tied for 24th in the nation. Matthew Dennis has knocked down all nine extra point attempts and all six field goal attempts. Ivan Mora has punted 11 times for an average of 47.4 yards per punt, ranking 12th in the nation.
The Demon Deacons have averaged 23.8 yards per kick return and 21.5 yards per punt return, ranking tied for 27th and tenth in the nation, respectively. Their 28.7 punt return yards per game ranks 22nd in the nation, while Taylor Morin has returned a punt for a touchdown.
Wake Forest is just 1-2 and are coming off a bye last weekend. They will look to right the ship when the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns come to town in Week 5.