The 2024 college football season is still a year away, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to who might be the top teams in the country. After all, this is a sport where parity is more of a myth than a reality, and the same few programs are always in the national title hunt.
With the transfer portal and NIL deals changing the landscape of college football, it’s hard to predict who will be the best teams in 2024. However, based on the current rosters and coaching staffs, here are four programs that could be in contention for the national championship.
While these four teams are the current favorites, there are a number of other programs that could make a run at the national title in 2024. Keep an eye on teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson, who are all looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons in 2023.
Top 4 College Football Teams 2024
With the 2024 college football season quickly approaching, here are 9 important points to keep in mind about the top 4 teams:
- Georgia seeks three-peat
- Michigan aims for repeat title
- TCU looks to build on Cinderella run
- Ohio State seeks return to glory
- Transfer portal impact
- NIL deals changing landscape
- New coaches at traditional powers
- Parity or dominance?
- Playoff expansion coming in 2024
These are just a few of the storylines that will shape the 2024 college football season. It’s sure to be an exciting year, and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top.
Georgia seeks three-peat
The Georgia Bulldogs are looking to become the first team since Alabama in 2011-2012 to win three consecutive national championships. Georgia has been the dominant team in college football over the past two seasons, going 28-1 and winning back-to-back titles.
- Loaded roster: Georgia returns a wealth of talent from its championship team, including quarterback Stetson Bennett, running back Kenny McIntosh, and wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The Bulldogs also have a strong defense led by Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter.
- Kirby Smart’s leadership: Head coach Kirby Smart has been the driving force behind Georgia’s success. Smart is one of the best coaches in the country, and he knows how to get his team to play at a high level.
- Favorable schedule: Georgia has a relatively favorable schedule in 2024. The Bulldogs’ toughest games are against South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, but all three of those games are at home.
- Experience: Georgia has a lot of experience playing in big games. The Bulldogs have been to the national championship game three times in the past six years, and they know what it takes to win.
Georgia is the clear favorite to win the national championship in 2024. The Bulldogs have the talent, the coaching, and the experience to get it done. However, there are a number of other teams that could challenge Georgia for the title, including Michigan, TCU, and Ohio State.
Michigan aims for repeat title
The Michigan Wolverines are looking to become the first team since Alabama in 2011-2012 to win back-to-back national championships. Michigan had a dominant 2022 season, going 13-0 and winning the Big Ten championship. The Wolverines also reached the College Football Playoff, where they lost to TCU in the semifinals.
- Returning production: Michigan returns a lot of key players from its 2022 team, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and wide receiver Ronnie Bell. The Wolverines also have a strong defense led by Mazi Smith and Mike Morris.
- Jim Harbaugh’s leadership: Head coach Jim Harbaugh has been a major factor in Michigan’s resurgence. Harbaugh is one of the best coaches in the country, and he knows how to get his team to play at a high level.
- Favorable schedule: Michigan has a relatively favorable schedule in 2024. The Wolverines’ toughest games are against Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan State, but all three of those games are at home.
- Experience: Michigan has a lot of experience playing in big games. The Wolverines have been to the College Football Playoff twice in the past six years, and they know what it takes to win.
Michigan is a legitimate contender to win the national championship in 2024. The Wolverines have the talent, the coaching, and the experience to get it done. However, there are a number of other teams that could challenge Michigan for the title, including Georgia, TCU, and Ohio State.
TCU looks to build on Cinderella run
The TCU Horned Frogs are looking to build on their Cinderella run to the national championship game in 2022. TCU went from unranked to undefeated in 2022, and they came within one play of winning the national title.
- Key players returning: TCU returns a lot of key players from its 2022 team, including quarterback Max Duggan, running back Kendre Miller, and wide receiver Quentin Johnston. The Horned Frogs also have a strong defense led by Dee Winters and Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson.
- Sonny Dykes’ leadership: Head coach Sonny Dykes led TCU to its best season in school history in 2022. Dykes is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and he knows how to get his team to play at a high level.
- Favorable schedule: TCU has a relatively favorable schedule in 2024. The Horned Frogs’ toughest games are against Ohio State, Texas, and Oklahoma, but all three of those games are at home.
- Experience: TCU gained a lot of valuable experience in 2022. The Horned Frogs played in a lot of close games, and they learned how to win in high-pressure situations.
TCU is a legitimate contender to win the national championship in 2024. The Horned Frogs have the talent, the coaching, and the experience to get it done. However, there are a number of other teams that could challenge TCU for the title, including Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Ohio State seeks return to glory
The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to return to the top of the college football world in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 season. Ohio State has won 11 national championships, but the Buckeyes haven’t won a title since 2014.
Ohio State has a lot of talent returning in 2024, including quarterback Devin Brown, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes also have a strong defense led by Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau.
Head coach Ryan Day is under pressure to deliver a national championship in 2024. Day is one of the best coaches in the country, but he hasn’t been able to get Ohio State over the hump in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State has a tough schedule in 2024, but the Buckeyes have the talent and experience to overcome it. Ohio State’s toughest games are against Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State, but all three of those games are at home.
Ohio State is a legitimate contender to win the national championship in 2024. The Buckeyes have the talent, the coaching, and the experience to get it done. However, there are a number of other teams that could challenge Ohio State for the title, including Georgia, Michigan, and TCU.
Transfer portal impact
The transfer portal has had a major impact on college football in recent years, and that trend is likely to continue in 2024. Some of the top players in the country have entered the transfer portal in recent months, and that means that some of the top teams in 2024 could look very different than they did in 2023.
- More player movement: The transfer portal has made it easier for players to move between schools, and that means that there is more player movement than ever before. This can make it difficult for teams to build continuity, but it also gives players more opportunities to find the right fit for their talents and goals.
- New faces in new places: The transfer portal has led to some big-name players transferring to new schools, and that means that some of the top teams in 2024 will have some new faces in their starting lineup. This can be exciting for fans, but it can also take some time for the new players to adjust to their new surroundings.
- Parity or dominance?: The transfer portal has the potential to create more parity in college football, as it allows teams to add talented players who can help them compete with the top programs. However, it also has the potential to lead to more dominance by the top teams, as they can hoard the best players.
- Impact on recruiting: The transfer portal has also had an impact on recruiting. Players are now more likely to commit to a school that they know they can transfer from if things don’t work out. This can make it more difficult for schools to recruit players, but it can also give players more options.
The transfer portal is a major factor in college football today, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the 2024 season. Only time will tell how the transfer portal will affect the top teams in 2024, but it is sure to be an interesting story to follow.
NIL deals changing landscape
The introduction of NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals has changed the landscape of college football in a number of ways. NIL deals allow players to profit from their name, image, and likeness, and this has led to some big-money deals for some of the top players in the country.
- More money for players: NIL deals have the potential to generate a lot of money for players. Some of the top players in the country have signed NIL deals worth millions of dollars. This can help players to pay for their education, support their families, and prepare for their future careers.
- More player empowerment: NIL deals have given players more power in the college football landscape. Players now have the ability to choose which school they want to attend based on the NIL deals that are available. This can give players more leverage in negotiations with schools, and it can also help to improve the overall experience for players.
- More parity: NIL deals could potentially lead to more parity in college football. Schools that are not traditionally considered to be among the top programs can now offer NIL deals to attract top players. This could help to level the playing field and make it more difficult for the top teams to maintain their dominance.
- New challenges: NIL deals have also created some new challenges for college football. Schools need to find ways to manage the NIL deals of their players, and they need to make sure that NIL deals are not used to induce players to attend a particular school. Additionally, NIL deals can create a divide between players who are able to sign big-money deals and those who are not.
NIL deals are a major factor in college football today, and they are likely to have a significant impact on the 2024 season. Only time will tell how NIL deals will affect the top teams in 2024, but it is sure to be an interesting story to follow.
New coaches at traditional powers
There are a number of new coaches at traditional powers in college football, and that could shake up the landscape in 2024. Some of the most notable new coaches include:
- Brian Kelly at LSU: Kelly left Notre Dame to take over at LSU, and he is hoping to bring the Tigers back to national prominence. LSU has not won a national championship since 2007, but Kelly has a track record of success at Notre Dame.
- Lincoln Riley at USC: Riley left Oklahoma to take over at USC, and he is hoping to turn the Trojans back into a national contender. USC has not won a national championship since 2004, but Riley is one of the most successful coaches in the country.
- Billy Napier at Florida: Napier left Louisiana to take over at Florida, and he is hoping to rebuild the Gators into a national power. Florida has not won a national championship since 2008, but Napier has a track record of success at Louisiana.
- Mario Cristobal at Miami: Cristobal left Oregon to take over at Miami, and he is hoping to bring the Hurricanes back to national prominence. Miami has not won a national championship since 2001, but Cristobal has a track record of success at Oregon.
These are just a few of the new coaches at traditional powers in college football. It will be interesting to see how these coaches perform in their new roles, and how they impact the landscape of college football in 2024.
Parity or dominance?
One of the biggest questions heading into the 2024 college football season is whether we will see parity or dominance. In recent years, we have seen a few teams rise above the rest and dominate the sport. Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State have all won multiple national championships in recent years, and they are all expected to be contenders again in 2024.
However, there are a number of other teams that are also capable of making a run at the national championship in 2024. Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and USC are all legitimate contenders, and they could all challenge the traditional powers for the title.
The transfer portal and NIL deals have also made it more difficult for teams to maintain dominance. Players are now more likely to transfer to other schools if they are not happy with their situation, and they are also more likely to sign NIL deals with companies that are not affiliated with their school.
All of these factors could lead to more parity in college football in 2024. However, it is also possible that one or two teams could rise above the rest and dominate the sport. Only time will tell how the 2024 season will play out.
Here are some factors that could contribute to parity in 2024:
- The transfer portal allows players to move between schools more easily, which could lead to more balance in the sport.
- NIL deals could give players more leverage in negotiations with schools, which could also lead to more parity.
- The addition of new coaches at traditional powers could shake up the landscape of college football.
Here are some factors that could contribute to dominance in 2024:
- Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State are all returning a lot of talent from their 2023 teams.
- Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and USC are all also returning a lot of talent from their 2023 teams.
- The top teams have all been able to sign some of the best recruits in the country.
Playoff expansion coming in 2024
One of the biggest changes to college football in 2024 will be the expansion of the College Football Playoff from four teams to twelve teams. This will give more teams a chance to compete for the national championship, and it could also lead to more parity in the sport.
The twelve-team playoff will be divided into four three-team pods. The top four teams in the final College Football Playoff rankings will be seeded 1-4 and will receive a bye in the first round. The remaining eight teams will be seeded 5-12 and will play in the first round. The winners of the first round games will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will play the top four seeds.
The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played at bowl games, while the national championship game will be played at a neutral site. The exact locations of the bowl games and the national championship game have not yet been announced.
The expansion of the College Football Playoff is a major change to the sport, and it is sure to have a significant impact on the 2024 season. More teams will have a chance to compete for the national championship, and it could lead to more parity in the sport.
Here are some potential benefits of the College Football Playoff expansion:
- More teams will have a chance to compete for the national championship.
- It could lead to more parity in the sport.
- It could make the regular season more meaningful.
- It could generate more revenue for the NCAA and its member schools.
Here are some potential drawbacks of the College Football Playoff expansion:
- It could water down the regular season.
- It could make it more difficult for Group of Five teams to make the playoff.
- It could lead to more blowouts in the early rounds of the playoff.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 college football season:
Question 1: Which teams are favored to win the national championship in 2024?
Answer: The top contenders for the national championship in 2024 are Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and Ohio State. All four teams are returning a lot of talent from their 2023 teams, and they all have experienced coaches.
Question 2: How will the transfer portal impact the 2024 season?
Answer: The transfer portal is likely to have a significant impact on the 2024 season. More players than ever before are entering the transfer portal, and this could lead to some big changes in the rosters of some of the top teams in the country.
Question 3: How will NIL deals impact the 2024 season?
Answer: NIL deals are also likely to have a significant impact on the 2024 season. NIL deals allow players to profit from their name, image, and likeness, and this could lead to some big-money deals for some of the top players in the country.
Question 4: What are some of the new coaches at traditional powers in 2024?
Answer: Some of the new coaches at traditional powers in 2024 include Brian Kelly at LSU, Lincoln Riley at USC, Billy Napier at Florida, and Mario Cristobal at Miami.
Question 5: How will the College Football Playoff expansion impact the 2024 season?
Answer: The College Football Playoff is expanding from four teams to twelve teams in 2024. This will give more teams a chance to compete for the national championship, and it could also lead to more parity in the sport.
Question 6: What are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of the College Football Playoff expansion?
Answer: Some potential benefits of the College Football Playoff expansion include more teams having a chance to compete for the national championship, more parity in the sport, and more revenue for the NCAA and its member schools. Some potential drawbacks of the expansion include a watered-down regular season, fewer opportunities for Group of Five teams to make the playoff, and more blowouts in the early rounds of the playoff.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 college football season. As the season gets closer, more information will be available.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some tips for following the 2024 college football season:
- Watch as many games as you can.
- Follow your favorite teams on social media.
- Read college football news and analysis.
- Attend games in person if you can.
- Enjoy the excitement of college football!
Tips
Here are four tips for following the 2024 college football season:
Tip 1: Watch as many games as you can.
The best way to stay up-to-date on the 2024 college football season is to watch as many games as you can. This means watching games on TV, streaming games online, and attending games in person if you can.
Tip 2: Follow your favorite teams on social media.
Social media is a great way to stay connected with your favorite teams and players. Follow your favorite teams on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to get the latest news, highlights, and analysis.
Tip 3: Read college football news and analysis.
There are many great sources of college football news and analysis available online. Read articles and blogs from reputable sources to stay informed about the latest storylines and trends in the sport.
Tip 4: Attend games in person if you can.
There is nothing like the experience of attending a college football game in person. If you have the opportunity, try to attend a game at your favorite school or at a nearby stadium. You won’t regret it!
These are just a few tips for following the 2024 college football season. By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on the latest news and storylines, and you can enjoy all the excitement that the season has to offer.
The 2024 college football season is sure to be an exciting one. With so many talented teams and players, there is no telling who will come out on top. Be sure to follow these tips to stay up-to-date on all the action.
Conclusion
The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With so many talented teams and players, there is no telling who will come out on top.
Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and Ohio State are all legitimate contenders for the national championship. However, there are a number of other teams that could also make a run at the title, including Alabama, Clemson, and USC.
The transfer portal and NIL deals are also likely to have a significant impact on the 2024 season. More players than ever before are entering the transfer portal, and this could lead to some big changes in the rosters of some of the top teams in the country.
The College Football Playoff is also expanding from four teams to twelve teams in 2024. This will give more teams a chance to compete for the national championship, and it could also lead to more parity in the sport.
Overall, the 2024 college football season is sure to be one to remember. With so many talented teams and players, there is no telling who will come out on top. Be sure to follow the season closely and enjoy all the excitement that it has to offer.
Thanks for reading! We hope you found this article informative and helpful. Be sure to check back for more updates on the 2024 college football season.