College football, never to be mistaken for a game with an even distribution of resources and talent, is about to get a little more competitive in what should be a historic 2024 season. Major conference realignment, especially the expansion of the playoff format from four teams to 12 teams, should result in more teams competing for the national championship.
But there are still elite programs and talent at the top of the sport, and that hasn't changed despite recent changes surrounding college football. Which schools have a realistic chance of winning the national championship this season?
Although the best defenses in college football have gotten a little younger in recent seasons, there's no lack of talent from last year to this year, and the Bulldogs' offense has replicated much of its success with the return of quarterback Carson Beck. will do. There is a history of re-transferring Trevor Etienne to balance things out. But Georgia is playing a tougher schedule this time around.
After three straight losses to the University of Michigan, the Buckeyes became very active in the transfer portal, making big additions at key positions, especially quarterback Will Howard, tailback Quinshon Judkins, and safety Caleb Downs. , including a key returner on the defense. , and should once again be the most promising wide receiver group in college football.
The Longhorns' move to the SEC comes at a good time, with quarterback Quinn Ewers rejoining under center and the transfer of two key receivers in Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bonds, two players at the position. They were helped by a huge upgrade and a strong defensive back seven.
RELATED: 2024 SEC football schedule rankings, from easiest to most difficult.
Coach Dan Lanning maintains the Ducks' high recruiting standards, especially in the trenches, with notable transfers in quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore and wide receiver Evan Stewart, strengths of the 2024 team. are included, working behind another solid line for the season opener. We expanded the Big Ten this fall.
This is as close as the Rebels have come to a national title-winning combo since the early 1960s, thanks to Lane Kiffin's roster-building program with an emphasis on the transfer portal. Ole Miss has made important additions on defense and is ranked No. 1 in the early transfer team rankings.
Florida State's roster changes and playoff expansion mean 2024 for the Tigers. The Tigers get a new reliable defensive front seven with promising playmakers, tailback Phil Mafa ready to take over RB1 duties, and more time to develop with his play. They will enter 2024 proud of quarterback Cade Klubnik. The caller was Garrett Riley. But Clemson still lacks a game-breaking option at wide receiver.
Thanks in part to Nick Saban's recruiting machine, Karen DeBoer boasts a strong roster with experience and depth in the front seven, the return of quarterback Jalen Milroe, and likely transfer tackle Kaedin Proctor, and the 1 It will be the year of the year. But he has questions to answer at receiver and in the secondary.
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