The college football offseason is a time of endless speculation and anticipation. While helmets gather dust and fields lie dormant, fans and analysts alike are already fixated on the upcoming season, dreaming of gridiron glory and, ultimately, a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. The landscape of college football has changed dramatically, with conference realignments sending shockwaves through the sport and forcing us to reconsider the pecking order. Predicting the future in college football is a fool’s errand, fraught with potential pitfalls: injuries to key players, unexpected breakout performances, and the sheer chaos that defines the game. However, that doesn’t stop us from trying! So, let’s dive headfirst into the crystal ball and present our very early projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four, a snapshot of who we believe will be the primary contenders when the playoff picture starts to crystallize.
Before we unveil our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four, let’s briefly outline the criteria we used to arrive at these selections. Several factors were crucial in shaping our projections, including the level of returning star power, coaching stability and changes within programs, the strength and depth of incoming recruiting classes, the overall strength of each team’s schedule, and of course the changing conference landscape and how it might affect teams chances. Also, we considered recent performance, but not too much as that shouldn’t be an overriding factor.
The Projected Contenders
Georgia Bulldogs
It should come as no surprise that the Georgia Bulldogs lead our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. Kirby Smart has built a juggernaut in Athens, a program that consistently reloads with top-tier talent. Even with some key departures, the Bulldogs boast a wealth of returning players, especially at quarterback and on defense. The offense should be explosive, with talented playmakers ready to step up. The defensive line promises to be fearsome, and the secondary boasts playmakers. The Bulldogs will be tested by a challenging schedule, but their sheer talent and coaching prowess should see them through. Expect Georgia to be firmly in the playoff hunt again.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are perennial contenders, and twenty twenty-four should be no different. They are number two in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. The Buckeyes will have a great offense and talented returning players. They should improve from last year. The Buckeyes always have a tough schedule. Ultimately, the Buckeyes are poised for another playoff run.
Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns have finally arrived, maybe. Number three in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. After a big win in the playoff last season, they have a great coach, a top recruiting class, and a strong offense. They will be looking to prove themselves in their first year of the SEC.
Oregon Ducks
Dan Lanning has quickly established Oregon as a force in the Pac, err, Big Ten. The Ducks land at number four in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. The offense should be electric, and the defense will be stingy. The schedule will test them, but the Ducks have the potential to soar.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Even with Nick Saban’s retirement, Alabama retains the talent to compete. The Crimson Tide comes in at number five in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. A new era begins in Tuscaloosa, but the standard remains the same. They will have to face a tough schedule, and deal with the changes of a new coach.
Ole Miss Rebels
Lane Kiffin has built an impressive program at Ole Miss, and they land at number six in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. The Rebels boast a high-powered offense and an improving defense. Look for Ole Miss to make a serious run at the playoff.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State is consistently good, and they should be in the mix again in twenty twenty-four. Number seven in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. The defense is the calling card, but the offense needs to take the next step. Look for them to battle for a playoff spot.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Marcus Freeman has the Irish trending upward, and they check in at number eight in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. The Fighting Irish boasts a strong defense and a promising offense. The schedule will be challenging, but Notre Dame has the talent to compete with anyone.
LSU Tigers
Brian Kelly has injected new life into the LSU program, and they occupy the ninth spot in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. The offense is explosive, but the defense needs improvement. Look for the Tigers to contend for the SEC title.
Missouri Tigers
Missouri is a team on the rise and number ten in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. They will be looking to build on last years success and get into the playoffs for twenty twenty-four. They are a darkhorse pick to make a push.
Clemson Tigers
Clemson is looking to return to dominance. They are number eleven in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. Last year was disappointing but with new players, they will try to return to dominance.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is coming off an amazing season and have a spot at twelve in our projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four. The will look to repeat but with a new coach and key player leaving it will be hard.
Teams Just Outside the Top Twelve
Several teams are knocking on the door of the top twelve. Florida State has the potential to make some noise. Utah is a perennial contender in the Pac-(wait, nevermind). And keep an eye on Tennessee, which could surprise some people.
Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises
Keep an eye on Kansas State. They are a well-coached team and will surprise everyone and make the playoff push. Also, Alabama could underperform this year. With the retirement of their coach it is hard to say what is going to happen.
Final Thoughts
These projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four are just a snapshot in time, a conversation starter as we look ahead to the upcoming season. The beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability, the upsets, the breakout stars, and the unexpected turns that make every season unique. So, buckle up, college football fans. The chase for the College Football Playoff is about to begin, and the journey promises to be thrilling. Now, we want to hear from you! Who do you think will make the playoff? Share your own projected CFP top twelve rankings for twenty twenty-four in the comments below and let the debate begin! What dark horse team do you think will take over? Which teams are too high or too low in the rankings?
