With the 2024 college football season kicking off after a dramatic Week 0, the excitement is palpable. This year marks a watershed moment for the sport, as the College Football Playoff (CFP) expands to a 12-team format, offering more teams a shot at the national championship. With so much change and so many unknowns, we turned to the top sports experts to forecast the season ahead. Here’s what they’re predicting for the championship contenders, Heisman Trophy winner, and potential surprises.
Ross Dellenger: Ohio State to Claim the Title
Ross Dellenger, known for his deep insights into college football, is bullish on Ohio State. He believes that the Buckeyes, led by Ryan Day, have crafted a championship-caliber roster with their significant transfer portal additions, including Quinshon Judkins, Will Howard, and Caleb Downs. Dellenger sees Ohio State’s revamped lineup as too strong for Michigan and predicts they’ll emerge victorious in the playoff.
Dan Wetzel: A Season of Surprises and Strong Contenders
Dan Wetzel anticipates a thrilling season with the new playoff format shaking up traditional expectations. He sees Ohio State as a potential national champion but highlights the strength of other contenders, including Georgia, Miami, and Tennessee. Wetzel envisions Tennessee, with its impressive quarterback and defense, hosting a playoff game. His prediction underscores the dynamic nature of this season with plenty of high-stakes games and potential surprises.
Nick Bromberg: Georgia and Ohio State to Battle for the Title
Nick Bromberg echoes Dellenger’s sentiment, projecting a national championship showdown between Georgia and Ohio State. Bromberg is particularly high on Georgia’s Carson Beck for the Heisman Trophy, expecting the quarterback to be a standout performer. He also identifies Indiana as a sleeper team in the Big Ten and expresses skepticism about Colorado’s chances to secure bowl eligibility given their challenging Big 12 schedule.
Caroline Fenton: Florida State Faces Challenges
Caroline Fenton casts doubt on Florida State’s ability to contend for the CFP championship. With significant losses on offense and defense, she believes the Seminoles, despite their efforts to reload via the transfer portal, will struggle to fill key gaps. Fenton’s cautious outlook on Florida State reflects a broader skepticism about teams with considerable offseason turnover.
Jay Busbee: An Era of Unprecedented Possibilities
Jay Busbee frames the 2024 season as possibly the most significant in college football history due to the expanded playoff. He predicts that while the top teams will dominate the playoffs, there will be at least one major upset, making for a potentially chaotic postseason. Busbee’s perspective highlights the expanded playoff’s role in creating new opportunities and uncertainties.
Jason Fitz: The Importance of Experienced Quarterbacks
Jason Fitz emphasizes the importance of experienced quarterbacks in this new playoff format. He suggests that while Ohio State and Georgia are immensely talented, experienced signal-callers like Dillon Gabriel and Jaxson Dart could play pivotal roles. Fitz also predicts a drop in Clemson’s prominence and a standout season for Tennessee, thanks to their talented roster and quarterback.
Ian Casselberry: Oregon and the Pressure on Ohio State
Ian Casselberry surprises with a strong endorsement of Oregon, noting their potential despite the Big Ten’s powerhouse presence. He acknowledges the pressure on Ohio State to perform with their newly assembled roster but sees a smooth path for Miami if they can navigate their early-season challenges effectively.
Conclusion
The 2024 college football season is set to be one of the most exhilarating and unpredictable in recent memory. With a newly expanded playoff format, the stage is set for more teams than ever to vie for the national title. As the season unfolds, keep an eye on these expert predictions—whether it’s Ohio State’s quest for glory, Georgia’s dominance, or the potential for dramatic upsets, this year promises to deliver memorable moments and high-stakes drama. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!