The 2024 college football season is already set to unfold with storylines driven by SEC, Big 10, and Big 12 conference realignments, an ever-growing transfer portal, and, of course, an unregulated NIL environment where each team makes the highest bid. It's full. Get players to play against.
This month in spring football, fans are excited to see what's next for their respective teams. In contrast, new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is entering a familiar position after serving as the Aggies' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2021 under then-head coach Jimbo Fisher. Nearly every major program other than A&M has already completed their respective spring games, as the Maroon & White's spring game is set for Saturday, April 20th.
Looking far ahead, we recognized that the expansion of the CFB playoff structure to 12 teams would allow for nine or 10 wins with the potential for a postseason berth rather than a run-of-the-mill bowl game. However, we are working on various programs. And yes, despite not consistently living up to preseason expectations, Elko-led Texas A&M could be right in the middle of things thanks to the Aggies' relatively manageable SEC schedule. there is.
So, thanks to FanDuel Sportsbook's college football future predictions, we can now estimate the top 15 contenders to compete for a playoff spot in late December.
15
Texas A&M Aggies
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Records for 2023: 7-5 (4-4 seconds)
FanDuel odds: +4000
As I've said many times this offseason, if the offensive line holds up, a healthy starting quarterback, Connor Weigman, should thrive in new offensive coordinator Colin Kline's spread offense.
14
missouri tigers
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Records for 2023: 11-2 (6-2 seconds)
FanDuel odds: +3500
Outside of underdog running back Cody Schrader, quarterback Brady Cook, and stud wide receiver Luther Burden III, that's enough to put the Tigers in the thick of playoff contention at the end of the year.
13
volunteer in tennessee
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Records for 2023: 9-4 (4-4 seconds)
FanDuel odds: +3000
The University of Tennessee is interesting as former five-star blue-chip quarterback Nico Iamareaba will take over full-time next season. Because if these kids hit their stride quickly, and most importantly, head coach Josh Heupel lets them play out of structure on a regular basis, the sky is the limit for the Volunteers.
12
Clemson Tigers
T-shirts and footballs are welcomed to the crowd during the Clemson University Athletics showcase as part of Freshman Convocation on Friday, Aug. 21, 2023, at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, South Carolina. Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney throws. Coach Sports from each team welcomed the new students and threw a memento into the crowd.
Records for 2023: 9-4 (4-4 ACC)
FanDuel odds: +3000
Dabo Swinney. that's it. All kidding aside, can the two-time United States Champion finally adapt to the chaotic transfer portal and NIL landscape, or will he become even more of an old man screaming at the clouds? Clemson should be a solid team in 2024, but there are a lot of questions.
11
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State University football quarterback DJ Uiagalelei participates in Tour of Duty's final winter workout ahead of 2024 spring practice on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
2023 records: 13-1 (8-0 ACC)
FanDuel odds: +2800
Journeyman quarterback DJ Uiagalelei left Oregon State after just one season, but showed a significant improvement in his once shaky skillset away from elite arms. Now, that big-time talent has arrived at Florida State's program, which is still in turmoil after missing out on last season's College Football Playoff. Fun things. The roster is solid again, and if DJ continues to improve his accuracy, 12 wins isn't out of the question.
Ten
notre dame fighting irish
Notre Dame's Dion Colzie makes a one-handed catch during practice during preparation for the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Oregon State in the SAC on Dec. 26, 2023.
Records for 2023: 10-3
FanDuel odds: +2200
Would Notre Dame, for example, get to 8-0 and then completely collapse in the final stages? Totally realistic given their history, and quarterback Sam Hartman and his beautiful mane. left after a one-year rental and was replaced by former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, who also left for the NFL after making his mark with a historic program. Notre Dame opens the season against Texas A&M at Kyle Field, and Leonard, if healthy, will play against former Duke head coach Mike Elko.
9
Penn State Nittany Lions
31. San Francisco 49ers – Chops Robinson, Delaware, Pennsylvania
2023 record: 10-3 (7-2 Big Ten)
FanDuel odds: +2200
here we go again! Penn State has all the pieces it needs to compete in 2024, and even with an expanded Big Ten, 10 wins is very reasonable. But former five-star quarterback Drew Allard needs to get better in the pocket, while the late-season meltdowns that have become all too common under head coach James Franklin It will keep the fan base on edge.
8
michigan wolverines
Michigan State football players celebrate their 34-13 victory over Washington in the national championship game on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Records for 2023: 15-0 (9-0 Big Ten) 2023 National Champions
FanDuel odds: +2000
After finally winning a national championship at the University of Michigan after coming up so close for several years, former head coach Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers and starting quarterback JJ McCarthy was selected for the 2024 NFL Draft. He is expected to be a first-round pick. Even with all the losses, new head coach Sherone Moore might surprise us all in 2024.
7
Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin speaks during the 2023 SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Nashville Grand Hyatt on Broadway, Thursday, July 20, 2023.
Records for 2023: 11-2 (6-2 seconds)
FanDuel odds: +1500
After acquiring several plug-and-play starters, including former Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen, and once again entering the transfer portal, head coach Lane Kiffin has the deepest team ever during his time at Ole Miss. I can accept these odds as to what should happen.
6
LSU Tigers
Matt Pendleton – USA TODAY Sports
Records for 2023: 10-3 (6-2 seconds)
FanDuel odds: +1500
To be honest, we'll need to prove it in October and November before we can seriously consider the odds. With Heisman-acquired QB Jayden Daniels leaving for the NFL, new starting QB Garrett Nussmeier has shown flashes, but he doesn't have the “it” factor needed to carry LSU in 2024. do not have. Oh, and the Tigers will also lose starting receiver Malik Nabors. Brian Thomas Jr. was also drafted.
Five
alabama crimson tide
January 1, 2024. Pasadena, California, USA. Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe, 4, attempts a pass during the second quarter of the 2024 Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Rose Bowl. Required Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2023 records: 12-2 (8-0)
FanDuel odds: +1300
Hall of Fame head coach Nick Saban has retired (at least for now), and former Washington head coach Karen DeBoer has taken over as the new head coach for the first time in over a decade. We know what he brings offensively, but will the defense hold up with quarterback Jalen Milroe back in the saddle?
Four
oregon ducks
Troy Weirinen-USA TODAY Sports
Records for 2023: 12-2 (8-1 Pack 12)
FanDuel odds: +850
Yes, you can participate with these odds. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning may have lost QB Bo Nix to the draft, but he quickly acquired two talented QBs from the transfer portal in Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore, who will be available this fall. They will be competing for the starting spot. The offense is solid, and the defense needs to be as honest as it gets by 2024.
3
texas longhorns
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers during spring practice at Frank Denius Practice Field in Austin, Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Records for 2023: 12-2 (8-1 Big 12)
FanDuel odds: +700
Texas may be back, but let's see what happens after the program's first season in the SEC. Sure, quarterback Quinn Ewers has most of the traits needed to win a championship in addition to O-line protection and a solid run game, but last season's playoff appearance was due to Ewers alone. It wasn't. He left for the NFL Draft. The Texans deserve to be the preseason favorites, but let's hope head coach Steve Sarkisian's huge contract extension doesn't lead them down the same path as Jimbo Fisher.
2
ohio state buckeyes
November 25, 2023. Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leaves the field after an NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State lost 30-24.
Records for 2023: 11-2 (8-1 Big Ten)
FanDuel odds: +450
I'll keep this short and sweet. If Ohio State head coach Ryan Day can finally beat Michigan, that's a big IF. Look for Tochinoki and phenom freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to light up the scoreboard every week and make the playoffs. birth.
1
georgia bulldogs
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
2023 records: 13-1 (8-0 seconds)
FanDuel odds: +300
Georgia's incredibly high standards kept them from making the CFB playoffs just one year after winning back-to-back titles, but look for a revenge tour in 2024 led by standout quarterback Carson Beck. It seems like every time they lose talent, they re-empower themselves a year later. And all credit goes to future Hall of Fame head coach Kirby Smart.
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