A new era of college football has arrived. Starting with the 2024 season, the College Football Playoff will expand to include 12 teams, a significant shift from the previous format of just four.  With these changes in mind, I'm going to share my predictions for the 12 teams that will have the opportunity to rule the college football world.                                                              

Now, it is important to remember that just because 12 teams get in, it’s not always going to be just the 12 best teams.  For example, I have Oklahoma as a top ten team this season, but with their schedule, it’s going to be extremely difficult to get enough wins to get in.  With that in mind, after analyzing each team's schedule game-by-game, here are the 12 teams I believe will earn their shot in 2024…

First round matchups:

12 Boise State (12-1) at 5 Oregon (11-2)

While Liberty or Memphis may be popular picks to be the Group of 5 representative, I think Boise State has what it takes.  If quarterback transfer Malachi Nelson can find his groove and earn the starting spot, I am confident in this offense to be great alongside a defense that I expect to be vastly improved in 2024.  In my analysis, I see Oregon winning their regular season matchup against Ohio State, but losing in a potential rematch in Indianapolis. Regardless, I think the Ducks would handle Boise State comfortably at home.

10 Miami (10-3) at 7 texas (10-2)

This would likely be the most exciting first-round matchup. Two star-studded teams squaring off in Austin, Texas is the kind of game that makes you fall in love with college football. The Hurricanes would be coming off one of their best regular seasons in recent memory. While I had them falling short in the ACC Championship, their star power makes them a serious threat to upset the Longhorns at home. Texas is undoubtedly going to be great this season, but in this hypothetical showdown, I'll take the Hurricanes to pull off the upset.

11 Notre Dame (10-2) at 6 Lsu (10-3)

The SEC is going to be absolute chaos this season. According to my predictions, I see four teams finishing tied for second place with a 6-2 record. While the official tiebreakers haven’t been released yet, I’m picking LSU to advance to Atlanta for the title game. Although I believe they might fall short there, it would set up a thrilling on-campus playoff matchup against Notre Dame. Despite my concerns about the Irish's offensive line, I still think their schedule sets them up for a 10-win season and a spot in the playoff.  However, in this scenario, give me the Tigers electric offense at home to move on.  

9 Tennessee (10-2) at 8 Penn State (10-2)

Penn State continues to be the model of consistency.  While they have almost always won 10 games and been very good, the Nittany Lions have yet to make a playoff appearance.  However, now with 12 teams, I think that will change in 2024.  Not only that, but I think they will get a home game as well.  However, I am a huge fan of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava and I think the Vols are more than capable of going on the road and pulling an upset so I’ll take Tennessee to move on.  

Quarterfinal matchups:

5 Oregon (12-2) vs 4 Clemson (11-2)

In this hypothetical, Clemson would have just taken down Miami in the ACC title game and earned their bye.  However, they now will have to play the best team on their schedule and unfortunately for Clemson, I think Oregon would win this matchup.  Dillon Gabriel and this electric offense is too much for the Tigers to keep up with, Oregon wins an exciting first game.     

10 Miami (11-3) vs 2 Ohio State (12-1)

What a college football spectacle this would be. Two of the most iconic and polarizing programs in the sport, squaring off in the “granddaddy of them all,” the Rose Bowl. While both teams are loaded with talent, Ohio State is operating on a different level. I believe the Buckeyes would ultimately overpower Miami and advance to the semifinals.

6 LSU (11-3) vs 3 Utah (12-1)

This would be a fascinating matchup. Utah, fresh off a 12-1 record in its inaugural Big 12 season, going head-to-head with LSU, the SEC runners-up. While LSU might be the popular pick to win, I’m leaning towards Kyle Whittingham and the Utes to advance to the semifinal. With Cam Rising back at quarterback, one of the best receiving corps they've had in years, and a defense that's as strong as ever, Utah is poised to make a lot of noise in 2024.

9 Tennessee (11-2) vs 1 Georgia (13-0)

To finish off the quarterfinals, we have an SEC regular-season rematch. Georgia, riding high at 13-0, would have won the first matchup in Athens. Now, in Atlanta, Tennessee seeks revenge. As much as I admire Nico and the Vols' explosive offense, Georgia's sheer power and physical defense would be too much to overcome. The Bulldogs advance to the semifinals.

Semifinal matchups:

3 Utah (13-1) vs 2 Ohio State (13-1)

A rematch of an all-time classic, the 2022 Rose Bowl. While that game ended in a thrilling 48-45 Ohio State victory, this one would likely be more slow-paced and defensive-focused. Both teams boast defenses as their strengths, making this a true test of Ohio State's physicality. I believe the Buckeyes would rise to the occasion, taking down Utah in another instant classic.

5 Oregon (13-2) vs 1 Georgia (14-0)

Seeing all of these matchups makes it hard not to get excited about the 2024 season, and this might be the best of them all. Georgia, the most dominant team of the decade, going up against the Ducks, who are searching for their first national title in school history and have more than enough talent to achieve it. Ultimately, I’d take Georgia in this matchup, thanks to their superior coaching, quarterback play, and defense.

National championship:

2 Ohio State (14-1) vs 1 Georgia (15-0)

This sets up a chalky national championship, but one that I think is very possible.  The two most talented teams in the country will clash on the biggest stage: Georgia, aiming to complete another perfect season, and Ohio State, striving to finally break through under Ryan Day. If this matchup materializes, I would bet on Ohio State. The talent on this roster is unparalleled, and I genuinely believe it's one of the best in college football history. I'll take the Buckeyes as the 2024 National Champions.