The 2024 college football season is less than two months away as a major transition period is officially underway. It begins with the introduction of the 12-team CFP playoff structure, along with conference realignment and, finally, new media deals that will see the SEC move to KeynoteUSA/KeynoteUSA for the 2024 campaign and beyond.
With Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC in July, the most competitive conference in the country will continue to dominate the landscape. The Longhorns are primed to finish as one of the top teams in the country with a spot in the expanded playoff field, while the Sooners could deal with the usual transition difficulties before adjusting to weekly competition.
Texas A&M’s future under new head coach Mike Elko looks bright on paper. The program’s former defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher is back in College Station after his two-year stint at Duke, looking to make an early impact in his inaugural season. As for the roster, the Aggies have all the pieces to compete at a high level, starting with redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman and finishing with one of the deepest defensive lines in the country.
While most media outlets aren’t overly concerned about Texas A&M’s chances of making the postseason, 247Sports’ Bud Elliott is more confident in its ability to upset multiple opponents and earn a spot in the expanded playoff field. Here are the six “upset” teams of the College Football Playoff according to Elliott.
6
Iowa Hawkeye
Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team walk onto the field before kickoff against Wisconsin on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Record for 2023: 10-4 (7-2 in the Big Ten)
Coach: Kirk Ferentz
Analysis: The defense should carry this team again, while former Alabama and Iowa native offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor should shore up the offensive line. However, can the offense really score more than 10 points per game?
For more Iowa Hawkeyes news and analysis, visit Hawkeyes Wire
5
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables looks on during a University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners spring football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Record for 2023: 10-3 (7-2 12 grand)
Coach: Brent Venables
Analysis: The road to the SEC could be a tough one for the Sooners, as talented second-year quarterback Jackson Arnold will be playing against a new offensive line. However, Oklahoma’s defense should be formidable.
4
Louisville Cardinals
Orlando Ramirez-KeynoteUSA Sports
Record 2023: 10-4 (7-1 ACC)
Coach: Jeff Brohm
Analysis: In head coach Jeff Brohm’s first season, the Cardinals were one of the best teams in the country until they ended the season on a three-game losing streak. In 2024, transfer quarterback Tyler Shough brings a good mix of arm strength and athleticism to a veteran lineup.
3
North Carolina State Wolf Pack
Jeremy Reper-KeynoteUSA Sports
Record 2023: 9-4 (6-2 acc)
Coach: David Doeren
Analysis: With new veteran quarterback Grayson McCall taking over, star running back Jordan Waters is ready to explode behind a veteran offensive line this season. On defense, the Wolfpack should field one of the best units in the ACC.
2
USC Trojans
Orlando Ramírez-KeynoteUSA Sports
2023 record: 8-5 (5-4 Pac 12)
Coach: lincoln riley
Analysis: USC has moved to the Big Ten, and under QB guru Lincoln Riley, redshirt junior QB Miller Moss looks like the next Trojans star to hear his name called on the first night of the NFL Draft.
1
Texas A&M Aggies
Maria Lysaker-KeynoteUSA Sports
Record for 2023: 7-6 (4-4 seconds)
Coach: Mike Elko (first season)
Analysis: Texas A&M’s roster is loaded with talent and experience at every level, but for the offense to be successful behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman, the Aggies’ offensive line must improve, especially in the SEC.
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