Welcome to The Athletic, where we guide you through the changing landscape of college football. As the sport enters a new era, filled with surprises and uncertainties, we are here to provide you with a roadmap to navigate it all. So sit back, relax, and let’s delve into a dozen key things you need to know for the upcoming season.
CFP expansion is here
Forget the old four-team Playoff format; say hello to the chaos of a 12-team showdown. With automatic bids for conference champions and exciting on-campus games, college football is gearing up for a thrilling postseason. It’s a new dawn for the sport, complete with its own set of unique quirks and surprises.
GO DEEPER
CFB realignment recap: Everyone who’s officially switching conferences this summer
Michigan won the title, but hopes of a repeat are slim
After a triumphant 2023 season, Michigan faces a period of transition. With key players departing and a new coach at the helm, the Wolverines strive to maintain their competitive edge. Can they replicate their past success, or will a resurgent Ohio State pose a formidable challenge?
Georgia and Ohio State are the favorites
Georgia and Ohio State emerge as frontrunners for the national championship, boasting formidable rosters and seasoned coaches. With star players and strategic acquisitions, these powerhouse programs aim for glory once again. Will they dominate the field, or will underdogs defy the odds?
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Exploring the Nick Saban butterfly effect, 400-plus job changes later
Nick Saban and Jim Harbaugh are gone — who are Kalen DeBoer and Sherrone Moore?
With legendary coaches stepping down, new faces emerge in the college football realm. Kalen DeBoer and Sherrone Moore take on the challenge of leading storied programs to victory. As the sport witnesses a changing of the guard, fans eagerly anticipate the strategies and innovations these coaches bring to the table.
“We will continue to attack every day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind, and I promise we will smash!”
🗣️ @Coach_SMoore#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/lbw7QaTxg2
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 27, 2024
The Heisman race is wide open
With the departure of past finalists, a new crop of contenders vies for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. From seasoned quarterbacks to rising stars, the field is ripe with talent and potential. As the season unfolds, fans await the standout performer who will etch their name in college football history.
Goodnight Pac-12
As conference realignment reshapes the collegiate landscape, the Pac-12 bids farewell to its glory days. With teams defecting to other divisions, the once proud conference faces an uncertain future. Fans mourn the end of an era as they anticipate what lies ahead for the remaining members.
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Oregon State, Washington State finalize scheduling agreement with MWC
The most famous backup in college football
As the spotlight shines on the Manning legacy, a new star emerges from the shadows. Arch Manning’s journey from understudy to potential ace captivates audiences, setting the stage for a thrilling narrative. With high stakes and family ties, Manning’s rise heralds a new chapter in college football lore.
Hopes are high for Notre Dame
Embracing new talent and strategies, Notre Dame aims for a triumphant season under the guidance of coach Marcus Freeman. With key acquisitions and a fearless spirit, the Fighting Irish march towards their Playoff aspirations. Fans eagerly anticipate the clash of titans as Notre Dame seeks to carve its name in history.
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Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, the small-town QB with championship ambitions
The SEC is no longer on CBS
After a longstanding partnership, the SEC bids adieu to CBS as it embarks on a new broadcasting era. With exclusive coverage on ESPN, fans gear up for a fresh viewing experience. As traditions shift and networks realign, college football enters a dynamic phase of evolution.
College football’s first ‘Big Ten on CBS’ commercial:pic.twitter.com/H9NCoMGwS9
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 28, 2024
Yes, Deion Sanders is still at Colorado
Bringing charisma and talent to the gridiron, Coach Prime continues to captivate audiences with his presence at Colorado. As the Buffaloes embark on a new season, fans anticipate both spectacle and unpredictability. With star players and thrilling matches, Sanders infuses college football with his signature flair.
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Deion Sanders’ unrivaled legend at Florida State: ‘The best athlete ever known to man’
Rule changes
Embracing modernity, college football introduces new rules to enhance gameplay and strategy. From helmet communication to play-clock management, the sport evolves with the times. Coaches and players adapt to these changes, ushering in a new era of innovation and competition.
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NCAA rules committee proposes helmet communication, 2-minute warning
Sleeper teams
Amidst the rankings and predictions, hidden gems lurk in the shadows, ready to make their mark on the season. From overlooked contenders to rising stars, these sleeper teams defy expectations and challenge the status quo. As the competition heats up, watch out for these dark horses as they vie for glory.
GO DEEPER
What the AP Top 25 says about CFB in 2024: Is Ohio State a better bet than No. 1 Georgia?
Stay tuned for an exciting season filled with drama, triumph, and unexpected twists. As the college football landscape shifts and evolves, we invite you to join us on this exhilarating journey through the heart of the game.
(Photos of Kalen DeBoer, Riley Leonard: Gary Cosby Jr., Greg Swiercz / USA Today Network)
