2024 College Football Season Bold Predictions

**2024 College Football Season: Bold Predictions Point to Undefeated Aggies, Playoff Shocks, and Early Coaching Exits**

As the 2024 college football season rapidly approaches, a wave of audacious predictions is stirring excitement and debate across the landscape. From an unexpected SEC champion to a Heisman Trophy longshot and early coaching changes, analysts are forecasting a season unlike any other, heavily influenced by the new 12-team College Football Playoff format and significant conference realignments.

Perhaps the most startling prognostication centers on the **Texas A&M Aggies**, with some experts predicting an undefeated run through the rigorous SEC schedule. Should new head coach Mike Elko, known for his defensive prowess, guide the Aggies to major road victories against perennial powerhouses like LSU and Georgia, an unblemished 12-0 regular season would not only mark a dramatic turnaround for the program but also guarantee a top seed in the expanded CFP. The Aggies boast a roster perennially rich in talent, and the “new coach bounce” combined with Elko’s disciplined approach is seen by some as the catalyst for a monumental year, particularly after years of underperformance under previous leadership.

The expanded playoff field is also expected to benefit the **Big Ten Conference**, with a strong push for two teams to secure bids. While Ohio State is a consensus favorite for one spot, the bold call suggests **Penn State**, under veteran coach James Franklin and with promising quarterback Drew Allar, will clinch the second. Allar’s continued development, coupled with Penn State’s typically stout defense and a schedule that, while challenging, offers clear paths to strong records, positions the Nittany Lions as a prime candidate. The 12-team format allows for a strong, potentially one-loss, Big Ten runner-up to make the cut, a scenario Penn State has often found itself in, only to be excluded in the four-team era. The addition of former Pac-12 powers to the Big Ten only amplifies the challenge but also the strength of schedule argument for playoff inclusion.

Not to be outdone, the **Big 12 Conference** is also predicted by some to send two teams to the CFP for the first time in its newly expanded configuration. With the recent integration of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, the conference’s competitive balance has shifted dramatically. The teams generating the most buzz are **Kansas State** and **Utah**. Kansas State, led by the consistent hand of coach Chris Klieman and the dynamic potential of quarterback Avery Johnson, is expected to contend for the conference title. Meanwhile, Utah, with the long-awaited return of experienced quarterback Cameron Rising from injury and guided by the steadfast Kyle Whittingham, brings a proven championship pedigree from the Pac-12. Both programs embody toughness and strategic coaching, making them formidable contenders in a wide-open Big 12.

On the individual awards front, a compelling dark horse candidate has emerged for the Heisman Trophy: **Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels**. This bold claim hinges on Daniels staying healthy for a full season, a challenge he has faced in recent years. However, if he can remain on the field and continue to thrive in coach Lance Leipold’s innovative offense, his electrifying playmaking ability and the captivating narrative of a Kansas quarterback contending for college football’s most prestigious award could make him a standout. His flashes of brilliance have been undeniable, and a breakout, healthy season could put him squarely in the national spotlight.

Finally, the heightened stakes of the 2024 season are expected to translate into significant coaching upheaval. A less positive but equally bold prediction suggests that **multiple head coaches will either be fired or resign their positions by Halloween**, October 31st. The increased pressure to reach the expanded playoff, combined with existing “hot seats” across various programs, is anticipated to accelerate changes. Programs that struggle out of the gate, especially those with high expectations or coaches who have been on the brink, may find themselves making swift decisions to salvage their seasons or begin early searches for new leadership. The mid-season checkpoint of Halloween often provides enough data points for athletic directors to evaluate performance, making it a critical juncture for coaching tenures.

These predictions underscore the immense anticipation for the 2024 college football season, promising a year filled with unexpected twists, high-stakes contests, and potentially historic outcomes across the national landscape.