From Virginia Tech’s classic “Enter Sandman” entrance to Wisconsin’s “Jump Around” before the fourth quarter, college football is filled with traditions and classic moments. Finally, after a seven-month hiatus, college football is officially back! There is so much to look forward to. With rising quarterbacks trying to make a name for themselves, and powerhouse teams looking to take home the title this year.
Playoff Contenders:
Last year, we experienced our first-ever 12-team college football playoffs, and it was an absolute thriller. Texas won an overtime shootout against Arizona State in the quarterfinals, and Jack Sawyer had a legendary scoop and score for Ohio State in the semifinals. There is no doubt that last year’s playoffs lived up to the hype, but there are teams who were on the outside looking in last year, that have a legitimate shot of making it this year. One example is the LSU Tigers.
LSU went just 9-4 last year, which for many programs would be a success, but the Tigers are looking to take their team to the next level. With Senior quarterback Garret Nussmeier returning for his last year of eligibility, the Tigers are in perfect shape to land a spot in the playoffs.
Another historical program that I expect to make the playoffs this year is the Sooners of Oklahoma. Oklahoma has had a few down years after losing their coach, Lincoln Riley, to USC, but they received arguably the best player in the portal, John Mateer, as he was rated number one by 247 Sports. They appear to be in good shape for this season. While LSU and Oklahoma often find themselves at the top of the sport most years, Illinois is a less expected candidate.
Last year, the Fighting Illinois had one of their most successful years in school history, going 10-3. To end their 2024 season, Illinois beat a very successful South Carolina team, and they are expected to carry the momentum from that game into this year.
In the playoff system, at least one non-power four team is able to make the playoffs. Last year, Ashton Jeanty and the Boise State Broncos took that spot, but this year, the Tulane Green Wave appear to be the team. Last year, the Green Wave had a chance to make the playoffs, peaking at 17th in the nation, but a devastating loss to Memphis late in the season killed their playoff hopes. Though they lost their star quarterback and running back to the transfer portal this offseason, they were able to make up for it. Recently, they landed a star transfer from BYU, Jake Retzlaff. Tulane may have some new faces, but Tulane is used to winning, and this year is no different.
Heisman Candidates
The 2024 season Heisman race was absolutely electric, with two-way player Travis Hunter just barely edging out Boise State star Ashton Jeanty for the trophy. This year’s Heisman race is likely to be just as exciting. Due to all the finalists from last year heading off to the NFL, we are going to see some new faces in the mix, and Miami’s quarterback, Carson Beck, is at the top of that list. Beck might not be the flashiest or most exciting player, but he is one of the most experienced and proven quarterbacks in the nation. Beck spent his last two seasons as the starter for Georgia, playing some of the best competition in the country, and he was overall successful, throwing 52 touchdown passes and going 24-3. Beck might be playing on a new team, but he is still likely to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Another player who is likely to be a Heisman finalist is LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina. Sellers and Beck are polar opposites. Unlike Beck, Sellers is an extremely exciting player with explosive abilities. Sellers lacks the experience that Beck does, but he has through the roof upside, and has the potential to have a special season. While these players are at the top of the odds, there is a dark horse candidate who is on nobody’s radar. Missouri Quarterback Beau Pribula, who backed up Drew Allar at Penn State the past two years, but following Allar’s decision to stay for his senior season, Pribula entered the portal and ended up at Missouri. Pribula was used very often as Penn State’s Backup, especially in designed running plays, and now that he has a team of his own, he is looking to have a memorable season.
The season has just begun, and there are many memorable moments to come. What team do you have winning it all?
