The 2024 college football season promises to be exciting and filled with a lot of change. There's a new 12-team College Football Playoff. There are new teams in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC (as well as a few Group of 5 realignments). The season begins on Aug. 24 and the first two weeks features Clemson-Georgia, Miami-Florida, Notre Dame-Texas A&M and USC-LSU.
To help you get ready for all the action, Bill Connelly is previewing every conference and breaking down the top players and postseason contenders (ESPN+ content).
AAC
SMU won the league a year ago, but has headed off to the ACC. A high-powered offense might make Memphis the league's best shot at making the playoff ... if a tough early schedule doesn't derail the Tigers.
ACC
With three new teams west of the Mississippi River, there's less Atlantic about the ACC. However, Florida State and Clemson should still rule the league and be the best playoff contenders.
Big 12
The league's true blue bloods (Oklahoma, Texas) are gone and four teams (Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah) have joined the league. The newcomers add to an already intriguing league where Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Iowa State are poised to challenge for the league title.
Big Ten
The Big Ten has the reigning national champion (Michigan), and now, the other team (Washington) that played for the title. The wave of expansion has spread the league to both coasts, added name brands, and adds more CFP contenders.
Conference USA
Liberty cruised through an easy 2023 schedule to win the league then got crushed in the Fiesta Bowl. Upgrades at Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State, however, might make the Hilltoppers and Gamecocks challengers for the Flames.
Independents
Notre Dame has question marks but they might not derail the Irish's shot at a legit playoff run. Elsewhere, while technically a Pac-2, Washington State and Oregon State are operating as independents. Navigating a tumultuous new world and replacing lots of transfers are two huge hurdles standing in the way of good seasons for the Cougars and Beavers.
MAC
#MACtion should deliver again in 2024. Coaching stability is the theme of the league where Miami and Toledo are the top contenders.
Mountain West
There's a lot of new in the Mountain West this season. Six of the conference's 12 teams have new head coaches, and eight will have new starting quarterbacks, some more promising than others.
SEC
Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC and add even more clout to the league. Does one of the newcomers have what it takes to knock Alabama and Georgia from the top of the conference?
Sun Belt
James Madison and Appalachian State are the class of the conference. After a great 2023 season, could the league be a sleeper to producer a College Football Playoff team?