College Football 2024-2025 Season
College football is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation. The recent frenzy of conference realignment will finally play out on the field, and the College Football Playoff is expanding from four to twelve teams. These changes are poised to reshape the landscape of the sport, making the pursuit of a national championship more competitive than ever.
While familiar powerhouses dominate early odds, the expanded playoff field creates opportunities for unexpected contenders. Georgia, fresh off a dominant run, is the initial favorite, but the Bulldogs face a tougher schedule in the revamped SEC. Ohio State seeks redemption after Michigan's dominance, and Texas aims to prove its mettle in the SEC.
The transfer portal and NIL deals have significantly impacted rosters, making it challenging to predict the season's outcome. While adding star players can be advantageous, retaining core talent and fostering strong team chemistry often proves decisive.
As the season unfolds, the impact of these changes will become evident, potentially leading to new dynasties and surprising champions.
Reshaping College Football
The landscape of college football has undergone a seismic shift in recent years due to aggressive conference realignment. The most dramatic changes have impacted the Power 5 conferences, but ripples have been felt throughout the entire FBS.
The Rise of Super Conferences
The most notable trend is the emergence of super conferences. The SEC and Big Ten have emerged as behemoths, with the addition of Texas, Oklahoma, USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. These conferences boast increased media rights deals, enhanced recruiting pools, and a higher level of competition.
The Struggles of the Pac-12
The Pac-12 has been the biggest casualty of realignment. After losing its marquee programs to the Big Ten and Big 12, the conference's future is uncertain. With only four teams remaining, the Pac-12 faces an uphill battle to maintain its Power 5 status.
The Big 12's Rebuild
The Big 12 has responded to the departures of Texas and Oklahoma by aggressively expanding. The addition of former Pac-12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, along with BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston, has strengthened the conference. However, the challenge lies in balancing the new members with established programs like Oklahoma State and Baylor.
Impact on Competition
The formation of super conferences has intensified the competition at the highest level. Teams from these conferences will have more opportunities to play each other, leading to more marquee matchups and potentially higher-stakes games. However, there are concerns about the potential for increased disparities between the Power 5 and Group of Five conferences.
Future Implications
The impact of these conference shakeups will be felt for years to come. The College Football Playoff expansion could further exacerbate the power imbalance between conferences. Additionally, the ongoing battle for media rights will continue to shape the landscape of college football.
College Football Playoff schedule
First round- Friday, December 20, 2024: One game (evening)
- Saturday, December 21, 2024: Three games (early afternoon, late afternoon, evening)
- Tuesday, December 21, 2024: Fiesta Bowl (evening)
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025: Peach Bowl (early afternoon), Rose Bowl (late afternoon), Sugar Bowl (evening)
- Thursday, January 9, 2025: Orange Bowl (evening)
- Friday, January 10, 2025: Cotton Bowl (evening)
- Monday, January 20, 2025: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)