With eight teams closely matched at the top of the SP+ rankings, the 2024 college football season showcases unprecedented competitiveness. A remarkable parity defines this year, as no team enters the College Football Playoff with more than a 20.4% chance of claiming the title.
Throughout the 2024 season, the SP+ rankings highlighted a narrow margin of just 3.1 points separating the top eight teams. This marks the first instance in the College Football Playoff (CFP) history where parity has been so evident, leading to a unique postseason landscape. Six of these evenly matched teams have earned a spot in the first-ever 12-team CFP field. As teams prepare for potentially three or four challenging games, the path to becoming this year’s champion remains wide open. Despite this potential, it is unlikely that the 2024 champion will emerge as one of the CFP era’s greatest teams, given the current balance among competitors.
The tradition of ranking every playoff team of the CFP era persists, even as the number of participating teams has multiplied. This year’s contenders occupy nearly a quarter of the all-time list, indicating the dynamic and evolving nature of college football. Among these is the 2024 Arizona State team, which enters the Peach Bowl against formidable opponents such as Texas or Clemson. Their journey to the postseason was marked by late success, as they captured the Big 12 championship. Led by running back Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils exhibited both physicality and confidence, yet they remain underdogs moving forward.
In reflecting on past teams, questions arise about where the 2023 Michigan team stands after an undefeated season and national title. Additionally, the potential for the 2024 champion to ascend in these historical rankings provides an intriguing narrative for this season. With the playoff field expanded, the dynamics have shifted, offering both challenges and opportunities for the teams involved.
As the College Football Playoff expands, the 2024 season illustrates the ongoing evolution and competitiveness of college football. Whether a new powerhouse will emerge or parity continues to define the landscape, the tradition of ranking CFP teams remains an engaging part of the sport’s narrative.
Source: Espn
