If fortune-telling were real, we wouldn’t be second-guessing the outcomes of the college football season. Every result would be apparent, leading to fewer discussions. Fortunately, that’s not how it works. As we step into a transformative phase with a larger College Football Playoff and conference changes, there’s a sense of unpredictability as no one fully understands what might happen.

Last year showed surprises with Washington and Texas making the playoff, while the reigning champions Georgia were shut out. This season brings its own uncertainty. How will Oklahoma and Texas adapt to the SEC? Can Michigan bounce back without Jim Harbaugh and contend for the national title again? Will the four new Pac-12 teams significantly shift the power dynamics in the Big Ten?

Individually, Caleb Williams aimed for a second Heisman Trophy but fell short of even reaching New York last year. This year’s race looks wide open, with Ollie Gordon III and Jalen Milroe being the only top 10 finishers from the previous season.

With significant turnover, many coaches find themselves under pressure, and new hires—like Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, Mike Elko at Texas A&M, and Jedd Fisch at Washington—face immediate challenges.

So, what can we expect this season? That’s where the team at YSL News Sports comes in. We’re here to share our predictions for the upcoming season.

Who Will Take the National Championship?

Scooby Axson: Ohio State. This season looks like a Big Ten/SEC showdown, and the Buckeyes’ urgency will lead them to lift the trophy in Atlanta, where they faced disappointment against Georgia two years back.

Jordan Mendoza: Oregon. The “O” logo will soon reflect more than just past national titles for the Ducks. With experienced quarterback Dillon Gabriel under Dan Lanning’s guidance, the defense promises to be among the best nationally. While the Ducks may not go unbeaten and could take a loss or two, they will be well-prepared by the playoff, securing the title in their inaugural Big Ten season.

Paul Myerberg: Georgia. The Bulldogs and Buckeyes currently dominate the FBS landscape. Despite Ohio State’s impressive roster, I believe Georgia will reclaim its position after a brief absence from the top four.

Erick Smith: Georgia. Following last season’s missed playoff opportunity, combined with the immense talent Kirby Smart has gathered, it’s tough to bet against Georgia’s return to the pinnacle of college football. They have everything in place: an elite quarterback, a strong offensive line, skilled players, and a formidable defense. Even if they drop a game during the regular season or the SEC title game again, they are best positioned to navigate the new playoff structure.

Eddie Timanus: Ohio State. It’s rare for a team to get through the season without any hiccups, and Buckeyes fans will likely have their complaints throughout the year. However, they’ll manage to make it to the Big Ten Championship, win it, secure a top-two seed, and emerge victorious in a thrilling final.

Dan Wolken: Ohio State. If you persistently knock on the door, it will eventually open. This appears to be Ohio State’s year. They have the necessary motivation, talent, and experience to excel both in regular-season play and the playoff. Ryan Day is set to succeed this time.

Who Will Capture the Heisman Trophy?

Axson: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon. With 49 starts under his belt and talented teammates around him, Gabriel is poised to post impressive numbers as the Ducks push towards the playoffs, drawing more attention to the experienced quarterback.

Mendoza: Jalen Milroe, Alabama. The Crimson Tide quarterback thrived in the latter half of the previous season and continues to impress in 2024. With Kalen DeBoer coaching, Milroe will elevate his passing game, and his unmatched speed makes him an explosive weapon for Alabama. Expect plenty of Heisman-worthy performances from him.

Myerberg: Quinn Ewers, Texas. He enjoys high visibility and will be supported by Texas’ strongest team in over ten years. If Texas performs up to expectations and reenters the playoff, Ewers should have the stats to become a front-runner for the Heisman—provided he stays healthy, as injuries have plagued him for the last two seasons.

Smith: Carson Beck, Georgia. If the Bulldogs are set to be the best team during the regular season, logically, their top player should also be in the Heisman conversation. Beck had an understated but impressive first season and is expected to excel further in 2024.

Timanus: Jalen Milroe, Alabama.

The Alabama quarterback clearly showcased his ability to perform under pressure last season, and he’s expected to achieve even greater statistics in the new coach Kalen DeBoer’s system. A standout performance in the SEC title game will secure him the award.

Wolken: Carson Beck, Georgia. Georgia is likely to hold the No. 1 position most of the season, and Carson Beck is anticipated to deliver impressive numbers. With a talented team around him, he has a strong chance of winning the Heisman.

What will be the match of the year?

Axson: Ohio State at Oregon, Oct. 12. This could be the first of a few meetings this season between these conference rivals. Both teams will feature new quarterbacks from the transfer portal and should have enough time to establish a rhythm before this encounter.

Mendoza: Georgia at Alabama, Sept. 28. Though Nick Saban is no longer at the helm, can Kalen DeBoer prove that Alabama is still the leader in the SEC, rather than Georgia? The Crimson Tide always faces high expectations, and a victory over the Bulldogs would greatly benefit DeBoer, while Kirby Smart aims to show he now leads the conference following Saban’s departure. The winner is likely to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Myerberg: Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 30. I’m sticking with this classic battle, even though the expansion to a 12-team playoff may diminish the significance of such end-of-season rivalries. Beyond the rivalry stakes, this late November clash could determine who advances to the Big Ten title game and secures a top-four playoffs spot.

Smith: Texas at Texas A&M, Nov. 30. While other games may impact playoff standings more, there won’t be a game filled with as much emotion as when the Longhorns and Aggies reignite their fierce rivalry after 13 years. If both teams are vying for the SEC title or playoff spots, the intensity will only increase. Enjoy the spectacle.

Timanus: Ohio State at Oregon, Oct. 12. Many choices could be made for this Saturday, but I’ll highlight the Buckeyes’ first visit to one of the Big Ten’s new west-coast members.

Wolken: Ohio State at Oregon, Oct. 12. One significant advantage of the new Big Ten format is that numerous noteworthy games will feature teams beyond just Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. Ohio State versus Oregon has the potential to be a preview for the national championship.

Who is the most surprising team?

Axson: Miami. Whether the transfer portal proves beneficial for the Hurricanes depends on results; otherwise, Mario Cristobal could be looking for a new job. New QB Cam Ward gives Miami a real opportunity to reach the playoffs, especially with a stronger defense and a manageable schedule in the ACC.

Mendoza: Kansas. Three years ago, the idea of Kansas achieving football success would have seemed absurd, but Lance Leipold has turned things around in Lawrence. If there’s a year for the Jayhawks to excel, it’s this one. Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal form one of the top duos in the Big 12, complemented by strong cornerback Cobee Bryant on defense. The schedule works in their favor, with their most challenging games against West Virginia and Kansas State away. They must avoid slip-ups but can aim for a spot in the College Football Playoff if they remain healthy.

Myerberg: North Carolina State. With a gap at the top of the ACC—highlighted by Florida State’s loss to Georgia Tech—other teams like Clemson, Miami, and potentially North Carolina are seen as favorites to step up. However, N.C. State could be the most balanced team in the conference. They have the potential to achieve ten wins for just the second time in program history and to capture the ACC title.

Smith: Oklahoma. There’s a lot of chatter suggesting the Sooners will struggle in their first year in the SEC. The schedule is tough, featuring six teams ranked in the preseason top 15. However, if they can manage to split those tough matchups, they may find themselves in playoff discussions. Quarterback Jackson Arnold and the offensive line will require time to adjust, but the defense appears to be sufficiently strong to withstand the rigorous competition ahead.

Timanus: North Carolina State. Fans have noticed my prediction placing the Wolfpack at No. 4 in the playoff projections above, indicating my belief that they will win the ACC. It might be a stretch, but the athletic department has seen positive developments in 2024, and the football schedule could align favorably in Raleigh.

Wolken: Miami. The conversation around Miami has been minimal, yet the talent pool gathered by Mario Cristobal and his staff is notable. This includes Cam Ward’s transfer from Washington State to Miami instead of entering the NFL draft. He’s a substantial asset, and Miami has the potential to rise within a competitive ACC.

Who will face the biggest disappointment?

Axson: Oklahoma. The transition to the SEC will prove to be quite challenging very quickly. The defense, which gave up many big plays but recorded 20 interceptions last season, will need to improve, and new quarterback Jackson Arnold must reduce turnovers. This task is complicated with tough opponents including Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, and LSU, plus the annual rivalry with Texas.

Mendoza: Mississippi. Lane Kiffin’s team is under intense scrutiny, as indicated by their No. 6 preseason ranking in the YSL News Sports coaches poll, which raises hopes for playoff contention. However, the SEC’s competitive landscape may lead Ole Miss to struggle in the latter part of the season, ultimately causing disappointment.

Myerberg: Colorado. The Buffalos will continue to face a discrepancy between their media attention and actual performance. While they are expected to improve in Deion Sanders’ second year, they should not be expected to compete at the highest level in the Big 12. Achieving a bowl game is a realistic goal, but it won’t alleviate the pressure on Sanders, who finished his first season with a 4-8 record and continues to rely heavily on transfer players to build the roster.

Smith: Missouri. The Tigers are fortunate to have one of the easiest schedules in the SEC this season.

After coming off an impressive 11-win season, discussions about making the playoffs seem a bit premature for the team. Their defense is in flux due to the departure of talented coordinator Blake Baker to LSU, which is contributing to heightened expectations for the program. A few unexpected losses might occur, likely placing them closer to falling out of the Top 25 rather than being securely in the 12-team playoff picture.

Timanus: Notre Dame. Without belonging to a conference, the Fighting Irish must have everything align perfectly to earn a playoff spot. However, I don’t foresee that happening. They will secure at least eight victories, but they’ll likely stumble in a matchup they should win, and that will leave them with a weak enough resume to miss out.

Wolken: Michigan. The Wolverines have experienced significant roster changes that would have set them back, even if Jim Harbaugh had remained head coach. However, with Harbaugh gone, they’re going to face a considerable learning curve with a first-time head coach. Additionally, ongoing NCAA investigations will further disrupt the program, leading Michigan toward a rather average season.

Who is the coach of the year?

Axson: Ryan Day, Ohio State. Any coach would be pleased with a 56-8 record heading into their sixth full season. But at Ohio State, every season is viewed as a critical opportunity to vie for a national championship. Another loss to Michigan could undermine this prediction, yet Day and the Buckeyes have sufficient talent and a challenging schedule that should at least lead them to the playoffs.

Mendoza: Lance Leipold, Kansas. The Jayhawks’ participation in the postseason illustrates the remarkable progress they’ve made since Leipold took charge in 2021. With a senior class guiding Kansas to potential playoff contention, he becomes another prominent name to watch in coaching discussions.

Myerberg: Kalen DeBoer, Alabama. DeBoer will face a different set of expectations in 2024 as Alabama’s new head coach; the pressure is always intense, especially for newcomers. He inherits the highest benchmarks for success in FBS football, where anything less than a playoff appearance and a deep postseason run is viewed as a disappointment. Stepping in for coaching legend Nick Saban only adds to the scrutiny. Achieving 10 wins and possibly clinching the SEC title would be a significant accomplishment for DeBoer.

Smith: James Franklin, Penn State. The Nittany Lions stand to gain immensely from the expansion of the playoffs. They are expected to make the cut, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they pull off an upset against Ohio State and advance to the Big Ten title match.

Timanus: Brent Pry, Virginia Tech. While the Hokies might not clinch the ACC title, they will likely rank among the top teams in the league and finish the season with a prominent number beside their name.

Wolken: Lane Kiffin, Mississippi. Kiffin has made significant progress through the transfer portal, helping Ole Miss potentially break into the College Football Playoff. Considering the historical challenges facing the program, there’s likely to be a consensus view of Kiffin as coach of the year, not merely for surprising the league in 2024, but for his overall efforts to elevate the team’s status.