Top 5 college football teams of 2024

As the college football season approaches its thrilling conclusion with the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff, the 2024 campaign has been defined by standout performances and surprises.

By Brayden Alderton and Tommy Doyle • December 30, 2024

Ohio State has had a great season thus far – do they have what it takes to win it all? (Photo illustration created by Wildcat Chronicle Staff using image by Emma Newquist via Pexels)

As college football fans gear up for the highly anticipated Rose Bowl and other New Year’s Six matchups, it is the perfect time to revisit the top-performing teams of the 2024 season. From dominant offenses to surprising turnarounds, these programs have defined the season with their remarkable achievements and thrilling games. Here is the ranking of the top five college football teams.

Honorable Mentions:

Penn State and Miami both delivered impressive seasons but fell short of the top five. Penn State’s early dominance fizzled after losses to Ohio State and Michigan, while Miami showed promise but struggled against top-tier competition.

#5 Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers turned heads early in the season with a statement victory over Alabama, winning 24-17. Freshman quarterback Nico Lamaleava proved to be one of the best young talents in college football, living up to sky-high expectations. Tennessee also boasts the highest-rated defense in the nation, a key factor in their success. However, a disappointing loss to unranked Arkansas keeps them at #5. Still, the Volunteers remain a force to be reckoned with and will look to carry this momentum into their bowl game.

#4 Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns returned to prominence this season with strong performances against ranked opponents. They dominated top-20 teams Michigan and Oklahoma and were competitive in their loss to Georgia. Texas features a dynamic duo of quarterbacks and a phenomenal defense that has kept them in playoff contention. Although they did not secure the top spot, their performance has revived the “Texas is back” narrative heading into the postseason.

#3 Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs, a perennial powerhouse, had another strong season, finishing 11-2. Despite an early loss to Alabama, the Bulldogs rebounded with key victories over Tennessee and Ole Miss. With a top-tier quarterback in Carson Beck, an experienced offensive line, and skilled playmakers, Georgia remains a formidable opponent. As they prepare for the Peach Bowl, fans eagerly await their next dominant performance.

#2 Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State reaffirmed their position as a college football juggernaut this season. The Buckeyes boast the best wide receiver corps in the nation, with future NFL first-rounders dominating defenses. Complementing this is a lethal running back duo that powers one of the most dangerous offenses in the country. Although they narrowly lost to the undefeated Oregon Ducks, their win over a previously undefeated Penn State team solidified their spot as the second-best team in the country. Ohio State is now set to face Missouri in the Rose Bowl on January 1.

#1 Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks soared to the top with an undefeated season and a victory over Ohio State. Led by Heisman Trophy favorite Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks field one of the most balanced teams in college football, with a high-powered offense and a stingy secondary. Their dominance throughout the season makes them the clear #1 team as they prepare to take on Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinal. With Gabriel’s leadership and a team firing on all cylinders, Oregon looks poised to contend for the national title.

About the Contributors

Brayden Alderton, Reporter

Senior Brayden Alderton is in his first year on the Wildcat Chronicle. He was involved in basketball for several years in and outside of school, and is now focusing on his academics and figuring things out before going to college. He greatly looks up to his parents as role models and finds great support in both of them, learning financial information and ways to maintain overall health. Brayden was excited to watch the Olympic breakdancing events (which premiered for the first time in 2024) this past June.

Tommy Doyle, Reporter

Tommy Doyle is a what most people would consider a well-rounded athlete: this senior plays baseball, basketball, and is the wide receiver for the football team at WEGO. He has high hopes for these teams in the coming year, especially after the conference switch at the end of the previous season. Despite facing challenging classes such as AP Physics, Doyle is looking forward to getting accepted to his dream college where he will study accounting.

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