Ohio State and Oregon Lead College Football Contenders for 2024
- Big Ten football predictions for 2024 are focusing on whether Ohio State can be challenged.
- Oregon is expected to be very competitive while other newcomers may not pose much of a threat.
- All eyes are on Ohio State as the dominant force in the upcoming season.
As the 2024 college football season approaches, Ohio State emerges as a co-favorite for the national title, bolstered by a formidable offense featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins in the backfield. With standout receivers like Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes' offensive lineup appears daunting for opponents. Meanwhile, Oregon is also in contention, with expectations that the transition from Bo Nix to Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel will be seamless. Gabriel is set to benefit from a talented receiving corps, including Tez Johnson and Texas A&M transfer Evan Stewart, while the Ducks' defense remains a stronghold. Michigan faces a challenging season ahead, as the Wolverines grapple with the loss of a nearly complete offensive line and the need to integrate a new quarterback. Their performance during a critical three-game stretch against USC, Wisconsin, and Ohio State will likely determine their season's trajectory. The team is not expected to contend for another national title, raising concerns about how far they may slide in the rankings. On a positive note, Rutgers is showing promise under head coach Greg Schiano, having improved from a 4-8 record in 2022 to 7-6 last season. With a top-20 defense and the emergence of All-Big Ten running back Kyle Monangai, the Scarlet Knights are poised for a breakthrough, although they still face a challenging schedule. USC's transition to the Big Ten comes at a challenging time, as the team must adapt to a new offensive line and nine new defensive starters, raising questions about their readiness for the upcoming season.