College football national title droughts that could end in 2024

These college football teams could take advantage of an expanded playoff format in 2024 and make a run at the national championship

James Parks | Mar 14, 2024

College football national title droughts that could end in 2024 /

The 2024 college football season will be one that makes history even before the first kickoff takes place. Not only will the sport's playoff format expand from four to 12 teams, but several major conferences will themselves expand, with the SEC and Big Ten taking over as the two super-leagues this fall.

With an expanded playoff completely changing the national championship landscape, what teams could be in line to shake off some of their recent history and potentially end their title droughts in the 2024 season? Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

Ohio State

Last title: 2014

2024 odds: +480

Why Ohio State can win: Ryan Day brought back important defensive production and scored major transfer pieces like quarterback Will Howard, back Quinshon Judkins, and safety Caleb Downs to make a run at Michigan and the Big Ten, now with Chip Kelly calling plays.

Texas

Last title: 2005

2024 odds: +700

Why Texas can win: It's a good time for the Longhorns to slide into the SEC as defending Big 12 champs and coming off their first CFP appearance, and with quarterback Quinn Ewers returning in tandem with a skilled receiving corps that includes transfers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden.

Oregon

Last title: None

2024 odds: +850

Why Oregon can win: Dan Lanning brings in another strong recruiting class and critical transfers like quarterback Dillon Gabriel and wide receiver Evan Stewart, seriously boosting an already-talented offense that puts the Ducks in contention for the expanded Big Ten title right away.

Ole Miss

Last title: 1962

2024 odds: +1500

Why Ole Miss can win: Lane Kiffin brought in another very strong transfer class, one we rank as No. 1 nationally, that considerably boosts the defense, while quarterback Jaxson Dart returns on a roster that looks its best under Kiffin at the moment when the playoff is about to expand.

Notre Dame

Last title: 1988

2024 odds: +2200

Why Notre Dame can win: Marcus Freeman brought in Mike Denbrock to call the offensive plays, now with dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard taking the QB1 role. But the Irish's strength is pass defense in what looks like one of the best pass defenses in college football. ND's schedule is more favorable, and an expanded playoff gives them an easier in.

Penn State

Last title: 1986

2024 odds: +2200

Why Penn State can win: Tom Allen steps in to lead what is college football's reigning No. 1 ranked total defense while 5-star quarterback Drew Allar looks to take a step forward with Ohio State transfer receiver Julian Fleming going deep and PSU's Singleton-Allen backfield returning intact.

Tennessee

Last title: 1998

2024 odds: +3000

Why Tennessee can win: Despite the roster turnover this offseason, the offensive skill players set to come up are legit, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who made a very good first impression in the bowl game, and he has several blue-chip receiver talent who can take this offense to another level.

Oklahoma

Last title: 2000

2024 odds: +5500

Why Oklahoma can win: Some defensive improvements in Brent Venables' second outing last season combined with an offense that has pieces who can help out young quarterback Jackson Arnold can put the Sooners in the mix. Provided, however, they can get through a very tough SEC schedule.

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks

Published Mar 14, 2024

JAMES PARKS

James Parks is the founder and publisher of College Football HQ. He previously covered football for 247Sports and CBS Interactive. College Football HQ joined the Sports Illustrated Fannation Network in 2022.