3 Big Ten schools that can make 12-Team College Football Playoff in 2024 ft. Ohio State
The Big Ten holds plenty of cards in the race for the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. The new system is built to allow multiple teams from the Big Ten and SEC with the opportunity to experience the playoffs. No longer will only the league's winner get a shot.
3 Big Ten schools that can make the College Football Playoff
1.Ohio State
Of course, this is the obvious one. The top seven teams in the current AP poll are six SEC schools and Ohio State. Indeed, ESPN's FPI gives Ohio State a 78.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. It certainly won't be a fluke if it happens.
3rd-ranked OSU always has one of the strongest rosters in college football and 2024 is no exception. Transfer quarterback Will Howard has a ton of weapons at his disposal. Twin running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are each All-American talents. Emeka Egbuka is a senior star while freshman Jeremiah Smith is a phenom.
OSU is also tenacious defensively. A year ago, they allowed just 11.2 points per game. Up front, Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are each game-breakers. The secondary includes top CB Denzel Burke and Alabama safety transfer Caleb Downs.
OSU is 2-0, and the biggest challenges on its schedule are road games at Oregon (October 12) and Penn State (November 2). A two-loss Ohio State team probably still easily makes the playoffs.
2. Oregon Ducks
The most likely second Big Ten Playoff Team, ESPN essentially gives Oregon a coin-flip chance at the CFP. The Ducks are given a 48.7% chance of reaching the CFP via the network's FPI. The newest star entrant to the Big Ten is very much involved in the league title hunt.
9th-ranked Oregon has struggled in its 3-0 start, beating Idaho by just 10 points and Boise State by a field goal. But there's tons of talent on this team. UCF and Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel is a solid QB, and he can throw to Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, among others.
Many of Oregon's early struggles are on defense. The Ducks allowed only 16.5 points per game a year ago, but are currently 15th in the 18 team Big Ten in scoring defense. The Ducks are also 15th in run defense, allowing 134 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry on the ground.
Oregon's schedule shapes up well, as they avoid both Penn State and USC. After a home game with Ohio State, the team's next toughest game is probably either a home game with Illinois or a trip to Michigan.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Just a tick below Oregon in CFP odds, ESPN projects State with a 47% chance of making the College Football Playoff. State limped to an ugly one-score win over Bowling Green in Week 2, though, and has a few issues to fix.
Junior QB Drew Allar is a solid passer who avoids mistakes. Early in the year, 10th-ranked Penn State has leaned heavily on the ground game, with Nicholas Singleton (233 yards in two games) an early standout.
As with Oregon, defense has been an early concern. PSU, after three straight seasons of allowing 18.2 or fewer points per game, is 13th in scoring defense in the Big Ten and is 11th in rushing yards allowed and 13th in passing yards allowed. The veteran group should improve.
Penn State's schedule has some challenges, including a game at USC on Oct 12 and a home game with Ohio State on Nov 2.
That USC game could be particularly pivotal, as the Trojans have the Big Ten's fourth-best odds for the CFP at 35.7% per the FPI.
Which Big Ten teams do you think will make the Playoff? Share your projections and thoughts below in our comments section!