Transfer Quarterback Named Biggest Factor In College Football Playoff Race

The 2023 college football season delivered one of the most controversial College Football Playoff fields in the ten years it’s been around. The Florida State Seminoles were excluded from the four-team playoff after finishing the year undefeated. Had this scenario occurred one year later during a 12-team playoff, we might not have seen as many furious Seminole fans.

Just because there are more spots doesn’t mean the stakes aren’t as high. The Michigan Wolverines represented the Big Ten in the 2023 playoff, but some experts predict up to four teams from the conference in the expanded field.

In ESPN’s ranking of the top ten players in determining the 2024 College Football Playoff, they named all four quarterbacks from the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, Oregon Ducks, and Penn State Nittany Lions.

The margins to win the conference could be as close as it gets. It’s no surprise that four of the top five players on this list are from the Big Ten. However, ESPN says the biggest difference maker is in Columbus, OH right now in Kansas State transfer Will Howard.

Howard showed the potential to win big games after taking the Big 12 crown in 2022, filling in for injured starter Adrian Martinez. Now he’s the new face in the building as Buckeye fans hope he can provide an upgrade from current Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord.

In four seasons at Kansas State, Howard threw for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. He also scored 19 times with his legs. The Buckeyes have one of the most elite rosters in the country. If they can get a quarterback to match, there seems to be few teams that can stand in their way.

Related: Greg McElroy Names Program That Can Win CFP With Three Losses