Who are Five Teams That May Breakout in 2024?

By: JC Nevils

Normally you have some teams who usually perform up to their program’s standards such as Alabama and Ohio State, but then you also have some historically great programs who have just not found a way to get it done recently such as Miami and Nebraska. Even though that may be true, even the top tier programs can have a down year. Other programs may also be ready to hit their stride at the right time. Here I discuss some teams who are primed to breakout this upcoming season and get over the hump.

1. Nebraska

Nebraska over the last decade or so has been dormant, to say the least. They have only had two winning seasons in the last 10 years, and those only came with nine wins in those couple of seasons. Ever since Bo Pelini had the program afloat somewhat, there has been none of that since he was fired back in 2014. Even with fan favorite Scott Frost coming back was no help. Now with Matt Rhule at the helm I fully see them improving each year, and rapidly at that. While he only went 5-7 in his first season, they lost most of those games by a very slim margin. That means they are not far off, and he is well known to turn around programs. I see them surprising a lot of people this season, especially with five-star Dylan Raiola eventually taking over as the prime signal caller.

2. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has been a juggernaut ever since I can remember. They always seem to show up and win with whomever and whatever they have. Bob Stoops had a big part in that bringing them back to life when he won their last national championship back in 2000, which was only his second season. When he stepped down he gave the keys to OC Lincoln Riley, in which the winning didn’t slow down one bit. Now he couldn’t get them over the hump in the college football playoffs, but nevertheless he won a whole bunch.

Now with former Clemson DC Brent Venables as the head man, there has been a little drop off. He finished the 2022 season going 6-7, which is not normal for Sooner country. This past season was alot better with the Sooners finishing 10-3. Even with that improvement that is not what the Oklahoma faithful are used to, especially losing bowl games. This year though I see them bouncing back even more with the way he has recruited along with fixing the little things. With a big time player in Jackson Arnold under center now I see them getting back to normal. It won’t be easy though with them joining the SEC as of this year.

3. Miami

The Hurricanes have been trying to get back to the glory days since the early 2000’s when they were winning and playing in championship games. Ever since then it has been in complete disarray. Despite the one season where they thought they were “back” with former Georgia HC and alum Mark Richt in 2017, nothing has been done to excite the fans. In comes Mario Cristobal . While he is known as an excellent recruiter on the trail, the head coaching results are still to be seen. He did a good job at Oregon, but this is a different beast. In his first season Miami finished with a record of 7-6, which isn’t terrible, but with the talent they have on South Beach they should be winning a whole lot more. Especially with the way they lose and the teams they lost to, which just isn't acceptable. This season with stud QB Cam Ward transferring in from Washington State, I see him leading all of that talent to a year that all of Miami faithful can be proud of.

4. Clemson

While Clemson hasn’t played THAT bad over the past few seasons, it’s not what they have become used to. The Tigers have become accustomed to nothing but college football playoff appearances along with national championships. Dabo Swinney has created a monster program, but he also has had some shortcomings. He hasn’t been too fond of the transfer portal, and with that it has hurt him a little along with assistant coaches leaving for head coaching jobs. With that combined they have not been their usual selves, but coming into this season I feel like Clemson will be back to their normal winning ways. Cade Klubnik should be seasoned by now, and he also has a plethora of weapons at his disposal along with a stingy defense. Watch out ladies and gentlemen.

5. Colorado

In Coach Prime's first season at the helm for the Buffaloes, things didn’t quite go as planned. They were by far the most popular and most watched team all summer going into the season. Even through week four they were 3-1 with wins over TCU, whom just had a national championship appearance, and their hated rival Nebraska. Not long after that the train would come off the rails. They would go on to lose seven of their last eight games with a couple being downright embarrassing. Now with even more turnover in the portal, Sanders looks to hit on some of these players in what he would call “Louie luggage”. That along with some coaching changes and Shedeur Sanders along with Travis Hunter being healthy, I see them improving immensely. If the defense can hold up, the Buffs should be a very happy fan base.