Rece Davis Names Two Long Shots With Best Chance To Make College Football Playoff

The new 12-team College Football Playoff will debut this season, which has created much speculation about which programs will emerge as potential contenders to make the first appearance in the playoffs.

In this updated format, the five highest-ranked conference champions will receive automatic bids, while the top four conference champions will receive a first-round bye. The seven remaining at-large bids will be awarded to the next highest-ranked programs.

On the most recent episode of the " College GameDay Podcast ," ESPN's Rece Davis identified 12 teams that are long shots for the College Football Playoff next season. His long shots included Colorado, Texas A&M, West Virginia, Auburn, and Oklahoma.

But Davis pointed towards two ACC programs as the most likely dark horse contenders for the College Football Playoff in 2024.

"I am most convicted about two teams to get into the mix... Virginia Tech and North Carolina State," Davis said. "Those are the two teams in this group of long shots that I could see it going their way."

The Hokies won seven games for the first time since 2019 and enter next season with plenty of returning talent from last year's squad. Quarterback Kyron Drones returns after recording 2,085 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, 818 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns.

Defense was the biggest area of emphasis last season, as the Hokies ranked Top 20 nationally in total defense. Cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and Dorian Strong both return, while defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland will lead the pass rush.

NC State has won eight or more games in four consecutive seasons and may be primed for a breakout season in 2024. The addition of former Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall could be one of the most important transfers of the offseason.

McCall was named the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year in three consecutive seasons. He has thrown for over 10,000 passing yards and 88 passing touchdowns. Freshman All-American Kevin Concepcion returns at wide receiver after posting 71 receptions and 10 receiving touchdowns.

Virginia Tech has not won the ACC since 2010, when the Hokies won three championships in a four-year span. NC State is aiming to end a 45-year championship drought as the Wolfpack have not won a conference title since 1979.

Related: Rece Davis Names SEC Program Primed To Make First College Football Playoff Appearance