Georgia, Ohio State, Utah lead 16 college football teams in best position to make expanded CFP in 2024 season

March is arguably the greatest month on the sports calendar. Both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments are in full swing, bringing the characteristic madness to which fans have grown accustomed. Some of the best squads in the nation are gearing up for Sweet 16 games after making it through the first two rounds. 

At the same time, and not to be entirely outdone, the 2024 college football season takes its first big step as teams hit the field for spring practice. Both fans and coaches alike get an initial glimpse at what their squads will look like with a new season still several months away. 

And what an interesting season it will be! The latest round of conference realignment has left the college football landscape looking entirely different with several teams from around the nation finding new homes. They’ll all compete for increased opportunity in an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. 

Some teams stand apart from the rest of the pack. Inspired by the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, which tips off on Thursday, it felt appropriate to look at college football’s Sweet 16: The 16 teams that are in the best position to take immediate advantage of the new College Football Playoff format. 

This isn’t meant as a cut-and-dry playoff ranking. More, the teams are ordered by their outlook and opportunity to earn a spot in the historic 2024 12-team field.