Coaches with best chance to win their 1st NC.
Feb 6, 2024 3:56:25 GMT -5
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Ryan Day, Ohio State: With Michigan losing several key pieces off its national championship team and Harbaugh off to the NFL, the path to the Big Ten Championship could shift back to Columbus.
Ohio State's quarterback battle should be one of the most intriguing of the offseason with the addition of Kansas State transfer Will Howard, along with incoming freshmen Air Noland and Julian Sayin (transfer from Alabama). However, whichever quarterback wins the job returns a loaded receiving corps and a dynamic one-two punch at running back featuring Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.
The Buckeyes limited teams to 11.2 points a game in '23 and return the bulk of the defense this fall. This unit was a big winner at the draft deadline, as linemen Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, and JT Tuimoloau and cornerback Denzel Burke all opted to return to college for one more run at the title.
Related: Way-Too-Early All-America Team for 2024
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama: It's no secret DeBoer inherits big shoes to fill in replacing Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. DeBoer has won at every level and quickly transformed Washington from a team with a losing record to one that played for the national title in two years.
DeBoer doesn't need to do much remodeling considering Alabama won the SEC and went to the CFB Playoff in '24. However, the transition to a new coach and how a new staff adapts to the personnel and SEC are two unknowns.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe is back, but how will he fit with DeBoer's scheme? The Crimson Tide also have retooling to do at receiver, along the offensive line, and at a few spots on defense.
Although the depth chart has some turnover, DeBoer is still working with arguably the most-talented roster in his coaching career.
Brian Kelly, LSU: LSU entered '23 with high expectations after winning the SEC West in Kelly's debut. However, a defensive collapse (33 points allowed in SEC play) was too much for the team's high-scoring offense to overcome in a 10-win campaign.
The defensive struggles forced major changes to this unit in Baton Rouge, as Kelly upgraded the staff in a big way. Blake Baker arrives from Missouri to take over the defensive signal-calling, and standout line coach Bo Davis was lured away from Texas to handle work in the trenches. Although there are personnel concerns here, the staff adjustments should pay off right away.
With quarterback Jayden Daniels and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas off to the NFL, it's hard to envision LSU averaging 45.5 points a game again. However, new quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is a breakout candidate, and the Tigers should have one of the nation's top offensive lines.
Also, the schedule breaks in LSU's favor. Alabama, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma all come to Baton Rouge.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss: With a loaded class of transfers on the way, along with a veteran roster in place, the Rebels are all in on a CFB Playoff run for the '24 season.
The transfer of running back Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State was a blow to the offense, but Kiffin's high-powered group still returns quarterback Jaxson Dart and receiver Tre Harris.
Optimism is also running high in Oxford for an improved defense. Coordinator Pete Golding enters his second year in command, and the Rebels are bringing in several impact defenders from the portal, including lineman Walter Nolen.
Dan Lanning, Oregon: Oregon has been one of college football's biggest offseason winners by retaining coach Dan Lanning and coordinators Will Stein (offense) and Chris Hampton (defense), along with another strong winter of roster building.
In addition to a standout recruiting class, the Ducks landed an impact group of transfers that includes quarterback Dillon Gabriel and standout cornerback Jabbar Muhammad.
Lanning has a few holes to fill on defense, but Oregon could be the biggest threat to Ohio State in the new 18-team Big Ten.
Steve Sarkisian, Texas: The Longhorns came just a couple of plays away from a victory over Washington in the Sugar Bowl and a trip to the national championship last season. Thanks to Sarkisian's elite recruiting over the last few years, the roster and overall foundation in Austin is strong going into Texas' debut in the SEC.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers returns after throwing for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, and Sarkisian reloaded the receiving corps with an intriguing (and talented) group of transfers. A veteran offensive line also returns, including standout left tackle Kelvin Banks.
Adapting to the SEC and filling a few gaps on defense will be Sarkisian's biggest challenge in '24. Although Texas still has room to catch Georgia and needs to prove it wasn't a one-year deal, Sarkisian clearly has this program on the right track after last season's CFB Playoff trip.
Other First-Time Coaches Expected to Contend in '24
Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri: Can the Tigers replicate last year's 11-win season?
James Franklin, Penn State
The Nittany Lions have been close to making the CFB Playoff under Franklin's watch and should benefit from the expansion to 12 teams. Quarterback Drew Allar needs to take a step forward for Penn State to contend.
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish should have one of the nation's top defenses next year. How fast will the offense find its footing behind new coordinator Mike Denbrock and key transfers at quarterback and wide receiver?
Josh Heupel, Tennessee: If quarterback Nico Iamaleava lives up to the hype, the Volunteers will push for a playoff spot in '24.
Sherrone Moore, Michigan: Moore is a strong hire after his work as an offensive coordinator and assistant, along with a four-game stint as the team's interim coach in '23. However, the Wolverines are losing several key contributors off the team that won it all in '23.
Mike Norvell, Florida State: Norvell has a ton to replace off last year's 13-1 squad. With a strong transfer class and some promising young talent waiting in the wings, don't count out a repeat trip to the ACC Championship.
Lincoln Riley, USC: Riley's stock over the long haul is probably higher up on this list. However, with a defense under construction and the loss of quarterback Caleb Williams to the NFL, the '24 season is a year of reloading at USC.
www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/6-college-football-coaches-with-best-chance-to-win-first-national-championship-in-2024/ar-BB1hOqES?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=88d2a78f20ac4078831575f88a8c6781&ei=96
Ohio State's quarterback battle should be one of the most intriguing of the offseason with the addition of Kansas State transfer Will Howard, along with incoming freshmen Air Noland and Julian Sayin (transfer from Alabama). However, whichever quarterback wins the job returns a loaded receiving corps and a dynamic one-two punch at running back featuring Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.
The Buckeyes limited teams to 11.2 points a game in '23 and return the bulk of the defense this fall. This unit was a big winner at the draft deadline, as linemen Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, and JT Tuimoloau and cornerback Denzel Burke all opted to return to college for one more run at the title.
Related: Way-Too-Early All-America Team for 2024
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama: It's no secret DeBoer inherits big shoes to fill in replacing Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. DeBoer has won at every level and quickly transformed Washington from a team with a losing record to one that played for the national title in two years.
DeBoer doesn't need to do much remodeling considering Alabama won the SEC and went to the CFB Playoff in '24. However, the transition to a new coach and how a new staff adapts to the personnel and SEC are two unknowns.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe is back, but how will he fit with DeBoer's scheme? The Crimson Tide also have retooling to do at receiver, along the offensive line, and at a few spots on defense.
Although the depth chart has some turnover, DeBoer is still working with arguably the most-talented roster in his coaching career.
Brian Kelly, LSU: LSU entered '23 with high expectations after winning the SEC West in Kelly's debut. However, a defensive collapse (33 points allowed in SEC play) was too much for the team's high-scoring offense to overcome in a 10-win campaign.
The defensive struggles forced major changes to this unit in Baton Rouge, as Kelly upgraded the staff in a big way. Blake Baker arrives from Missouri to take over the defensive signal-calling, and standout line coach Bo Davis was lured away from Texas to handle work in the trenches. Although there are personnel concerns here, the staff adjustments should pay off right away.
With quarterback Jayden Daniels and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas off to the NFL, it's hard to envision LSU averaging 45.5 points a game again. However, new quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is a breakout candidate, and the Tigers should have one of the nation's top offensive lines.
Also, the schedule breaks in LSU's favor. Alabama, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma all come to Baton Rouge.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss: With a loaded class of transfers on the way, along with a veteran roster in place, the Rebels are all in on a CFB Playoff run for the '24 season.
The transfer of running back Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State was a blow to the offense, but Kiffin's high-powered group still returns quarterback Jaxson Dart and receiver Tre Harris.
Optimism is also running high in Oxford for an improved defense. Coordinator Pete Golding enters his second year in command, and the Rebels are bringing in several impact defenders from the portal, including lineman Walter Nolen.
Dan Lanning, Oregon: Oregon has been one of college football's biggest offseason winners by retaining coach Dan Lanning and coordinators Will Stein (offense) and Chris Hampton (defense), along with another strong winter of roster building.
In addition to a standout recruiting class, the Ducks landed an impact group of transfers that includes quarterback Dillon Gabriel and standout cornerback Jabbar Muhammad.
Lanning has a few holes to fill on defense, but Oregon could be the biggest threat to Ohio State in the new 18-team Big Ten.
Steve Sarkisian, Texas: The Longhorns came just a couple of plays away from a victory over Washington in the Sugar Bowl and a trip to the national championship last season. Thanks to Sarkisian's elite recruiting over the last few years, the roster and overall foundation in Austin is strong going into Texas' debut in the SEC.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers returns after throwing for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, and Sarkisian reloaded the receiving corps with an intriguing (and talented) group of transfers. A veteran offensive line also returns, including standout left tackle Kelvin Banks.
Adapting to the SEC and filling a few gaps on defense will be Sarkisian's biggest challenge in '24. Although Texas still has room to catch Georgia and needs to prove it wasn't a one-year deal, Sarkisian clearly has this program on the right track after last season's CFB Playoff trip.
Other First-Time Coaches Expected to Contend in '24
Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri: Can the Tigers replicate last year's 11-win season?
James Franklin, Penn State
The Nittany Lions have been close to making the CFB Playoff under Franklin's watch and should benefit from the expansion to 12 teams. Quarterback Drew Allar needs to take a step forward for Penn State to contend.
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish should have one of the nation's top defenses next year. How fast will the offense find its footing behind new coordinator Mike Denbrock and key transfers at quarterback and wide receiver?
Josh Heupel, Tennessee: If quarterback Nico Iamaleava lives up to the hype, the Volunteers will push for a playoff spot in '24.
Sherrone Moore, Michigan: Moore is a strong hire after his work as an offensive coordinator and assistant, along with a four-game stint as the team's interim coach in '23. However, the Wolverines are losing several key contributors off the team that won it all in '23.
Mike Norvell, Florida State: Norvell has a ton to replace off last year's 13-1 squad. With a strong transfer class and some promising young talent waiting in the wings, don't count out a repeat trip to the ACC Championship.
Lincoln Riley, USC: Riley's stock over the long haul is probably higher up on this list. However, with a defense under construction and the loss of quarterback Caleb Williams to the NFL, the '24 season is a year of reloading at USC.
www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/6-college-football-coaches-with-best-chance-to-win-first-national-championship-in-2024/ar-BB1hOqES?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=88d2a78f20ac4078831575f88a8c6781&ei=96