As October unfolds, the college football season is entering one of its most pivotal stretches. Teams across the nation are beginning to separate themselves in the race for the College Football Playoff (CFP), with perennial powerhouses vying for the top spots alongside some surprising contenders. With November on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever before, as teams strive to secure their place in the coveted postseason. The next few weeks will be crucial for teams looking to strengthen their playoff resumes and position themselves for a shot at the national championship. This article will take a closer look at the key teams, upcoming matchups, and standout players that will shape the playoff race in October.
The Top Teams in the CFP Race
As the regular season progresses, a handful of teams have emerged as frontrunners in the College Football Playoff race. However, with the 2024 season’s unpredictable nature, surprises have also begun to shake up the traditional rankings.
Georgia Bulldogs
The defending national champions, Georgia, continue to be one of the most dominant teams in the country. Led by head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs boast an elite defense and a balanced offense that makes them one of the toughest teams to beat. Their impressive recruiting pipeline and depth across both sides of the ball have kept them in the driver’s seat in the CFP race.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Under Nick Saban, Alabama remains a staple in the conversation for the College Football Playoff. After a slightly shaky start to the season, the Tide have found their rhythm, led by a strong defense and a promising quarterback in Jalen Milroe. With the SEC consistently proving to be one of the most competitive conferences, Alabama’s performance in October and November will likely determine their playoff fate.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State, with its high-powered offense and top-tier defense, is always a formidable threat in the race for the CFP. Head coach Ryan Day’s squad, featuring star players like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., remains a juggernaut in the Big Ten and a top contender for a playoff spot. As the team heads into critical games in October, every win becomes more important for their postseason positioning.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan has made a name for itself as a consistent playoff contender under head coach Jim Harbaugh. With an undefeated record so far, the Wolverines have their eyes set on making another run at the College Football Playoff. Their rivalry with Ohio State at the end of the season could be a deciding factor in their playoff chances.
Surprising Teams: Washington Huskies and Florida State Seminoles
While Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State are perennial contenders, the 2024 season has seen the rise of some unexpected programs. Washington, behind the arm of Heisman-caliber quarterback Michael Penix Jr., has emerged as one of the top teams in the Pac-12 and the nation. Similarly, Florida State, with a rejuvenated offense and a solid defense, has climbed the ranks and positioned itself as a potential dark horse in the playoff hunt.
Key Matchups in October That Could Alter the Playoff Picture
As October rolls on, several matchups will play a pivotal role in shaping the College Football Playoff race. These games are not just about conference titles—they can make or break a team’s playoff aspirations.
October 19: Georgia vs. Alabama
A massive SEC showdown between two perennial playoff contenders, Georgia and Alabama, could have far-reaching implications for the CFP. Both teams have championship ambitions, and a loss here could significantly hurt their chances of securing a spot in the final four. With both teams boasting top defenses, this matchup is poised to be a defensive battle that will reveal which team has the upper hand in the SEC.
October 21: Ohio State vs. Penn State
The Buckeyes’ trip to Penn State is another matchup with huge playoff implications. The Nittany Lions have been playing at an elite level and will be looking to knock Ohio State out of the playoff race. With both teams ranked in the top 10, this game could help define the Big Ten standings and give one team a clear path to the playoffs.
October 28: Washington vs. Oregon
In a high-stakes Pac-12 clash, Washington faces Oregon in what could be one of the most exciting matchups of the month. Both teams have explosive offenses and playoff aspirations. A win here would solidify Washington’s position as a serious playoff contender and give Oregon a chance to avenge an earlier loss. This game could also be crucial in determining who will claim the Pac-12 championship and a playoff spot.
Heisman Trophy Candidates to Watch
October also marks a critical stretch for Heisman Trophy hopefuls, as standout performances in key games will influence the race for college football’s most prestigious individual award. Some of the top contenders to watch in the coming weeks include:
Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)
Penix has been outstanding for the Huskies this season, displaying an arm strength and accuracy that has propelled Washington into the national spotlight. His performance in October games against Oregon and others will be pivotal in determining his standing in the Heisman race.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
Harrison Jr. is widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in college football, and his performance in crucial games like Ohio State vs. Penn State will be vital in boosting his Heisman candidacy. His ability to make game-changing plays could be the difference in the Buckeyes’ playoff run.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
As Alabama’s quarterback, Milroe has had some ups and downs, but his potential to lead the Crimson Tide to another playoff berth cannot be ignored. If he plays at a high level in October, especially in the SEC showdown with Georgia, Milroe could emerge as a Heisman front-runner.
The Expanded CFP Format: What It Means for October and Beyond
The 2024 season marks the introduction of an expanded College Football Playoff field, with 12 teams now eligible for postseason play. This new format adds an extra layer of strategy to the season’s final stretch, as teams will need to not only secure a conference title but also position themselves to earn one of the coveted top four spots, which will receive a first-round bye.
For teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State, the expanded field offers a slightly more forgiving path to the playoffs, as even one or two losses may still allow them to qualify. However, for programs on the outside looking in—such as Washington and Florida State—October games become even more crucial. A slip-up now could mean missing out on one of the last at-large spots, making every game a must-win as teams jockey for position.
Conclusion
October is a critical month for teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff. With key matchups on the horizon, standout individual performances, and the new playoff format adding new layers of strategy, the next few weeks will play a significant role in shaping the postseason field. As the 2024 season nears its final stretch, expect the competition to intensify and for the College Football Playoff picture to become clearer. With multiple teams in the mix and so much at stake, the road to the playoffs is guaranteed to be thrilling.
