Week 1 of the 2024 college football season is right around the corner, and the anticipation for the new 12-team College Football Playoff is already building. Last Saturday, an unexpected upset in Dublin, Ireland, saw No. 10 Florida State drop their season opener to Georgia Tech, shaking up the preseason rankings and shifting the playoff landscape. While the Seminoles still have a chance to recover, their uphill battle to climb back into the top-10 opens the door for other teams to enter contention.

The upcoming Week 1 games are laden with major implications for the College Football Playoff race. All eyes will be on the clash between No. 14 Clemson and No. 1 Georgia at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Additionally, No. 8 Penn State and No. 19 Miami face tough road tests against West Virginia and Florida, respectively. The battles between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 20 Texas A&M in College Station will also be key in shaping the playoff picture, as both teams strive to make their mark in a highly competitive field.

With the 2024 season set to kick off, let's take a closer look at some early potential playoff teams divided into different tiers.

In Tier 1, we find the conference champions. Georgia, determined to make amends for missing out on the SEC title and College Football Playoff last season, boasts an exceptional defense, a formidable offense led by quarterback Carson Beck, and a strong offensive line. Ohio State, after making bold offseason moves and recruiting well, aims to reclaim their position at the top of the Big Ten. Clemson, benefitting from Florida State's early setback, seeks to bounce back into national contention with their formidable defense leading the way. Utah, a new addition to the Big 12, is equipped with a physical style of play and a talented quarterback in Cam Rising.

Tier 2 consists of the at-large favorites. Oregon, with a highly anticipated clash against Ohio State, has established themselves as a formidable contender in the Big Ten. Texas, another newcomer to the SEC, hopes to compete immediately and utilize their talented quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ole Miss, led by coach Lane Kiffin, has made significant additions to their roster through the transfer portal and showcases a manageable schedule. Meanwhile, Alabama faces the challenge of replacing legendary coach Nick Saban but has hired proven winner Kalen DeBoer as their new head coach. Penn State, benefiting from the Big Ten's new scheduling model, could be poised for a breakthrough season.

In Tier 3, we have the Group of Five watch. Boise State, under new coach Spencer Danielson, hopes to reclaim their past glory and contend for a playoff spot. Memphis, led by coach Ryan Silverfield, returns a strong team highlighted by quarterback Seth Henigan. Liberty, with coach Jamey Chadwell at the helm, aims to build upon their successful 2023 season and repeat as conference champions.

Lastly, Tier 4 showcases the dark horses. Notre Dame, steadily improving under coach Marcus Freeman, boasts a dynamic quarterback in Riley Leonard and hopes to make a push for the playoff. Oklahoma State, despite being overlooked in the Big 12 preseason media poll, carries the experience of reaching the conference championship game and returns key players. Tennessee, with optimism surrounding their new starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, possesses a deep squad that could surprise opponents. Miami, benefiting from Florida State's loss in the ACC, relies on quarterback Cam Ward and a talented supporting cast to make noise in their conference.

As the 2024 season approaches, fans eagerly await the kickoff of Week 1, filled with matchups that could further shape the College Football Playoff race. With several teams vying for a spot in the final field, the journey towards the national championship promises excitement, thrills, and unexpected twists throughout the season.