The college football offseason is in full swing, with teams looking to emerge as title contenders in 2024. This season marks the first time that the College Football Playoff has expanded to 12 teams. Here are the five teams that we believe have done the best job of recruiting and building their rosters over the past five seasons.
Top 5 college football teams with the most potential in 2024
1: Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide has had a great recruiting spree over the past five seasons. No recruiting class has been ranked lower than No. 2 in the nation during that span, and the team has a record of 74-9 over the past six seasons, including a 45-5 mark in the SEC. The Crimson Tide appeared in three title games and won one of them.
2: Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs have only one recruiting class ranked lower than No. 3 in the nation over the past five years. They have amassed a 73-9 record over the past six seasons, including a 45-4 record in SEC play. The Bulldogs appeared in two title games and won both.
3: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes haven’t had a player class ranked outside of the top five in the country over the past five years. They have amassed a 66-9 record over the past six seasons, including a 46-4 record in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes made it to the title game, fell short and are still looking for their first championship since 2014.
4: LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers have only had one freshman class ranked lower than No. 7 nationally over the past five years. They have compiled a 56-22 record over the past six seasons, including a 33-17 record in SEC play. The Tigers made it to the title game and won.
5: Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns have only one freshman class ranked lower than eight in the nation over the past five years. They have amassed a 50-26 record over the past six seasons, including a 34-19 record in Big 12 play. The Longhorns didn’t have the same success as the previous four teams.
While the top three programs are perennial contenders, with the LSU Tigers winning the national title, the University of Texas made its first appearance in the College Football Playoff last season. They continue to seek their first title game appearance in the College Football Playoff era.