5 Most Overrated Teams of the 2024 College Football Season: The Hype Train Derailed
The 2024 college football season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with jaw-dropping upsets, surprising breakthroughs, and high-stakes drama. But, as with every season, there are teams that seem to have been inflated beyond their actual capabilities. While the media and fanbases rave about these programs, the reality on the field tells a different story. Let’s take a look at the five most overrated teams of the 2024 season, whose inflated reputations were destined to come crashing down.
1. Texas Longhorns
All the talk in the offseason was about Texas returning to prominence—finally! With star players, a top-tier recruiting class, and a long-awaited return to form under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns were seen as a playoff contender. However, as the season unfolded, the cracks began to show. Texas struggled against quality competition, losing to ranked teams in frustrating fashion, especially in key moments. Their defense was inconsistent, and their offense often faltered when it mattered most. The Longhorns may have a strong roster, but when push came to shove, they weren’t as elite as their hype would suggest. Texas is still a few pieces away from being truly competitive at the national level.
2. Clemson Tigers
Clemson has long been a powerhouse in college football, but in 2024, it seemed like their time at the top was coming to an end. The Tigers were consistently ranked in the top 10, despite a team that showed little to no real championship-level spark. Quarterback play remained an issue, and while the defense kept them in games, the offense was frustratingly stagnant. Head coach Dabo Swinney’s loyalty to underperforming players was also puzzling, as the team continued to waste opportunities to put up big wins. By the end of the season, Clemson had dropped games they should have won, exposing the gap between their once-dominant status and their current reality. They were overrated by their consistent name recognition more than their actual on-field performance.
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame entered the 2024 season with high expectations, buoyed by a favorable schedule and an experienced roster. The hype train was rolling, and many analysts saw the Irish as legitimate playoff contenders. But, much like previous years, the Fighting Irish couldn’t fully execute when it mattered most. They were exposed in key matchups against teams with better talent, especially when it came to the crunch-time moments. Their quarterback play remained inconsistent, and despite boasting a strong offensive line and a solid defense, the Irish failed to elevate themselves into the championship conversation. Notre Dame’s ranking often seemed to reflect their brand rather than their actual performance on the field.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State is another team that tends to get a lot of preseason love, but in 2024, it became clear that the Nittany Lions were not quite as formidable as advertised. Despite a talented defense and a star running back, the offense was plagued by inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of explosive playmakers. In critical matchups against top-tier Big Ten teams like Michigan and Ohio State, Penn State looked overmatched, often failing to make adjustments and falling behind in key moments. James Franklin’s squad was frequently ranked too highly, given their inability to perform in the biggest games. While they can still be a top-15 team, Penn State’s claim to national title contender status was nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
5. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks started 2024 with lofty expectations after a strong 2023 campaign. With Heisman-worthy talent in the backfield and a dynamic offense led by quarterback Bo Nix, Oregon was frequently listed among the playoff contenders. However, as the season wore on, the Ducks struggled to handle the physicality of teams in the trenches. They were outmuscled in critical matchups against stronger defenses and exposed in the trenches during crucial games.
