Breakout Teams of the 2024 NCAA Season: Could They Be Ring Contenders?
The 2024 NCAA football season is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be one for the books. While the usual heavyweights like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State are getting a lot of attention, there are a few under-the-radar teams that could make a serious run for the championship. These breakout teams are hungry, motivated, and ready to fight for their shot at glory—and maybe even a custom football championship ring.
Let’s dive into the top breakout teams to watch in 2024 and see if they have what it takes to contend for the ultimate prize: the coveted NCAA football championship rings.
1. Oregon Ducks: Ready to Fly High
The Oregon Ducks have been a team on the rise over the past few seasons. With their innovative offense and aggressive defense, they finished the 2023 season with a 10-3 record and a bowl game victory. This success has set the stage for a strong 2024 season, as the Ducks aim to soar even higher.
Head coach Dan Lanning, in his third year, has built a balanced team with a solid mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising newcomers. Their quarterback, Bo Nix, returning for another year, has shown he can make big plays when it counts, finishing the 2023 season with over 3,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.
With a powerful offense and a defense that ranked in the top 20 nationally in points allowed per game in 2023, the Ducks are primed for a serious run. If they can maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strengths, don’t be surprised to see Oregon contending for the Pac-12 title and maybe even a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). If they make it, they’ll certainly be a strong candidate for those shining football championship rings.
2. Texas Longhorns: Hook ’Em Horns!
The Texas Longhorns are back in the conversation as potential contenders for the 2024 NCAA football season. After a strong finish to 2023, where they posted a 9-4 record and a bowl win, the Longhorns have their eyes set on even bigger goals this year.
Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has reloaded with a talented roster. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is back and looking sharper than ever, finishing last season with 3,200 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. The Longhorns also boast one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, adding depth and talent across the board.
Their defense, which showed significant improvement last season, will need to step up even more if Texas wants to compete for the Big 12 title and a potential CFP berth. The Longhorns are hungry for their first league championship ring in over a decade, and this might be the year they finally get it done.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions: Roaring to Go
Penn State has always been a team on the cusp, but 2024 could be their breakout year. After a strong 11-2 season in 2023, capped off with a major bowl victory, the Nittany Lions are looking to build on that momentum.
Their defense, one of the stingiest in the country last year, returns most of its key players, including standout linebacker Abdul Carter and defensive end Chop Robinson, who combined for over 15 sacks and 100 tackles in 2023. If their defense can remain a dominant force, Penn State will be a tough opponent for any team in the Big Ten.
The offense, led by a promising young quarterback Drew Allar, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season, will need to find its rhythm early. If Allar can step up and deliver, Penn State could be on its way to claiming its first Big Ten championship since 2016 and be in the hunt for those best championship rings.
4. Florida State Seminoles: Back in the Hunt
Florida State has been through some rough patches in recent years, but the Seminoles showed significant improvement in 2023, finishing with a 10-3 record . Under head coach Mike Norvell, the team has found new energy and direction.
Quarterback Jordan Travis, who threw for over 3,000 yards and ran for another 500, is a dual threat who can change the game in an instant . The Seminoles also have a strong recruiting class coming in, along with several key transfers who can make an immediate impact.
Florida State’s defense, which ranked in the top 25 nationally last season, is also returning key starters. If they can keep up their aggressive play and avoid injuries, the Seminoles could surprise a lot of people and contend for the ACC title and a possible CFP spot. And who knows, maybe they’ll be polishing some league championship rings by season’s end.
5. Washington Huskies: Quietly Building a Powerhouse
The Washington Huskies might not be the flashiest team, but they are certainly one of the most disciplined and well-coached. Finishing the 2023 season with a solid 11-2 record, the Huskies have been quietly building a powerhouse in the Pac-12 under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Their offense, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., was explosive last season, averaging over 35 points per game. Penix threw for an impressive 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make big plays.
The Huskies’ defense was no slouch, ranking in the top 30 nationally. With most of their starters returning, Washington is poised to make a serious run at the Pac-12 title and could be a dark horse contender for a CFP spot. They’ll be serious contenders for those coveted football championship rings if they can put it all together.
The Road to the Ring
As we head into the 2024 NCAA football season, these breakout teams have the talent, coaching, and momentum to make some serious noise. While the path to the championship is always challenging, each of these teams has the potential to rise above the rest and make a run for the ring.
At Legend Rings, we know what it takes to become a legend. Our custom championship rings are crafted with the same dedication, skill, and precision that these teams bring to the field every day. Whether it’s a football championship ring for a collegiate team or a league championship ring for a local league, our rings symbolize excellence and the pursuit of greatness.
So, as you gear up for another thrilling NCAA football season, keep an eye on these breakout teams. Who knows? By the end of the season, one of them might just be polishing a brand-new set of best championship rings, ready to be legends.
