10 Most Anticipated Rematches of the 2024 College Football Season
It's never too early to start looking ahead at the best games of the 2024 college football season.
As the season gets closer, there are plenty of big rematches from last season to look forward to. Some are matchups between bitter rivals; others had significant postseason impact last year. Some even knocked teams out of the College Football Playoff entirely.
Let's look ahead at the most anticipated rematches of the 2024 season.
Texas vs. Oklahoma, Oct. 12
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These two bitter rivals are both moving to the SEC, which means the Red River Rivalry will continue in 2024. That's great news because last year's game was an absolute thriller.
In the second half, Texas erased a 10-point deficit and took a three-point lead with 1:17 to go. But Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel put together a brilliant five-play, 75-yard scoring drive—helped by a Texas pass interference penalty—capped off with a three-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds left. Oklahoma won 34-30.
Both programs are reloading in 2024, but Texas may have a slight edge experience-wise. Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers, who had two interceptions and a fumble last year against the Sooners, is returning for the Longhorns. So is running back CJ Baxter, starting offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and three other returning starters along the offensive line.
Oklahoma will have a new quarterback under center in 2024, and it looks like it'll be sophomore Jackson Arnold. The former 5-star recruit will have starters like receivers Jalil Farooq and Andrel Anthony returning around him, too. The Sooners return 79 percent of their defensive production, per ESPN's SP+.
Playing in a new, bigger conference makes the Red River Rivalry somehow look even more important in 2024.
Michigan vs. Ohio State, Nov. 30
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This rivalry feels monumental every year, but somehow it's felt even bigger over the last three years. Michigan's won the last three in this series and as a result has had the edge in the Big Ten.
Last year's game didn't disappoint. Michigan led 14-10 at halftime, but Ohio State kept the pressure on in the second half, tying the game at 17 in the third quarter, and pulling within three with 8:05 left in the fourth.
But a Michigan interception by safety Rod Moore off a Kyle McCord pass sealed Michigan's 30-24 victory with 25 seconds left. Even more impressive is that the Wolverines won this game without head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines, who was serving his Big Ten suspension.
But early in 2024, it looks like Ohio State could finally turn things around in this rivalry. Harbaugh is off to the NFL, and the Sherrone Moore era has begun in Ann Arbor. Michigan will have to replace the likes of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum and leading tackler Junior Colson on defense.
The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are returning several key starters like running back TreVeyon Henderson, receiver Emeka Egbuka, cornerback Denzel Burke and defensive tackle J.T. Tuimoloau. Head coach Ryan Day also landed experienced signal-caller Will Howard from the transfer portal and flipped 5-star quarterback signee Julian Sayin from Alabama.
A win in this rivalry would help Moore start his Michigan tenure with a bang, whereas Ryan Day could quell some doubts about his long-term future in Columbus. Can't wait to see what 2024's edition of The Game holds.
Alabama vs. Georgia, Sept. 28
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Yep, we get a rematch of last year's SEC title game in the regular season this year. This game last year knocked Georgia out of the playoff hunt and successfully secured a bid for Alabama.
The Tide were in control of this one throughout. Alabama had a 17-7 lead at halftime and led by 10 entering the fourth quarter. Despite Kendall Milton's touchdown run with 2:52 left making it 27-24, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had a 30-yard run for a first down that successfully ran out the clock on the Tide's ensuing possession. The loss ended Georgia's 29-game winning streak.
But 2024's matchup will look a whole lot different. Nick Saban has since retired, and new Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has the tough task of replacing the greatest coach of all time. The Tide return Milroe under center, but they have to replace cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold and edge-rusher Dallas Turner. Georgia gets back quarterback Carson Beck, who will be without receiver Ladd McConkey and tight end Brock Bowers.
This game may not have playoff-altering consequences with the field expanding to 12 teams, but DeBoer's margin for error is pretty slim in his first season in Tuscaloosa.
Washington vs. Oregon, Nov. 30
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These two teams played each other twice last season, and neither meeting disappointed. In the first meeting in Seattle, Oregon took a 33-29 lead early in the fourth quarter. But with 1:38 left, Michael Penix Jr. hit Rome Odunze for an 18-yard touchdown to take a 36-33 lead. Oregon's Camden Lewis missed a 43-yard field goal that would have tied it to seal Washington's win.
In the second meeting between these two in the Pac-12 title game, Oregon overcame a 10-point halftime deficit by scoring two touchdowns in the third to take a 24-20 lead. Washington stormed back with two consecutive scoring drives, but Oregon's Bo Nix hit Traeshon Holden for a 63-yard touchdown pass to make it a three-point game with 2:14 left. Two Washington first downs on its next possession put the game on ice and sealed a Husky playoff bid.
Both of these teams move to the Big Ten in 2024 under some very different circumstances. Washington has a new head coach in Jedd Fisch thanks to DeBoer's move to Alabama. Oregon, meanwhile, seems to be reloading just fine, with transfer quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore set to battle to replace Nix under center. Ducks head coach Dan Lanning also has the No. 3-ranked recruiting and transfer portal class for 2024.
As these two teams compete for a Big Ten title in 2024, it seems only fitting they have to play each other at least once to do so.
Colorado vs. Nebraska, Sept. 7
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Although it didn't last the entirety of the year, this game started Colorado's hype train in early September.
Following a scoreless first quarter, Colorado scored 10 points off Nebraska turnovers and led 13-0 at halftime. After Nebraska opened the third quarter with a touchdown drive, it gave up 24 unanswered points.
The Buffs ultimately won 36-14 and vaulted into the Top 25 a day later. Nebraska finished with four turnovers on the day as first-year head coach Matt Rhule got off to an 0-2 Nebraska start. Neither team had a positive finish to the season. Colorado finished 4-8, whereas Nebraska missed out on a bowl for a seventh straight season.
But ahead of these two meeting again in 2024, there's room for optimism within both programs. Nebraska pulled off a successful flip of 5-star quarterback prospect Dylan Raiola, who was previously a longtime Georgia commit.
Colorado, meanwhile, has overhauled its coaching staff and beefed up its offensive line, which was a major problem area during the 2023 season. The Buffs return star playmakers like quarterback Shedeur Sanders, running back Dylan Edwards and two-way player Travis Hunter.
As Colorado moves to the Big 12 for 2024, this rematch will have major conference play implications. This year's edition should be a lot closer than 2023's.
Louisville vs. Notre Dame, Sept. 28
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2023's game between these two let the college football world know that Louisville was an emerging newcomer. This game was tied at seven at halftime, and the Cardinals led 17-13 entering the fourth.
Notre Dame imploded in the fourth quarter, committing three turnovers as Louisville scored 16 unanswered points until an Irish touchdown with 1:35 left. The 33-20 win marked an AP Top 10 victory in two straight seasons for Louisville, and a signature win for first-year head coach Jeff Brohm.
Both programs will be looking to continue some strong 2023 finishes moving into next season. Notre Dame finished 10-3, and Louisville went 10-4, making it to a first-ever ACC title game.
Both teams will have new quarterbacks this fall—Notre Dame landed Duke quarterback transfer Riley Leonard this recruiting cycle. Louisville will choose between Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough and former 4-star QB prospect Pierce Clarkson from the Cardinals' 2023 class.
The Fighting Irish rank 74th in returning production per ESPN SP+, whereas Louisville checks in at 44th. Marcus Freeman will be looking to earn a playoff bid in 2024, and Jeff Brohm will be eager to prove his breakout 2023 season was no fluke. This rematch in South Bend early in the season should be a lot of fun.
Ole Miss vs. LSU, Oct. 12
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I'm exhausted just remembering this game from last season, which was an absolute barn burner. If you like defenses, this wasn't the game for you. It featured 1,343 yards of total offense, 104 points, multiple lead changes and 14 touchdowns.
It was close throughout, but the real drama came in the fourth quarter. Trailing by eight, Ole Miss pulled within two with 14:13 left. LSU countered with a 34-yard touchdown pass from eventual Heisman winner Jayden Daniels to Brian Thomas Jr.
Ole Miss made it a two-point game again with 5:06 left, and took a 55-49 lead with 39 seconds left thanks to a 13-yard Jaxson Dart touchdown pass with a successful Quinshon Judkins two-point try.
But LSU didn't go away quietly. Daniels led the Tigers down to Ole Miss' 25-yard line, but his touchdown pass attempt was too high.
Both teams are expected to compete for an SEC title in 2024. This looks like Lane Kiffin's most talented Ole Miss team yet, returning Dart under center and landing big-time transfer portal players like edge-rusher Princely Umanmielen, receiver Antwane "Juice" Wells, defensive lineman Walter Nolen and cornerback Trey Amos. LSU has to replace Daniels and leading receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but it returns 71 percent of its production on defense.
Clemson vs. Florida State, Oct. 5
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Florida State entered this one last season having lost the last seven games against the Tigers. But the tide turned in a thrilling 31-24 overtime victory.
Clemson held a 17-14 lead at halftime. The Tigers took a 24-17 lead late in the third. Incredibly, Florida State's Kalen DeLoach forced a Cade Klubnik fumble and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown to tie it at 24:
With 1:45 left in the fourth quarter, Clemson had a chance for a 29-yard field goal. But former backup Tigers kicker Jonathan Weitz, who joined the team just earlier that week to help with the Tigers' kicking woes, missed it, forcing overtime. FSU scored a touchdown in overtime, and Clemson was stuffed on fourth down on its ensuing possession. FSU finally beat Clemson, and the Tigers were knocked out of playoff contention before September was over.
This game is just as important in 2024. Dabo Swinney likely can't miss the playoff for a fourth consecutive season if he wants to stay at Clemson. The Tigers return quarterback Cade Klubnik and 79 percent of their production on offense overall.
Florida State, meanwhile, has to massively reload to replace quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, wide receiver Johnny Wilson and defensive end Jared Verse. SP+ predicts FSU as a team most likely to regress next season.
The 2024 edition of this ACC rivalry should be a good one.
Kansas vs. Kansas State, Oct. 26
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It looked like Kansas would snap its 14-game losing streak to the Wildcats in this one last year. The Jayhawks led 20-16 at halftime and took an 11-point lead on the opening possession of the third quarter.
But K-State scored two unanswered touchdowns in the last two quarters while picking off Jayhawks quarterback Cole Ballard twice to seal a come-from-behind 31-27 victory.
Could 2024 mark the end of Kansas State's winning streak? It looks like this year could be the Jayhawks' best shot. Starting quarterback Jalon Daniels is returning, and if he can stay healthy, he should have a career-best year. The Jayhawks also get back star running back Devin Neal, who rushed for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.
Kansas State has to replace its entire starting offensive line, starting quarterback Will Howard, who is now at Ohio State, as well as tight end Ben Sinnott and receiver Phillip Brooks. But both Kansas and K-State will deal with plenty of turnover, ranking 78th and 82nd in SP+ returning production, respectively.
Ohio State vs. Penn State, Nov. 2
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Both teams entered this game last season ranked inside the Top 10, and it was a defensive struggle for most of it. They traded field goals in the first quarter, and Ohio State led 10-6 at halftime.
Following a scoreless third quarter, the Buckeyes expanded their lead in the fourth with two straight scoring drives to go up 20-6. Penn State scored its first touchdown of the game with 29 seconds left, giving OSU a 20-12 victory. It marked the seventh straight win for Ohio State over Penn State in the series.
Entering 2024, there is obvious pressure on Penn State head coach James Franklin. The Nittany Lions haven't been to a Big Ten title game since 2016. That now looks like an even harder task for Penn State as it welcomes Washington, Oregon, USC and UCLA in 2024. The Nittany Lions draw all but Oregon from these newcomers next season.
Let's see if PSU's No. 23 SP+ returning production ranking, including returning starting quarterback Drew Allar, can help it take a step forward. We discussed earlier how impressive Ohio State's returning starters and gains on the recruiting trail have been this offseason. This could be the game of the year in the Big Ten.
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