Five teams that could make the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2024

For the first time in college football history, fans will be treated to a 12-team playoff this year, which will result in a national champion being crowned on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.

The four-team CFP has existed since 2014 and has resulted in six different national champions. A total of 15 teams have made the CFP over the 10-year span, with Alabama leading the way with three national titles, followed by Clemson and Georgia with two. Ohio State, Michigan and LSU have been crowned national champions once during the CFP era.

[Related: 2024 college football rankings: RJ Young's Ultimate 134 ]

While there are plenty of outstanding, big-name programs that have taken part in the four-team CFP format, there are also plenty that have yet to experience college football's biggest stage. 

Here are the five teams I think have the best chance to make the playoff for the first time this season.

Lincoln Riley's reputation when it comes to quarterback development is legendary. Four of the last five QBs who have started for him have ended the season as Heisman finalists, and all five have been selected in the NFL Draft.

That's the reason I'm not going to doubt Miller Moss' ability to lead the Trojan offense. Add a retooled defense that Riley believes is fit for its first season as a Big Ten contender, and the program with 11 national titles in the sport might actually make its first playoff since the format began functioning in 2014.

The Pokes are as talented as they've ever been with Mike Gundy as head coach. He returns not just the Doak Walker Award winner in running back Ollie Gordon II, but the entire offensive line, top-two wideouts, and seventh-year quarterback Alan Bowman.

With Nick Martin, Collin Oliver and Kendal Daniels