Tennessee football’s future advancement makes it a dark horse contender for the 2024 College Football Playoff. With former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava taking over as starter, the offense is expected to improve significantly. Dylan Sampson, one of the top 20 SEC rushers last year, will join him, as will returning receivers Bru McCoy and Squirrel White.

Then there’s defensive end James Pearce Jr., who is already expected to be a top pick in the NFL’s draft next year. Plus, to address their secondary needs, Heupel and his team used the portal to bring in corners Jermod McCoy and Jalen McMurray.

The biggest challenge for the Vols in getting to the playoff will be making their way through an always daunting SEC schedule. But the playoff will likely favor SEC teams over other conferences, other than the Big Ten. Don’t be shocked if the orange and white make the field come December.

Why Miami Football will be a dark horse for the 2024 College Football Playoff

Mario Cristobal comes into his third year for the Miami (FL) football team needing to show progression. Since Cristobal took over in 2022, the Canes have still yet to resemble anything of the great yesteryear teams that dominated college football. In two seasons under Cristobal, the Canes are 12-13, which is on pace with previous head coach Manny Diaz, who went 21-15 in three seasons.

The Miami football program has been out of relevance for more than two decades, with only one top-10 performance since 2004. However, optimism is returning as a result of Cristobal and his staff’s efforts over the last few years through recruiting classes and the transfer site. According to 247Sports, the Canes have added two composite top ten-ranked classes in the last two cycles (No. 4 and No. 7).

Miami’s largest leap toward being regarded a dark horse for the 2024 College Football Playoff is the transfer portal class they brought in throughout the last winter and spring cycles, combined with their recruiting classes.

The most notable addition is former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward. There’s been a lot of things missing at the Miami football program over the years, but the biggest has been that of quarterback. Ward should completely change that in 2024. Ward was ranked in the top 10 in most Pac-12 passing categories last season in what was a conference loaded with quarterback talent.

That’s just one upgrade, though. Joining him on the offense is Damien Martinez out of Oregon State, who was the Pac-12’s No. 2 leading rusher. Cristobal loves a good running game, so Martinez should get plenty of carries. But Miami also has Pro-Football-Focus’ highest graded returning wide receivers as well in Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, and transfer Sam Brown. Needless to say, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has plenty to work with.

Last season, the defense finished in the top 25 in total defense (24th). However, after some exits to the NFL, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will be working with a mostly new-look defensive front. Between the portal and recruiting, they’ll have 12 fresh bodies, three of whom are five-star prospects, to play alongside All-ACC picks Francis Mauigoa and Reuben Bain Jr.

This Miami football squad is built to not only compete in the ACC, but perhaps advance to the 12-team College Football Playoff and possibly upset some opponents.