The longest college football season ever concluded on Monday night, leaving just over seven months before the next begins. As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, fans can expect to see familiar powerhouses vying for spots in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff, culminating on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. There will likely be some unexpected teams in the mix as well.

Defending national champion Ohio State will see many of its key players transitioning to the NFL, yet the program is known for consistently fostering new talent. With a strong reputation and significant funding from name, image, and likeness deals, the Buckeyes are poised to remain competitive. Additionally, revenue sharing is anticipated to start later this year, which could further benefit the program.

Under the leadership of Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame appears well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a contender for the playoffs. There’s no reason to think that the teams that participated in the 2024 playoff won’t make another strong show next year.

Here are ten teams to keep an eye on, though rosters may shift after April’s transfer portal period:

**Ohio State**
The Buckeyes will have their fourth starting quarterback in as many seasons. Julian Sayin, the top-ranked quarterback recruit in 2024, is expected to step in for Will Howard. The dynamic receiving pair of freshman Jerome Smith and Carnell Tate is anticipated to be among the best in the nation, alongside All-America safety Caleb Downs, who will return.

**Notre Dame**
Freeman’s Irish seem ready to contend for the playoffs annually. The team is searching for a replacement for quarterback Riley Leonard, but they return key offensive players like running back Jeremiyah Love and receiver Jaden Greathouse. The defense, however, will have to cope with the loss of standout safety Xavier Watts and will need new talent in the front and linebacker positions.

**Texas**
With Quinn Ewers heading to the NFL draft, Arch Manning is set to take over at quarterback, and he will be joined by wide receiver Ryan Wingo as a primary target. Although four starters are departing from the offensive line, the Texas defense remains one of the nation’s strongest. Incoming transfers, including North Carolina’s Travis Shaw, are expected to bolster the defensive line.

**Penn State**
The Nittany Lions look promising with quarterback Drew Allar returning, along with 1,000-yard rushers Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, as well as defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton. Their schedule seems favorable, featuring a pivotal game at Ohio State, but home games against Oregon and Indiana will give them boost.

**Clemson**
Cade Klubnik brings experience to the Tigers, now starting his third consecutive season at quarterback. The receiving unit is filled with experienced players, and though the defense struggled against the run this season, the appointment of Tom Allen from Penn State as the new coordinator should help to improve this area.

**Georgia**
The Bulldogs face a quarterback competition with Gunner Stockton, who stepped in following Carson Beck’s injury in the SEC Championship, while Ryan Puglisi will challenge after not seeing any playing time as a freshman. The offensive line needs to be reshaped, and with a young group of receivers, the defense will benefit from the return of lineman Christen Miller.

**Oregon**
With UCLA transfer Dante Moore stepping into the quarterback role, having shared time with Ethan Garbers at UCLA, the team is looking to build on its previous performance. Their leading returning defender is Big Ten sacks leader Matayo Uiagalelei, with a robust group of transfers bolstering both offensive and defensive units.

**Tennessee**
Fans are feeling a bit anxious as head coach Josh Heupel didn’t delve heavily into the transfer portal this offseason. However, there’s strong potential in the returning roster, with second-year starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava expected to take on more responsibility, alongside rising star receiver Mike Matthews. Cornerback Jermod McCoy will also return to strengthen the defense.

**LSU**
After suffering a three-game losing streak that knocked them out of the playoff race, LSU gained momentum with three consecutive victories to close out 2024. They secured the top-rated transfer class and the return of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is pivotal. Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr.’s decision to return further enhances the team’s outlook.

**Arizona State**
The Sun Devils surprised many by clinching the Big 12 title in their inaugural year in the conference, pushing Texas to the limit in the playoffs after a challenging 2023 season. While standout player Cam Skattebo will be missed, head coach Kenny Dillingham’s program is showing promising signs, with quarterback Sam Leavitt and star receiver Jordyn Tyson both returning.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead, filled with both returning talent and emerging stars.