Ohio State Secures Unanimous No. 1 Ranking in Final Coaches Poll, Notre Dame Takes No. 2

Ohio State Secures Unanimous No. 1 Ranking in Final Coaches Poll, Notre Dame Takes No. 2

The 2024 college football season has officially come to a close, and the final rankings have been determined with the release of the US LBM Coaches Poll. After a thrilling College Football Playoff championship game, Ohio State stands alone at the top as the unanimous No. 1 team, solidifying their position as the best team in the nation. The Buckeyes, who claimed the national championship, received all 53 first-place votes, leaving no doubt in the minds of coaches and analysts alike about their dominance.

Notre Dame, the runner-up in the College Football Playoff, comes in at No. 2. The Fighting Irish had a remarkable season, making it all the way to the national title game, and they finished just behind Ohio State in the rankings. Notre Dame earned all but one of the No. 2 votes, reflecting their strong performance throughout the season and their near-miss in the championship game.

Texas, which was unable to secure a spot in the championship game, finished in the No. 3 position. The Longhorns had a solid season, but ultimately fell short in the playoffs. Oregon, which entered the playoff ranked No. 1, dropped to No. 4 after their playoff loss. Despite the setback, the Ducks were still among the top teams, finishing just four poll points ahead of Penn State, which rounded out the top five.

Georgia, despite a strong season, finished in the sixth spot. The Bulldogs, who have been a dominant force in college football in recent years, were edged out by several teams in the final rankings. Arizona State, the Big 12 champion, placed seventh, while Tennessee, Boise State, and Indiana rounded out the top 10. These teams were recognized for their solid performances in the postseason, with each earning a spot among the top teams in the country.

Clemson and SMU, who both reached their respective conference championship games, finished tied for 11th place in the rankings. While they did not make the College Football Playoff, their strong seasons were enough to keep them in the conversation as one of the top teams in the nation.

The highest-ranked team outside of the playoff field was Mississippi, which came in at No. 13. The Rebels had a strong season but were ultimately left out of the playoff picture. Brigham Young, ranked No. 14, and Iowa State at No. 15 were also top non-playoff teams, with Iowa State’s impressive season earning them a spot in the rankings despite not making the final four.

Illinois, which had a standout campaign, finished at No. 16, just ahead of Alabama. The Crimson Tide, traditionally one of the most powerful programs in college football, found themselves in an unfamiliar position this year, finishing at No. 17. This marks Alabama’s lowest final ranking since the 2007 season, Nick Saban’s first year in Tuscaloosa, and their first finish outside of the top 10 since 2010.

The bottom of the top 20 rankings features Miami (Fla.), South Carolina, and Missouri, who each had solid seasons and were able to finish the year among the nation’s top programs.

In conclusion, the 2024 season saw some major shifts in the rankings, with Ohio State emerging as the clear-cut national champion. Despite their loss in the final game, Notre Dame’s strong season earned them a No. 2 finish, while Texas, Oregon, and Penn State rounded out the top five. The Coaches Poll reflects the incredible parity in college football this year, with a number of teams pushing for a spot at the top. For some programs, like Alabama, this season marked a downturn, while others, like Mississippi and Iowa State, showed they can compete with the elite teams in the nation. As the offseason begins, teams will look to build on their successes and work to improve for the next campaign, setting the stage for another exciting college football season ahead.