College Football News Roundup: Friday, January 12th, 2024
The offseason firestorm continues to engulf college football, with coaching changes, recruiting rankings, and transfer portal drama dominating the headlines. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the hottest news you need to know as of January 12th:
Coaching Carousel Spins Wildly:
- Alabama Era Ends, DeBoer Inbound: The Crimson Tide finally received closure on the Nick Saban saga, with sources confirming Kalen DeBoer as the frontrunner to take the reins. The former Fresno State and Washington boss will inherit a program primed for another dynasty push.
- Lanning Sticks with Ducks: Amidst persistent Alabama rumors, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has emphatically committed to staying in Eugene. This news solidifies the Ducks’ trajectory and puts Alabama back in the search square.
- Jerod Mayo Makes History in New England: The youngest head coach in NFL history, 37-year-old Jerod Mayo, is making the unexpected jump to college ranks, taking the helm at the New England Patriots. This bold move signifies a new era for the storied franchise.
Recruiting Rankings on Fire:
- Georgia Dominates, Bulldogs Top 247Sports List: After a dominant national championship run, Georgia claims the top spot in the 2024 247Sports recruiting rankings. The Bulldogs boast a loaded class across both sides of the ball, setting the stage for another SEC title run.
- Miami Surges, ‘Canes Make Top 5: Mario Cristobal’s electrifying arrival in Coral Gables has paid immediate dividends. Miami lands a program-best #5 ranking, featuring several blue-chip prospects poised to transform the Hurricanes into national contenders.
- Transfer Portal Winners and Losers: While some schools like Georgia and Miami reaped the rewards of the portal, others face significant roster holes. USC, for example, lost key talents like Jaxon Dart and Travis Dye, making their rebuilding project even steeper.
Other Hot Stove Headlines:
- Auburn Loses Key Figure: Running backs coach Tim Williams announces his resignation, leaving the Tigers to seek a replacement for one of the SEC’s top offensive assistants.
- Hoosiers Break the Bank: Indiana shells out big bucks to retain Tom Allen, making him the highest-paid coach in program history. This move signals the Hoosiers’ commitment to sustained success under Allen.
- Boise State Adds Big Ten Experience: Rumors swirl that a former Big Ten coordinator is set to join the Broncos’ staff, potentially bolstering their defensive unit.
As the coaching carousel continues to spin and the transfer portal remains a hotbed of activity, expect this offseason drama to keep college football fans glued to their screens until the first whistle blows in September. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the offseason unfolds!
Remember, this is just a snapshot of the news. Follow your favorite teams and analysts for deeper dives and ongoing updates as the college football landscape continues to evolve!
Article above assisted by Google Bard, article below assisted by ChatGPT.
As of January 12th, 2024, the landscape of NCAA College Football is witnessing significant changes and developments. Here’s a comprehensive summary of the current state of NCAA College Football:
College Football Playoff Expansion
A major development in NCAA College Football is the upcoming expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system. Starting from the 2024-25 season, the playoff format will be expanded to include 12 teams. This change is expected to significantly alter the postseason dynamics of college football.
FBS Conference Realignment
The 2024 season is seeing a notable realignment in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conferences. A total of 134 schools will be competing in the FBS. Notable changes include the addition of schools such as Sam Houston and Jacksonville State moving up from the FCS, and Kennesaw State joining the FBS in 2024. The Power 5 conferences are undergoing significant changes:
- ACC: The ACC has expanded to include 17 schools with the addition of Cal, Stanford, and SMU.
- Big 12: The Big 12 now comprises 16 schools, with new additions including BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.
- Big Ten: Expanding to 18 teams, the Big Ten has welcomed Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington from the Pac-12.
- Pac-12: Facing a major downsizing, the Pac-12 is left with just Oregon State and Washington State.
- SEC: The SEC maintains a size of 16 teams for the 2024-25 season.
NIL Violations and Penalties
The NCAA has imposed penalties on Florida State football due to violations related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. The Seminoles faced a reduction in football scholarships by 5% over a two-year probationary period. Additionally, there were reductions in official visits, in-person recruiting days, and football recruiting communications. The violations involved a booster and an assistant coach who engaged in improper recruiting inducements and provided misleading information during the investigation.
These developments represent just a glimpse of the evolving landscape of NCAA College Football, reflecting both structural changes and ongoing compliance challenges. The expansion of the College Football Playoff, the conference realignment, and the enforcement of NIL rules are shaping the future of college football in significant ways.
