Look Who’s Back! Are Texas, Nebraska, Miami, USC & Clemson Back?

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Since hiring Matt Rhule in 2023, many have pointed to Year 2 as the year Nebraska makes a big jump. The former NFL head coach has recruited top athletes to buy into his culture and join his program, highlighted by five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who flipped his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska. The freshman has seemingly been the kickstart that Rhule’s program needed. As the Cornhuskers enter Week 3 ranked (No. 23 overall) for the first time since 2019, Nebraska watch to keep an eye on as the season continues. They haven't finished a season ranked since 2012.

Odds to Make the CFB Playoff Odds +650

Texas Longhorns

Texas enters this week sitting at No. 2 in the nation. After the Longhorns' statement win over Michigan in week two, the SEC powerhouse looks like the real deal. With Quinn Ewers and the offense firing on all cylinders and the defense as stout as ever, Steve Sarkisian’s squad could be the team to beat as the season progresses. 

Championship Winner Odds +550

Miami Hurricanes

Miami has been looking for consistency at the quarterback position for years, and it seems like they’ve finally found it in Cam Ward. The transfer quarterback has put the nation on notice through the first two weeks and has become a key reason for the Hurricanes sitting at No. 10 in the AP rankings. If the team can continue adding to their hot start, Miami has a great chance of representing the ACC in the College Football Playoffs.

Odds to Make the CFB Playoff Odds -150

USC Trojans

When Lincoln Riley took the head coaching job in 2022, he brought a generational quarterback in Caleb Williams with him. The Trojans finished their first season under Riley with an 11-3 record. Heading into 2023, many believed USC could be a team to beat with the talent on both sides of the ball. But after a 7-5 season in Williams's last collegiate year, it seemed as if Southern California may be restarting from square one until Miller Moss's iconic bowl game performance against Lousiville at the end of last season. The quarterback diced the Cardinals for six passing touchdowns and has carried that momentum into 2024. Through two weeks, the Trojans remain undefeated and Moss continues to lead the way in an exciting offense. Entering Week 3, USC sits at No. 11 in the AP rankings.

Odds to Make the CFB Playoff Odds +165

Clemson Tigers

The Clemson Tigers began the year in one of the most disheartening ways they could. Starting the season against the top-ranked team on its own is a tall task, but not being able to score a single touchdown can kill the confidence of a team as a whole. However, the Tigers didn’t let the verdict of Week 1 keep them down. Dabo Swinney’s team steamrolled App State in a breakout game for Cade Klubnik. While Clemson looked dominant in Week 2, it’s hard to determine how legit the squad is. But for now, it’s a good starting point for the No. 22 ranked Tigers team to build off of.

Odds to Make the CFB Playoff Odds +200

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Since hiring Matt Rhule in 2023, many have pointed to Year 2 as the year Nebraska makes a big jump. The former NFL head coach has recruited top athletes to buy into his culture and join his program, highlighted by five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who flipped his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska. The freshman has seemingly been the kickstart that Rhule’s program needed. As the Cornhuskers enter Week 3 ranked (No. 23 overall) for the first time since 2019, Nebraska watch to keep an eye on as the season continues. They haven't finished a season ranked since 2012.

Odds to Make the CFB Playoff Odds +650