5 unexpected teams that could make a run for the 12-team College Football Playoff ft. Liberty

The 12-team College Football Playoff makes its debut next season and there are going to be some surprising and unexpected teams that make the tournament.

Here's a closer look at a handful of unexpected teams that could be part of it once the 2024 college football regular season concludes.

Unexpected teams that could make the College Football Playoff next season

#1. Liberty Flames

The College Football Playoff is going to include one non-power conference champion team and the Liberty Flames should be the team to do so. They went undefeated during the regular season and won the Conference USA Championship and they should continue to dominate.

With quarterback Kaidon Salter and running back Quinton Cooley leading the way offensively, they have proven to dominate. This Flames program does not have a team that should overwhelm them on their 2024 college football season schedule so they should make the College Football Playoff this season.

#2. Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Oklahoma State Cowboys were able to step up last season as they were able to go 9-4 and have a key piece of their offense returning. With running back Ollie Gordon II being one of the top players in all of college football while having a strong team around him, they have a decent schedule and should step up and be one of the surprise teams in the College Football Playoff.

#3. USC Trojans

The USC Trojans were able to get off to an extremely strong start with a 6-0 record to begin their campaign but wound up losing five of their last six regular season games. Lincoln Riley has a new quarterback in Miller Moss instead of former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. However, they have a new defensive coordinator in former UCLA Bruins coach D'Anton Lynn so that side of the ball should improve.

With a tough non-conference schedule as they face both the LSU Tigers and Michigan Wolverines, this is a make-or-break year for Lincoln Riley so expect a great outcome for the Trojans.

#4. Utah Utes

One of the most dominant forces in all of college football that seemingly gets disrespected in these types of articles. However, with coach Kyle Whittingham seeing the end in sight and one of the best defenses in the nation, the Utah Utes are a threat to make the 12-team College Football Playoff.

The difference this season is having quarterback Cameron Rising returning after injuring his knee in 2022 and missing all of last season. Despite some mediocre quarterback play, the Utes finished 8-4 in the regular season so they could make a run this year as one of the 12 teams to make the CFP.

#5. Tennessee Volunteers

The SEC is going to have multiple teams in the College Football Playoff and the Tennessee Volunteers are in prime position to dominate. They could control their destiny with games against both the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs this season so there are likely not going to be many teams that have a similar strength of schedule as the Vols.

With healthy wide receivers in Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, quarterback Nico Iamaleava should be able to get the ball to his guys. The defense has been dominant and there is a real chance that they can win 9-10 games this season.

Which team do you think could spring a surprise in the 12-team College Football Playoff next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.