CFB insider places an unexpected Big Ten team as top contender to make it to 2024 college football playoffs

As far as predictions go, even the Big Ten's Rutgers Scarlet Knights would have been surprised when college football insider Kirk Herbstreit pegged them as a potential dark horse for the 2024 college football playoff. This comes as a shock to many, considering Rutgers' history in the conference.

Speaking on the "Pat McAfee Show," Herbstreit believes the Scarlet Knights might capitalize on their favorable schedule to make a monumental leap:

“Someone is going to come out of that conference that you really didn’t expect. Whether that’s an Iowa, whether that’s a — who knows with (five-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola) at Nebraska. Rutgers has a schedule that’s, by Big Ten standards and this Big Ten world that we’re in, they can make a little bit of a run.”

Last season, Greg Schiano's men finished 7-6 with a Pinstripe Bowl victory to wrap up their campaign. This year, they avoid heavyweights Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State, setting up a potential dream run.

Their schedule includes matchups against teams like Howard, Akron and Virginia Tech, providing a softer path compared to previous seasons.

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano dreaming big for 2024 season in the Big Ten

Schiano has set lofty goals for the 2024 season. At the conference's Media Days, the coach made his ambitions crystal clear:

“I didn’t come out of retirement to go to a bowl game. I came out of retirement to win a championship at Rutgers. Hopefully, we’ll do that.”

Schiano's record with the Scarlet Knights is 87-95, and a 19-28 mark in his second tenure. However, last season's 7-6 record - their first winning season since 2014, has rejuvenated hopes.

“We’ve been filling the pipeline since we got there with quality young men, quality football players," Schiano added. "I believe now the pipeline is close to being full. Although some of it is young still. We have an experienced group at the end of the pipeline. We’re going to have a lot of NFL players that come out of this season."

The Scarlet Knight return to Kyle Monangai, who led the conference in rushing yards last season with 1,262 yards. They’ve also added quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a transfer from Minnesota with 17 starts under his belt.

With a strong returning core and promising additions, the team from New Jersey might be one to look out for in the Big Ten this season.