The 2024 college football season concluded with Ohio State emerging as the ultimate victors, securing the No. 1 position in the final Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings after their triumph over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on Monday night. This marks Ohio State's return to the top of the polls for the first time since their championship win in 2014, when they clinched the title in the inaugural year of the four-team playoff format. The Buckeyes started the season ranked second, trailing only Georgia. Notre Dame finished second in the final poll, marking their highest ranking since 2012. Oregon, which held the top spot for much of the latter half of the season, ended third.
In a historic achievement, Ohio State’s victory has been hailed by coach Ryan Day, who commended his team for being "one of the best football teams ever." The Buckeyes' success is a testament to their resilience and skill throughout the season. Notre Dame, despite falling short in the championship, had an impressive run, finishing as the runner-up in the final AP poll. This is the Fighting Irish's best finish since they placed fourth in 2012 following a national title game loss to Alabama.
Oregon, which dominated the rankings for much of the season, secured the third position with a stellar 13-1 record, their only blemish coming from a defeat at the hands of the eventual national champions in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks' performance was a highlight of the season, demonstrating their strength and consistency. Meanwhile, Boise State emerged as the highest-ranked team outside the Power Four conferences, finishing eighth overall. The Broncos made history this season by earning their first-ever CFP bid and concluded with a 12-2 record, including a win over UNLV in the Mountain West title game.
The final AP Top 25 poll reflects the competitive nature of the 2024 season, with Texas, Penn State, and Georgia rounding out the top five. Arizona State, Boise State, Tennessee, Indiana, Ole Miss, and SMU also earned spots in the top 12. The remaining positions were filled by BYU, Clemson, Iowa State, Illinois, Alabama, Miami, South Carolina, Syracuse, Army, Missouri, UNLV, Memphis, and Colorado. Other teams receiving votes included Navy, LSU, Louisville, Michigan, Kansas State, Marshall, Ohio, Florida, TCU, and Texas A&M.
The 2024 season showcased remarkable performances from various teams, culminating in Ohio State's well-deserved championship. The Buckeyes' journey to the top highlights their dominance and underscores the fierce competition that defined this year's college football landscape. Notre Dame's strong showing and Oregon's consistent excellence further enriched the narrative of a memorable season. As the dust settles, the legacy of these teams will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.