CFP semifinalists prove one thing: Path to the top of college football has changed
The New York Times••sports
Key Points:
- Traditionally, national championship contenders in college football were built by recruiting top-tier high school talent, with nine of the last ten champions having top 10 rosters according to the 247Sports Team Talent Composite.
- The 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals signal a shift, as the top three teams by talent ranking (Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State) were eliminated by lower-ranked teams, and the average talent composite of semifinalists is now 28.25, well outside the historical top 10.
- Success today requires a combination of factors beyond recruiting, including substantial financial investment, effective use of the transfer portal, strong coaching, and elite quarterback play, as demonstrated by semifinalists Indiana, Oregon, Miami, and Ole Miss.
