The 2024-2025 college football season was a year of thrilling matchups, controversy, and dramatic storylines. With teams joining new conferences, a historic Heisman race, and a new playoff format, the college football season was one for the ages.
The most anticipated component of the 2024 season was the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams from four. Heschel students applauded this change.
“I am so happy that the College football playoffs finally expanded to 12 teams,” said sophomore Josh Axel. “While my Michigan Wolverines did not make it this year, I was excited to be able to watch more college football than ever before.”
Senior Abe Charkow, while excited for more football, said, “Look, the more the games the better, but why is the seeding like this? No Alabama? No Miami? I have no idea why SMU made the playoffs over them, they should have never had a shot!”
Another important change was the conference realignment. Many teams are moving to new conferences, which will change traditional rivalries and playoff races. Most notably, USC and UCLA went to the Big Ten, and Texas and Oklahoma went to the SEC. This created new thrilling in-conference matchups and made the pathway to win a conference championship much different than it has been before.
In the SEC, for example, the changes led to Georgia vs. Texas in the title game. It was their second matchup of the year, and Georgia took the Horns down for the second time in one season. “I was there,” said junior Jordan Nili. “It was heartbreaking, especially with all the hype going into it.”
Of course, rivalry games did not disappoint, delivering some of the most intense and highly competitive matchups of the season.
Although Ohio State was expected to beat defending champs Michigan, Michigan’s powerhouse defense came through, leading the Wolverines to beat the Buckeyes 13-10. “I have no idea how we beat OSU but who cares?! Love to show them who’s boss,” said junior PJ Abramson.
Texas vs. Texas A&M had their first matchup in 13 years, and ticket prices averaged around $1000. Heschel Class of 2023’s Jared Levy said, “The last time we played Texas A&M, I was in first grade, and never expected to have any connection to this game, but when that game started, I felt like I’d been a part of the rivalry my whole life.” Texas pulled through to defeat the Aggies 17-7 in a close game.
The Heisman Trophy race was a major storyline throughout the season. Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who plays both cornerback and wide receiver, walked away with the honor.
“He’s just unreal,” said junior Jack Steinberg.
Ohio State emerged victorious at the end of the season, beating Notre Dame 34-23 in the National Championship game. The Buckeyes, seeded 8th to start the playoffs, dominated the tournament by winning all four playoff games by at least two possessions, with a combined scoring margin of 145-85.
Junior Jonah Weiss said, “Although I never watch college football and don’t really know anything about it, as an Ohio native, I am so excited to see that the Buckeyes won the national championship and know they will run it back.”
2024-2025 was a college football season of firsts and pointed to a rapidly evolving college football environment.