As college football enters its newest era of realignment, the impact of conference games is changing in a fascinating way.

No longer are large conferences split into two divisions. Instead, each league—save for the Sun Belt—is slated to include its two highest-finishing teams in the championship game.

The road to the College Football Playoff, which itself is expanding to 12 teams, will be much different in 2024. Along the way, we'll be treated to some national showdowns.

Not every preseason prediction will wind up being correct, but these matchups are expected to include a pair of projected elite programs, prime CFP contenders or early conference favorites.

Group of Five

The Big One: Memphis at UTSA (Nov. 2; AAC)

During the last decade, the American typically represented the Group of Five in a New Year's Six bowl. The league accounted for seven of those 10 bowl appearances, including Cincinnati's trip to the 2020 CFP, with one each for Conference USA, the MAC and the Mountain West. That's the long version of saying the AAC's top matchup—preseason favorite Memphis on the road against a sturdy UTSA program—doubles as the G5's best outing.

The Next One: Fresno State at UNLV (Sep. 28; MWC)

Had there been a matchup with Boise State and Fresno State on the docket, that would've been the clear choice. However, we might end up seeing that contest in the Mountain West championship. This result in late September could play a major role in whether we see that hypothetical play out. UNLV needs to settle its QB situation but is a talented group, while Fresno State is a prime MWC contender.

More to Know

• Miami at Toledo (Oct. 5; MAC)
• Boise State at UNLV (Oct. 25; MWC)
• Western Kentucky at Liberty (Nov. 23; C-USA)
• James Madison at Appalachian State; Troy at Louisiana (Nov. 23; Sun Belt)

ACC

The Big One: Clemson at Florida State (Oct. 5)

Florida State is aiming to build on its undefeated 2023 regular season, while Clemson is hoping for a resurgent year. Those storylines will converge in Tallahassee at the beginning of October. Barring an earlier loss for either team, the winner of this showdown will probably secure a place as the clear midseason ACC favorite.

The Next One: Florida State at Miami (Oct. 26)

Miami is an enormous wild card in 2024. On paper, as usual, the Hurricanes have plenty of individual skill—and Washington State transfer Cam Ward is quite possibly Miami's most talented QB in recent years. If the 'Canes get past Florida State, there's a good chance that they'll be a CFP threat. If not, the expected chasing group of Louisville, NC State, Virginia Tech and SMU may be positioned for a surprise.

More to Know

• North Carolina State at Clemson (Sep. 21)
• Virginia Tech at Miami (Sep. 27)
• Florida State at SMU (Sep. 28)
• Miami at Louisville (Oct. 19)
• Louisville at Clemson (Nov. 2)

Big Ten

The Big One: Michigan at Ohio State (Nov. 30)

Ohio State dominated the series for two decades, but Michigan has rattled off three straight victories in The Game. And this outlook for 2024 is loaded with intrigue. Jim Harbaugh is gone at Michigan, along with many key contributors to last year's championship-winning team. Ohio State returns a ton of veterans but must handle the distractions of Ryan Day's job security. In all likelihood, at least one program will need a victory here to reach the Big Ten title game.

The Next One: Ohio State at Oregon (Oct. 12)

Several weeks earlier, the single-best game on the Big Ten slate may happen in Eugene. When the preseason AP poll is released, Ohio State and Oregon are virtual locks to hold a top-five (maybe top-four) ranking. Both teams are expected to make the Playoff this season, and a win in this matchup will be a lovely bonus on the CFP resume.

More to Know

• Michigan at Washington (Oct. 5)
• Penn State at USC (Oct. 12)
• Oregon at Michigan (Nov. 2)
• Ohio State at Penn State (Nov. 2)

Big 12

The Big One: Utah at Oklahoma State (Sep. 21)

Arizona's trip to Kansas State on Sep. 13 is a great matchup, but it's actually a nonconference game in 2024. Knowing that, it's easy to shift toward one of three matchups in the closing weeks of the opening month. Utah is eager for the return of quarterback Cam Rising, who makes the Utes a strong contender in their Big 12 debut. However, their conference opener is against Oklahoma State, the league's returning runner-up.

The Next One: Oklahoma State at Kansas State (Sep. 28)

I mean it literally for OSU, apparently. After hosting Utah, the Pokes quickly turn around and travel to Kansas State. In short: Oklahoma State has a minimal margin for error immediately. On the other hand, K-State will have an opportunity to solidify itself as a major Big 12 threat because the rest of its schedule—as we sit today—looks awfully favorable.

More to Know

• Arizona at Utah (Sep. 28)
• Kansas at Kansas State (Oct. 26)
• Kansas State at Iowa State (Nov. 30)

SEC

The Big One: Georgia at Texas (Oct. 19)

Georgia is the preseason favorite, and Texas should open the year ranked no lower than fourth. It's a recent SEC behemoth versus the flashy newcomer. Neither team has an easy slate beforehand, so there's no guarantee that either UGA or Texas will remain undefeated, let alone both. But there's a very real possibility that No. 1 is playing at No. 2 when Georgia heads to the Forty Acres.

The Next One: Georgia at Alabama (Sep. 28)

Given the timing of this one, you could easily make a case for it leaping UGA's tilt at Texas. I wouldn't argue. No matter your preference, the point is that Georgia's trip to Tuscaloosa is a pivotal moment of the campaign. Both teams have Playoff aspirations, and the loser won't be eliminated from the race. Still, an early marquee win of this magnitude can be instrumental in eventual CFP discussions.

More to Know

• Oklahoma vs. Texas; Ole Miss at LSU (Oct. 12)
  
• Missouri at Alabama (Oct. 26)
• Georgia at Ole Miss; Alabama at LSU (Nov. 9)
• Tennessee at Georgia (Nov. 16)