Working out a hypothetical path to a national championship is one of the most beloved parts of the college football offseason.

On one hand, sure, a competitor wants to beat the best opposition. But you didn't see many Michigan fans complaining about a soft regular-season schedule on the road to a title last season, for example.

As the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams in 2024, more programs have a true opportunity to compete for a championship. The list of top contenders, subsequently, needs to grow, too.

Each of the 15 teams listed hold championship odds of +4500 or shorter, according to the latest DraftKings odds.

Head-to-Head Games

Week 1: Clemson vs. Georgia (in Atlanta)

Clemson had a frustrating 2023 overall but ended the season on a commendable five-game winning streak. Dabo Swinney told everyone to buy Clemson stock, and there's no better test of that statement than opening the campaign against the preseason No. 1 team. Georgia, meanwhile, is looking for a quality early win—and to avoid an immediate loss on a schedule loaded with landmines.

Week 1: Notre Dame at Texas A&M

Looking at the whole year, Notre Dame has a more favorable slate than most contenders. But in the opener, the Fighting Irish head to College Station for a clash with new Texas A&M coach Mike Elko. The former ND defensive coordinator and recent Duke head coach, Elko will be scheming up a defense to stop Riley Leonard, his quarterback at Duke.

Week 2: Texas at Michigan

Though not a total guarantee, Texas is widely anticipated to have another CFP-caliber year. The trip to Ann Arbor will be a decent measuring stick. However, the opposite side of this matchup is particularly interesting since Michigan had to replace so much production this offseason. Even if the Wolverines lose a close one, no stress. If they get smacked by Texas, some recalibrated expectations will follow.

Early Showdowns

Week 1: Penn State at West Virginia

Last season, the contest wasn't much of one; Penn State rolled past West Virginia 38-15 in Happy Valley. The series now moves to Morgantown, where WVU posted a 5-1 record in 2023. Penn State did well to contain dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene but must be ready for an improved version after he banked a year of experience.

Week 1: LSU vs. USC (in Las Vegas)

Although the marquee games are spaced out nicely on LSU's schedule, the Tigers certainly aren't easing into the season. One compelling detail in this clash is the unveiling of both USC's rebuilt offense and LSU's revamped defense. For LSU, that improvement—or lack of it—will probably have a major influence on whether a CFP trip is realistic.

Week 2: Tennessee vs. North Carolina State (in Charlotte)

For a hopeful like Tennessee, NC State is an ideal opponent. True upside is a fair question, but you know NC State will be steady, well-coached and competitive. Tennessee has plenty to prove in a deepened SEC, and getting past the Wolfpack is vital to being taken seriously in 2024.

Mid-September Matchups

Week 3: Alabama at Wisconsin

We can start with the acknowledgment that Alabama should and will be a clear favorite in this one. Simultaneously, the hosts are known for stingy defense and a loud stadium. Wisconsin will be a quality opponent for the Tide as a showdown with Georgia looms next on their slate.

Week 3: Memphis at Florida State

Given that Georgia Tech and Boston College are league opponents, FSU shouldn't overlook either one. Memphis is the preseason favorite to represent the Group of Five in the CFP, though. This is a pivotal "prove-it" game for Memphis, while Florida State can start a difficult nonconference schedule on a high note.

Week 3: Oregon at Oregon State

Oregon State's roster took an undeniable hit as the Pac-12 imploded. As a result, the Beavers have fallen even further behind Oregon in the talent department. You think the returning OSU players might harbor a little extra bitterness? Motivation is unquantifiable and guarantees nothing, but I'd suggest not brushing off Oregon State's desire to make a statement that it deserves a power-conference home.

The Favorable Slates

Week 5: Kentucky at Ole Miss

Although the last three meetings between the SEC teams all went Ole Miss' way, it was by a combined seven points. More of the same in 2024 would be unsurprising. Kentucky returns a ton of experience on defense and bolstered the roster with several impact transfers. This is a sizable jump in competition from Furman, Middle Tennessee, Wake Forest and Georgia Southern, even as Ole Miss' explosive offense should be the best unit on the field.

Week 5: Ohio State at Michigan State

If you disagree, no problem. Michigan State is coming off a down season, and matchups with Iowa and Oregon are up next for OSU. Not only have the Buckeyes historically dominated MSU, the series hasn't been competitive since 2016. Nevertheless, this is Ohio State's first road trip of the year after a light stretch of Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall.

Week 6: Missouri at Texas A&M

Murray State, Buffalo, Boston College, Vanderbilt—all at home, too. Between a sensational 2023 season and that opening month in 2024, I cannot stop Mizzou fans from riding an optimistic high. The first big challenge, in theory, will arrive at the beginning of October at Texas A&M. Win there, and Missouri should be a major factor in the CFP rankings midway through the season.

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