Arizona State, Indiana, and More: Teams That Flipped the Script in 2024
What a difference a year can make in college football! The 2024 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with surprises, comebacks, and jaw-dropping performances. From the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff format to the rise of unexpected contenders like No. 3-seeded Boise State and No. 11 SMU, this season has been a showcase of resilience and reinvention.
While some teams rode the momentum of established dynasties, others pulled off complete turnarounds, transforming losing records into winning seasons. Coaching changes, breakout players, and savvy moves in the transfer portal all played a role in these remarkable comebacks. Let’s dive into the teams that flipped the script in 2024.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State’s resurgence is nothing short of spectacular. The Sun Devils hadn’t seen a bowl game since the 2021 season, and their combined record over the next two years was a dismal six wins and 18 losses. Enter Kenny Dillingham, who became the youngest head coach in then-Power 5 football when he was hired in 2022. Fast forward to 2024, and Arizona State has defied all odds.
Projected to finish last in the 16-team Big 12 conference, the Sun Devils shocked everyone by clinching their first Big 12 title with a win over Iowa State. A key offseason acquisition was quarterback Sam Leavitt, a Michigan State transfer who had only 139 passing yards in his freshman season. Leavitt made an immediate impact, throwing for 24 touchdowns in his first full season.
But the real star? Running back Cam Skattebo, who finished fifth in Heisman voting with 1,568 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Arizona State’s 11-2 record is a testament to their grit and determination.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s turnaround is another feel-good story of 2024. After three consecutive losing seasons under Tom Allen, the Hoosiers made a bold move by hiring former James Madison coach Curt Cignetti. The result? A complete transformation.
Cignetti brought in 30 transfers, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke, the 2022 Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Rourke threw for 27 touchdowns during the regular season, with his only scoreless game coming in a loss to Ohio State.
Under Cignetti’s leadership, Indiana compiled an 11-1 record, surpassing their total wins from the previous three seasons combined. Talk about a comeback!
South Carolina Gamecocks
When former quarterback Spencer Rattler was drafted by the New Orleans Saints, the Gamecocks faced a daunting rebuild. But head coach Shane Beamer and his revamped staff rose to the challenge.
South Carolina brought in key hires like running backs coach Marquel Blackwell and wide receivers coach Mike Furrey. They also landed Arkansas transfer Raheim Sanders, who scored 11 touchdowns this season. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers stepped up, throwing for 2,274 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Gamecocks finished 9-3, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Colorado Buffaloes
Deion Sanders’ arrival in Boulder was one of the most talked-about moves in college football. After leading Jackson State to back-to-back Celebration Bowl appearances, Sanders brought his star power—and his sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders—to Colorado.
After a promising 3-0 start in 2023, the Buffaloes stumbled to a 4-8 finish. But Sanders wasn’t about to let that define his tenure. He signed five-star offensive lineman Jordan Seaton in the offseason, bolstering the line and giving Shedeur the protection he needed to throw for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, two-way star Travis Hunter dazzled on both sides of the ball, racking up 1,152 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, and standout performances at cornerback. Colorado’s 9-3 record is a testament to Sanders’ vision and leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona State: From last-place projections to Big 12 champions.
- Indiana: A coaching change and transfer talent sparked an 11-1 season.
- South Carolina: New coaching hires and player development led to a 9-3 record.
- Colorado: Deion Sanders’ star power and strategic moves paid off with a 9-3 finish.
The 2024 season has been a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. These teams proved that with the right leadership, talent, and determination, anything is possible in college football.
Originally Written by: Andrea Adelson
