2024's Biggest College Football Games and Their NFL Draft Impact

August 24: Florida State vs. Georgia Tech (Dublin, Ireland)

The 2024 season kicks off with an ACC conference game in Dublin, Ireland. This unique setting provides an early showcase for Florida State's talent, including potential draft prospects on both sides of the ball.

August 31: Clemson vs. Georgia (Atlanta)

The first big clash of the season features two perennial powerhouses. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (#7 - NFLDRAFTBUZZ RANKING) will be under the microscope as he leads the Bulldogs against Clemson. Beck's performance against Clemson's defense could set the tone for his draft stock throughout the season.

Georgia's secondary, featuring safety Malaki Starks (#11), will be tested by Clemson's offense. Starks' range and playmaking ability make him a potential top-15 pick, and a strong showing here could cement that status.

For Clemson, linebacker Barrett Carter (#42) has a chance to prove himself against elite competition. His ability to defend in space against Georgia's offensive weapons will be crucial for his draft prospects.

August 31: Penn State at West Virginia

Penn State travels to Morgantown for the first time since 1992. Keep an eye on Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter (#18) and safety Kevin Winston Jr. (#29) as they look to make an impact against West Virginia's offense.

August 31: Miami at Florida

This in-state rivalry game could have significant implications for both programs. Miami's Xavier Restrepo (#67) will look to showcase his skills against Florida's secondary, which includes Jason Marshall Jr. (#90).

August 31: North Dakota State at Colorado

While not featuring many top draft prospects, this game is notable as a potential upset alert. Colorado cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter (#3) has a chance to shine against FCS competition.

August 31: Notre Dame at Texas A&M

Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison (#8) faces a tough test against Texas A&M's receiving corps. For the Aggies, quarterback Conner Weigman (#50) has an early opportunity to boost his draft stock against a strong Notre Dame defense.

September 1: LSU vs. USC (Las Vegas)

This neutral-site showdown in Las Vegas features LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (#62) in a prime opportunity to boost his draft stock. Nussmeier will be throwing to a talented receiver corps against USC's defense.

On the defensive side, LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (#15) will be looking to disrupt USC's offense and solidify his position as a potential first-round pick.

September 2: South Dakota State at Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II (#26) looks to start his season strong against the reigning FCS national champions.

September 7: Texas at Michigan

The defending national champions host Texas in a game loaded with NFL talent. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (#9) faces a stiff test against Michigan's defense, led by cornerback Will Johnson (#4) and defensive tackle Mason Graham (#5).

Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (#10) will have his hands full with Michigan's pass rush, while wide receiver Isaiah Bond (#44) tries to make his mark against the Wolverines' secondary.

For Michigan, this game is a chance for running back Donovan Edwards (#86) to shine against a stout Texas front seven.

September 13: Arizona at Kansas State

A key non-conference matchup featuring Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (#12) and cornerback Tacario Davis (#19) against Kansas State's defense.

September 21: USC at Michigan

Just two weeks after hosting Texas, Michigan welcomes USC to the Big House. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (#17) will have another opportunity to showcase his skills against USC's defense.

This game will be a key test for Michigan's offensive line against USC's defensive front, which includes Bear Alexander (#96).

September 21: Utah at Oklahoma State

A crucial non-conference game that could have playoff implications. Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II (#26) faces a tough test against Utah's traditionally strong defense.

October 5: Michigan at Washington

The rematch of last year's national championship takes on added significance as a conference game in the new-look Big Ten. Michigan's secondary, led by Will Johnson (#4), will be tested by Washington's passing attack.

October 12: Ohio State at Oregon

This heavyweight Big Ten clash is loaded with NFL talent. Ohio State's defense features edge rushers Jack Sawyer (#24) and JT Tuimoloau (#25), who will be looking to dominate against Oregon's offensive line, including tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (#55) and Ajani Cornelius (#58).

Ohio State's offense boasts wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (#20) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (#49), who will test Oregon's defense, led by cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (#27).

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel (#81) has a chance to prove himself against elite competition, which could significantly impact his draft stock.

October 12: Texas at Oklahoma

The Red River Rivalry moves to the SEC. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (#9) and wide receiver Isaiah Bond (#44) face off against Oklahoma's defense, led by linebacker Danny Stutsman (#61) and defensive back Billy Bowman Jr.

October 19: Georgia at Texas

This SEC showdown could have massive implications for both the conference title race and the NFL Draft. Georgia's Carson Beck (#7) faces another tough test against a Texas secondary featuring safety Andrew Mukuba (#65).

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (#9) has another chance to solidify his status as a potential top-5 pick. The battle between Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (#10) and Georgia's pass rushers, including Mykel Williams (#41), will be closely watched by NFL scouts.

Georgia's offensive line, including Tate Ratledge (#57) and Earnest Greene III (#59), will be put to the test against Texas' defensive front.

October 26: Michigan at Michigan State

An in-state rivalry that always has draft implications. Michigan's Will Johnson (#4) and Donovan Edwards (#86) look to shine against their local rivals.

October 26: Florida State at Miami

An ACC clash with big implications. Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (#67) faces off against Florida State's defense in a game that could significantly impact both teams' seasons.

November 2: Oregon at Michigan

Another crucial Big Ten matchup featuring two teams loaded with NFL talent. Oregon's offensive line, led by Josh Conerly Jr. (#55) and Ajani Cornelius (#58), will face a stiff challenge against Michigan's front seven, including Kenneth Grant (#31).

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (#17) could see his stock rise with a big game, while cornerback Will Johnson (#4) looks to shut down Oregon's passing attack, including receiver Tez Johnson (#60).

November 9: Georgia at Ole Miss

This SEC clash features Ole Miss wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr. (#52) looking to make a statement against Georgia's secondary. Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen (#23) will have a chance to boost his stock against Georgia's offensive line.

For Georgia, this game presents an opportunity for linebacker Jalon Walker (#100) to prove he can be a difference-maker against a high-powered SEC offense.

November 9: Alabama at LSU

In another SEC showdown, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (#37) faces off against LSU's defense, led by Harold Perkins Jr. (#15). This game could have significant implications for both players' draft stocks.

LSU's offensive line, including tackle Emery Jones Jr. (#34), will be tested by Alabama's defensive front, which includes Tyler Booker (#40).

November 9: Florida State at Notre Dame

A crucial non-conference matchup late in the season. Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison (#8) will be tested by Florida State's passing attack in a game that could have playoff implications.

November 23: Alabama at Oklahoma

This late-season SEC matchup could have significant playoff implications. Alabama's Jalen Milroe (#37) will face a tough test against Oklahoma's defense, led by linebacker Danny Stutsman (#61).

Oklahoma's offensive weapons, including receiver Nic Anderson (#79), will look to make an impact against Alabama's secondary.

November 30: Michigan at Ohio State

"The Game" takes on added significance in 2024, with both teams likely to be in the thick of the playoff race. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson (#4) will likely match up against Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka (#20) in a battle of potential first-round picks.

Ohio State's defensive line trio of Jack Sawyer (#24), JT Tuimoloau (#25), and Tyleik Williams (#32) will look to disrupt Michigan's offense and solidify their first-round credentials.

November 30: Texas at Texas A&M

The renewal of this in-state rivalry could have massive implications for both the SEC title race and the NFL Draft. Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman (#50) has a chance to boost his stock with a strong performance against the Longhorns' defense.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (#9) and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (#10) face another tough test against Texas A&M's defense, led by Nic Scourton (#16).

November 30: Notre Dame vs. USC

This traditional rivalry game could have significant playoff implications. Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison (#8) and Xavier Watts (#46) will look to contain USC's offense in a game that could dramatically affect draft stocks on both sides.

Looking Forward

The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and consequential in recent memory. With the expanded playoff and conference realignments, every game takes on added significance for both team success and individual draft prospects.

Top prospects like Carson Beck (#7), Quinn Ewers (#9), and Will Johnson (#4) will have multiple opportunities to solidify their draft positions in high-profile matchups. Meanwhile, players like Garrett Nussmeier (#62), Dillon Gabriel (#81), and Conner Weigman (#50) have chances to climb draft boards with strong performances in key games.

As we look ahead to the 2024 season, these games and players will be at the forefront of every NFL scout's mind. The performances in these crucial matchups will go a long way in shaping the 2025 NFL Draft landscape.