Marcus Freeman and Ryan Day led standout seasons, alongside stellar performances from Lashlee, Sarkisian, and others. College football in 2024 rivaled the NFL in popularity and unforgettable moments.

The 2024 college football season delivered one of the most thrilling and unforgettable rides in recent memory. With epic matchups, underdog triumphs, and an electric atmosphere from coast to coast, this season not only captivated die-hard fans but drew in casual viewers in record numbers. In a year that felt more like a cinematic script than a sports calendar, it wasn’t just the players who rose to the occasion—coaches across the nation displayed brilliance, grit, and leadership that turned them into legends in real time.

Among the standout coaches who helped define this landmark season, Marcus Freeman and Ryan Day stood tall. Their leadership, vision, and resilience made them frontrunners for Coach of the Year (COTY) honors. But they weren’t alone. Across the landscape, other brilliant minds—like Rhett Lashlee, Steve Sarkisian, James Franklin, Curt Cignetti, Dan Lanning, Kenny Dillingham, Kirby Smart, and Spencer Danielson—also made compelling cases for the prestigious title. Each contributed to a historic year that saw college football arguably surpass the NFL in popularity, engagement, and cultural relevance.

Marcus Freeman: Redemption, Resilience, and Leadership

Marcus Freeman’s journey with Notre Dame reached a new level in 2024. After facing skepticism early in his tenure, Freeman silenced critics with a season full of strategic dominance and emotional grit. Under his guidance, the Fighting Irish returned to national prominence, showcasing a defense-first mentality while also displaying creative offensive schemes that put opponents on their heels.

Freeman’s ability to rally his team after tough losses, and his leadership off the field, were equally significant. He turned doubters into believers, players into warriors, and critics into fans. His calm demeanor, rooted in discipline and focus, was a refreshing contrast to the chaos around him. Freeman didn’t just coach his team—he inspired them.

Ryan Day: Quiet Confidence and Unshakeable Focus

Ohio State’s Ryan Day had one of the most balanced and efficient seasons of his career in 2024. Known for his offensive genius, Day adapted his style to create one of the most complete teams in the country. The Buckeyes were physical, smart, and relentless. Every week, they looked prepared for war—and more often than not, they left the battlefield victorious.

What set Day apart this year was his ability to keep his team laser-focused in a highly competitive Big Ten. With the pressure always mounting, Day remained unshaken. Whether dealing with quarterback controversies or tight late-season matchups, he displayed poise and tactical brilliance. His resume this season made him a clear COTY contender, and his program continued to set the standard for consistency and excellence.

Rhett Lashlee: The Architect of SMU’s Rise

One of the best stories of the season was the rise of SMU under Rhett Lashlee. With the Mustangs entering the ACC and facing stiffer competition, many assumed they’d struggle to adjust. Lashlee had other plans. He took a team of talented but overlooked players and molded them into a cohesive, aggressive unit that regularly punched above its weight class.

Lashlee’s offense was dynamic and unpredictable, echoing the style that’s become his trademark. He brought energy and swagger back to Dallas, proving that with the right vision, even a team from a non-traditional powerhouse can play with the big boys. His work not only earned respect—it reignited SMU football.

Steve Sarkisian: Turning the Corner in Texas

Steve Sarkisian’s Texas squad finally delivered on the promise of “Texas is back.” After a few years of near misses, Sarkisian put together a team that matched the hype. With a high-powered offense and a much-improved defense, the Longhorns became a true national contender and one of the most exciting teams to watch every Saturday.

Sarkisian’s maturity as a coach was on full display. He managed egos, navigated injuries, and outcoached some of the best in the country. His ability to develop quarterbacks and adjust game plans mid-season made a significant difference. In 2024, he proved that not only is Texas back—but so is his status as one of the elite coaches in the sport.

James Franklin: Relentless Consistency at Penn State

James Franklin has long been respected for his leadership at Penn State, but 2024 added another feather to his cap. He led a deep and disciplined Nittany Lions team through a brutal Big Ten schedule and emerged as a force on both sides of the ball.

Franklin’s emphasis on fundamentals, character, and player development paid huge dividends. His defense was one of the stingiest in the country, while his offense grew more explosive as the season progressed. Perhaps most impressively, Franklin kept his team unified and motivated, even amid external pressure. He reminded everyone why Penn State remains one of the nation’s premier programs.

Curt Cignetti: Cinderella in the Carolinas

Curt Cignetti’s move from James Madison to NC State paid off in dramatic fashion. Taking over a team with modest expectations, Cignetti infused a culture of toughness and belief that quickly translated into wins. His no-nonsense approach and emphasis on execution turned NC State into a giant killer.

Cignetti’s ability to get the most out of his roster, especially on defense, was remarkable. The Wolfpack played with a chip on their shoulder and the heart of a team that believed it could beat anyone. His rapid success made him one of the best stories of the season and a dark-horse COTY candidate.

Dan Lanning: Building a Powerhouse in Eugene

Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks were nothing short of sensational in 2024. With a ferocious defense and a quarterback-led offense that racked up yards and points at will, Lanning’s squad embodied the fast, physical identity he set out to create.

Lanning’s reputation as a defensive mastermind was reinforced, but what stood out was his team management. He made crucial in-game decisions, inspired player development, and recruited at a level that solidified Oregon’s spot among the nation’s elite. In an increasingly competitive Pac-12 (or what remains of it), Lanning made sure the Ducks were top dogs.

Kenny Dillingham: Sparking a Turnaround at Arizona State

One of the most uplifting stories was Kenny Dillingham’s rapid rebuild at Arizona State. At just 34 years old, Dillingham brought youthful energy and innovation to Tempe. His commitment to recruiting local talent and implementing a fun, aggressive style of play quickly turned heads.

Though still early in his tenure, Dillingham’s impact in 2024 was undeniable. He reinvigorated the fanbase, created a strong locker room culture, and notched impressive wins that hinted at a bright future. If this season was the foundation, the Sun Devils could soon be a major player on the national stage.

Kirby Smart: The Standard Bearer

What more can be said about Kirby Smart? Georgia’s head coach once again delivered an elite season, keeping his Bulldogs among the nation’s top teams. Even with immense pressure and sky-high expectations, Smart’s team performed with the consistency and swagger of a dynasty.

What set Smart apart in 2024 was his adaptability. Injuries, roster changes, and a tougher SEC landscape didn’t slow him down. He evolved his offense, leaned on his deep defensive talent, and reminded the world that Georgia is built to last. While he’s no stranger to awards, Smart’s performance this season proved he’s still innovating and elevating.

Spencer Danielson: Underdog Spirit at Boise State

Spencer Danielson’s Boise State team captured the imagination of fans across the country. Taking over in a full-time capacity, Danielson returned the Broncos to their blue-collar roots while adding a modern edge. His team was tough, gritty, and never out of a game.

Danielson emphasized player accountability and community, building a culture that resonated beyond the field. His coaching acumen was evident, but it was his emotional intelligence—his connection with players and ability to motivate—that made the difference. Under Danielson, Boise State looked ready to reclaim its role as a perennial Group of Five powerhouse.

College Football vs. the NFL: A Cultural Shift

What made 2024 even more remarkable was how college football rivaled—and in some ways surpassed—the NFL in popularity. Whether it was the expanded College Football Playoff, the emotional investment in school pride, or the nonstop drama on and off the field, fans couldn’t get enough.

Social media buzz, record TV ratings, and sold-out stadiums all pointed to one truth: college football owned the sports conversation in 2024. The personalities, pageantry, rivalries, and raw energy of the game created a uniquely American phenomenon that drew in viewers from all walks of life.

2024 will be remembered as a turning point in college football history. It was a season driven not just by talent, but by leadership—by coaches who inspired, adapted, and dared to dream big. Whether it was Marcus Freeman’s redemption, Ryan Day’s relentless drive, or the rise of underdogs like Rhett Lashlee and Curt Cignetti, this year proved that coaching still matters deeply in this sport.

As we look to the future, the bar has been set high. But if 2024 taught us anything, it’s that college football still has the power to shock, inspire, and unite like no other game.