BREAKING NEWS: The crucial matches that could determine the season’s outcome for the top 25 college football teams.

Last week, we examined the primary strengths of each team in the Way-Too-Early Top 25. Now, we’ll delve into the pivotal matchups of the 2024 season, ranging from Texas versus Oklahoma in Week 7 to the classic clash between Michigan and Ohio State in Week 14.

1. Georgia Bulldogs
The anticipated showdown between SEC powerhouses Georgia and Alabama always garners attention. However, with Alabama undergoing changes after Nick Saban’s retirement, Georgia’s focus shifts to their October 19th face-off against Texas. The Longhorns, fresh off a Big 12 title and a CFP appearance in 2023, pose a significant challenge. This game marks Georgia’s first visit to Austin in 66 years, adding to the intrigue. Notably, Georgia’s last encounter with Texas was in 1958, with the Bulldogs losing 13-8. Since 1984, they’ve only met once, with Texas clinching a victory in the Allstate Sugar Bowl after the 2018 season. — Mark Schlabach

2. Ohio State Buckeyes
For Ohio State, the spotlight invariably falls on the Thanksgiving weekend clash. Three consecutive losses to Michigan have left Ohio State eager to assert dominance. With Jim Harbaugh securing a national title at Michigan and now in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers, Ryan Day faces pressure to restore order in this storied rivalry. Despite an 11-0 start in 2023, falling short against Michigan overshadowed their season. A similar fate in 2024, despite a successful season otherwise, would sting. — Blake Baumgartner

3. Oregon Ducks
The test of Big Ten football at Autzen Stadium awaits on October 12th as Ohio State visits. Dan Lanning’s ambition to elevate Oregon into a top-tier team requires overcoming two of college football’s giants, Ohio State and Michigan. While the Ducks will face defending national champions Michigan in November, their clash with Ohio State could set the tone for the season. — Paolo Uggetti

4. Texas Longhorns
A pivotal matchup for Texas occurs on October 12th against Oklahoma, serving as a significant gauge of their performance. Preceding this is a face-off with Michigan in the Big House on September 7th and a home game against Georgia on October 19th, intensifying the challenge. Historically, Texas’ seasons are often defined by their performance against Oklahoma, but the transition to the SEC adds another layer of complexity. — Dave Wilson

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame’s schedule for 2024 appears favorable on paper, with six of their first eight opponents finishing 6-6 or worse in the previous regular season. A potential highlight awaits on the horizon with a showdown against Florida State in South Bend, offering a pathway to secure a spot in the expanded playoff. A victory against the Seminoles could pave the way for an undefeated regular season, with only a trip to USC posing a significant obstacle. — David Hale

6. Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss enjoys a relatively favorable SEC schedule next season, with notable absences of Alabama and Texas and key matchups at home against Oklahoma and Georgia. However, their journey to LSU on October 12th could be pivotal, particularly given their promising start to the season. Victories in their initial six games would position Ole Miss strongly, with a win against LSU potentially propelling them towards their first College Football Playoff appearance. — Chris Low

7. Missouri Tigers
Looking to build on their double-digit win season, Missouri’s focus shifts to their October 26th encounter with Alabama. Winless against Alabama since joining the SEC in 2012, victory in Tuscaloosa could set the stage for a significant November. Despite facing three of their four SEC opponents on the road, including Oklahoma, Missouri’s performance against Alabama will be critical. — Low

8. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State aims to overcome their struggles against top-tier teams, with their November 2nd matchup against Ohio State providing an opportunity to shift the narrative. Without Oregon and Michigan on their schedule, emphasis lies on their clash with Ohio State as they pursue a CFP berth. Memories of their previous season’s loss in Columbus, where offensive struggles were evident, add fuel to Penn State’s motivation. — Baumgartner

9. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s SEC opener against Georgia on September 28th has long been highlighted, even before Nick Saban’s retirement. With Saban’s departure, this game gains additional significance, marking Kalen DeBoer’s debut against a formidable Georgia team. Alabama aims to assert dominance in front of their home crowd, having historically performed well against Georgia. — Low

10. Utah Utes
Utah’s trip to face Oklahoma State on September 21st draws attention, with Cameron Rising’s return sparking hopes for a defensive resurgence. Positioned as potential contenders for Big 12 supremacy, victory against Oklahoma State could set the tone for Utah’s season. With a favorable schedule ahead, this early matchup carries significant weight. — Uggetti

The 2024 season brings significant changes to the Big 12, with Oklahoma State facing an early challenge against Utah on September 21st, providing an early indication of the Pokes’ readiness to contend for the conference championship. ESPN reporters have highlighted the Utes as potential playoff contenders in the new 12-team format. This matchup features teams with the fourth (Oklahoma State) and 16th (Utah) most returning production in college football. — Harry Lyles Jr.

18. NC State Wolfpack
NC State’s legitimacy will be put to the test in September, where their performance against Tennessee on September 7th in a neutral-site game sets the stage. However, their ACC title aspirations hinge heavily on their conference opener against Clemson on September 21st. With NC State having not won at Death Valley since 2002, September holds crucial significance. — David Hale

19. Clemson Tigers
Clemson faces their three toughest games within the first five weeks of the season, including a season opener against Georgia, a home match against NC State, and an away fixture against Florida State. Among these, the spotlight falls on the clash with Georgia. Clemson’s recent seasons have been marred by poor starts, often with losses in the opener, two of which were against Georgia. While this game won’t solely define Clemson’s ACC or playoff aspirations, it serves as a litmus test for their national title contention. — Hale

20. Kansas State Wildcats
Despite Jedd Fisch’s departure from Arizona, the September 14th game against Kansas State remains significant. As Kansas State’s first conference game of the season, it poses a challenge against Arizona’s formidable quarterback, Noah Fifita. Despite talent exodus at Arizona, the matchup promises excitement and serves as a benchmark for Kansas State’s conference campaign. — Lyles

21. Louisville Cardinals
Clemson’s recurring appearance on the list underscores its significance for Louisville. After making their first ACC championship game appearance in 2023, Louisville faces Clemson, historically a challenging opponent. Having never defeated Clemson, the November 2nd game presents a crucial opportunity for Louisville to alter the narrative and assert their presence in the conference. — Andrea Adelson

22. Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks’ away game against Kansas State holds significant weight. Last season’s loss in Lawrence marked the Wildcats’ 15th consecutive victory in the Sunshine Showdown, amplifying anticipation for this ranked matchup. Victory here could cement Jalon Daniels’ status as a Jayhawk legend, potentially propelling the team towards a playoff spot. — Lyles

23. Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky’s season opener against Southern Miss on August 31st kicks off a series of home games, offering an opportunity to establish dominance at Kroger Field. Their subsequent SEC contests against South Carolina and Georgia underscore the importance of a strong start. With Georgia looming as favorites, victory against South Carolina on September 7th becomes imperative, setting the tone for the rest of the season. — Schlabach

24. Miami Hurricanes
Miami’s opener against Florida is pivotal, setting the tone for coach Mario Cristobal’s tenure. A win here could signify a turning point for the Hurricanes, setting them on course for a manageable schedule ahead. With exceptional recruiting and portal usage under Cristobal, this season demands a significant leap forward for Miami. — Adelson

25. Texas A&M Aggies
In Mike Elko’s debut season, Texas A&M faces Texas in a rivalry matchup with substantial on-field and off-field implications. The Longhorns’ recent success, combined with their strong recruitment under Sarkisian, adds intensity to the contest. Closing the season at Kyle Field, Texas A&M aims to secure momentum and end Elko’s inaugural campaign on a high note. — Wilson