The Top Moments of the 2024-25 College Football Season

There is only one college football game left before the season is over. This season has flown by in a flash, but as rapid as it was, it managed to produce some incredible moments and memories that CFB fans won’t soon forget. So let’s discuss some of the best moments that occurred across the college football world this season.

The First 12-Team College Football Playoff

Starting with something that may be viewed as a controversial pick, however, I feel as if this will be the greatest move the NCAA could ever make.

The two teams in the National Championship came into the playoff, ranked seventh and eighth.

That alone is proof of how the change from four teams has benefited everyone in the college football world.

Now obviously, there are some things that need to be ironed out. Such as the fact that the first four seeds all lost in their first game.

But this new era of college football has started off on the right foot, and I for one, am excited to see how the playoff evolves and changes as it continues throughout the years.

Ryan Williams’ Catch Against Georgia

This entire game could be considered one of the moments of the year. But Ryan Williams made a play that will forever be memorialized in YouTube highlight videos forever.

Alabama had surrendered a 21-0 advantage after the first quarter and was in danger of losing to SEC rival Georgia.

Late in the fourth quarter, trailing by one, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe launched up a prayer to Williams, who went up over a Georgia defender to make the catch and spun away from two defenders to reach the endzone. This score allowed Alabama to prevail over Georgia 41-34.

This moment punctuated one of the best games of the year and launched Williams into college football stardom.

Vanderbilt Upsets Alabama

One week later, however, Alabama made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer placed mouse traps in the locker room before their game against Vanderbilt. This was to emphasize that the media proclaiming them as future champs would be like rat poison to the team and only hurt them.

Alabama however, came out flat in the game against Vanderbilt. The Commodores, spurred on by former walk-on quarterback Diego Pavia, upset the top-ranked Crimson Tide.

Calamity would ensue ending in the goalpost from the stadium being thrown in the Cumberland River. The Commodores secured their biggest win in program history and now look toward next season with the brightest future they’ve had in a long time.

Shedeur Sanders Hail Mary Against Baylor

Hail mary touchdowns are among some of the most exciting plays in college football. The Colorado Buffaloes, one of the most exciting teams in college football, provided one of these classic moments this season.

Deion Sanders and company did not have their finest game against Baylor, trailing in the final seconds Shedeur Sanders heaved up a final prayer to the endzone. The prayer would be answered by LaJohntay Wester in the endzone to send it to overtime.

Heisman winner Travis Hunter would then knock the football loose on the goalline to pave the way for the eventual win for the Buffaloes.

Colorado was exciting to watch all season, but this game was an instant classic.

Michigan Defeats Ohio State

The Game is always a close game, even when the media and oddsmakers don’t expect it to be.

Michigan closed as a 21-point underdog in the days before their matchup against Ohio State. Almost no one in the nation expected this one to be close. No one except the Wolverines themselves.

Michigan forced turnovers and limited the dangerous Ohio State offense to only ten points.

Kicker Dominic Zvada was excellent, converting both of his field goal attempts. Running back Kaleel Mullings broke off a huge run to put Michigan into range to win the game.

The most viral moment, however, occurred after the game. Multiple Michigan players attempted to plant their flag on the Ohio State logo at midfield. They were met by multiple Ohio State players who were furious. This brawl led to players being pepper sprayed, flags ripped, and punches thrown.

College football is one of the most entertaining sports to watch year after year. This season was yet another exciting installment to the show that is college football.

Luke Stefanisko is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ljs6415@psu.edu.