College football has long been a chess match between innovative offensive minds and stalwart defensive strategists. From high-octane spread offenses to stout defensive fronts, playbooks are the blueprint of a team’s identity. In 2024, playbooks reflect not just the coaches’ philosophies but also the strengths of their rosters. Let’s break down some of the best playbooks across the landscape of college football.
1. Alabama (Nick Saban/Kevin Steele & Tommy Rees)
Historically, Alabama’s playbook has combined power running with efficient, pro-style passing attacks, but under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, there’s been a shift towards more versatile formations. Saban’s defense, anchored by Kevin Steele, remains among the most adaptable, utilizing multiple fronts that adjust to spread offenses seamlessly. This versatility is key to maintaining Alabama’s dominance.
2. Georgia (Kirby Smart/Mike Bobo & Will Muschamp/Glenn Schumann)
Kirby Smart’s Georgia has a balanced offensive attack under Mike Bobo, leaning on a dominant running game, but with an evolved passing system that stretches the field. Defensively, Will Muschamp and Glenn Schumann continue Georgia’s tradition of aggressive and complex schemes that feature multiple blitzes and stout coverage.
3. Ohio State (Ryan Day/Jim Knowles)
Ryan Day’s offensive system is one of the most dynamic in college football, combining explosive passing with a wide-zone running game. His use of pre-snap motion and innovative route concepts has made Ohio State’s offense highly unpredictable. On defense, Jim Knowles runs an aggressive 4-2-5 scheme designed to neutralize spread offenses.
4. USC (Lincoln Riley/Alex Grinch)
Lincoln Riley’s offense is synonymous with high-scoring, fast-paced games. He uses a spread system that emphasizes quarterback play, often using RPO (Run-Pass Option) concepts to keep defenses guessing. Alex Grinch’s defense focuses on forcing turnovers and features aggressive blitz packages, although it’s sometimes vulnerable to explosive plays.
5. Michigan (Jim Harbaugh/Jesse Minter)
Jim Harbaugh has crafted one of the most physical offenses in the game, centered around power football and controlling the line of scrimmage. Harbaugh’s playbook is predicated on the run game, but with a growing reliance on play-action to exploit defensive lapses. Jesse Minter’s defense employs a 4-2-5 scheme that is aggressive in defending the run but flexible enough to cover modern passing attacks.
6. Oregon (Dan Lanning/Will Stein)
Oregon has seen an offensive renaissance under new OC Will Stein, with a playbook that merges speed, deception, and explosive plays. The Ducks often utilize spread formations, quick passes, and up-tempo play to keep defenses on their heels. On defense, Dan Lanning, a Nick Saban and Kirby Smart disciple, runs a multiple-front system that emphasizes speed and tackling in space.
7. LSU (Brian Kelly/Matt House & Mike Denbrock)
LSU under Brian Kelly has leaned into a balanced offensive playbook with Mike Denbrock calling plays. The Tigers mix power running schemes with an evolving passing attack that incorporates motion and RPOs. On defense, Matt House’s playbook features multiple fronts and blitz-heavy packages, focusing on creating disruption at the line of scrimmage.
8. Tennessee (Josh Heupel/Tim Banks)
Josh Heupel’s up-tempo spread offense is one of the fastest in college football, often running plays every 10-15 seconds. The system revolves around vertical passing, stretching the field, and keeping defenses off-balance. Tim Banks’ defense complements this high-speed attack by relying on a fast, physical approach with aggressive blitzes from various angles.
9. Penn State (James Franklin/Manny Diaz & Mike Yurcich)
Mike Yurcich’s offense at Penn State is built around explosive plays through a spread system that utilizes both the passing and running game effectively. The offense thrives on tempo and adaptability. Manny Diaz’s defense is predicated on aggression, with a focus on attacking quarterbacks and forcing turnovers through exotic blitzes and a physical secondary.
10. Texas (Steve Sarkisian/Pete Kwiatkowski)
Steve Sarkisian’s offense is one of the most creative in college football. He uses a pro-style approach with a mix of quick passes, play-action, and motion, all designed to create mismatches. The Longhorns’ offensive system focuses heavily on leveraging the talent of their skill position players. Defensively, Pete Kwiatkowski runs a 4-2-5 scheme, mixing zone coverages and aggressive fronts to adapt to different offensive systems.
11. Clemson (Dabo Swinney/Wes Goodwin & Garrett Riley)
Garrett Riley, younger brother of Lincoln Riley, brought his Air Raid principles to Clemson, where he incorporates a spread system that emphasizes quick decision-making by the quarterback. Dabo Swinney’s defense, under Wes Goodwin, continues to be built on speed, attacking the ball carrier, and versatile secondary play.
12. Oklahoma (Brent Venables/Jeff Lebby)
Jeff Lebby’s high-octane offensive system uses a blend of tempo, spread, and vertical passing, challenging defenses with a balanced approach. Defensively, Venables’ philosophy remains aggressive, with complex zone blitz packages and an emphasis on disguising coverages to confuse quarterbacks.
13. Florida State (Mike Norvell/Adam Fuller)
Mike Norvell’s offense incorporates a hybrid spread system that uses both power running and a vertical passing game. It’s designed to be adaptable, depending on the opponent. Defensively, Adam Fuller runs a 4-2-5 scheme with aggressive front-seven play and athletic, ball-hawking defensive backs.
14. Notre Dame (Marcus Freeman/Al Golden & Gerad Parker)
Gerad Parker’s offense in South Bend is balanced, featuring a mix of power running and intermediate passing concepts. On defense, Al Golden brings an aggressive mindset, utilizing exotic blitzes and versatile coverages to confuse opposing quarterbacks.
15. Washington (Kalen DeBoer/William Inge & Ryan Grubb)
Ryan Grubb’s offensive system at Washington utilizes spread formations and motion to create mismatches, with a heavy emphasis on the passing game. Defensively, William Inge’s scheme relies on fast, physical play, often bringing pressure with creative blitzes.
16. Utah (Kyle Whittingham/Morgan Scalley & Andy Ludwig)
Andy Ludwig runs a pro-style offense that relies heavily on a balanced attack, using both the run and the pass to keep defenses off balance. On defense, Morgan Scalley has one of the most aggressive and physical 4-3 schemes in the country, with a strong focus on blitzing and disrupting the opponent’s rhythm.
17. Texas A&M (Jimbo Fisher/Elijah Robinson & Bobby Petrino)
Bobby Petrino’s offense incorporates pro-style elements with spread concepts, particularly focusing on deep passes and play-action. On defense, Elijah Robinson oversees an aggressive front that prioritizes stopping the run and forcing turnovers.
18. Ole Miss (Lane Kiffin/Pete Golding)
Lane Kiffin’s offensive system at Ole Miss is one of the most innovative, using a tempo-based, spread approach that incorporates RPOs and creative formations. On defense, Pete Golding has introduced multiple fronts and blitz-heavy schemes, emphasizing speed and physicality.
19. Kansas State (Chris Klieman/Collin Klein)
Collin Klein’s offense leans on a power-spread approach, using the quarterback run game and play-action to generate big plays. Kansas State’s defense is rooted in discipline, with a focus on fundamentals and making offenses earn every yard.
20. North Carolina (Mack Brown/Chip Lindsey)
Chip Lindsey has modernized North Carolina’s offense, mixing spread concepts with a heavy dose of RPOs. The Tar Heels’ system is built around attacking the defense vertically and stretching the field. Defensively, the Tar Heels rely on speed and athleticism in the secondary.
21. Wisconsin (Luke Fickell/Mike Tressel & Phil Longo)
Phil Longo’s offense merges power-running principles with Air Raid concepts, creating a unique hybrid that can adapt to any defense. Defensively, Mike Tressel’s 3-3-5 scheme focuses on versatility and creating mismatches for opposing offensive lines.
22. Arkansas (Sam Pittman/Dan Enos & Travis Williams)
Dan Enos runs a pro-style offense that uses play-action to open up passing lanes and power runs to control the clock. Travis Williams’ defense is aggressive, utilizing speed and athleticism to create pressure and generate turnovers.
23. Minnesota (P.J. Fleck/Joe Rossi & Greg Harbaugh)
Minnesota’s offensive system under Greg Harbaugh revolves around ball control and power running, with a growing emphasis on the passing game. Joe Rossi’s defense relies on discipline and physicality, particularly in stopping the run.
24. TCU (Sonny Dykes/Joseph Gillespie)
Sonny Dykes’ Air Raid system has been adapted to incorporate a strong ground game, keeping defenses honest while stretching them vertically. Joseph Gillespie’s defense relies on speed, aggression, and forcing turnovers.
25. Iowa (Kirk Ferentz/Phil Parker & Brian Ferentz)
Iowa’s offense is conservative, based on a run-heavy system
