Paul Finebaum sees a couple of SEC teams as clear-cut competitors for the College Football Playoff in 2024. After that, the picture of expected competitors gets a little muddled.

During a Tuesday appearance with “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” Finebaum was asked which SEC teams have an expectation of making the new format this fall. The Playoff officially expands to 12 teams, and Finebaum expects at least 3 SEC teams will get into the final field.

As for the top competitors in the conference, Finebaum started with Kirby Smart’s program in Athens, simply saying “Let’s move Georgia off the table.” That’s no surprise considering the Bulldogs were one game away from a potential 3-peat this past season.

Despite losing the SEC Championship Game, Georgia has rebounded and currently has the best national championship odds in the country for 2024. Fans can use SDS’s best North Carolina sports betting apps and links to track all the movement this offseason ahead of the live NC launch.

Next in line, Finebaum has Texas behind Georgia and reiterated he really likes Alabama “depending on circumstances.” That belief in the Crimson Tide could change, but Finebaum said as of today he’s on board.

Behind that trio, Finebaum mentioned Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU as potential competitors. He explained this year “should be (Kiffin’s) defining season” and said the race will likely come down to “who is between 3 and 4?”

“If you have Georgia and Texas, I think Alabama and Ole Miss — you’re splitting hairs, who’s winning those games?” questioned Finebaum.

It should be a fun season in a brand-new SEC and a new era for the Playoff.