2024 Bowman University Chrome Football Cards Review and Checklist

William Mathis

January 5, 2025

	$184.95

$184.95

The 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Football set is an exciting release for collectors and football enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of college-level talent and Bowman’s iconic Chrome finish. This set captures the rising stars of football, including top collegiate players and potential future NFL superstars, making it a must-have for prospecting collectors.

Design and Presentation

The cards feature the signature Bowman Chrome aesthetic with a glossy, reflective finish that highlights the vibrant action photography. The design incorporates college team colors and logos, giving each card a personalized feel. The clean layout ensures player names, team affiliations, and card details are easy to read, while refractor parallels add an eye-catching shine.

Checklist Highlights

The set includes a comprehensive mix of college football's biggest names and emerging talents, focusing on skill-position players like quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. Key highlights include:

Base Set: A robust lineup of current college stars, including top prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft.
First Bowman Cards: For many players, this marks their first appearance in a trading card set, increasing the value for collectors looking to invest in future stars.
Autographed Cards: On-card signatures add an extra layer of collectability, featuring a wide range of players.

Variations and Parallels

Bowman University Chrome Football offers an impressive variety of parallels and variations, catering to collectors who enjoy chasing rare and unique cards. Here's a breakdown:

Base Card Parallels:

Refractor – Unnumbered
Shimmer Refractor – Unnumbered
Aqua Refractor – Numbered to /399
Blue Refractor – Numbered to /150
Purple Refractor – Numbered to /250
Green Refractor – Numbered to /99
Yellow Refractor – Numbered to /75
Gold Refractor – Numbered to /50
Orange Refractor – Numbered to /25
Red Refractor – Numbered to /5
Superfractor – 1/1

Image Variations:

Some players have alternate image variations, which are rarer and feature different photography, adding an additional chase element to the set.

Inserts

Bowman has included a range of creative inserts that highlight different aspects of college football and player potential. Key insert sets include:

2020 Bowman Throwback: A nostalgic tribute to the 2020 Bowman design, featuring current collegiate players in the retro style.
Prime Performers: Focuses on players expected to make a big impact in the upcoming season.
Big Kahuna: A case-hit insert featuring bold, artistic designs with the top-tier prospects.
Campus Captains: Highlights standout leaders from college teams, emphasizing their roles as team anchors.
Future Stars: Projects the next generation of football superstars, making it a favorite among prospecting collectors.

Autographs

The autograph checklist is a major draw for this set, featuring on-card signatures from top college players. Highlights include:

Base Autographs: Featuring parallels similar to the base card parallels, including refractors and Superfractors.
Insert Autographs: Autographed versions of popular inserts like Big Kahuna and Campus Captains.
Dual Autographs: Rare cards featuring signatures from two players, often teammates or rivals.

Configuration and Box Breakdown

Hobby Box Configuration:
- 24 packs per box
- 4 cards per pack
- 2 Chrome Autographs per box
- Guaranteed refractors and numbered parallels in every box
Blaster Box Configuration (Retail):
- 7 packs per box
- Exclusive parallels like Pink Refractors

Pros

Player Prospecting: The inclusion of First Bowman cards makes this set ideal for collectors looking to invest in future NFL stars.
Variety of Parallels: A wide range of refractors ensures plenty of chase opportunities.
On-Card Autographs: Adds premium value to the set.
Creative Inserts: Inserts like Big Kahuna and Campus Captains add diversity and appeal.

Cons

College Uniforms: Some collectors may prefer NFL-licensed cards over collegiate branding.
Hit-Or-Miss Autographs: While there are big names, some autographs feature lesser-known players, which might not hold long-term value.
Retail Product Limitations: Retail-exclusive boxes have limited parallels and lack guaranteed autographs.

Final Verdict

The 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Football set is a standout release for prospecting collectors and college football fans. Its sleek design, robust checklist, and diverse parallels make it a joy to collect. While it might not appeal to those solely interested in NFL cards, its focus on up-and-coming talent provides significant long-term value for collectors willing to take a chance on future stars. Whether you're ripping hobby boxes for autographs or chasing rare refractors, this set offers a rewarding experience for football card enthusiasts.

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