The College Football Playoff (CFP) management committee has opted to maintain the current 12-team format for the upcoming season, avoiding a potential expansion to 16 or more teams. Executive Director Rich Clark emphasized the decision as a strategic pause to “better assess the need for potential change,” following a weekend of discussions that ended without a consensus.
Although the number of teams remains unchanged, the committee introduced some notable adjustments. Notre Dame is now assured a playoff spot if it ranks within the top 12, and automatic bids have been confirmed for the Power Four conference champions: Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12.
Last season’s playoff bracket excluded the ACC champion, Duke, and Notre Dame, which was ranked 11th but surpassed by Miami. Tulane and James Madison, champions from the Group of Six, secured playoff spots, ranking higher than Duke.
The expansion debate continues, with the SEC and other conferences advocating for a 16-team format favoring at-large berths. Meanwhile, the Big Ten proposed a model with 24 or more teams, emphasizing automatic qualifications. The existing agreement gives the SEC and Big Ten substantial influence, maintaining the status quo for now, in line with ESPN’s six-year, $7.8 billion broadcasting deal starting next season.
Clark noted, “While they all agree the current format has brought more excitement to college football and has given more schools a real shot in the postseason, another year of evaluation will be helpful.”
The playoff structure remains the same, with the initial round for seeds five through twelve held on college campuses, while the final three rounds will take place at traditional bowl venues. The 2027 final is scheduled for Las Vegas on January 25.
In the past season, the Oregon team traveled over 11,500 miles to compete in both the Orange Bowl and Peach Bowl. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has expressed interest in potentially hosting quarterfinals on campuses, citing the more vibrant atmosphere, though no decisions have been made.
Winners and Losers in the New Arrangement
Notre Dame emerged as a significant beneficiary from the revisions. Previously excluded after being leapfrogged by Miami, this change ensures their future participation if they rank appropriately. Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s athletic director, criticized the ACC’s support for Miami, suggesting it skewed the competitive balance.
The ACC and other less dominant Power Four conferences gained a win with guaranteed inclusion of their champions, regardless of ranking. Conversely, this arrangement is less favorable for Group of Six teams, although James Madison and Tulane’s playoff losses, totaling 92-44, did not bolster their case.
As conferences explore the implications of nine-game league schedules on selection criteria and strength of schedules, the SEC, Big 12, and most ACC teams are transitioning to this model by 2026, joining the Big Ten, which has long adopted it.
___
Stay updated with poll alerts and the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. More on AP college football: AP Top 25 College Football Poll and College Football Hub.
