Article Summary
A new College Football Playoff model featuring 16 teams, consisting of the top five conference champions and 11 at-large teams, is gaining support. The fate of this proposal hinges on several critical decisions, including the SEC’s choice between eight or nine conference games, and the need for clarity in the CFP ranking protocol. The new format deadline is set for December 1, and FBS commissioners are set to meet in June to discuss these issues.
What This Means for You
- Understanding the potential change to a 16-team playoff format and its impact on the college football landscape.
- Recognizing the significance of the SEC’s decision on the number of conference games and how it affects scheduling and team rankings.
- Staying informed about the need for clearer CFP ranking protocol and its potential influence on team selection and seeding.
- Monitoring the progress of discussions held by FBS commissioners which could lead to substantial changes in the playoff system.
16-team CFP model gaining traction as college football leaders consider next steps
A proposed 16-team College Football Playoff (CFP) model is gathering support, following the SEC spring meetings this week. However, the speed at which decisions can be made will be crucial, especially regarding the choice between the SEC staying at eight league games or moving to nine. A critical factor in these decisions is the need for clarity in the CFP selection committee’s ranking protocol, particularly as it relates to the determination of strength of schedule.
“I do think there’s a need for change,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey stated. “… How do you make those decisions? It’s hard, and we trust the committee to do that, and I respect the people in there, so this isn’t a criticism of the people. This is wanting to understand the decisions. We have to have better clarity on the criteria that inform those decisions.”
The 16-team format is favored by multiple ACC and Big 12 sources, while the Big Ten might be the only league pushing for automatic qualifiers. It remains to be seen if the SEC can reach a unified decision on the format. The Big Ten and SEC have significant control over the playoff’s format in 2026 and beyond, leading to challenges for the other conferences and Notre Dame.
“If we do want to have a national tournament, we do have to get everyone on the same page and everyone has to work together,” Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said.
People Also Ask About
- What is the proposed 16-team College Football Playoff model?
The proposal includes the top five conference champions and 11 at-large teams.
- Why is the SEC’s decision on the number of conference games important?
The decision affects scheduling and the strength of schedule for the ranking protocol.
- What is the deadline for determining the future CFP format?
The deadline is December 1.
- Which conferences support the 16-team CFP model?
The ACC and Big 12 have expressed support for the model.
Expert Opinion
The 16-team CFP model presents a more inclusive approach to determining the college football national champion, but its success depends on the ability of the conferences to work together and establish transparent criteria for evaluation. It remains to be seen if the Power 4 conferences can collaborate effectively to make the best decisions for the CFP format.
Key Terms
- College Football Playoff (CFP)
- 16-team format
- SEC
- Conference games
- CFP ranking protocol
- FBS commissioners
- Playoff expansion
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