College Football Playoff Power Struggle Intensifies Among Power 4 Conferences

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be highly contentious, with intense debates over College Football Playoff (CFP) selections, particularly between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten versus other conferences. Central to this conflict is the 'strength of schedule' metric, which the CFP committee recently adjusted to give more weight to games against strong opponents, though details on these changes remain vague. This controversy underscores broader tensions as the SEC and Big Ten aim to further distance themselves from conferences like the Big 12 and ACC. Beyond the politics, college football remains deeply embedded in American tradition, serving as a powerful cultural storyteller that connects generations through its rituals, pageantry, and stadium experiences. The sport also continues to be a major economic engine, with universities like those in Alabama generating significant revenue from merchandise and ticket sales during the season. Meanwhile, team dynamics are evolving with player transfers, such as Syracuse naming Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli its starting quarterback, signaling ongoing shifts in college football rosters.