Proposed Changes to College Football Playoff Format

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is considering a significant change for the 2025 season, potentially eliminating guaranteed first-round byes for conference champions. This follows a controversial inaugural playoff where teams like Boise State and Arizona State received top seeds despite lower rankings, leading to mismatched matchups. The proposed adjustment would still allow the top five conference champions automatic playoff bids, but their seeding would be determined by overall rankings, which requires unanimous approval from all stakeholders. Critics, including former Alabama coach Nick Saban, argue that the current format diminishes the chances of the best teams competing for the title. Discussions about the new format reflect a broader trend of continuous evolution within the playoff system, with future expansions also on the horizon. If approved, the changes could result in a more equitable bracket structure that better reflects team performance throughout the season.