The College Football Playoff (CFP), the system used to determine college football's national champion, has undergone a significant transformation with its expansion to a 12-team format . This new structure officially began with the 2024-25 season, replacing the four-team format that had been in place for a decade . Approved by the CFP Board of Managers in 2023, the expansion aims to create a more balanced and inclusive competition, allowing more teams to contend for the national title and fostering a greater number of meaningful games 1. This expanded format is scheduled to run for at least the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with discussions for potential further expansion to 14 teams or more anticipated after 2025, upon the expiration of the current contract 2.
The inaugural year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), which concluded in January 2025, has garnered diverse feedback, characterized by significant successes, unexpected outcomes, and emerging challenges and controversies. The predominant sentiment indicates that the new format largely succeeded in delivering an exciting product for fans .
The first year of the expanded playoff was widely considered a success, featuring exciting games, memorable moments, and strong TV ratings 3. Fan interest in games was exceptionally high, demonstrating that the new format maintained the importance of the regular season while introducing an engaging playoff structure 4. A particularly acclaimed aspect was the success of first-round home games held on college campuses, such as Notre Dame's historic playoff victory at home, which received praise from both organizers and participants . The expanded field promoted inclusion, enabling teams from various regions to participate 3. Additionally, the new format ensured that more games held significant meaning late in the regular season, sustaining fan engagement . Viewership saw a substantial increase, with the most-watched quarterfinal game attracting 18.5 million viewers, and seven of the top eight most-viewed games of the season being CFP contests 5. This financial uplift is further solidified by ESPN's six-year, $7.8 billion deal for exclusive media rights through the 2031-32 season, which encompasses all rounds of the expanded playoff .
Despite the generally positive reception, several issues and criticisms have surfaced:
Seeding Flaws: A significant point of contention revolved around the seeding system, particularly concerning the automatic byes awarded to the top four conference champions. All four teams granted byes—Arizona State, Boise State, Georgia, and Oregon—subsequently lost their initial playoff games . Critics highlighted that Boise State (ranked ninth) and Arizona State (ranked twelfth) received higher seeds (third and fourth, respectively) than their final CFP rankings suggested, leading to concerns regarding competitive balance . The dominant performance of the No. 8 seed Ohio State, including a decisive victory against No. 1 Oregon, further underscored perceived flaws in the seeding methodology 3.
Automatic Qualifiers (AQ): The rule that grants automatic bids to the top five conference champions (comprising four power conference champions plus the top Group of Five champion) has drawn criticism 6. This system has the potential to allow lower-ranked or less competitive teams to secure spots over stronger Power Four contenders 6. For example, in the second year, an AAC champion with a considerably easier strength of schedule could potentially gain a spot over a team like Texas, which played the eighth-hardest schedule nationally but might be excluded 6. Some express concern that this approach could diminish the exclusivity and prestige of the playoff 7.
Competitive Balance and Strength of Schedule: Concerns have been raised that teams like Texas might be disadvantaged for scheduling challenging out-of-conference opponents if a single loss disproportionately impacts their playoff chances compared to teams with easier schedules 6. In the projected playoff field for the second year, only four out of 12 teams were ranked in the top 25 for strength of schedule 6. The expanded field also prompts questions about whether all 12 teams consistently represent championship contenders 3. Moreover, the financial benefits from the expansion are anticipated to disproportionately favor Power 5 conferences, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities 7.
Player Workload: The extended season, a consequence of additional playoff games, has led to concerns regarding increased player workload and the potential for more injuries. The SEC chief medical officer has indicated plans to adjust injury management protocols to address these issues 7.
Transfer Portal Chaos: The introduction of a new 15-day transfer window in mid-January, intended to minimize disruption, has inadvertently created new challenges. This window has necessitated earlier coaching changes and significantly impacted teams participating in the playoffs. For instance, in the second year, Ole Miss lost its head coach, Lane Kiffin, to LSU during its playoff run, alongside most of his offensive staff, which could jeopardize the team's performance and potentially lead to player departures 6. Proposed solutions include relocating or splitting the transfer window to mitigate these effects 6.
The CFP Management Committee, composed of conference commissioners and Notre Dame's athletic director, convened to discuss the inaugural year and potential adjustments . Discussions are expected to focus on seeding adjustments and the possibility of further expanding the playoff to 14 or 16 teams for the 2026 or 2027 seasons . Any immediate changes for 2026 would necessitate unanimous support 4. Beginning in 2026, the Big Ten and SEC will acquire weighted voting power, which could influence future format decisions in their favor 4. ESPN, as the media rights holder, is also anticipated to play a significant role in future format discussions 4. There is also uncertainty regarding how ongoing NCAA governance changes might affect CFP decisions 4. Some experts advise against making hasty changes, arguing that the inaugural year defied many expectations, and more data is required to make informed adjustments 3.
The expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) is undergoing substantial financial restructuring, driven by new media rights agreements and evolving revenue distribution models that will significantly impact the 2024, 2025 seasons, and beyond.
ESPN has secured a new six-year, $7.8 billion contract with the College Football Playoff, ensuring its position as the sole media rights holder through the 2031-32 season 8. This agreement substantially increases ESPN's investment, extending its coverage to include all four new first-round games for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, which are the final two years of the existing 12-year agreement 8. Starting in the 2026-27 season, the new six-year agreement will cost $1.3 billion annually and grants ESPN exclusive rights to all rounds of the expanded playoff, along with associated programming such as the CFP selection show and weekly Top 25 rankings 8. The CFP National Championship game will also be broadcast on ABC in addition to ESPN's MegaCast presentation from 2026-27 onwards 8. ESPN retains the option to sublicense certain games, although a decision on this has not yet been made 8.
The financial models for revenue distribution vary significantly between the immediate future (2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons) and the long-term (2026 and beyond).
For the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years, a specific revenue distribution model is in effect. Conferences receive $300,000 for each school whose football team meets the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate (APR) for postseason play, with independent institutions also receiving this amount 9. Financial incentives are also tied to playoff participation and advancement:
| Achievement | Payout per Team (to Conference) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Playoff Qualification | $4 million | |
| Playoff Quarterfinals | additional $4 million | |
| Playoff Semifinals | $6 million | |
| National Championship Game | additional $6 million |
Additionally, each conference with a participating team receives $3 million per round to cover expenses . Based on calculations from the 2024-25 season, conferences whose champions participate in the Orange, Rose, or Sugar bowls received approximately $93.07 million, including a base amount combined with the full academic performance pool 9. The five conferences without contractual ties to these major bowls collectively received approximately $116.09 million 9. Notre Dame received $5.38 million for meeting the APR standard, while other independent institutions shared $0.68 million 9. Conferences in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) received an aggregate of approximately $3.33 million 9.
A new revenue distribution plan, synchronized with the new media rights deal, will significantly alter payouts starting in 2026 . This model codifies a further financial separation between the Big Ten and SEC and other conferences . The new revenue shares are structured as follows:
| Conference/Group | Percentage of Total Revenue | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SEC | 29% | 10 |
| Big Ten | 29% | 10 |
| ACC | 17.1% | 10 |
| Big 12 | 14.7% | 10 |
| Notre Dame | ~1% | 10 |
| Group of Five | ~9% (collectively) | 10 |
This new structure represents a significant departure from the previous model, where power conferences equally split 80% of the CFP's roughly $460 million in annual revenue, with the Group of Five receiving about 19% 10.
The new distribution model is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits, particularly for the leading conferences. Schools in the SEC are projected to see their annual distribution from the CFP triple or quadruple, reaching around $23 million 10. Similarly, Big Ten schools are expected to receive between $20 million and $21 million annually 10. These figures mark a drastic increase from the nearly $5.5 million that Power 5 schools currently receive 8.
| Conference/Institution | Projected Annual Distribution (2026+) | Current Annual Distribution (approx.) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEC schools | ~$23 million | ~$5.5 million (Power 5) | |
| Big Ten schools | $20-21 million | ~$5.5 million (Power 5) | |
| ACC schools | >$13 million | ~$5.5 million (Power 5) | 8 |
| Big 12 schools | >$12 million | ~$5.5 million (Power 5) | 8 |
| Notre Dame | >$12 million | N/A (independent) | 8 |
| Group of Five schools | ~$1.8 million | $1.5 million | 8 |
ACC schools are anticipated to receive over $13 million annually, while Big 12 schools will get more than $12 million each 8. Notre Dame is also expected to receive over $12 million annually, with additional financial incentives for any independent team that qualifies for the CFP 8. Group of Five schools will see their annual payments increase from the current $1.5 million to just under $1.8 million 8.
The new financial model and potential playoff expansion scenarios raise significant concerns regarding competitive balance and the impact on smaller programs. The explicit financial separation of the Big Ten and SEC from other conferences due to the new revenue plan is a critical development 8. Leaders of Group of Five leagues have expressed frustration over the removal of the CFP participation bonus for their conferences 8.
There is considerable momentum within the SEC and Big Ten to further expand the playoff to 14 or 16 teams, assigning themselves multiple automatic qualifiers, potentially up to four each 10. This strategy would further entrench their financial advantage and control over the playoff format starting in 2026 10. A proposed 14-team format, structured as "4-4-2-2-1+1" (four automatic qualifiers each for SEC and Big Ten, two each for ACC and Big 12, one for the highest-ranked Group of Five champion, plus one at-large spot for Notre Dame if ranked highly), aligns with historical conference strength but faces opposition from many administrators in the Big 12 and ACC due to the perceived lopsided access 10. Group of Five leaders are prepared to advocate for expanded access beyond their single automatic spot 10. Even ESPN executives have expressed apprehension about a playoff format with such disproportionate automatic access, fearing it could alienate parts of the country 10.
Further revenue-generating initiatives are also under consideration by the dominant conferences. The SEC is considering moving to nine conference games, potentially seeking over $5 million per school annually from ESPN, a move linked to securing playoff spots and generating more revenue 10. Discussions are also underway for a scheduling agreement between the SEC and Big Ten to pit their teams against each other in annual games, which could be sold as a separate television package worth millions annually 10. The increased revenue and guaranteed playoff spots for top conferences could diminish the value of traditional conference championship games, potentially leading to new formats such such as play-in games for automatic berths 10. These maneuvers reflect an ongoing effort to generate revenue and consolidate power within college athletics, especially as direct revenue sharing with athletes becomes a reality 10.
The 12-team playoff format for 2024 and 2025 includes five automatic qualifiers from the highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large bids 8. For 2026 and beyond, while at least 12 teams are confirmed, the exact number and qualification criteria remain undecided, though a 14-team field is being considered 8. The new media deal includes provisions for both 12- and 14-team models, as well as a mechanism for further expansion beyond 14 teams 8. However, the SEC and Big Ten now hold sole discretion over the future playoff format from 2026 10.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) officially transitioned from a four-team structure to an expanded 12-team format beginning with the 2024-25 season . This new system is set to operate for at least the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with potential for further expansion after 2025 upon the expiration of the current contract 2. The CFP Board of Managers approved this expansion in 2023, reversing an earlier decision to delay changes until 2026 2. The primary objective of the 12-team playoff is to establish a more balanced and inclusive framework, enabling a greater number of teams to vie for the national title and fostering more impactful regular-season games 1.
A total of 12 teams are selected by the 13-member CFP selection committee . The qualification process is structured as follows:
The seeding process for the 12-team playoff varies slightly between seasons:
The playoff comprises three distinct rounds leading to the National Championship Game:
The schedule for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff season is outlined below (All times Eastern) :
| Game | Date | Time | Location / Networks |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round (One Game) | Fri, Dec 19, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. | On Campus (ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| First Round (Three Games) | Sat, Dec 20, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. | On Campus (ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| 3:30 p.m. | On Campus (TNT, truTV, HBO Max) | ||
| 7:30 p.m. | On Campus (TNT, truTV, HBO Max) | ||
| Quarterfinal (Cotton Bowl) | Wed, Dec 31, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. | Arlington, Texas (ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| Quarterfinal (Orange Bowl) | Thu, Jan 1, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Miami Gardens, Florida (ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl) | Thu, Jan 1, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Pasadena, California (ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| Quarterfinal (Sugar Bowl) | Thu, Jan 1, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | New Orleans, Louisiana (ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| Semifinal (Fiesta Bowl) | Thu, Jan 8, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Glendale, Arizona (ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| Semifinal (Peach Bowl) | Fri, Jan 9, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Atlanta, Georgia (ESPN, WatchESPN) |
| National Championship | Mon, Jan 19, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (ESPN, WatchESPN) |
The CFP selection committee comprises 13 members, who bring diverse backgrounds as coaches, players, college administrators, athletic directors, and journalists . This committee convenes weekly during the latter part of the regular season to generate rankings, which are subsequently announced on ESPN . For the 2025-26 season, ranking announcements are scheduled for Tuesdays in November, culminating in Selection Day on Sunday, December 7 .
The criteria utilized by the committee to rank teams include:
The voting process involves multiple ballots. Initially, each committee member compiles a list of their top 30 teams . Teams that appear on three or more members' lists then proceed to further consideration 12. Voting is conducted via secret ballot, and members with conflicts of interest (e.g., direct ties to a school under discussion) are recused from voting on that specific team 2. Each week's ranking process begins afresh, without giving undue weight to the selections made in prior weeks 2.
This new 12-team playoff structure for the 2024 and 2025 seasons represents a significant evolution in determining college football's national champion, aiming to enhance both fairness and overall excitement in the sport.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has undergone its most significant transformation yet with the expansion to a 12-team format, implemented starting with the 2024-25 season . This new structure, replacing the decade-old four-team playoff, aims to foster a more balanced and inclusive competition, allowing more teams a legitimate path to the national title and enhancing the significance of regular-season games 1. Key features include automatic bids for the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large selections by the 13-member CFP selection committee, with the top four seeds receiving a first-round bye . This monumental shift is underpinned by a new, substantial media rights deal with ESPN, significantly impacting the financial landscape of college football 8.
The inaugural year of the expanded 12-team CFP, concluding in January 2025, largely delivered on its promise, providing an exciting product for fans and generating "off the charts" interest . Positive outcomes included exciting games, memorable moments, and strong TV ratings, with seven of the top eight most-viewed games of the season being CFP contests . The success of first-round home games on college campuses was particularly lauded by organizers and participants, creating a unique atmosphere . However, the initial year also highlighted several challenges and controversies. Criticisms emerged regarding seeding flaws, as all four bye teams lost their first playoff games, and lower-ranked conference champions sometimes received higher seeds than their overall ranking suggested . The automatic qualifier (AQ) rule, which grants spots to the top five conference champions, has also been scrutinized for potentially prioritizing less competitive teams over stronger at-large contenders, raising concerns about competitive balance 6. Additionally, the expanded schedule intensified concerns about player workload, injuries, and the disruptive impact of the mid-January transfer portal window on participating teams .
Financially, the landscape of college football is being reshaped by ESPN's six-year, $7.8 billion exclusive media rights deal through the 2031-32 season 8. This massive investment ushers in a new revenue distribution model from 2026, which codifies a stark financial separation, particularly favoring the Big Ten and SEC, each slated to receive 29% of the total revenue 10. This translates to projected annual distributions for SEC schools tripling or quadrupling to around $23 million, and Big Ten schools receiving $20 million to $21 million annually, a drastic increase from previous figures 10. While ACC and Big 12 schools will also see increased payouts, and Group of Five schools will see a modest rise, the explicit financial disparity and the removal of the CFP participation bonus for Group of Five leagues highlight a significant consolidation of power and wealth within the top conferences .
Looking forward, the future of the College Football Playoff is characterized by both immense opportunity and potential challenges. The current 12-team format is confirmed for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, but discussions are already underway regarding further expansion to 14 or 16 teams after 2025, when the current contract expires . The SEC and Big Ten, armed with increased financial leverage and weighted voting power from 2026, are pushing for models that would secure multiple automatic qualifiers for their leagues, further entrenching their control over the playoff format 10. While some proposals, like a 4-4-2-2-1+1 model (four AQs each for SEC/Big Ten, two each for ACC/Big 12, one for G5 champion, plus one at-large), align with historical conference strength, they face opposition from other conferences wary of lopsided access .
Addressing player welfare, including increased workload and the timing of the transfer portal window, will be crucial as the playoff expands . The new financial incentives may also lead to further strategic realignments and scheduling agreements, such as potential annual SEC vs. Big Ten matchups, aimed at securing more playoff spots and revenue 10. This pursuit of revenue and guaranteed playoff berths for top conferences could diminish the value of traditional conference championship games, potentially leading to new formats or even their re-evaluation 10. The ultimate challenge lies in balancing the drive for revenue and competitive advantage with maintaining a broad appeal, competitive integrity across all divisions, and ensuring a sustainable model for the sport amidst an evolving landscape that now includes direct revenue sharing with athletes 10. While the expanded CFP has generated excitement, its long-term success will hinge on how effectively it navigates these complex dynamics to foster a championship system that truly reflects the spirit and competitive balance of college football.