The College Football Playoff expansion to 14 teams in 2026 remains a topic of discussion among college football leaders. As the inaugural 12-team playoff approaches its first round on December 20-21, the conversation about potential future changes continues to evolve.
Clark stated, “The commissioners will evaluate whether 14 is a better number after observing the results of this playoff. How can we improve? Keeping it at 12 is also on the table.” This indicates a willingness to adapt based on the outcomes of the current playoff format.
On Sunday, the teams vying for the College Football Playoff National Championship were announced. The lineup includes notable programs such as Indiana, Notre Dame, SMU, Penn State, Clemson, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, Boise State, Arizona State, Oregon, and Georgia.
[Related: 2024-25 College Football Playoff: Complete bowl schedule, dates, TV channels]
In this year’s playoff format, the top four-seeded teams receive a bye week, while the remaining eight teams compete in the first round for a chance to advance to the semifinals.
Despite the excitement surrounding the 12-team expansion, the selection committee faces criticism for excluding teams like Alabama in favor of SMU, raising questions about the criteria used for selection.
Greg Byrne, Alabama’s Director of Athletics, expressed his disappointment via his X account, stating, “I felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country.” He emphasized the challenges faced during the season and highlighted the need for clarity on how strength of schedule is evaluated by the CFP.
Byrne added, “We must now consider how many Power 4 non-conference games make sense to enhance our chances for CFP participation. This situation is not beneficial for college football.” However, he remained optimistic about finishing the season strong, praising the leadership of Coach DeBoer and the team’s resilience.
The playoff will culminate in the CFP National Championship Game on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, marking a significant event for college football fans.
Before the playoff action begins, readers are encouraged to explore RJ Young’s CFP predictions and insights, which provide valuable perspectives on the upcoming games.
