The College Football Playoff (CFP) Board of Managers has officially revised the format of the 12-team event to include the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large bids. This change, from the original “6+6” model, was unanimously approved by the board during a virtual meeting. The adjustment was introduced to account for the recent dismantling of the Pac-12 in the latest round of conference realignment.
The board is made up of 11 chancellors and presidents from each FBS conference, along with Notre Dame. The unanimous decision was made after months of delay at the request of the dwindling Pac-12, and it ensures that the five highest-ranked conference champions will be included in the expanded 12-team field, along with the next seven highest-ranked teams.
Washington State president Kirk Schulz, the Pac-12 representative on the board, had initially been the lone holdout on the change during the board’s most recent meeting. However, the unanimous vote in favor of the 5+7 format marks a significant step forward for the CFP committee as it prepares for the implementation of the new playoff structure this fall.
The adjustment to the 5+7 layout represents a critical shift in the CFP committee’s plans for the 12-team playoff. This decision comes after a virtual meeting of the 10 FBS commissioners and the Notre Dame president, Rev. John Jenkins. The vote for the new format had to be unanimous, and the Pac-12 had either previously abstained or requested a delay as it worked on determining its future following sweeping conference realignment.
With the 12-team format finalized, college football fans can look forward to a more inclusive playoff system that emphasizes the inclusion of conference champions while also allowing for at-large bids. This change is expected to increase the excitement and competitiveness of the playoff, as more teams will now have the opportunity to compete for the national championship.
As the CFP committee prepares for the implementation of the new playoff structure, the adjustments to include the highest-ranked conference champions and at-large bids will undoubtedly generate heightened interest and engagement among fans, players, and college football stakeholders. The 12-team playoff format promises to bring about a new era of excitement and anticipation as the sport continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of collegiate athletics.
