We have now officially completed the 2024-25 College Football Playoff. It was the first edition of the new extended twelve team format, going from four teams the year before. This has been a contentious change, as many argued that adding more teams would decrease the quality of the games.The expanded college football playoff is most certainly here to stay. There is too much money involved for the schools involved to push for a change. With that being said, was it a good idea?

We are firm believers in the expansion of the playoff. In an ideal world, I think that they should have started with 8 teams, but I understand why they made the jump to 12. Aside from the financial aspect, with conferences making 4 million dollars per every member school that is selected according to Forbes, the extended playoff puts more games on TV, increasing brand exposure for the players and teams. This is especially crucial for players, as the opportunity for them to make money increases with NIL deals and sponsorships. We have seen examples of players striking NIL deals because of big performances in big moments. More playoff games mean more big moments. 

There is a key thing that needs to change about the playoff though, and that is how the seeding works. The only people that can get the top four seeds, along with a first round bye for the playoff, are teams that have won their conference. This means teams don’t get seeded based on how good they are, but whether they won their conference. First, let teams that haven’t won their conferences be a 1-4 seed. While Boise State and ASU were very good teams, Ohio State, the eventual champions, were made the eight seed. That also makes it unfair for the teams with byes, and instead of facing weaker competition for their first game, they get thrown in against the top title contenders. Putting Ohio State and Texas into the higher seeds as they deserve also improves the quality of games. Tennessee vs. ASU and Clemson vs. Boise State would have been more competitive and entertaining games, matchups that have been promised by the CFB committees that brought the 12-team playoff into fruition. Without more competitive seeding, the playoffs will stay the same. We witnessed a few good games, but the trademark upset highlighted by other sports playoffs was missing.