The CFP officially expands its reach as critics of the decision raise concerns about fairness and regular season turnout.
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 08: NRG Stadium with painted Washington and Michigan endzones and the CFB National Championship sign displayed in the background before the College Football Playoffs National Championship game Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies on January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) License #:
By Maliyah Simone, CRDN
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
According to the NCAA, a committee of university presidents approved a plan to change the format of the College Football Playoffs (CFP) by expanding the games to include twelve teams instead of four. This announcement signals a shift in the collegiate football landscape and gives fans a more inclusive and thrilling postseason. The decision comes after years of debate and discussion.
The expansion will begin in the 2024-2025 season and will reign in a new era of college football. As more teams are allowed to compete for the national championship, deserving programs will have the chance to give their top talent the ability to perform on the biggest stage and give them a higher chance to attract the attention of NFL recruiters.
Along with the anticipation of the expansion comes concerns about its impact on the regular season. Some speculate that the new focus on the postseason games will diminish the relevance of the regular season; therefore, impacting viewership. Among the critiques are those that say the expansion is an unfair one, raising questions about advantages given to teams from Power Five conferences.
On the other hand, those who support the decision say that the expansion will enhance the regular season by fostering a more competitive environment for players and fans alike. Proponents of the decision also say that the expansion may result in more opportunities for Group Five teams to compete in the national championship.
Key figures in the college football world have spoken out, expressing their support of the decision:
College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock stated, “This is a historic moment for college football. The expansion of the CFP will provide more opportunities for teams to compete for the national championship and create a more exciting postseason experience for fans.”
The college football regular season kicks off August 24th, 2024, with a game between Florida State and Georgia Tech. Fans can enjoy regular season games as they anticipate the CFP games spanning December 20th, 2024 – January 20th, 2025.