As the college football world gears up for a historic shift with the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff format in 2024, excitement is palpable among fans and former players alike. Notably, two legends of the game, Charles Woodson and AJ Hawk, have thrown their support behind this transformative change.
Embracing the New Format
“Yeah, I am all in,” Hawk declared during a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast. “No matter how many teams you put in, there will always be teams left out that feel they should be there. But with 12 teams, it becomes a win-or-go-home situation, allowing teams to prove they’re the best on the field.”
Hawk’s enthusiasm is shared by Woodson, who believes the new format enhances the competition. “I think that’s always better than when a group of people votes on who the best team might be. Anytime you can play for it, I am absolutely all in favor,” Woodson echoed.
Reflecting on the Past
Of course, the journey to this moment has not been without its challenges. Woodson recalls the frustrations of previous systems that often left teams feeling overlooked. “Before, you go back through the timeline, … we didn’t have an opportunity to play Nebraska, which was also undefeated,” he reminisced.
This sentiment harkens back to a pivotal moment in college football history. Twenty-seven years ago, in a season before the BCS system took effect, Woodson’s Michigan Wolverines finished the regular season 12-0 and ranked No. 1. They entered the Rose Bowl against the Washington State Cougars, while the Nebraska Cornhuskers stood undefeated at No. 2, preparing to face Peyton Manning and the third-ranked Tennessee Volunteers in the Orange Bowl.
Both teams secured convincing victories, but the debate over the national champion raged on. The AP and Coaches polls split their votes, with the AP favoring Michigan and the Coaches opting for Nebraska. For Woodson, who won the 1997 Heisman Trophy as a cornerback, this split did little to settle the matter.
The Evolution of Championship Determination
The introduction of the BCS system aimed to alleviate some of these issues, but it was not without its own controversies. The BCS eventually paved the way for the four-team College Football Playoff format in 2014. Fast forward a decade, and we now find ourselves on the brink of a new era with the expansion to 12 teams, a change that could further evolve after the current contract expires in 2025.
Woodson is particularly enthusiastic about this new chapter. “Outside of those four teams, you always had a fifth or sixth team saying, ‘Hey, we’re good enough to win it.’ Now, the expanded CFP allows some of those teams who normally would be outside that window to have their opportunity,” he explained.
This is a game-changer for programs that have historically been on the fringes of the playoff conversation. “We’ll get to see a team, maybe it’s Boise State, that gets into the Playoffs. In years past, they might have had an undefeated season and said, ‘We’re one of the best teams.’ Now we’ll really get to find out how real their programs are when it comes down to it,” he added.
Looking Ahead
With the 12-team playoff format, the excitement around college football is at an all-time high. Fans are eager to see how this new structure will unfold and which teams will rise to the occasion. The opportunity for underdogs to make their mark on the national stage is a thrilling prospect that has many supporters, including Woodson and Hawk, buzzing with anticipation.
As we approach the 2024 season, the question on everyone’s mind is: how will this new playoff format change the landscape of college football? Will it lead to more thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes? One thing is certain: the stage is set for a more inclusive and competitive championship race, where teams will have the chance to prove themselves on the field.
In the end, the expansion to 12 teams is not just about adding more participants; it’s about creating a fairer and more exciting way to determine the national champion. With legends like Woodson and Hawk backing this change, the future of college football looks bright. The time has come for teams to step up, showcase their skills, and compete for glory in a way that has never been seen before. Get ready, college football fans—this is just the beginning of an exhilarating journey!
