The first 12-team College Football Playoff culminates in an exciting showdown between two of college football’s most storied programs: No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 8 Ohio State. This championship game, set to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, is not just a battle for the title; it’s a clash of titans in the sport’s history. With both teams boasting impressive records—Ohio State at 13-2 and Notre Dame at 14-1—this matchup promises to be one for the ages.
Did the 12-team format deliver?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether this new playoff format has truly worked. The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff has certainly opened doors for more schools, allowing teams like the Buckeyes and the Irish to recover from earlier missteps in their seasons. Ohio State managed to bounce back from a tough loss to rival Michigan, while Notre Dame recovered from a disappointing Week 2 against Northern Illinois. This flexibility has led to a championship game featuring two of the top scoring defenses in the nation, setting the stage for a more competitive and entertaining contest than we’ve seen in recent years.
What we learned: The need for tweaks
While the 12-team format has been a resounding success, it’s clear that there are areas for improvement. Here are four key takeaways that could enhance the playoff experience moving forward. If these adjustments are made, the College Football Playoff could rival the excitement of the NFL playoffs.
No. 1: Properly seed the playoff field
One major issue that arose during this playoff was the seeding of teams. The College Football Playoff should maintain automatic berths for five conferences, but not guarantee first-round byes. By the final rankings, teams like No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Texas, and No. 4 Penn State should have been at the top. This would have resulted in more competitive first-round matchups, rather than the average margin of victory of 19.3 points per game that we witnessed.
The NFL’s playoff structure is well-understood and has been around long enough for fans to grasp. In contrast, the CFP’s seeding left many fans questioning the fairness of the matchups. Proper seeding could have made the first weekend of on-campus games much more thrilling.
No. 2: Host the first two rounds on campus
Imagine the atmosphere if the top four seeds could host their first-round playoff games at home. Oregon and Georgia, having dominated their conferences, could have taken advantage of their home-field advantage. The Ducks are 19-1 at home under coach Dan Lanning, while Georgia boasts a staggering 31-game home win streak. Would the outcomes have been different if these teams played in front of their home fans?
The tradition of the New Year’s Day Six bowl games is important, but the playoff format should reward the top seeds for their regular-season success. Perhaps a rotation of these bowl games could be implemented, allowing for a more balanced approach while still preserving the excitement of college football’s postseason.
No. 3: Shorten the playoff schedule
One of the most glaring issues with this year’s playoff was the extended timeline. Ohio State will face Notre Dame a staggering 51 days after their last game against Michigan. This lengthy break can diminish the excitement and momentum that teams build during the season. In contrast, the NFL’s playoff schedule is more compact, with teams playing just a few weeks after the regular season ends.
To improve the playoff experience, consider starting the regular season earlier or eliminating conference championship games. While the latter may be a tough sell, it’s worth questioning how much impact those games truly have. A streamlined playoff schedule, with games played on consecutive weekends, could help maintain the hype and energy leading up to the championship game.
No. 4: Make January 1 the CFP Super Bowl
Looking ahead to 2026-27, imagine if the College Football Playoff championship game were held on January 1. This date has a rich history in college football and would allow fans to enjoy the championship without interference from the NFL playoffs. The BCS championship game, which featured a thrilling matchup between USC and Texas in 2006, was played in early January and felt like a true celebration of college football.
By positioning the CFP championship game on New Year’s Day, it could reclaim its status as a marquee event, drawing in fans who appreciate both college and professional football. This change could create a unique atmosphere that allows fans to savor the excitement of college football without the distractions of the NFL playoffs.
The upcoming championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame is set to be a thrilling contest, and the excitement surrounding it is palpable. Fans are eager to see how these two powerhouse programs will perform on the national stage. While the 12-team playoff format has shown promise, implementing these tweaks could elevate the experience even further.
As we look to the future of college football, it’s clear that the passion for the game runs deep. The potential for growth and improvement is immense, and with the right adjustments, the College Football Playoff could become an even more exhilarating spectacle for fans everywhere. The journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see where it leads!
