The 2024-2025 season ushered in an era of change for college football with the advent of the 12-team playoff format. While this new approach provided thrilling moments and a broader field of competition, it’s clear that there’s still some room for improvement. So, what have we learned from this inaugural expanded playoff season?
Reseeding: A Necessary Adjustment?
A hot topic of debate is the need for reseeding. The current structure led to an intriguing yet controversial matchup right off the bat, as top-seeded Oregon faced a formidable Ohio State team in their opening playoff game. The intention behind ranking teams should be to reward regular season excellence, but with the current format, Oregon’s reward felt more like a challenge than an advantage. Implementing reseeding could ensure that the highest-seeded teams compete against lower-seeded opponents, thus placing greater emphasis on the regular season and adding value to those top spots.
Committee Conundrums: Clarity Needed
The selection process for playoff teams remains a complex puzzle with no one-size-fits-all solution. The burning question is whether the playoffs should feature the absolute best teams or the ones that thrived through the regular season. Take Alabama, for instance; their absence from the playoffs raised eyebrows. Ultimately, striking a balance between rewarding outstanding regular-season performances and recognizing overall team strength is paramount. Greater transparency and consistency in the selection criteria would set a clearer path forward.
Championship Monday: Time for a Change
One topic that stands out is the scheduling of the championship game. Traditionally held on Monday night, it raises questions about whether this timing truly benefits the sport’s massive audience. With college football’s widespread appeal, the championship showdown deserves a premier time slot that maximizes viewership. The idea of hosting the National Championship on New Year’s Day, a day already synonymous with football festivities, could be a winning proposition for all involved.
Final Thoughts
In its debut season, the 12-team College Football Playoff showcased the potential to enhance the sport’s competitive landscape. As with any new format, there’s a learning curve, and tweaking the system to address issues like reseeding, selection clarity, and game scheduling will only strengthen college football’s place on the sports calendar. The foundation laid this season suggests promising developments ahead as college football continues to capture the hearts of fans nationwide.
