College Football Playoff adopts straight seeding format
Tap title to read story
The College Football Playoff (CFP) will use a straight seeding format for the 2025 season, abandoning the previous system that prioritized conference champions. Teams will be seeded 1-12 based on the selection committee's rankings, with the top four receiving byes to the quarterfinals. This change follows criticism of last year's unbalanced bracket, which saw lower-ranked teams with tougher schedules disadvantaged. While top four conference champions will still receive $8 million this year, a new revenue-distribution system is planned for 2026. Further changes, including playoff expansion, are anticipated.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) will use a straight seeding format for the 2025 season, abandoning the previous system that prioritized conference champions. Teams will be seeded 1-12 based on the selection committee's rankings, with the top four receiving byes to the quarterfinals. This change follows criticism of last year's unbalanced bracket, which saw lower-ranked teams with tougher schedules disadvantaged. While top four conference champions will still receive $8 million this year, a new revenue-distribution system is planned for 2026. Further changes, including playoff expansion, are anticipated.
More context
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
