Playoff stakes rise as SEC looms | JQJO

College football’s playoff picture tightened as debate rages over 8-2 Miami and Notre Dame, pitting head to head results against late season form. The columnist argues timing and venue should inform rankings while calling Notre Dame a potential swing team in an at large field that could deliver the SEC six bids, with selection metrics to better reward strength of schedule beginning in 2025. He outlines a fluid Heisman race led by Fernando Mendoza, Julian Sayin and Marcel Reed, and deems James Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech a fit as the ACC remains wide open.