New York, November 23, 2025
The College Football Playoff (CFP) will expand to a 12-team format for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with the final field to be announced on Selection Day in early December 2025. This redesigned playoff system aims to increase access, reward conference champions, and heighten competition in college football’s postseason.
New Playoff Qualification System
Under the new structure, five automatic bids are awarded to the highest-ranked conference champions regardless of their specific conferences. The remaining seven slots are filled with the top-ranked teams that did not secure an automatic bid, known as at-large bids. There is no restriction on the number of teams from any one conference that can participate, allowing highly ranked non-championship teams to qualify as well.
The 13-member CFP Selection Committee determines weekly rankings by evaluating on-field performance, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and outcomes against common opponents. Their final rankings, crucial to playoff selection, are released on Selection Day each December.
Tournament Seeding and Format
The top four teams overall receive first-round byes, advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Teams seeded five through twelve compete in first-round matchups on the higher-seeded teams’ home fields, paired as follows: No. 5 vs. No. 12, No. 6 vs. No. 11, No. 7 vs. No. 10, and No. 8 vs. No. 9. Winners progress to the quarterfinals hosted by New Year’s Six bowl venues, followed by semifinals and the National Championship game in January.
Broader Impact and Strategic Significance
The expanded playoff format is designed to improve inclusivity, particularly for Group of Five and mid-major conference champions, historically underrepresented in the postseason. By emphasizing overall team rankings and allowing multiple teams from the same conference, the system seeks to balance rewarding conference success with recognizing overall strength, thus mitigating past controversies surrounding team selection and snubs.
For broadcasters, institutions, and policymakers, this shift signifies a considerable evolution in college football’s postseason commercial and competitive landscape. It is likely to generate increased viewership and revenue opportunities while fostering a more dynamic selection process.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Postseason
The final twelve teams for the 2025 College Football Playoff will be announced early December. First-round games are scheduled for December 20 and 21, with quarterfinals taking place in New Year’s Six bowl games. The semifinals and championship game will conclude the postseason in January 2026, providing a streamlined timeline for stakeholders and fans alike.
As the College Football Playoff continues to evolve, the expanded format aims to enhance fairness and excitement in college football’s pinnacle competition, setting a precedent for future seasons.