CFP Format Approved
5+7 format
The CFP board of managers unanimously approved a new 12-team format Tuesday. The format will feature the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large participants for 2024 and 2025.
No conference will be guaranteed a berth, and there will be no limits on the number of participants from any conference.
The Pac-12 is expected to dissolve, leading to a vote on a new 12-team format. Initially, the format was set to include six conference champions and six at-large participants.
The new format will offer first-round byes to the top four ranked conference champions. The higher-ranked program will host the first-round matches, with No. 5 hosting No. 12, No. 6 playing No. 11, No. 7 hosting No. 10, and No. 9 visiting No. 8.
Quarterfinal and semifinal games are scheduled in New Year’s Six bowl games, while the CFP National Championship will remain a neutral-site contest.
Statement
“This is a very logical adjustment for the College Football Playoff based on the evolution of our conference structures since the board first adopted this new format in September 2022,” Dr. Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State and chair of the CFP Board of managers, said in a statement.
“I know this change will also be well received by student-athletes, coaches, and fans. We all will be pleased to see this new format come to life on the field this postseason.”
If Only A Year Earlier
Michigan, Washington, Texas, and Alabama would’ve received first-round byes last year under the new format. Florida State, which would’ve been the fifth-ranked conference champion, would’ve hosted Oklahoma. In addition, Georgia would’ve played Ole Miss, Ohio State and Penn State would’ve met in Columbus, and Missouri would’ve visited Oregon in the first round.