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College Football's Big Change: Why 24 Teams Should Play

USATuesday, December 9, 2025
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The Current 12-Team Playoff System

College football is at a crossroads. The current 12-team playoff system is leaving teams and fans frustrated.

Notre Dame's Dilemma

Take Notre Dame, for example. They had a great season but didn't make the cut. Instead of playing in a bowl game, they decided to sit out the postseason. This decision has caused some tension between Notre Dame and the ACC.

The Need for Change

The issue goes deeper than just one team. Many believe the 12-team model is outdated. It doesn't give enough teams a fair shot at the national title.

Proposal: 24-Team Playoff

That's why there's talk about expanding the playoff to 24 teams. This would include:

  • Automatic spots for the top teams from major conferences
  • Some at-large picks

Benefits of the 24-Team Model

Imagine how exciting it would be to see more teams compete for the national title. It would:

  • Make the sport more inclusive
  • Give fans more reasons to cheer
  • Add more home games, making it even more special for the teams and their supporters

How Would It Work?

The top four teams from each major conference would automatically qualify. The best two teams from smaller conferences would also get automatic bids. The remaining six spots would be chosen by a selection committee.

Impact on the Sport

This new format would:

  • Give more teams a chance to prove themselves
  • Make every game matter more, especially those rivalry matchups
  • Make the road to the national title more exciting and unpredictable

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