The College Football Playoff Selection Committee has implemented a new 12-team playoff system that will change the game forever.

The format consists of the five conference champions ranked by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and the following seven best teams. The top four conference champions earn a first-round bye, and the fifth champion will be placed where it would initially be ranked (unless the team is ranked worse than 12th, in which case they would be slotted in the No. 12 spot). 

The other teams, seeded 5-12, will play against one another, and the higher-ranked team will host the lower-ranked team, which provides a home-field advantage in the playoffs for the first time ever.

Many people believe that the new playoff system will benefit teams because this format will allow new teams to compete from various conferences. Others say the new playoff system will make it to where even though a team loses one or two games, its season isn’t over. 

Another way it will benefit teams is because it can cause more competition and better atmospheres. “The 12-team playoff, to me, gives teams a lot more hope,” said Nick Saban, a seven-time national championship winner.

In addition, the new system also presumably helps individual players as well. For instance, many players who would not have otherwise made the playoffs can now showcase their talent on a national stage. Many top draft picks have proven themselves in the playoffs and boosted their draft stock. Now, more teams in the playoffs enables more players to make a name for themselves.

However, there are downsides to this new playoff system. One analyst claimed, “9 out of 10 times, the top five teams will be the ones in the final four.” This may be true because the top four conference champions get a first-round bye and will have more time to prepare for the upcoming game.

Another flaw is that players will be more worn out. Members from the Big Ten Network say, “A major downside is that players will be taking too many snaps.” This could amplify the risk of injury among players.

Homefield advantage will play a big part in this year’s playoff. In the past three years, 64% of games played were won by the home team. This proves the away team will have difficulty competing in the playoff games. On the other hand, the home-field advantage will be incredible for some teams. CFP executive Rich Clark said, “For some of these schools, it is the biggest game they’ve ever had at their campus.”

This addition will also make the season longer. In last year’s season, the college football playoffs started on Jan. 1, 2024, and ended on Jan. 8, 2024. 

With the new playoff, the first round will start on Dec. 20, 2024, and the National Championship will end on Jan. 20, 2025. 

The new College Football Playoff will be one of the most interesting ever. Every conference will be ready to compete, and once this year’s playoff is over, many questions will have been answered.