In the world of college football, the dream of making it to the College Football Playoff (CFP) has always been reserved for the top programs. These powerhouse teams have historically dominated the playoffs, leaving smaller programs on the sidelines. However, in a groundbreaking move, the CFP has announced its expansion to 12 teams starting in 2024, giving smaller programs a chance to compete on the biggest stage.
This expansion has been a long time coming for programs that have been living on the margins of college football. For years, these schools have been fighting for recognition and respect, often being overlooked in favor of bigger and more established programs. But with the new CFP format, the door has finally cracked open for these underdog teams to make their mark on the national stage.
The new format will see the five highest ranked conference champions earn automatic bids to the playoffs. This means that teams from the Group of Five (G5) conferences, which include the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, and Sun Belt Conference, will have a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. This is a huge win for these smaller conferences, who have long been overshadowed by the Power Five conferences.
But the expansion doesn’t stop there. The remaining seven spots will go to the highest ranked teams, regardless of conference affiliation. This means that even teams from smaller conferences will have a chance to earn a spot in the playoffs based on their performance and rankings. This is a major shift from the previous format, which only allowed for four teams to compete in the playoffs.
The most exciting part of this expansion is the opportunity it presents for a true underdog to make a run for the national championship. In the past, it was almost impossible for a G5 team to make it to the playoffs, let alone win the championship. But with the new format, the playing field has been leveled, giving these teams a fair chance to compete against the top programs in the country.
This historic move by the CFP comes at a time when college football is undergoing major changes. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes. This has opened up new opportunities for players to profit from their talents and has leveled the playing field in terms of recruiting. With the CFP expansion, G5 schools now have an even greater chance to attract top talent and compete with the big boys.
One G5 school that has already taken advantage of the NIL rights is the University of Cincinnati. The Bearcats recently signed a $7 million deal with a local company, giving their players the opportunity to earn money through endorsements. This is a huge win for the program and shows the potential for G5 schools to benefit from the new CFP format.
Analysts have already started predicting which G5 schools could make a Cinderella run in the expanded CFP. Teams like Cincinnati, UCF, and Boise State have consistently performed well in recent years and could potentially upset the top programs in the playoffs. This is a dream come true for these underdog schools, who have been fighting for recognition and respect for so long.
The CFP expansion is a game-changer for college football. It not only gives smaller programs a chance to compete for a national championship, but it also brings more excitement and unpredictability to the playoffs. Fans will now have the opportunity to see new teams and matchups in the playoffs, making the sport even more thrilling and competitive.
In conclusion, the CFP expansion is a historic moment for G5 schools and the world of college football. It has opened up new opportunities for underdog programs to compete against the top teams in the country and has given them a chance to make their mark on the national stage. With the addition of NIL rights, the playing field has been leveled, and the potential for a true Cinderella story in the playoffs is now a reality. The future of college football is brighter than ever, and G5 schools are ready to make the most of this golden opportunity.