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League: NCAAFSport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Opinion: College Football Playoff format risks missing major teams

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 8:48 AM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Opinion: College Football Playoff format risks missing major teams
Summary

The two-team playoff expansion to 12 teams includes a risk of high-profile teams like Texas and Notre Dame missing out. The current setup allows for more access while maintaining stakes in the regular season. Historical trends suggest that even top-ranked teams can fall short and face elimination from playoff contention. Conference leaders are still discussing the possibility of a 20-team format, though opinions on the ideal playoff size vary widely. The exploration of playoff expansion continues, but advocates for the 12-team format argue it strikes a balance between competition and access.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •12-team playoff risks excluding top teams like Texas and Notre Dame.
  • •A 20-team format is being discussed among conference leaders.
  • •The current playoff system keeps regular-season games meaningful.
  • •Historical performance indicates that high-ranked teams can miss playoffs.
  • •Opinions on playoff expansion vary across conference leaders.
Latest Updates
  • 8:48 AMYahoo Sports — Best thing about 12-team Playoff? Texas, Notre Dame can miss it | Opinion
What they're saying
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What makes 12 teams the right number for College Football Playoff? That Texas and Notre Dame can still miss out.

Related Teams & Leagues
NCAAFCollege Sports

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