Coaches vote for key college football playoff, postseason changes

College football is in the middle of a transformative offseason. The NCAA has introduced rule changes, gambling scandals continue to surface, and now the sport faces major shifts in its postseason structure.

On Tuesday, college football coaches weighed in, setting the stage for sweeping changes to the College Football Playoff. Reports indicate that the AFCA board approved several measures that will shape the future of the postseason.

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In addition, conference championships appear to be nearing their end. So what exactly did the board approve, and how will these decisions impact the game?

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The Big 24?

Speculation has steadily grown around College Football Playoff expansion, and that expansion now appears likely—with a significant caveat.

The AFCA board approved an increase in playoff teams but also set a cap on participation. Reports suggest that the number will land at 24 teams.

The playoff system began with four teams in 2014 and recently expanded to 12. Expanding to 24 would introduce logistical challenges, such as managing bye weeks, but it would also open the door for teams like the 2025 Notre Dame squad, which would have qualified under this format.

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Still, questions remain: Is 24 too many, or will officials settle on a more moderate expansion to 14 or 16 teams?

Ryan Day, Will Howard and Ohio State are one win away from a national title.

When It’s All Over

The AFCA also approved a measure requiring the College Football Playoff to conclude by the second week of January. This year’s Indiana–Miami (FL) national title game took place in the third week of January.

This adjustment moves the schedule up by a week and establishes a clearer timeline for the postseason. It also gives the NCAA greater flexibility when planning future schedules.

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This decision may ultimately prove the most impactful, as it paved the way for the sport’s biggest change.

The End of Conference Championships

Coaches have decided to eliminate conference championship games altogether. They viewed this move as necessary to accommodate both playoff expansion and the new January deadline.

One of college football’s most storied traditions will now fade away. The decision has already sparked debate among coaches, media members, and fans.

Some argue that conference championships have lost their significance. Others believe their removal marks the end of true conference supremacy.

Historic matchups like Alabama vs. Georgia in 2018 and 2012, or Texas A&M vs. Kansas State in 1998, will no longer have a stage.

Did coaches make the right call, or have they changed college football for the worse?