Notre Dame is in an interesting position with new CFP recommendations

TL;DR

The AFCA has proposed changes to the College Football Playoff, including a potential expansion to 24 teams and the elimination of conference championships. These changes could benefit Notre Dame's standing in college football.

Key points

AFCA recommends expanding College Football Playoff to 24 teams
Conference championships may be discontinued
CFP could end by the second week of January
Notre Dame could benefit from these changes
Jackson Vaughn is a top recruit for Notre Dame

Mentioned in this story

AFCA

Notre Dame Fighting IrishJackson Vaughn

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - DECEMBER 20: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish wait to take the field against the Indiana Hoosiers prior to the Playoff First Round game at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images Essentially, hump day is just running scissors out of the T-formation. Huddle up…

THE NEW COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF?

It feels like we are still in the create-a-player mode when it comes to the college football playoff. Every year there’s a tweak, or suggestion, or move — or something. In my own opinion, we should all just settle into what we have for at least a decade before another change happens, but like children, the power brokers in CFB are selfish and cry a lot about what they want. Anyways… the AFCA made some recommendations for the playoff and for how the regular season operates as well.

The coaches have spoken: In a vote last week, the AFCA Board swung its support behind (1) a playoff with the max participants (likely 24); (2) discontinuing conference championships; and (3) ending CFP by second week of January, they tell @YahooSports.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 5, 2026 Full statement from the AFCA pic.twitter.com/TzjFy5zRsr

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 5, 2026 So just to be clear… if this happens, for as bad as I think it would actually be for CFB, it is a massive win for Notre Dame from a PR perspective (among other things). What would the “join a conference” crowd do with all of their free time now that conferences are now reduced to being just convenient scheduling agreements?

MARCUS FREEMAN AS SHERRONE MOORE?

Shane Gillis (nation’s #1 ND fan) went on Bussin With The Boys with Taylor Lewan and Will Compton (nation’s #3 ND fan) and talked about how Marcus Freeman was almost on Saturday Night Live until something wild happened up north.

Q&A

What are the new College Football Playoff recommendations from the AFCA?

The AFCA recommends expanding the playoff to a maximum of 24 teams, discontinuing conference championships, and concluding the CFP by the second week of January.

How would the AFCA's recommendations impact Notre Dame's football program?

The proposed changes could enhance Notre Dame's public relations and competitive standing, especially for those advocating for the team to join a conference.

Who is Jackson Vaughn and why is he significant for Notre Dame's future?

Jackson Vaughn is a highly regarded blue-chip defensive lineman who has reclassified to 2027 and is considered a key recruit for Notre Dame's future success.