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Why does Notre Dame want a 24 team college football playoff?
TL;DR
Notre Dame supports expanding the college football playoff to 24 teams, although they prefer a 16-team model. The decision hinges on agreements between key conference commissioners.
Key points
- Notre Dame is a unique conference in college football.
- Expansion of the playoff was a key topic at the recent CFP meeting.
- Notre Dame prefers a 16-team playoff model.
- The decision requires agreement from key conference commissioners.
- ACC and Big 12 also support a 24-team playoff format.
Mentioned in this story
ACCBig 12Big TenTony PetittiGreg Sankey
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - DECEMBER 20: A detail of Playoff First Round logo during the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just like it used to be with conference realignment, every college football offseason now sees the potential for tweaks to the college football playoff. Notre Dame, as a conference unto itself, is a big part of these conversations and votes. Recently, they had their annual spring meeting for the CFP, and expansion to the playoff was (of course) one of the main topics.
According to a report by ESPN’s Heather Dinnich, Notre Dame is in favor of an expansion.
“Multiple sources have said the ACC, Big 12 and Notre Dame are leaning toward a 24-team field, though Notre Dame would still prefer a 16-team model. In order for the format to change after this season, though, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and Sankey have to agree on it because they have the bulk of control over it.”
Okay — but why?
Notre Dame is now operating under a MOU that states as long as the Irish are ranked #12 or better, they are in the college football playoff. This MOU was a big offseason topic for college football fans — many of which were angered by this special rule for Notre Dame.
But, we’re not here to talk about that. We’re here to talk about why the Irish would be in favor of expansion to a system they are already sitting in a good spot with for the foreseeable future.
This is just a theory, but I think there’s some weight to it… this is all about the regular season schedule, and some new challenges Notre Dame may be facing for the first time since the days of Yost. The college football national championship is the greatest prize in all of collegiate sports, and the fact that the Indiana Hoosiers (maybe the worst Power 4 program in history) just won it all may have rewired the thinking of presidents and athletic directors around the country. Basically… if IU can do it, maybe they (everyone else) can too.
Q&A
Why does Notre Dame want a 24-team college football playoff?
Notre Dame supports a 24-team playoff to increase competitiveness and inclusion in college football, although they prefer a 16-team model.
What are the main topics discussed in the recent CFP meeting?
The main topics included potential expansion of the college football playoff and the preferences of various conferences regarding the playoff format.
Who controls the decision on changing the college football playoff format?
The decision largely rests with Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, as they hold significant influence over the playoff structure.
What conferences are in favor of a 24-team playoff format?
The ACC, Big 12, and Notre Dame are reportedly leaning toward a 24-team playoff format.