The College Football Playoff (CFP) is undergoing a significant transformation for the 2025–26 season, shifting to a "straight seeding" model that prioritizes overall rankings over conference championships. This change aims to enhance fairness and competitiveness in the postseason structure.

🏈 What Is Straight Seeding?

Under the new format, the 12 teams selected for the CFP will be seeded strictly based on their final rankings by the CFP Selection Committee. The top four teams, regardless of conference affiliation, will receive first-round byes. This marks a departure from the previous system, where the four highest-ranked conference champions were guaranteed these byes.

While the top five conference champions will still earn automatic bids, their seeding will depend solely on their overall rankings, not their conference titles. 

🔍 Why the Change?

The adjustment follows the 2024–25 season, where all four top-seeded teams—Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State—were eliminated in their first playoff games, often by significant margins.  Additionally, teams like Notre Dame, which are independent and not part of a conference, were previously disadvantaged despite strong performances. 

CFP Executive Director Rich Clark stated that the change aims to "construct a postseason bracket that recognizes the best performance on the field during the entire regular season."

🏆 Implications for Teams

✅ Notre Dame and Independents

Independent teams like Notre Dame stand to benefit significantly. Previously, their lack of conference affiliation prevented them from securing a top-four seed and a first-round bye, regardless of their national ranking. Under the new model, if Notre Dame finishes in the top four, they will receive a bye, leveling the playing field. 

✅ Group of Five Programs

Teams from smaller conferences, such as Boise State, may find it more challenging to secure top seeds unless they achieve high national rankings. This change emphasizes overall performance and strength of schedule over conference championships. 

💰 Financial Considerations

While seeding practices are changing, substantial financial incentives remain in place for conference champions, who will continue to receive up to $8 million in payouts. However, a revised revenue distribution model will debut in 2026, providing base payments to conferences instead of performance-based rewards. 

🔮 Looking Ahead

This straight seeding model is set for the 2025–26 season, with discussions ongoing about potential further expansions or adjustments beyond that. The current CFP contract concludes after the 2025 season, opening the door for possible changes to the playoff structure in the future

The shift to straight seeding represents a move towards rewarding overall excellence in college football, ensuring that the most deserving teams, regardless of conference affiliation, have a fair shot at the national championship.