According to a report from ESPN’s Heather Dinich, leaders from the College Football Playoff are meeting in Dallas on Thursday to discuss a straight seeding model for the playoff that could go into effect as early as this season.
In a post on X, Dinich said that there is strong support for the model to be implemented this fall, but does add that the five highest-ranked conference champions would still be included.
“CFP leaders are meeting in Dallas today, where multiple sources indicated there’s strong support to move to a straight seeding model this fall while continuing to include the five highest ranked conference champs,” Dinich writes. “There are some, though, who want to tie that discussion into 2026, as the commissioners are expected to have more substantive talks about the format in 2026 and beyond.
“How that conversation unfolds will determine if they can reach the unanimity required – and if it happens today.”
The move would be significant, as a straight seeding model would mean the top four seeds would not be reserved for the highest-ranked conference champions. Rather, it would base the entire 12-team field solely on the selection committee’s rankings.
Now, the five highest-ranked conference champions would still be in the field, but there might be three or four teams from the Big Ten and SEC before we see the Big 12 champion in the field.
There have been ongoing discussions about the format change, and it appears we could be on the verge of seeing it happen — but will it be what’s best for all of college football?
