The CFP made modifications for its edition this season with slight settings in the final planting
The new format of 12 teams of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Return for its second edition with an adjustment in its rules: the four programs best classified by the Selection Committee-and not simply the conference champions-will be the ones who rest in the first round.
A nuance that seems less, but that can redefine the outcome of the season.
What left 2024
The premiere of the 12 team format was celebrated as the definitive opening of collegial American football for the largest number of matches. However, he also showed a defect after granting a week of rest to conference champions that when better classified teams were measured after the first round were practically eliminated without opposing resistance.
In summary, the break in the first round was counterproductive and the show lost brightness in the quarterfinals, so the CFP took note and made some changes.
The adjustment for 2025
The main modification was to give greater weight to the position in the classification above a conference title, so the four most consistent teams of the season will be the ones who receive the advantage of the break.
How the 12 CFP teams are chosen
The model remains extended from four to 12 teams, it is maintained, with slight modifications.
The five best classified conference champions have their guaranteed place
Seven more places are distributed for the best classified teams that did not win the title of their conference.
In this way, tradition is respected, but a competitive filter is guaranteed.
The route to the title
The teams planted from No. 1 to No. 4 rest in the first round.
The first round matches are played in the best planted team stadium:
(5) vs (12)
(6) vs (11)
(7) vs (10)
(8) vs (9)
Final and semifinal rooms will be played in the six main bowls.
The game for the National CFP Championship will be played on January 19 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The possible contestants
Favorites: Texas, Ohio State, Penn State y Georgia.
Solid candidates: Notre Dame Y Oregon.
They will fight until the end: Alabama, LSU and Miami.
The surprises: Arizona State and Florida State, ready to ruin the forecasts.
In 2025 the break will represent an award for the programs that were completed in the first places for their merits in the field, not a gift from the system to the champion of a conference that may not be part of the best teams in the nation.
Calendar CFP 2025-26
First round: December 19-20
Cuartos de final (Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl): December 31 and January 1
Semifinals (Bowl and Peach Bowl party): January 8 and 9
Game for the National CFP Championship: January 19
