• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Florida’s Federal Lawmakers Are Going After the College Football Playoff

  • On Thursday, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) asked the CFP to schedule a briefing with his office to explain FSU’s playoff omission.
  • Earlier this week, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote a letter demanding the CFP release internal communications.
Two federal lawmakers from Florida have asked the CFP for more transparency in its decision-making process after FSU's omission from the playoff.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has now caught the ire of multiple federal lawmakers from Florida over its omission of Florida State.

On Sunday, the CFP awarded its fourth spot to Alabama instead of FSU despite the Seminoles’ undefeated record and conference title. 

On Thursday, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) followed suit and asked the CFP Selection Committee to schedule a briefing with his office to explain. Bilirakis sent the request as chair of the House Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, which he noted has jurisdiction over “commercial practices, including sports-related matters.” 

“When there are millions of dollars hanging in the balance, and with many of these funds slated to support publicly funded schools, there must be more transparency in the process when deciding who is in and who is out,” Bilirakis said in a statement.

Bilirakis was referring to the millions of dollars the CFP awards to conferences based on their schools’ performance in the postseason, including New Year’s Six bowl appearances and the four-team CFP.

Curiously, he asked the NCAA to schedule a briefing even though it has no jurisdiction over the FBS football championship.

Bilirakis isn’t the only one. Earlier this week, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote the CFP a letter demanding that they release an explanation of their decision and internal communications like emails and text messages from the committee. (As governor of Florida, Scott had declared the UCF Knights champions when the CFP left them out of the playoff despite their undefeated record in 2017.)

Other state politicians have initiated actions of their own.

Governor Ron DeSantis has allocated $1 million of the state budget to aid FSU with litigation costs should it pursue a lawsuit. State lawmakers are discussing potential legislation to protest the decision, as Front Office Sports reported on Sunday.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sankey

SEC’s Sankey Blasts NCAA Plan to Allow Pro Sports Betting

NCAA athletes can bet on professional sports starting Nov. 1.

SEC Coaches Kiffin, Smart Question LSU’s Firing of Kelly: ‘Ridiculous’ 

Three SEC teams have fired their football coaches midseason.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks to an audience at Louisiana Tech University on Aug. 25, 2025.

Why Louisiana’s Governor Was Involved in the Brian Kelly Firing

Jeff Landry reportedly hosted a meeting at the governor’s mansion Sunday.
Brian Kelly

CFB Firings Tracker: LSU Owes Brian Kelly $53 Million

The sum owed Kelly slightly tops James Franklin’s at Penn State. 

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

College Football Coach Buyouts Are Not What They Seem

LSU will likely not have to pay Kelly the $53 million he has left on his contract.
October 26, 2025

Revenue-Sharing Era’s New Powers: Indiana, Georgia Tech, and Vandy

Indiana is the most notable, having ascended to No. 2.
October 26, 2025

LSU Ends Brian Kelly Era, $53M Buyout Negotiations Underway

The Tigers fell to 5–3 after losing to Texas A&M.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
October 26, 2025

Sarkisian, Kiffin Address Rumors As Coaching Carousel Spins Again

Reports are rampant about the coaches taking new jobs.
Azzi Fudd
October 24, 2025

Government Shutdown Moves UConn Season Opener Out of Germany

The shutdown is now on its 24th day.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
exclusive
October 24, 2025

Diego Pavia Is Trying to Kill NCAA JUCO Eligibility Rules for Good

Vandy’s QB is amending his own lawsuit to encompass all NCAA athletes.
Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell after losing the game to the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
October 23, 2025

CFB’s Chaotic (and Pricey) Coaching Carousel Only Getting Started

Firings have already accounted for roughly $116 million.