• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 21, 2024

New Era, New Chaos? New CFP Team Rankings Explained

The new College Football Playoff system’s complexities might confuse some college football fans.

Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

The College Football Playoff will reveal its first team rankings of the expanded 12-team era Tuesday night, and chaos may not be far behind. 

Many fans could be confused—at least initially—by the intricate new system, which includes crucial new revenue opportunities for schools that reach the postseason bracket.

The New Format

Just like in previous years, the CFP selection committee will reveal its top 25 teams each Tuesday throughout the remainder of the season, culminating with the first 12-team Playoff bracket to be revealed on Dec. 8. But things won’t be as simple as just looking at the top 12 teams and moving on.

At the end of the season, the 12 participating CFP teams will be the five conference champions (in all likelihood the Power 4 champions and one Group of 5 champion) ranked highest, plus the next seven highest-ranked teams. The four highest-ranked conference champions will get first-round byes, even if one or multiple non-conference champions are ranked above them. That means multiple teams inside the top 12 could be left out of the CFP. There will be no re-seeding after the first round (the No. 1 seed will play the winner of the No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup, etc.).

A Hidden Advantage?

Teams seeded fifth through eighth will host first-round Playoff games on campus in December. But the CFP will collect all revenue from ticket sales and redistribute it to the conferences, according to The Athletic. However, schools will get to keep the money made from other game-day revenue sources like concessions and parking. 

Bowl Season executive director Nick Carparelli previously told Front Office Sports that he would like to see all CFP matchups played at neutral-site bowl games, which will be the case from the quarterfinals on. The quarterfinals will be played in the Fiesta, Peach, Rose, and Sugar bowls.

Dollars and Cents

While debates will no doubt ensue about the best 12 teams on the field, there will be major financial implications off the field:

  • Conferences will receive $4 million for each school that makes the CFP and for each school that qualifies for the quarterfinal. That’s an $8 million guarantee for the conferences with schools receiving first-round byes.
  • Conferences will receive another $6 million for each school that reaches the semifinals and each school that plays in the national championship game.

In total, that’s $116 million distributed to conferences with teams in the CFP. Teams also get $3 million to cover expenses for each round. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; McLaren F1 Team driver Oscar Piastri of Australia (81) during free practice at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Welcomes Second Chapter of Polarizing Las Vegas Grand Prix

Both championship battles have yet to be clinched entering the Las Vegas race, which was not the case last year.

Old Rivals, New Stakes: Notre Dame and Army to Clash in Yankee..

The two schools are playing for the first time since 2016.
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis acknowledges a fan before the start of a game between the Raiders and the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.

Mark Davis to Unload More of the Raiders

He’s agreed to give 15% to new owners, shortly after the Brady sale.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Who Can Actually Afford Juan Soto?

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
November 15, 2024

Executive Decision: When Richard Nixon Named a College Football Champion

In 1969, the 37th president unilaterally named the winner of the season.
Geno Auriemma

Geno Auriemma Becomes All-Time Winningest NCAA Basketball Coach

He took the record from Tara VanDerveer, who set it in January.
November 20, 2024

Sparks Turn to College Ranks: Utah’s Lynne Roberts Named Head Coach

The Atlanta Dream hired Karl Smesko last week.
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field.
November 20, 2024

Prime Time: Colorado Now Favored to Win Big 12, Eyes CFP Berth

Colorado is No. 16 in the latest CFP rankings.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 18, 2024

Louisiana Governor’s PAC Paid for Controversial LSU Tiger

Jeff Landry’s backers funded the tiger that appeared at Alabama-LSU.
November 18, 2024

The WBD-NBA Settlement’s Ripple Effect on College Sports

WBD’s networks will air Big 12 football and men’s basketball games.
Sen. Ted Cruz is introduced by former President Donald Trump at a rally at Million Air, a private airplane terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Friday October 25, 2024.
November 15, 2024

Sen. Ted Cruz Promises College Sports Bill As Commerce Chair

The NCAA could be one step closer to its goals in Congress.
November 14, 2024

Lawsuit Seeks to Bar Volleyball Player From Mountain West Conference Tournament

The suit comes after several San Jose State opponents have forfeited.