As the College Football Playoffs (CFP) comes to an end, now is the time to reflect on the 2024 playoff season. On Jan. 20, Ohio State and Notre Dame played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, leaving Ohio State victorious. The playoff season has been composed of many blowouts and upsets, as well as a new team format.

The new playoff format increased the amount of teams in the bracket from four to 12, allowing more games to be played. The top four seeds are given to the conference champions. Seeds are based on the team’s win/loss record and strength of schedule, with the teams with the most wins getting a higher seed and a bye week. The conference champions are all included in the playoffs involving the SouthEastern Conference (SEC), Mountain West (MW), Big Ten (B10), Big Twelve (XII), and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The new system allows for more opportunities for teams to make it to the playoffs. This is a game-changer from the past format because previously, only four teams were invited. Giving more teams the opportunity to participate, including underdogs, is particularly advantageous for the smaller conferences.

Another benefit to the new system is that it gives the higher seed teams home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs, pleasing their passionate fanbases. This year teams with the home-field advantage included the University of Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, and Notre Dame.

While the new format has its advantages, it also has its flaws. One criticism is the fairness in scheduling. Teams in the more notable conference will always have more money, resources, and exposure. Teams in smaller conferences are at a disadvantage, but with enough work they can still make it to the top.

One team that has benefited from the new format is Southern Methodist University (SMU). Some critics say that teams like SMU did not deserve a spot in the playoffs considering how they played in the first round. SMU ended their season at Penn State with a 10-38 point game, but their overall season was a good one. This was SMU’s first year as an FBS school, the highest level of Division 1 football.

FCHS teacher and athletic coach Brandon Townes thinks the new 12-team playoffs has been a positive change. “It gives teams leeway to make the playoffs and win,” he said, noting that the format means that fans don’t have to see the same four teams each year. Otherwise, Townes said, “It gets boring after a bit.”