In a recent interview, the original architects of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) discussed the upcoming changes and the potential impact on the sport as a whole. The expansion, set to debut in 2024, will not only increase the number of national championship contenders but also bring about significant shifts in the college football landscape.

According to Bob Bowlsby, former Big 12 commissioner and one of the key figures behind the expanded playoff, the addition of eight more teams will create an unprecedented level of hype and excitement. He predicts that by November 1 of any given season featuring the 12-team playoff, there will be around 30-35 teams vying for the 12 coveted playoff spots. This increased competition will help address the perception that college football has been dominated by a select few elite teams, making the sport more inclusive and engaging for fans across the country.

Craig Thompson, former Mountain West commissioner and another original architect, emphasized that the expanded playoff will lead to record TV ratings and higher attendance. He dismissed the notion that this change would "ruin" college football, highlighting that it marks the beginning of a new era and a new generation of the sport.

One of the major implications of the expanded playoff is that it will provide an opportunity for non-traditional teams, often referred to as "Cinderellas," to compete for national championships. Under the 12-team format, teams such as Air Force, Tulane, Liberty, Missouri, Ole Miss, Louisville, Oregon State, Utah, Kansas State, and Fresno State would have been in contention for a playoff spot this season. This increased access for less-established programs will bring a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the college football landscape.

The expanded playoff also raises questions about coaching security. Coaches on the hot seat may find some relief by simply getting their teams into the playoff mix. This phenomenon has long been observed in the NCAA Tournament, where teams receive recognition and bonuses for participation. As a result, contract language may be adjusted to reward coaches for reaching the 12-team playoff.

Seeding will become even more crucial in the expanded format, as the top four seeds (all conference champions) will receive first-round byes. The implications of this seeding amplification will lead to increased competition among teams striving to avoid an extra game.

Contrary to popular belief, the expanded playoff does not guarantee a "win and you're in" scenario. In a 12-team field, there may be instances where teams that lose their last game still secure a playoff spot, as was the case with Ohio State in the four-team field last year.

The inclusion of three-loss teams in the expanded playoff is inevitable. CBS Sports research reveals that since the inception of the CFP in 2014, an average of 1.66 three-loss teams have finished in the top 12 of the final CFP Rankings each season. This will undoubtedly spark vigorous debates about the selection process, with advocates arguing that a team's quality, not just its record, should be the determining factor.

The architects of the expanded playoff also discussed the potential impact on scheduling. Power Five athletic directors, who anticipated the expansion, have adjusted their football schedules accordingly. To increase their chances of making the playoff, teams have begun scheduling competitive non-conference matchups and home-and-home series against reputable opponents.

While there are concerns about the increased pressure on coaches, the expanded playoff also offers an opportunity for athletic directors to reassess bonuses. The bonuses and expectations will likely be tiered, with coaches earning rewards based on their team's progression in the playoff.

As the sport welcomes the expanded playoff in 2024, transparency surrounding the selection process will become increasingly important. With more teams in the mix, the committee's recusal policy will grow more complicated, and fans will undoubtedly engage in spirited discussions over who should and should not be included.

The architects of the expanded playoff express excitement about the upcoming changes and believe that the expansion will inject new life and enthusiasm into college football. As the clock ticks closer to the debut of the 12-team playoff, fans, coaches, and players eagerly await the new era and the opportunities it presents for teams across the nation.