Title: College Football Playoff Adopts New 5+7 Format For Expanded 12-Team Playoff

In a major development for college football, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has officially implemented a new 5+7 format for the expanded 12-team playoff model. This change allocates five automatic qualifying spots for the highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large spots for other highly-ranked teams.

The original proposal of 6+6 was revised due to recent realignment changes that left the Pac-12 conference with only two members, affecting the automatic qualifying spots and increasing the number of at-large selections. The decision to move to the 5+7 format received unanimous 11-0 support, overcoming pushback from the Pac-12 over the past few weeks.

The new system grants the four highest-ranked conference champions a bye into the quarterfinals, with quarterfinal and semifinal games being played at six rotating bowl sites. The 2024 playoff will see first-round games played at the home site of the higher seed in the third week of December, with one game on Friday, Dec. 20, and three games on Saturday, Dec. 21.

CFP Board of Managers Chair, Mark Keenum, expressed confidence that the adjustment to the 5+7 format is a logical step forward for the playoff system, aligning with recent conference changes. The 2024 championship game is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2025.

The move to the 5+7 model was deemed necessary following challenges within the Pac-12 and other conferences. Leaders of the Big Ten and SEC are also re-evaluating their long-term commitment to the playoff format, alongside ongoing negotiations for a new television contract.

Despite uncertainties beyond 2025, the 5+7 format will be in place for at least the next two years, offering an intriguing shift in the college football postseason landscape.