NEW ORLEANS (AP) — In a significant move, the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference are gearing up to advocate for alterations in the seeding process for College Football Playoff teams next season. This shift is intended to align more closely with how teams are evaluated and ranked by the CFP selection committee, as affirmed by the commissioners of both leagues on Wednesday.
“I am ready to support the proposed seeding adjustment,” stated SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “However, it is imperative that the decision be unanimous.”
The previous college football season marked the inaugural year under the expanded 12-team CFP framework. While widely hailed as a success that could potentially see further expansion, a contentious issue arose regarding the provision granting byes to the top four major conference champions based on rankings. Notably, all four of these teams — Arizona State, Boise State, Georgia, and Oregon — suffered defeats in their CFP opening matches during the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Ohio State and Notre Dame each clinched victories in three playoff encounters before the Buckeyes emerged triumphant over the Fighting Irish in the championship showdown.
Tony Petitti, the Big Ten Commissioner, emphasized that both conferences are in favor of transitioning to a system of “straight seeding,” where rankings and seedings align seamlessly. He articulated, “The committee would simply designate the 12 teams for next year in the order they deem appropriate, following their assessment and the set selection criteria within the decision-making process. This approach would afford the committee greater flexibility to fulfill its responsibilities in a more transparent manner for fans.”
Sankey and Petitti convened in New Orleans for collaborative discussions with the athletic directors from their respective leagues. While refraining from divulging specifics about potential modifications, such as an expanded playoff field, set to be proposed for the 2026 season, they underscored that these deliberations would first involve consultations with fellow conference members.
Mississippi athletic director Keith Carter, reflecting on the meetings, expressed optimism about the eventual expansion of the playoff field. Petitti and Sankey underlined that their primary focus during this week was to assess the performance of teams from their conferences that participated in the 12-team playoff last season, a crucial exercise likely to shape future recommendations.
“That is the initial step we must take,” affirmed Petitti. “The insights garnered from this evaluation will shape the trajectory moving forward.”
