College Football Playoff Expands to 12 Teams for 2024-25 Season

The College Football Playoff (CFP) will expand to a 12-team format for the 2024-25 season, marking a significant shift in the postseason structure of college football. The new format was announced on Sunday, Dec. 8, with games scheduled from Dec. 20, 2024, to Jan. 20, 2025. The first round will take place on Dec. 20-21, followed by the quarterfinals on Dec. 31-Jan. 1, the semifinals on Jan. 9-10, and the CFP National Championship Game on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta.

The expansion comes after a decade of the four-team playoff format, which began in 2014. The change aims to provide more opportunities for teams across the country to compete for the national title. The 12-team format will include the six highest-ranked conference champions and six at-large bids, determined by the CFP selection committee.

The 2023-24 season concluded with the Michigan Wolverines winning their first national championship since 1997, defeating the Washington Huskies 34-13 in the CFP National Championship Game. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum led the Wolverines to a perfect 15-0 season, with Corum earning Offensive MVP honors and defensive back Will Johnson named Defensive MVP.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, in his ninth season, secured his first national title with the Wolverines. The victory capped off the final year of the four-team playoff era, setting the stage for the expanded format in 2024-25.

The CFP has seen a variety of champions since its inception, including Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, LSU, and Georgia. The 2024 championship game will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the expanded playoff schedule.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new format will impact the landscape of college football, with more teams having a shot at the title and increased excitement surrounding the postseason.