12-team CFP selection process moves forward regardless of Army-Navy outcome

Last Updated on April 28, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

In a recent announcement from CFP executive director Bill Hancock, it has been made clear that the annual Army-Navy Game will not impact the selection process for the 12-team College Football Playoff. This decision comes as Academy officials expressed their reluctance to move the iconic rivalry game to accommodate the final rankings in the Playoff era.

Previously, the CFP committee would have had to wait on the Army-Navy game if either team was in the running for the top four spots, or if Navy could have finished as the highest-ranked Group of 5 conference champion. However, officials decided that it was unfair to ask another participant to wait a week to learn their opponent in the new 12-team Playoff format.

Under the new policy, either Army or Navy could potentially qualify for the CFP as the top Group of 5 champion, even if they were to lose to the other academy six days prior. Additionally, Army will be joining the AAC as a football-only member, while their matchup with Navy will remain a nonconference game due to contractual obligations with CBS.

Despite reported annoyance from the NFL, the CFP will not be moving its first-round games from the third Saturday in December. Meanwhile, Washington athletic director Pat Chun has stepped down from the CFP selection committee due to a job change, and a new member will be chosen to replace him.

To further support teams and their families, the CFP has increased its travel budget from $1.5 million over three games to $7.5 million over 11 games. These decisions reflect the ongoing evolution and expansion of the College Football Playoff system.