12-team CFP selection process wont wait for Army-Navy result

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection process is undergoing some changes, as outgoing executive director Bill Hancock recently announced that the Army-Navy Game will not impact the new 12-team format. This is a departure from the previous four-team setup, which had been in place since the inception of the CFP.

Army and Navy had hoped for the possibility of seeding 11 out of the 12 teams in the playoff and holding out for a spot as the American Athletic Conference (AAC) champion, if either academy were in the mix. However, CFP officials decided against this, as they did not want to ask another participant to wait a full week to learn their opponent with a shorter turnaround before the 12-team Playoff began.

The new policy now opens up the scenario where Army or Navy could win the AAC and qualify for the CFP as the top G5 champion, only to potentially lose to the other academy six days later and still proceed to the CFP.

Despite the fact that Army is joining the AAC as a football-only member this year, their annual Navy matchup will remain a nonconference game. Additionally, the CFP has decided not to move its three first-round games off the third Saturday in December, despite some annoyance from the NFL.

In other news, Washington athletic director Pat Chun has stepped down from the CFP selection committee, due to his recent move from the Washington State AD job. The CFP has also increased its travel budget for team family members from $1.5 million over three games to $7.5 million over 11 games, in order to accommodate the larger playoff format.

These changes signal a new era for the College Football Playoff, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of the teams and conferences involved.