College Football Playoff enters third season of 12-team format

The College Football Playoff is entering its third season of the 12-team format. Recent adjustments to the system appear to favor programs like Notre Dame and mid-level champions from major conferences, while potentially reducing the opportunities for smaller programs to qualify for the bracket.

The selection process remains a subject of debate due to its perceived lack of consensus and opacity, where similar win-loss records can result in different postseason outcomes. The playoff field is scheduled to begin with four campus games on December 18, leading to a championship game in Las Vegas on January 25.

Early predictions suggest Notre Dame as a top seed, noting that new rules ensure the team receives a spot if ranked within the top 12. The team returns key players, including cornerback Leonard Moore and quarterback C. J. Carr.