The College Football Playoff Board of Managers announced Tuesday that they’ve unanimously changed the 12-team Playoff format to a 5-7 style rather than the previous 6-6 plan.
The 6-6 plan, which was originally adopted in September 2022, was switched to the 5-7 format, which will include “the five highest-ranked conference champions, plus the next seven highest-ranked teams as determined by the CFP Selection Committee.”
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“This is a very logical adjustment for the College Football Playoff based on the evolution of our conference structures since the board first adopted this new format in September 2022,” Mississippi State President and Chair of the CFP Board of Managers Dr. Mark Keenum stated in a release. “I know this change will also be well received by student-athletes, coaches and fans. We all will be pleased to see this new format come to life on the field this postseason.”
The CFP originally planned for a bracket to include the six highest-ranked conference champions plus the next six highest-ranked, at-large teams.
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Beginning in 2024, the top four seeds will receive a first round bye and advance to the quarterfinal round. Seeds five through 12 will play one another in the first round on the home field of the higher ranked team.
The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds will be held at New Year’s Six bowl locations and the site of the national championship will continue to be played at a neutral field.
