College Football Playoff and ESPN Extend Deadline to Finalize Future Playoff Format

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College Football Playoff and ESPN Extend Deadline to Finalize Future Playoff Format

IRVING, Texas – The College Football Playoff (CFP) has extended its deadline to finalize the future postseason format. This decision comes in partnership with ESPN, pushing the deadline from December 1, 2025, to January 23, 2026.

Deadline Extension Overview

This extension offers the CFP Management Committee more time to discuss various aspects of the playoffs. Key topics include:

Future playoff models
Scheduling details
Media considerations
Long-term strategies

Statements from the CFP Executive Director

Rich Clark, the Executive Director of the CFP, emphasized the importance of collaboration with ESPN. He stated, “While no change to the current format is definite, this extension will allow the Management Committee additional time to evaluate the second year of the expanded playoff.”

About the College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff determines the national champion in college football. At the end of the regular season, a selection committee ranks the top 25 teams. The following teams advance:

The five highest-ranked conference champions
The next seven highest-ranked teams

These teams are seeded into a 12-team playoff bracket based on their final rankings. The four highest-ranked teams receive a first-round bye. Teams ranked Nos. 5-12 play in the CFP First Round, where higher seeds host the lower seeds.