College football fans looking for changes to the College Football Playoff (CFP) framework in 2025 should not hold their breath.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, there is little prospect of significant changes next season, particularly in terms of seeding or first-round byes.
Thamel, speaking on the College GameDay Podcast, stated that while conversations are underway, the financial considerations make it doubtful that leagues other than the SEC and Big Ten will agree to change the system for just one year.
Why the Playoff Format Likely Stays the Same
The largest impediment to change? Money. Thamel explained how the present CFP model benefits smaller conferences financially, and he does not believe those leagues will risk losing their share simply to accommodate a different seeding strategy.
“I don’t think that will happen, Rece, and here’s why,” Thamel told On3. “Unanimous approval might cost those outside the Big Ten and SEC money, which I don’t think they’re willing to risk. For example, Boise State is one of the Mountain West’s top four teams. They received a bye. The Mountain West received four million additional dollars—eight million, not only four million for inclusion, but for growth. I don’t think the other leagues will risk that much money for one year of consistent seeding.”
He also stated that unless the SEC and Big Ten can find a method to financially compensate the other leagues, they are unlikely to receive the required support to modify the format in 2025.
“So, that is—unless they can find a needle thread there, I don’t think there’ll be much change for 2025,” Thamel told reporters.
Bigger CFP Changes Could Come in 2026
While 2025 may look similar to the previous season, Thamel believes 2026 will be the year when the playoff format is completely changed. The next talks in New Orleans will not likely result in quick changes, but they may build the basis for a more traditional seeding strategy in the future.
For the time being, we’ll have to wait and watch what happens when leaders gather, and then decide what to do with the College Football Playoff in 2026 and beyond.
