ArcaMax

Although I always complained about the BCS era of college football, when the Coaches' Poll and the AP Poll rankings were used with computer algorithms that factored in strength of schedule and win-loss records to crown a national champion, I'm now beginning to think this 16-year period really captured what fans love about the regular season. When the news broke this month that the College Football Playoff would expand to 24 teams next year, my first thought was how it will affect players on teams not getting a first-round bye. Seeds nine through 24 will have to grind through the first round in hopes of reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals. If a lower-seeded team somehow forges their way to the championship, the players would have played 16 games, just one fewer than the NFL. Under the 12-team playoff format for the 2026 season, ranked FBS teams that win their conference championship and make the playoffs would play three additional games to reach title contention, also totaling 16 games, but the 24-team playoff will eliminate conference championships. I'm kind of sad to see conference championship games go. I've enjoyed watching Ohio State University play in some great Big Ten championship matchups, such as the 2014 game against Wisconsin en route to a national title in the first four-team playoff. We were on our third-string quarterback, and Fox Sports commentator Gus Johnson perfectly summed up Buckeye fans' nervousness when he said, "The whole state of Ohio is depending on Cardale Jones." I was also thrilled in 2025 when my hometown Georgia Bulldogs finally got over the hump against Alabama in the SEC Championship.

But getting back to the BCS, its flaws are well known, especially its major shortcoming: the two-team limit, which often kept qualified teams out of championship contention, including an undefeated team or a team with only one loss to a quality opponent. One of the most controversial outcomes came in 2003, when the University of Southern California Trojans finished No. 1 in the Coaches' and AP polls, but BCS computer metrics favored Oklahoma, sending the Sooners to the championship game against Louisiana State University. USC beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl, and LSU defeated Oklahoma, resulting in split national champions. The four-team playoff began in 2013 to ensure the national champion was decided solely on the field, without computer assessment.

With the upcoming 24-team playoff, I, like many fans, am concerned about how the regular season will be evaluated. Many people feel regular-season games will not carry as much weight, since a three-loss ranked team will most likely make the playoffs. My main concern, however, as an educator, is that players will probably have even less time to study for their final exams, since the early rounds of the CFP will be played at the end of the fall semester. This has been the usual schedule for the college postseason, but the stakes are higher, with multimillion-dollar payouts to conferences. For example, under the 12-team playoff, a team will receive a $4 million base payout for making the field. There is the potential to earn $20 million for winning the championship. College football players devote over 40 hours per week to their sport. Although NCAA rules limit athletic-related activities to 20 hours per week, other preparation, such as additional workouts, rehab and game travel, far exceeds this maximum. With players now earning millions through name, image and likeness deals, many argue they're being compensated well for the extra time. However, these players are still college students, and they need to excel in the classroom.

The BCS era is long gone, but I'm pretty confident the CFP will settle on 24 teams because of football's physical toll. I am looking forward to the playoffs this year and expect to see some extraordinary moments. Last year's championship game featured memorable displays of faith, with Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. signing "Jesus Loves You" after scoring a touchdown, and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza leading his team in prayer before capping off a storybook season to win the Hoosiers' first national title. This type of passion is what makes college football so special.

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Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at smojc.jj@gmail.com. Follow her on X: @JjSmojc. To find out more about Jessica Johnson and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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