What's Happening?
Nick Saban, a prominent figure in college football, has expressed criticism over the decision to include James Madison University in the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket instead of Notre Dame.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Saban compared James Madison's inclusion to a minor league baseball team playing in the World Series. The controversy stems from the selection committee's decision to rank Miami ahead of Notre Dame in the final standings, despite Notre Dame being ranked higher in previous rankings. The committee's choice to include two Group of Five teams, James Madison and Tulane, has also been contentious. The CFP rules mandate the inclusion of at least one Group of Five team, and James Madison, as a higher-ranked conference champion, was selected over Notre Dame, which lacks a conference affiliation. This decision has sparked debates about the fairness of the selection process.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of James Madison over Notre Dame in the CFP has significant implications for college football's selection process and the perceived fairness of the system. Notre Dame's exclusion highlights the challenges faced by independent teams in securing a spot in the playoffs. The decision also underscores the ongoing debate about the criteria used by the selection committee, particularly the inclusion of Group of Five teams. This controversy could influence future discussions about the playoff format, especially as the CFP and ESPN consider potential changes for 2026 and beyond. The situation reflects broader tensions in college sports regarding conference affiliations and the balance between rewarding conference champions and ensuring the most competitive teams are included.
What's Next?
The College Football Playoff and ESPN have extended the deadline to January 23 to finalize any changes to the playoff format for 2026 and beyond. Proposals include expanding the playoff to 16 teams, with the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large bids. Such changes could address some of the current criticisms by providing more opportunities for teams like Notre Dame to qualify. However, the debate over the inclusion of Group of Five teams and the criteria for selection is likely to continue. Stakeholders in college football, including coaches, athletic directors, and conference officials, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the CFP.
