New CFP format gives notable advantage to USC rival Notre Dame

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On Friday, the College Football Playoff announced a few changes to its format for the 2026 season. Most notably, the playoff will stay at 12 teams next season, despite talk of potential expansion.

There were, however, several changes to the format. For one, all power four conference champions are now guaranteed a playoff berth. This past season, a Duke team with five losses won the ACC and was left out in favor of Sun Belt champion James Madison.

In addition, USC rival Notre Dame is now guaranteed a playoff berth if it finishes the season ranked inside the selection committee’s top 12. Had that policy been in place this past season, the Irish, who were the first team out at No. 11 in the rankings, would have gotten in over No. 10 Miami.

USC fans (and fans of every other college football program) should be furious about this provision. Literally no other team in the country gets this form of special treatment from the committee. So why on earth do the Irish get it when no one else does?

Reportedly, this provision was one of the reasons why USC decided not to compromise with Notre Dame and ultimately not face the Irish in 2026. While I still believe that this stance was a bit extreme and the rivalry should have been extended at all costs, that does not change the fact that Notre Dame getting this provision from with the College Football Playoff is absolutely absurd.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: New College Football Playoff format gives Notre Dame an advantage

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