A 24-team playoff would reward failure. Notre Dame is all for it
College football coaches and administrators are pushing for a 24-team playoff format, a move critics argue prioritizes revenue and easier access for major programs over the integrity of the regular season. Opponents, including Nick Saban, suggest the expansion devalues the sport by rewarding mediocre performance.
Why it matters
The expansion of the college football playoff represents a significant shift in the collegiate sports business model, potentially altering the competitive landscape and fan engagement.
Hear this story Several college football coaches, including Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, support a 24-team playoff for easier access. A larger playoff would devalue the regular season and reward mediocre teams. A 24-team format would likely guarantee annual playoff spots for traditional powerhouse programs regardless of a few losses. Marcus Freeman said the quiet part out loud.
A 24-team playoff wouldn’t improve college football , but it would help the team Freeman coaches.
“I’m a proponent of 24 teams,” Freeman said recently on ESPN, “because it’s going to give Notre Dame football a better chance to get in the playoffs and keep our independence.”
Mississippi coach Pete Golding has that same energy.
“Once we gone to nine (SEC games), I think it was going to be extremely hard (to make the playoff) if you did not expand it,” Golding said.
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