In the latest shakeup of the college football landscape, the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) has proven to be a game-changer, not just for the sport, but for programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame. The decision to increase the field to 12 teams has been met with widespread excitement and optimism, as it offers a more inclusive, competitive, and fair postseason format. However, one of the most significant impacts of this expansion has been its effect on the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish. Here’s why the College Football Playoff expansion is a win not just for these storied programs, but for college football fans, players, and the sport as a whole.
The Fall of the Old Guard
Before the playoff expansion, the College Football Playoff system featured just four teams — a structure that heavily favored power programs with the most consistent success, such as Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. The criteria for selection were often criticized for being biased toward teams from the Power Five conferences, where financial advantages and recruiting clout often translated into superior on-field performance.
While Ohio State and Notre Dame were often included in the four-team playoff, their place wasn’t guaranteed each year. There were seasons where the Buckeyes fell short due to unexpected losses, and Notre Dame, as an independent, struggled to secure a spot despite strong showings. The small four-team field simply didn’t leave room for many deserving teams, leading to frustration among fanbases and players alike.
This system left little room for errors, and one loss could prove to be catastrophic in a team’s bid for the playoff. In some cases, teams with one or even two losses were completely excluded, despite having impressive resumes. In these instances, Ohio State and Notre Dame were not immune to the perils of the narrow field, creating situations where fan bases were left to wonder if their teams had been snubbed or if they were truly the best teams in the country.
A Glimmer of Hope: The 12-Team Expansion
The CFP’s decision to expand the playoff to 12 teams in 2023 was a landmark moment in the history of college football. Under the new format, the six highest-ranked conference champions will automatically qualify for the playoff, and the next six best teams, regardless of conference, will also earn an invitation. This change has opened up a pathway for more teams to compete for the national title, leading to greater opportunities for teams like Ohio State and Notre Dame to solidify their place in the postseason, even if they encounter a tough loss during the regular season.
For Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse, the expanded playoff system ensures that they are far less likely to be left on the outside looking in. The Buckeyes have faced years where their margin of error was razor-thin, and the expanded field gives them more breathing room. In a season where they might lose to a fellow powerhouse like Michigan or Penn State, the added spots allow for a second chance — something that was never available under the old system.
Likewise, Notre Dame, the independent juggernaut that has often been left out of the conversation, now has a more direct route to the playoff. The Fighting Irish have consistently been one of the best teams in the country, but due to their independent status, they were often at the mercy of the committee’s subjective criteria. With the new 12-team field, Notre Dame no longer faces the same obstacles in making the postseason. Now, if they finish as one of the top 12 teams in the country, they’ll have an automatic ticket to the playoff, regardless of their lack of a conference championship.
The Benefits for College Football Fans
The impact of the playoff expansion reaches beyond just Ohio State and Notre Dame. For college football fans, this change opens the door to a much more exciting and unpredictable postseason. For years, fans have clamored for a larger, more inclusive playoff, and this expansion is the first real step toward addressing those concerns.
The 12-team playoff will allow for a wider range of teams to have a shot at the national title. Historically, a select few teams have dominated the playoff landscape, with schools like Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State consistently appearing in the field. While those teams remain elite programs, the new format gives teams like Oregon, Florida State, and Penn State — not to mention the possibility of a Cinderella team — the chance to make a deeper run in the postseason.
The expanded playoff will also ensure that teams who face one or two tough losses, but still have strong overall resumes, are given a chance to prove themselves on the big stage. The days of a single loss knocking a team out of contention for a national championship are over, and fans are excited about the possibilities this opens up for thrilling late-season matchups and unpredictable upsets.
Additionally, the format ensures that the postseason is more inclusive, which is a win for the sport as a whole. The expanded playoff offers a fairer opportunity for teams outside of the traditional Power Five conferences to make a legitimate run at a national title. Schools like Cincinnati, Boise State, and others from Group of Five conferences now have a real shot at making the playoff, which will bring more diversity and excitement to the postseason.
A Financial and Recruiting Boost
Beyond the competitive benefits, the expansion of the playoff has a significant financial upside for both Ohio State, Notre Dame, and other programs. With more teams in the playoff, there are more games, more revenue, and greater exposure for college football’s top programs. This expanded revenue stream will benefit schools, players, and the sport’s infrastructure as a whole.
For Ohio State, Notre Dame, and other elite programs, the playoff expansion means more opportunities to showcase their talent on a national stage. Recruiting also stands to benefit as well. The visibility and prestige that come with a playoff berth will attract top talent to programs that may have been on the bubble in previous seasons.
Conclusion: A Win for All
The expansion of the College Football Playoff has truly been a watershed moment for the sport. For Ohio State and Notre Dame, it offers a newfound sense of security and an increased likelihood of securing a spot in the postseason. For fans, it guarantees a more thrilling, unpredictable playoff, with a wider array of teams in contention. And for college football as a whole, it ensures a more inclusive, equitable, and exciting future.
The new playoff format may not be perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. For Ohio State, Notre Dame, and the entire college football community, this is a victory — and a sign that the best is yet to come.
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