The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) is advocating for an earlier conclusion to the College Football Playoff (CFP), proposing the elimination of conference championship games and other adjustments to meet a deadline of the second Monday in January each year.
AFCA's Non-Binding Recommendations
While the AFCA lacks authority within the NCAA or CFP governance structures, its board and membership include FBS coaches. The association publicly released its positions on Tuesday, following discussions and adoption at an annual meeting last week. The AFCA stated, "The American Football Coaches Association has identified the length of the college football season as a critical issue that needs to be addressed. As we modernize our game to better serve student-athletes, we have fallen short in structuring a season that concludes in a timely and sustainable way."
Playoff Field Size
Regarding the playoff field, currently set at 12 teams and expected to expand, the AFCA did not endorse a specific number. However, it emphasized that "future playoff models should maximize the number of participants while honoring the proposed completion date."
Specific Proposals
To achieve a finish by the second Monday in January, the AFCA suggests:
- Eliminating conference championship games
- Reducing scheduled bye weeks from two to one
- Setting a minimum of six days between games
- Preserving a dedicated window for the Army-Navy game while allowing flexibility for other games, such as playoff contests, on the same day outside that window
The AFCA noted that these changes "will better support student-athletes by more closely matching the academic calendar and aligning with the single transfer portal window. It also elevates the quality of play during the most meaningful stretch of the season by removing unnecessary breaks and preserving competitive rhythm."
NCAA Committee Recommendations
An NCAA committee last month recommended that FBS teams play a 12-game schedule over 14 weeks starting in 2027. The regular season would begin on the Thursday of what is now Week Zero and end the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Current Playoff Format
The 12-team playoff format remains unchanged for the upcoming season. The opening round, featuring seeds 5 through 12, will be held on campus December 18-19. Quarterfinal games at traditional bowl sites are scheduled for December 30 to January 1, with semifinals on January 14-15. The championship game is set for January 25, 2027, in Las Vegas—the fourth Monday of that month. Conference championship games are slated for the first weekend in December, and the Army-Navy game is scheduled for December 12. Last season's national championship, played on January 19, saw undefeated Indiana defeat Miami 27-21.
