CFP doesn't have 12 best teams. Here's what it would look like if it did
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CFP doesn't have 12 best teams. Here's what it would look like if it did
Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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4 min read
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The College Football Playoff committee's job used to be to select the four best teams for the bracket. No automatic bids, although conference championship games provided a useful data point.
Then came the 12-team playoff, and five automatic bids barged their way into the bracket. A worthy idea, but realignment and bloated conferences damaged this concept. The CFP format probably requires fine-tuning after seeingTulane and James Madison clog the first round.
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I'm all ears for the burgeoning idea the 12-team playoff ought to be an attempt to gather the 12 best teams. No auto bids. No conferences are guaranteed a spot. And, if I might be so bold, no athletic directors involved in choosing the 12 best teams.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses with the Heisman Trophy on Saturday at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
(Michael Niziolek, The Herald-Times)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) holds the MVP trophy on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after winning the Big Ten football championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) passes to Riley Nowakowski (37) during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after throwing a touchdown Nov. 1, 2025 during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat Penn State Nittany Lions, 27-24. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
(Isaiah Vazquez, Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 01, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Imagn Images)
Nov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks with a referee before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) before the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) after defeating the Oregon Ducks by the score of 30-20 at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) prepares to throw the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
1/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
1/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
2/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses with the Heisman Trophy on Saturday at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
(Michael Niziolek, The Herald-Times)
3/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)
4/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) holds the MVP trophy on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after winning the Big Ten football championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
5/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
6/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
7/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
8/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
9/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
10/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
11/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
12/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) passes to Riley Nowakowski (37) during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
13/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after throwing a touchdown Nov. 1, 2025 during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
14/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
15/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat Penn State Nittany Lions, 27-24. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
(Isaiah Vazquez, Getty Images)
16/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 01, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
17/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Imagn Images)
18/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Nov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks with a referee before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
19/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
20/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) before the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
21/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) after defeating the Oregon Ducks by the score of 30-20 at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
22/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) prepares to throw the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
Here's my 12-team playoff bracket, with seeding, for this season. No ADs or television executives were consulted in the compiling of these picks:
What my 12 best teams CFP bracket would look like
Indiana: The nation's only undefeated team possesses only strengths, no weaknesses.
Georgia: TheBulldogsare peaking as the postseason arrives, and they have a better collection of wins thanOhio State.
Texas Tech: Never mind the Big 12 jersey patch. This defense could wreak havoc in the SEC or Big Ten. QuarterbackBehren Mortonwould thrive in any conference, too.
Oregon: TheDucksweren't onIndiana's level in a midseason loss, but being one step below the Hoosiers is still pretty good.
Texas A&M: The Aggies appear to be on the downslope of their peak.TexasA&M is good in a lot of areas, great in none, but you can't deny their 11 wins.
Notre Dame: Twelve best teams means the Irish are not only in the bracket, but hosting in Round 1. My eyes detect vast improvement from Notre Dame since Week 1.
Oklahoma: TheSoonersare the opposite of Ole Miss, with an elite defense that gives them a chance against anyone, but a suspect offense that says they won't last 'til the end.
Miami: When we see the best ofCarson Beck, we see a team nobody in this bracket would wish to face. TheHurricanesplayed well in November. Just keep Beck hot.
Alabama: TheCrimson Tidepeaked in October. They lack a run game. QuarterbackTy Simpson's performance is slipping. A respectable defense supplies what's left ofAlabama's engine.
Texas: Three losses shouldn't be ignored. Three wins against top-15 opponents should not be ignored, either. Pair them together, and out pops a 12-seed.
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Four-team college football NIT
Anyone up for a college football NIT?
You're probably thinking, "What's the point?" Well, what's the point of bowl games? What's the point of the basketball NIT? Programming!
I'm elevating four teams up from bowl games and into a mini tournament for the right to declare, "We're No. 13."
My first-round NIT games will be played Dec. 13 at a pair of sunny bowl venues. Put the NIT title game at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, as a prequel to the playoff quarterfinal game that evening. NIT title to be played at an even sunnier bowl venue.
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Here's my NIT:
BYU: The billionaire oil tycoon that keeps going on your TV and telling you college sports are broken and only he can fix them stood between BYU and a Big 12 title. Fair enough, but the Cougars achieved enough without Big Oil's help for an NIT No. 1 seed.
Vanderbilt: Before you mercilessly mock my idea of a four-team NIT, consider I'm giving you up to two more opportunities to watchDiego Pavia, instead of a single bowl game.
Tulane: Can't spare room in my 12-best-teams playoff bracket for the Group of Five this year, but there's room in the NIT for a Tulane team that beat the ACC's champion.
