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CFP expansion to 24 teams is good for Notre Dame and bad for the sport

The College Football Playoff is set to expand to a 24-team format starting in 2027, a move that promises to reshape the landscape of college football. While the decision has drawn widespread criticism from longtime fans and media figures, Notre Dame stands to benefit significantly.

The Fighting Irish are expected to secure a more competitive schedule, including additional games against Power 5 conference opponents like SEC and Big Ten teams, thanks in part to their flexibility in scheduling. This expansion also means Notre Dame will have a clearer path to the playoffs, as the increased field size reduces the pressure of a limited number of spots.

However, critics argue the change dilutes the sport’s historic intensity, as lower-ranked teams now have a realistic shot at a national championship—a shift that undermines the high-stakes, winner-take-all atmosphere that has defined college football for decades. The expansion also introduces a new scheduling requirement, mandating that Power 5 teams play at least 10 conference games, further altering the traditional structure of the season.

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