The College Football Playoff (CFP) will continue with its 12-team format for the upcoming season, as confirmed by the Management Committee. Despite ongoing discussions and demands for expansion between the SEC and Big Ten, no agreement was reached, leading to the decision to retain the current playoff structure. This has significant implications, particularly for Notre Dame, which faces challenges in securing a playoff spot without automatic qualifiers. The decision comes after a year-long debate and is expected to be reevaluated ahead of the 2027 season.