The College Football Playoff increased to 12 teams in 2024, producing some… unexpected results. The CFP was once a four-team event, but the larger format has resulted in more interesting games for supporters. As a result, there are discussions regarding perhaps raising the number of competing teams to 24. This cause has several opponents, including Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.
In a recent interview, Cristobal addressed his views on the possibility of the CFP expanding to 24 clubs. The Miami head coach stated that he would like for the college football season to finish earlier to give his team more time to prepare for the following season. Cristobal also stated that he disliked the notion of granting additional clubs automatic qualification for the playoffs.
“So yeah, simply move everything up, that’s all,” Cristobal told CFB Kings. “I have one bye week, so let’s roll. I don’t care for the 24-hour thing. I feel it’s a lot. Like, why have a regular season then, you know? And I’m definitely opposed to automatic, such as, hey, this conference, guys, why? … It is not a beauty contest, all right? It’s not a beauty contest. It’s competition, go win. Go win on the field. “
Cristobal’s Miami squad advanced to the 2025 College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes were chosen to represent the ACC. Miami advanced to the Finals of the tournament as the tenth seed in the playoffs. They defeated Texas A&M in the first round before eliminating Ohio State and Ole Miss in the following games to meet Indiana.
The Hurricanes fought well against the Hoosiers, becoming the first playoff team to challenge Indiana’s undefeated record in a tight game. However, it was insufficient, as Miami fell 27-21 to Indiana. Miami lost a few players in the NFL Draft, including right tackle Francis Mauigoa and quarterback Carson Beck.
The 2026 season will be another year in which the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams. However, what happens in 2027 has yet to be determined. Various conferences are lobbying to increase the format to 16 or perhaps 24 teams.
