Imagine a championship battleground where powerhouses like Notre Dame get sidelined, while teams with unstable coaching situations get the spotlight—this isn't just unfair, it's a travesty in college football that could undermine the sport's future. Dive in to see why the ACC's dominance is shaking things up, and how Notre Dame's fans are left fuming.
Democracy Dies in Darkness
College Football (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/football/)
The trickle-down effects of a bloated conference crowning an illogical champion led to the Fighting Irish missing the 12-team playoff field.
December 8, 2025 at 8:23 a.m. EST Today at 8:23 a.m. EST
Guest column by Steven Godfrey
In the second year of its revamped setup, the College Football Playoff—now expanded to include 12 teams—has some surprising inclusions and glaring omissions that are raising eyebrows across the college sports landscape. Out of the blue, we're seeing programs represented by head coaches who are either packing their bags or have already bolted for greener pastures. And get this: two of these teams hail from the so-called lower-tier Group of Five conferences, which are typically not in the same league as the big boys. Meanwhile, a powerhouse Notre Dame squad, boasting an impressive 10-2 record, finds itself on the outside looking in, unable to vie for the national title. This scenario begs the question: is the playoff system truly rewarding merit, or is it bowing to political pressures and conference muscle?
But here's where it gets controversial—perhaps the ACC's growing clout has skewed the selection process, favoring teams from its ranks even when they don't stack up against others in quality or stability. For beginners diving into college football, it's worth explaining that the Group of Five includes conferences like the Sun Belt or C-USA, often seen as stepping stones rather than elite, with smaller budgets and fewer resources compared to giants like the ACC or SEC. Yet, here they are, punching above their weight in the playoff, thanks to coaches jumping ship mid-season. Take, for instance, a scenario where a coach's departure could disrupt team morale, leading to underperformance—something Notre Dame avoided with its solid record. On the flip side, some might argue this inclusion promotes parity and excitement, giving underdogs a chance to shine. What do you think: is this a step toward fairness, or a recipe for chaos that diminishes the integrity of the championship?
And this is the part most people miss—the ACC's expansion and influence seem to be tipping the scales, potentially sidelined a deserving team like Notre Dame, whose Irish have consistently brought passion and talent to the gridiron without the backing of a powerhouse conference. This could set a dangerous precedent, where conference allegiances outweigh on-field achievements. Imagine if your favorite team, built on tradition and hard work, got edged out by one with internal turmoil—it's frustrating, right?
To wrap this up, I'd love to hear your take: Do you believe the playoff needs a shake-up to prioritize true excellence over conference politics? Or is there value in this broader inclusion that keeps the game unpredictable? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's debate whether we're witnessing innovation or a slide into favoritism that could change college football forever.
