Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has taken aim at the College Football Playoff selection committee, accusing it of opacity and insufficient resources to evaluate teams accurately.
In a recent interview, Sarkisian suggested that the committee be reshaped by swapping in former coaches, former players and even oddsmakers, arguing that fresh perspectives could bring the analytical rigor the current panel lacks.
He also warned that expanding the playoff to 24 teams would cheapen the regular season, turning games that currently carry weight into mere qualifiers for a larger bracket.
The Longhorns, despite a strong schedule that included a high‑profile matchup with Ohio State, were left out of the playoff after dropping three games, one of which was to a four‑win Florida team.
Reforming the Selection Process
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey echoed Sarkisian’s concerns, cautioning that a 24‑team format could water down conference play and diminish the stakes of each Saturday.
Sarkisian floated a compromise: a 16‑team playoff for the next five years, after which a broader expansion could be revisited if the sport’s health permits.
He emphasized that the regular season remains the only arena where each game truly matters, a sentiment that resonates with many coaches who fear a diluted schedule.
Scheduling decisions have also come under scrutiny; Georgia and Florida State called off a home‑and‑home series, citing uncertainty over competitive balance, while Notre Dame and USC consider reviving their historic rivalry only after 2030.
While the debate continues, the conversation has spilled into the broader college football landscape, prompting conferences to reconsider non‑conference commitments and the value they place on marquee matchups.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, waiting to see whether the CFP will heed the calls for greater transparency, a more limited expansion, or maintain the status quo.