Insights from the College Football Playoff Mock Selection Process
The College Football Playoff (CFP) held its annual mock selection exercise at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, aiming to shed light on its ranking process ahead of the 2026 season. Participants engaged in discussions about team rankings while enjoying a unique culinary experience featuring bacon, which was humorously noted by CFP Executive Director Rich Clark.
During the event, attendees ranked their top-30 teams from the previous season, utilizing a binder filled with statistics and data for each college football program. The mock committee, composed of media members, mimicked the actual selection committee's process, which includes representatives from various conferences and former players. The exercise involved selecting teams for the top four spots and debating their merits based on multiple statistical metrics.
As the mock selection progressed, participants conducted a reevaluation of rankings, leading to discussions about team placements, including the final inclusion of Notre Dame in the field. The event highlighted upcoming changes in the CFP, such as a potential expansion to 24 teams and new strategies for seeding, which will influence future selection processes.
