Ohio State’s football program claimed victory in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, marking their second national championship in the first year of a new format. They previously won the first CFP title in 2014.
Following just one season with the expanded 12-team bracket, discussions have already begun about potential adjustments. Much of the debate has centered around seeding, as well as the possibility of the Big Ten and SEC influencing significant changes to the format.
After leading Ohio State to a national championship in the longest college football season ever, Ryan Day shared his thoughts on improving the College Football Playoff format. The Buckeyes’ head coach believes the current bye system needs to be adjusted for the future.
During an appearance on The Triple Option with Rob Stone, Mark Ingram, and Urban Meyer, Ryan Day was asked about the College Football Playoff format. He expressed concerns about the current bye system, suggesting it should be re-evaluated.
“I think that if you win your conference, sure, you should get in. But you get a bye? I think that’s a little much,” Day said.
The debate intensified after Boise State and Arizona State received byes in 2024. Proposed changes include re-seeding after the first round and limiting automatic byes to conference champions.
Day seems to agree with the idea that winning a conference shouldn’t automatically guarantee a bye. Interestingly, his Ohio State team won the national title without one. In fact, every team that earned a first-round bye ended up losing.
As of now, no immediate changes are planned for the CFP system next season, though that could change before kickoff. Day’s stance is clear, but it remains to be seen how the rest of college football feels about the issue.