JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The College Football Playoff scenarios have been a topic of concern for bowl organizers throughout the season. The potential impact on postseason matchups, such as the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, was uncertain due to various conference scenarios.
The addition of four first-round playoff games this year raised questions about the selection process for non-CFP bowls. However, the inclusion of quality teams like Oregon, Texas, and SMU into power conferences helped alleviate some of the uncertainties.
The Gator Bowl was able to secure its highest-ranked team in nearly two decades with No. 16 Ole Miss. Other bowls, like the Music City Bowl in Nashville, also managed to secure competitive matchups despite the playoff expansion.
While the 12-team playoff format will result in four quality teams missing out on bowl games after the first round, non-CFP bowls remain optimistic about fan interest and demand for postseason football. The upcoming bowl season features high-profile matchups, including Alabama vs. Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl and Texas A&M vs. USC in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Looking ahead, a planned bowl reset in 2026 could bring further changes to the postseason landscape. Potential CFP expansion to 14 teams and adjustments to the bowl system may impact future matchups and revenue streams.
Despite the evolving college football landscape, there is a continued appetite for bowl games among fans. ESPN's senior director of programming and acquisitions highlighted the enduring popularity of bowl games during the holiday season.
As the future of college football postseason evolves, key factors such as revenue, sponsorships, TV demand, and player incentives will shape the direction of non-CFP bowls. Flexibility and adaptability will be crucial for bowl organizers to navigate the changing landscape of college football.
With the current bowl format in place until 2025, the college football community remains poised for further developments and adjustments in the years to come.
