College Football Playoff News & Highlights

Ex-coach Riley joins CFP selection committeeMike Riley, the former head coach at Oregon State and Nebraska, is replacing Pat Chun on the College Football Playoff selection committee.105dHeather Dinich

NCAAF

CFP, ESPN agree to $7.8B deal through '31-32ESPN remains the sole media rights holder for the expanded College Football Playoff under a new six-year, $7.8 billion deal that runs through the 2031-32 season.150dHeather Dinich

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Sources: CFP closer to expected 14-team fieldThe CFP is on the brink of moving one important step closer to an expected 14-team playoff that would begin in 2026, as the 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame are set to meet a Friday deadline to agree to the next contract.155dHeather Dinich and Pete Thamel

NCAAF

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Sources: CFP 'on target' to sort out revenue splitCFP leaders are "on target" to come to a resolution by the end of the week on a proposed revenue distribution and governance structure in the next contract, sources told ESPN's Heather Dinich.157dHeather Dinich

NCAAF

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Sources: CFP auto byes may be axed after outcryWhile there continues to be support for a 14-team College Football Playoff field starting in 2026, discussions about how teams should qualify for it remain a sticking point.161dHeather Dinich

NCAAF

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Money, power plays and the Rose Bowl: The many times we almost had a playoff, and why the attempts failedBelieve it or not, but in its more than 150 years, college football has often argued for a real champion-deciding playoff system. It has failed at every turn, for various reasons, but there are lessons to remember as the sport begins its new era.163dBill Connelly

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Sources: Optimism building for 14-team CFPThere is optimism and "momentum" for a 14-team College Football Playoff starting in 2026, sources told ESPN, with an effort to reach a deal in the coming weeks.170dPete Thamel and Heather Dinich

NCAAF

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CFP approves 5+7 model for 12-team playoffThe College Football Playoff's new format will feature the five highest-ranked conference champions in the expanded 12-team field, along with the seven highest-ranked teams, the CFP announced Tuesday.178dHeather Dinich

AlabamaNCAAF

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Inside Nick Saban's school of QB development, from practice field trash talk to Sunday morning film sessionsJalen Milroe's meteoric rise this season has helped land Alabama in the College Football Playoff? How did it happen? ESPN spoke to seven of Saban's quarterbacks at Alabama to find out.219dAlex Scarborough

NCAAF

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The Victors: Wolverines dominate in face of chaos for national titleAfter a season of controversy, for a program that could never seem to fully break through, Michigan finishes 15-0 and atop the college football world.220dRyan McGee

WashingtonNCAAF

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Despite bitter disappointment, Huskies set tone for bright new futureWashington had been gearing itself up to compete in Houston all year long, but the Huskies fell flat against Michigan.220dKyle Bonagura

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Sources: CFP, ESPN discussing new 6-year dealThe College Football Playoff is in talks with ESPN about a new six-year deal to be sole rights holder through the 2031 season, sources told ESPN.221dHeather Dinich and Pete Thamel

Florida StateNCAAF

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CFP notified FBI over threats after FSU exclusionThe CFP contacted the FBI after threats were made toward executive director Bill Hanco*ck, staff members and selection committee following FSU's exclusion.221dHeather Dinich

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Connor Stalions, George Kliavkoff lurk in shadows of title gameThe presence of the disgraced ex-Michigan staffer and commissioner of the Pac-12 hang in the air in Houston.221dRyan McGee

NCAAF

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CFP National Championship score predictions: Washington gets the nodThe time is almost here for the national title game, but first our reporters, analysts and pundits predict the final score.221dESPN staff

NCAAF

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Championship confidential: The five defining storylines for Michigan-WashingtonWho wins the battle between Washington's offensive line and Michigan's defensive line? Can Michigan keep the ball out of Michael Penix Jr.'s hands? Scouts and coaches on the title game's biggest storylines.222dPete Thamel

WashingtonNCAAF

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Rome Odunze and the prolific receiving corps behind Washington's offenseWashington's receiving corps has been one of the best in the entire country in no small part because of Rome Odunze.223dKyle Bonagura

WashingtonNCAAF

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Washington RB Johnson 'ready to rock and roll'Washington running back Dillon Johnson won't be fully healthy for Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship game, but he says he's "ready to rock and roll" against Michigan.223dPete Thamel

MichiganNCAAF

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Harbaugh advocates for player revenue-sharingMichigan coach Jim Harbaugh advocated for revenue sharing among college athletes, suggesting coaches should cut their salaries by 5-10% and pool it to share with the players.223dDave Wilson

Betting

CFP National Championship betting: Tips, picks for Michigan vs. WashingtonThe biggest game of the college football season is finally here. Our betting experts break down their top tips and picks for No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 Washington.224dESPN Betting

NCAAF

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Connelly's CFP takeaways: Michigan overcomes its issues and Washington flips the script; plus, best CFP ever?We saw a back-and-forth game and OT finish in the Rose Bowl and high-scoring drama in the Sugar Bowl. Here's how Michigan and Washington advanced to the title game.227dBill Connelly

WashingtonNCAAF

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Heisman or not, Michael Penix Jr. cemented his legacy in the CFP semifinalWith 430 passing yards, Penix was dominant in guiding Washington to a win over Texas in the CFP semifinal.227dKyle Bonagura

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College Football Playoff National Championship game: First look at Michigan vs. WashingtonBreaking down the players to watch, X factors and everything you need to know about Michigan vs. Washington in the CFP national title game.227dHeather Dinich

NCAAF

College football bowl game schedule: Dates, times and matchupsThe College Football Playoff National Championship is set for Houston on Jan. 8. Here is the complete bowl schedule.227dESPN

College Football Playoff News & Highlights - ESPN (2024)