College football viewer’s guide: Everything you need to know for this season

The return of college football is almost here.

Unlike last season, there’s not much new with the College Football Playoff this year — and the format may not be changing again soon with conferences divided on the best long-term solution for the sport.

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So in the meantime, the 12-team playoff awaits again this season, with one change: The top four seeds will be the top four teams in the rankings no matter if they’re conference champs or not. (Last year, the top four conference champions received the four first-round byes, resulting in Boise State and Arizona State getting byes despite being ranked No. 9 and No. 12, respectively.)

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With that little bit of housekeeping out of the way, here’s everything you need to know ahead of an action-packed 2025 college football season.

CFP future still up for grabs as Big Ten pushes auto-bid format

The conferences are currently at an impasse as the Big Ten is adamant in its support for a playoff format that no one else likes. The conference is advocating for a 16-team playoff that guarantees four bids each to the Big Ten and SEC, while the ACC and Big 12 each get two bids. The remaining four spots would be reserved for the top Group of Five champion and three at-large teams.

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Read more on future playoff formats right here.

Coaches under the most pressure this season

The 2025 season could be a referendum on many coaches.

As there wasn’t much coaching turnover in the power conferences after the 2024 season, numerous coaches enter this season needing their teams to have strong performances. Not all of the coaches on the list are on the hot seat, per se — we have one first-year coach on it — but here are 10 coaches who could really use great seasons.

Read more on coaches under pressure right…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/college-football-viewers-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-for-this-season-225927265.html

Author : Yahoo Sports Staff

Publish date : 2025-08-01 22:59:00

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