CFP for Dummies plan: What college football can learn from March Madness blueprint

They’re making this more difficult than it is, which falls in line of late with just about all things college football.

So while we soak in the majesty of the three-week event that is March Madness, it’s time to reassess the postseason football clunker rolled out last season by the smartest men and women in college sports. 

Something, everyone, must be done about the College Football Playoff.

It’s time to introduce the CFP for Dummies plan.

“We’re only one year into the new playoff format,” said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione. “I don’t know that you make drastic decisions based off one year.”

While I’m all about not being trapped as a prisoner of the moment, there’s something so reassuring about the simplicity of the NCAA basketball tournament that can’t be ignored.

Everyone has a chance to play in it, and the highest seeds get more favorable draws. That’s it, period.

Hence, the CFP for Dummies plan.

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a catch against Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray (29) during the College Football Playoff national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

But as we move toward the new CFP contract in 2026, and a likely increase to at least 14 teams, they’re reinventing the wheel again. And by “they” I mean the Big Ten and SEC — the insatiable beasts running college sports.

They’ve got grievances, and they want to be heard.

They want more guaranteed admission to the CFP, and they’re not sure they like the idea of a selection committee — which doesn’t exactly use strength of schedule as the determining factor. 

They’re talking about turning Championship Week into play-in week, but each of the Power conferences have different ideas about how to pull it off.

They’re still not sure about campus games, or if more are needed. And the seeding thing is an absolute mess. 

This isn’t rocket science. Simple is better.

Follow the lead of the NCAA tournament, and begin the 2026 season with a clear and unmistakeable path to the national championship. Here’s how it happens: 

SPRING POWER RANKINGS: Big Ten | SEC | 

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