CFP approves 5+7 model for 12-team playoff

The College Football Playoff board of managers "unanimously approved a model that will guarantee the five highest-ranked conference champions' inclusion in the expanded 12-team field this fall, along with the next seven highest-ranked teams." After "months of delay at the behest of the dwindling Pac-12," the decision was made this morning in a virtual meeting of the 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame President John Jenkins. The vote "had to be unanimous for the 5+7 format to be approved." The CFP's management committee, which comprises the 10 FBS commissioners and ND AD Jack Swarbrick, is meeting in Dallas tomorrow to "continue working on the implementation of the 12-team playoff for this fall, along with weighty decisions about the future of the sport's postseason in the next contract." Sources said that the top priority is "coming to an agreement on a new TV deal" (ESPN.com, 2/20).