Evolution of the College Football Playoff System

The college football postseason structure has undergone significant changes since its inception in 1997, when the BCS was established to determine the championship game through a complicated equation involving human and computer rankings. Over the years, the BCS faced criticism for its lack of transparency and perceived bias, particularly in favor of more prominent programs. In 2014, the playoff system shifted to a committee-based selection of four teams, which introduced new challenges, such as increasing bias accusations. The recent expansion to a 12-team format aims to simplify the selection process while accommodating more teams and enhancing fan engagement.