The College Football Playoff makes the 5+7 qualifier format official

The 5+7 format always seemed like the logical conclusion for the College Football Playoff, especially amidst the whirlwind of conference realignment.

With the expansion from four to 12 teams combined with the growth of the Big 12, SEC, and Big Ten (and the dissolution of the Pac-12) the 5+7 format allows for a little bit more intrigue for the last seven spots.

The way it works: The five highest-ranked conference champions will be "in", followed by the next seven highest-ranked overall teams, as determined by the CFP Selection Committee.

The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and they'll each get a first-round bye. Teams five through 12 will play in the first round, with home field advantage going to the higher-ranked team.

The idea here is that more than likely, the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC champions will be guaranteed a spot in the playoff while the highest-ranked Group of 5 conference champion will also have a guaranteed opportunity to be in. 

This should open up opportunities for a school from the AAC, Conference USA, Mountain West, Sun Belt or MAC to make the playoff.

The 5+7 format is now official, and it's a modification from the original idea, which gave "guaranteed" spots to the six highest ranked conference champions.

"This is a very logical adjustment for the College Football Playoff based on the evolution of our conference structures since the board first adopted this new format in September 2022," Dr. Mark Keenum, Chair of the CFP Board of Managers, said in a statement. "I know this change will also be well received by student-athletes, coaches and fans. We all will be pleased to see this new format come to life on the field this postseason."