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Big Change Coming for the College Football Playoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jack Gorman | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 3:41 PM ET

Beginning next season, the College Football Playoff will require teams to issue player availability reports for all games.

According to Brett McMurphy of TheActionNetwork.com and a report CBS Sports, CFP executive director Rich Clark announced the change Wednesday. The Big Ten and SEC have put similar programs in place over the last few years, but the CFP did not share whether their system would follow either of the existing ones.

This comes at a time when the widespread legalization of sports gambling is starting to fundamentally alter the landscape of all sports, whether professional or collegiate. Adding the injury reporting requirement brings a level of transparency, making it more difficult for anyone to profit from what was previously exclusive information.

College Football Playoff will begin requiring teams to provide player availability reports for this year’s playoffs
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) June 18, 2025

The Big Ten's partnership with U.S. Integrity was aimed at these precise issues.

“The well-being of our students, coaches, and staff, as well as the integrity of our competitions are of paramount importance,” Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said of the 2023 partnership. “Enhanced transparency through availability reporting and partnering with U.S. Integrity strengthens our efforts to protect those who participate in our games as well as the integrity of the games themselves. I’m grateful for the collaboration of our schools, coaches, and administrators.”

It seems likely that it is only a matter of time before similar measures are enacted throughout the NCAA.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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