The College Football Playoff (CFP) has decided to adopt a straight seeding model for its 2025 playoffs, with the top four teams receiving the top four seeds. The decision was made after a unanimous vote by the CFP management committee, which consists of the 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director Pete Bevacqua.
In 2024, conference champions were given guaranteed spots as top seeds, but this model proved unsuccessful, with all four teams receiving first-round byes losing their opening games. The extended downtime may have hindered these teams’ performance against opponents that won their first-round home games.
Under the new straight seeding model, the quarterfinal round will take place at neutral sites, with four traditional bowl games featuring the top four seeds. The eventual winner will receive a championship trophy.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/college-football-adopts-straight-seeding-for-2025-playoffs