As discussions around the future format of the College Football Playoff (CFP) continue, an emerging narrative from fringe contenders advocates for the elimination of the Group of 5 automatic entry. Some programs vying for spots believe their qualifications surpass those of teams from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) or Sun Belt. Prominent voices in college football are resonating with this perspective, which threatens the standing of programs such as Boise State, Tulane, and James Madison.
ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt voiced his strong support for the inclusion of Group of 5 programs during a recent podcast. He emphasized that part of the allure of college sports lies in representing diverse teams from all regions and levels. Van Pelt reminded listeners of the sometimes flimsy resumes presented by certain CFP participants and highlighted that the outcomes can often be lopsided when these teams face the strongest competition.
“I have zero appetite for the complaining from people,” Van Pelt stated. He pointed to the inherent charm of the NCAA basketball tournament, where underdog teams, often referred to as “Cinderellas,” can create thrilling moments. Van Pelt argued that for college football to be inclusive and meaningful, it must provide opportunities for Group of 5 schools to compete. He acknowledged the long odds of teams like Tulane or James Madison defeating higher-ranked opponents in postseason play but questioned the justification of excluding them on the basis of potential blowouts.
He illustrated his point by mentioning Tennessee’s poor performance at Ohio State in the first round of the CFP in 2024, where they suffered a heavy defeat as the SEC’s third representative. Van Pelt contended that if lesser teams from prestigious conferences are unable to consistently compete with top seeds, the argument against Group of 5 inclusion weakens. He concluded, “I have zero issue with the inclusion of the small guy, because the big guys are going to get their a** kicked by the best, too.”
Though the structure of the CFP will not undergo changes before 2026, the debate surrounding the Group of 5’s automatic entry promises to be contentious in the run-up to future tournaments. The conversations fostered by figures like Van Pelt reflect an ongoing commitment to inclusivity within college football, a trait that enhances the sport’s dynamic nature.