Texas A&M football’s schedule will undergo a significant change due to the upcoming playoff relocation.

The landscape of college football has been experiencing a period of profound change, driven by factors ranging from NIL regulations to conference realignments and, most notably, the recent shifts in how the College Football Playoff (CFP) will operate. These shifts have reverberated across every corner of college football, and for programs like Texas A&M, the changes promise to be especially impactful. With the playoff expansion taking effect, the Aggies will be confronted with a new set of challenges, opportunities, and logistical hurdles that will significantly alter their traditional football schedule moving forward.

The news of the upcoming changes to the CFP format, including the relocation of the national semifinals and championship games, is part of a broader restructuring designed to give more teams an opportunity to compete for the national title. For Texas A&M, this adjustment in the playoff system means a major shift not just in the postseason, but also in how their regular season schedule will be structured. The repercussions of these changes will reverberate throughout the Aggies’ roster, their coaches, their fans, and the entire culture of Aggie football.

The College Football Playoff Relocation: What’s Changing?

Since the CFP was introduced in the 2014 season, college football’s postseason format has been a hot topic of discussion. The original setup involved a four-team playoff, with teams selected based on their regular-season performance and conference championships. The system was met with mixed reviews, with critics arguing that the limited number of spots led to unfair exclusions and too much emphasis placed on conference championships.

In response to these concerns, the CFP committee voted in 2023 to expand the playoff from four teams to 12 teams starting in the 2024 season. This expansion is designed to allow for a greater variety of teams to compete for the national title, bringing in additional conference champions, at-large teams, and offering more flexibility in how the postseason works.

However, perhaps the most significant change resulting from this expansion is the relocation of the semifinals and national championship game. Previously, these games were held in a small group of rotating venues, such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, but now, as part of the expanded format, the CFP semifinals and finals will be held in more varied locations, increasing the travel burden on teams who reach the final stages.

This new rotation, as well as the subsequent increase in the number of games that may occur, presents challenges for teams like Texas A&M. The logistics surrounding such a significant expansion will affect the scheduling of non-conference games, the flow of the regular season, and the structure of bowl games.

How Texas A&M Football Will Be Affected

Increased Demand on the Schedule

With the playoff expansion, Texas A&M and other top-tier SEC teams could see their regular-season schedules stretched more thinly as they make their way toward a 12-team playoff spot. Traditionally, Texas A&M has played a tough SEC schedule, facing perennial powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia, along with fierce in-conference rivals such as Auburn and Mississippi State. Now, the Aggies will need to account for potential changes in their non-conference games, as well as the possibility of more postseason play.

The Aggies are already one of the most tested teams in the country in terms of the difficulty of their schedule. Being in the SEC West, which is often regarded as the toughest division in college football, Texas A&M faces one of the most grueling and competitive schedules every season. This new playoff format means that they will likely need to stay more competitive for a longer period of time to maintain their spot within the top 12, which could lead to more high-stakes matchups and an extended postseason.

The expansion also means that the SEC Championship Game could take on even more importance, as it now has the potential to double as a playoff qualifier for the Aggies. In the past, a strong finish to the season might have been enough to earn a spot in the four-team playoff, but with 12 teams in the mix, even a good showing in the SEC might not guarantee the Aggies a spot. A more competitive season overall will likely be required, as the Aggies will have to finish near the top of the standings while simultaneously holding off challenges from other programs around the country.

Impact on Recruiting

One of the other areas where the expansion of the CFP will have a significant impact is on recruiting. Texas A&M has been known for its recruiting prowess under head coach Jimbo Fisher, securing a number of top-tier prospects. The increased visibility and prestige that come with more teams in the playoff mix could have a lasting impact on the Aggies’ recruiting efforts, but it also could create increased competition with other top programs.

For recruits, making the playoff is now a more realistic goal for many teams, especially those in the Power 5 conferences. Texas A&M, with its national brand, is well-positioned to take advantage of this change, and recruiting could become even more competitive as schools focus on securing talent that will help them secure one of the coveted 12 spots in the new playoff system.

This newfound opportunity for teams to earn a playoff berth could bring more national attention to the Aggies, which will help in their recruiting efforts. However, Texas A&M’s SEC competition is already fierce. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Florida will also be vying for top talent, making recruiting harder for the Aggies despite the expanded playoff field. The intensity of competition across the board will increase, but it also means that Fisher’s program will have more of a chance to compete at the highest levels.

The Bowl Game Landscape

Another significant impact of the CFP relocation is the redefinition of the postseason. With the expanded playoff field and a newly restructured bowl system, Texas A&M’s bowl game destination may change drastically. The traditional New Year’s Six bowls will likely shift in importance, and some teams may find themselves playing in places they would not have before.

The Aggies may find themselves in more high-profile postseason games, especially if they secure a spot in the new 12-team playoff. The bowl season is also about prestige, and now the SEC programs will have the opportunity to solidify their position not only in national rankings but also in future recruiting cycles and revenue generation.

Challenges of Travel and Logistical Adjustments

The relocation of the playoff and the increase in the number of games that could potentially be played will also require Texas A&M to navigate complex logistical challenges. College football teams already contend with travel fatigue, especially when facing long road trips or having to play in unfamiliar territories. The prospect of additional postseason games in far-flung locations could make this a more difficult proposition.

For a team like Texas A&M, whose fans travel well and whose home games are regularly well-attended, the travel burden could potentially put a strain on the program’s resources. Playing additional games will add not only to the physical strain on players but also to the financial strain on the program. The logistics of travel to venues across the country, including potential games in cities like Las Vegas or New York, would require Texas A&M to adjust its budget, scheduling, and infrastructure to meet these new demands.

On the flip side, the added exposure and additional revenue from these extended postseason opportunities could help the Aggies increase their national profile. Texas A&M already has a significant following, and adding more postseason games would allow them to tap into a broader fanbase.

The Future of Texas A&M Football Post-Relocation

With the relocation of the CFP semifinals and championship games and the transition to a 12-team playoff, Texas A&M football is entering a new era. The effects of this shift will touch every facet of the program, from the daily grind of players and coaches to the big-picture strategic decisions made by the administration.

One thing is clear: Texas A&M is likely to see more intense competition in both the regular season and the postseason, with higher stakes and greater opportunities for success. At the same time, there are challenges to overcome in terms of scheduling, travel logistics, and the growing pressure to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.

For Aggie fans, the coming years could represent a time of unprecedented growth and exposure for the program, but only if the team can adjust and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the new College Football Playoff system. If Texas A&M can successfully navigate these changes, the program could be on the verge of returning to national prominence, making a deeper run in the expanded playoff system, and building on the legacy of success that has already begun to take shape under Jimbo Fisher.

In the end, the 2024 season and beyond could be a defining period in the history of Texas A&M football. The Aggies are set to play a more significant role in the new college football ecosystem, and it’s up to them to seize the moment.