Ohio State Buckeyes Podcast: Additional CFP Expansion Advantages for Ohio State

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) continues to evolve, one of the most significant changes on the horizon is the expansion of the playoff field from four teams to twelve. This new format, set to take effect in the 2024 season, will have far-reaching implications for college football programs across the country, but few teams stand to benefit more than the Ohio State Buckeyes. As one of the premier programs in college football, Ohio State has consistently positioned itself as a national contender, and the expansion of the CFP could further solidify its place at the top of the college football landscape.

In this podcast episode, we will explore the advantages that Ohio State stands to gain with the expanded playoff system. From increasing the program’s national championship opportunities to strengthening the overall brand of the Buckeyes, we’ll break down how this move could be a game-changer for Ohio State football.

The Impact of CFP Expansion on Ohio State Football

First, let’s discuss the significance of the upcoming CFP expansion. Under the current format, only the top four teams in the country, as determined by the CFP selection committee, make it to the playoff. While this has produced high-stakes and exciting matchups, it has also excluded deserving teams in many years. With the upcoming expansion to 12 teams, the structure of the postseason will change dramatically.

In the new setup, the top four teams will still receive a bye in the first round, while the remaining eight teams will play in a traditional 12-team bracket. This opens up more opportunities for teams, including Ohio State, to compete for national titles without the pressure of having to be one of the absolute top two teams, which has often been a tough hurdle in the four-team system.

For a powerhouse program like Ohio State, the expansion of the CFP offers a multitude of advantages that could benefit both the team and the program as a whole. We’ll now break down some of these advantages in more detail.

1. Increased Playoff Opportunities for Ohio State

One of the most significant advantages for Ohio State with the CFP expansion is the increase in playoff opportunities. Historically, the Buckeyes have been one of the most dominant programs in college football, with numerous Big Ten titles and several CFP appearances. However, the current four-team playoff system often leaves little room for error. A single loss, even to a highly-ranked opponent, can knock a team out of the playoff race, making the margin for error extremely small.

With the expansion to 12 teams, Ohio State will have more opportunities to qualify for the postseason. This increase in spots will be particularly important in years when the Buckeyes face tough competition in the Big Ten and around the nation. It will allow them more flexibility and a greater chance to recover from a loss and still be included in the playoff discussion.

For example, a one-loss Ohio State team may not automatically make the top four under the current system, but with the expanded field, the Buckeyes could be included in the 12-team bracket. This increased access to the playoff means that even in a highly competitive season, Ohio State will be more likely to make the postseason and contend for a national title.

2. Enhanced Recruiting Impact

Another significant advantage for Ohio State with the CFP expansion is its positive impact on recruiting. College football recruiting is highly competitive, and top prospects are drawn to programs with a consistent track record of success, including a path to the postseason. By expanding the playoff field, the chances of Ohio State making the CFP increases, which will make the program even more attractive to high school recruits.

Ohio State has long been a dominant force in recruiting, consistently bringing in top-tier talent from across the country. With the potential for a more consistent playoff berth, recruits are more likely to see Ohio State as a program that not only develops NFL-caliber talent but also provides opportunities to compete at the highest level of college football. Recruits want to play in big games, and a team that regularly makes the playoffs is seen as one that will provide those opportunities year after year.

Additionally, with the inclusion of more teams in the playoff field, Ohio State could have a chance to recruit more nationally, as the increased exposure from playoff games could help the Buckeyes attract talent from regions outside the Big Ten footprint. In many ways, an expanded playoff makes Ohio State an even more enticing option for recruits who want to compete on a national stage.

3. Financial Implications and Boost for the Program

The financial impact of a consistent playoff appearance cannot be overstated. The College Football Playoff generates significant revenue for participating teams, and with the expansion to 12 teams, more programs—including Ohio State—will have the chance to earn a share of that revenue. While the Buckeyes have traditionally been one of the wealthiest programs in the country, additional playoff games mean more television exposure, more ticket sales, and additional sponsorship deals.

For Ohio State, the expanded playoff provides an opportunity to increase its financial standing within college football. Every additional playoff game means more revenue from broadcasting, merchandise sales, and other streams. This influx of money could be reinvested into the program to enhance facilities, coaching salaries, recruitment budgets, and more, further improving the overall strength of the program.

The opportunity to participate in more postseason games will also boost the program’s visibility on a national scale. As Ohio State continues to compete for championships, the program will maintain its status as one of the most visible and influential in college football, ensuring continued revenue growth from a range of sources.

4. A Bigger Stage for Ohio State’s National Brand

Ohio State football has one of the most recognizable brands in all of college sports. The Buckeyes are known for their iconic uniforms, their legendary stadium, and their rich tradition of success. With the expanded CFP, Ohio State will have more opportunities to showcase this brand on a national stage, which only increases the team’s visibility and appeal.

The Buckeyes already play a nationally recognized schedule as a member of the Big Ten, but the expanded playoff gives them even more exposure in the postseason. The games are likely to be broadcast to even larger audiences, meaning Ohio State can leverage its brand across a wider range of markets. For the university, this is a huge boon, as increased exposure enhances its reputation and attracts new fans, alumni support, and corporate partnerships.

Furthermore, an expanded playoff means more postseason games that feature Ohio State, giving fans from across the country the chance to see the Buckeyes in action on the biggest stages. This not only helps increase the team’s national following but also strengthens its status as one of college football’s premier programs.

5. Recruiting and Scheduling Flexibility for Non-Conference Games

Ohio State’s inclusion in the expanded playoff also opens up new opportunities in terms of scheduling. Historically, the Buckeyes have been one of the most successful programs at scheduling high-profile non-conference games. With the expanded playoff system, Ohio State may be able to schedule even more challenging opponents in the regular season, knowing that a single loss will not necessarily keep them out of the postseason.

For example, Ohio State could schedule top teams from across the country in marquee non-conference matchups, knowing that an early-season loss to a team like Alabama, Georgia, or Clemson would not necessarily eliminate them from the playoff hunt. This flexibility allows Ohio State to schedule even more high-profile games, which would help the program continue to build its national reputation and strengthen its position in recruiting.

Additionally, the expanded playoff format could lead to even more regional and national television exposure, as the Buckeyes could play against elite competition in more compelling matchups. These high-profile non-conference games could become a critical part of Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, as recruits love the opportunity to compete against the best of the best on national television.

6. The Competitive Advantage of Depth and Program Development

Ohio State has been successful for years due to its ability to recruit elite talent and develop that talent into professional-caliber players. The expanded playoff system rewards teams with deeper rosters, as the extra games provide more opportunities to showcase depth and development. The Buckeyes, with their stacked roster of talent at nearly every position, are in a prime position to thrive under the expanded playoff system.

In a 12-team playoff, teams will need to rely on more than just their top few players to succeed. The depth of the roster becomes a significant factor, and Ohio State’s depth has been one of its key advantages over the years. With more opportunities to showcase this depth, the Buckeyes could emerge as one of the most formidable programs in the expanded playoff system.