The College Football Playoff will not factor in the Army-Navy game result for selection, determining it as an exhibition rather than influential in playoff decisions. The game's scheduling creates a dilemma due to timing, falling days after the selection committee meets. The CFP Management Committee decided to treat the game separately, with a potential Group of Five champion from Army or Navy advancing despite the game post-championship. This resolves a significant issue for the Committee and stakeholders.

By the Numbers
  • Army and Navy traditionally meet on the second Saturday in December.
  • Last year’s Army-Navy game attracted 7.2 million viewers.
Yes, But

Shifting the Army-Navy game to accommodate the selection process was not feasible due to various contractual and logistical obligations.

State of Play
  • The CFP Management Committee decided to exclude the Army-Navy game from playoff considerations.
  • Potential conflicts between bowl games and the Army-Navy matchup are being addressed to expand television windows.
What's Next

Potential qualification impacts for Army and Navy in the 12-team playoff format as the teams move to the AAC and the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy series.

Bottom Line

The CFP's decision to isolate the Army-Navy game results from playoff selection reflects a strategic move to streamline the process and address complications effectively.