The college football playoff landscape is shifting once again, and this time the conversation is all about expansion—specifically, moving to a 24-team format. While this might sound like a win for programs like Notre Dame, the bigger question is whether it's truly good for the sport as a whole.

We've reached a point where the playoff system is dominating the offseason narrative, much more than in the BCS era or earlier decades. Back then, the focus was on the regular season itself, with postseason discussions naturally following later in the year. Now, it feels like the playoff format is the main event before a single snap is even played.

At the heart of this expansion debate are the Big Ten and the SEC, the two power conferences that essentially hold the keys to any change. The SEC is open to a 16-team format, but the Big Ten is pushing hard for 24. And they're not alone—both the ACC and the Big 12 have now publicly lined up behind the 24-team proposal, using this spring to build momentum and pressure.

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips recently stated, "Notre Dame was a CFP worthy team this year. They just were." He pointed to the Irish's exclusion from last year's playoff as a key reason why the ACC supports expanding to 24 teams. The argument is that a larger field would prevent "snubs" and ensure that deserving programs don't get left out.

But here's the thing: while the 12-team format has already created some controversy over who gets in and who doesn't, moving to 24 teams isn't a guaranteed fix. It's easy to point to the FCS model as proof that a larger playoff works, but the logistics of college football's top tier are completely different. The regular season, conference championships, and bowl traditions all play unique roles that a 24-team bracket could fundamentally alter.

For Notre Dame, a 24-team playoff might mean more opportunities to make a run. But for the sport as a whole, it raises serious questions about the value of the regular season, the importance of conference championships, and whether we're trading tradition for a never-ending tournament. As the debate heats up, one thing is clear: the future of college football hangs in the balance, and the decisions made now will shape the game for generations to come.