Iowa Hawkeyes in the mix: Why the 12-team playoff is the right call for college football

As the college football season kicks off, Iowa fans have something to cheer about: the 12-team playoff format gives the Hawkeyes a legitimate shot at the national title. Ranked No. 22 in the preseason, Iowa is one of more than 30 teams that can realistically hope for a playoff berth this year.

This is the beauty of the current system. It strikes a balance between access and exclusivity, keeping the regular season meaningful while opening the door for teams that might have been locked out under the old four-team format.

Why the 12-team playoff works for Iowa

Under the previous system, a team like Iowa would need to run the table or come close to it. One loss could end your season. Now, a couple of losses might still leave the door open. That is a big deal for a program that consistently competes in the tough Big Ten Conference.

Iowa's schedule includes tough tests against Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin. But with the expanded playoff, a 10-2 or even 9-3 record could be enough to get in. That keeps hope alive for Hawkeye fans all season long.

Blue bloods can still miss out

One of the best features of the 12-team format is that even the richest programs are not guaranteed a spot. Preseason No. 1 Ohio State could miss the playoff if they lose too many games. The same goes for Texas, Notre Dame, and Alabama.

That happened to Texas last year. The Longhorns were preseason No. 1 but fizzled and missed the playoff. In a 20- or 24-team format, they would have glided in without much worry. That would reduce the stakes of the regular season.

As Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY Network's senior national college football columnist, put it: What's great about the 12-team playoff? It's exclusive enough that Texas or Notre Dame can miss it.

The risk of expanding further

Conference leaders are already discussing expanding the playoff to 16, 20, or even 24 teams. The Big Ten supports a 24-team bracket, while the SEC prefers 16. A compromise at 20 teams is possible, but it would be a mistake.

A larger playoff would water down the regular season. Three-loss teams from the ACC or Big 12 could get in. Blue bloods like Ohio State and Notre Dame would never miss the playoff again. The consequence for losing would shrink, and the games would feel more like exhibitions than high-stakes battles.

Money is the main driver behind expansion. More games mean more revenue. But that comes at the cost of the drama and tension that make college football special.

What this means for Iowa fans

For Iowa, the 12-team playoff is a golden opportunity. The Hawkeyes have a strong defense, a solid running game, and a coach in Kirk Ferentz who knows how to win close games. If they can steal a few wins against ranked opponents, they could be playing in December.

Iowa fans should enjoy this format while it lasts. If the playoff expands further, the Hawkeyes might find themselves on the outside looking in again. But for now, the path is open.

Frequently asked questions

Can Iowa really make the 12-team playoff?

Yes. With a strong season and a few key wins, Iowa has a realistic path to an at-large bid. The expanded format gives them a chance they did not have before.

Will the playoff expand to 20 teams?

It is possible. Conference leaders are discussing it, and money is a big factor. But many fans and analysts argue that 12 teams is the right number to keep the regular season meaningful.

How does the 12-team format help teams like Iowa?

It lowers the bar for entry. Teams can afford a loss or two and still make the playoff. That gives programs like Iowa, Boise State, and SMU a realistic shot at the national title.

John Damon is a columnist for Just The News Iowa. This article is adapted from a piece by Blake Toppmeyer, originally published in USA TODAY.