War Eagle! In this episode of the Auburn Express, live from SEC Media Days 2025, host Mike G. sits down with College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark for his year-one report card. Clark pulls no punches on the highs and lows of administering the inaugural 12-team playoff, from the electric atmosphere at campus sites to the blockbuster championship game in Atlanta. He breaks down the immediate tweak for 2025—seeding the top four teams, period, rather than conference champions—and previews the deep-dive conversations on automatic qualifiers, optimal field sizes (12 vs. 14 vs. 16) and how the CFP aims to get it “right the first time.”

Along the way, Clark offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the selection committee’s data upgrades, the brutal (but beloved) fan feedback, and the delicate balance conference commissioners must strike between loyalty and the greater good of college football. He even reflects on the thrill of seeing Army—and almost Air Force—join the playoff conversation, proving that the new format lifts every program’s aspirations.

Stick around for candid insights on the toughest challenges Clark didn’t anticipate, his role as the committee’s champion and what deadline—December 1, 2025—could cement the long-term CFP landscape. If you care about where college football is headed, this is your playbook.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices