Criticism surrounding the college football schedule is always prevalent, but this year, it’s intensified due to the newly expanded 12-team playoff. This shift has moved the College Football Playoff National Championship to late January, a timing that college football fans are still adjusting to regarding the season’s marquee event. Although it remains to be seen how this will impact the ratings, the dissatisfaction with the new scheduling has already emerged.
Fox college football analyst Joel Klatt is vocal about his discontent regarding the timing of the title game. He took to X on Monday to articulate his concerns, stating, “This is supposed to be the pinnacle of our sport…The destination for every player, coach, and fan…yet somebody decided that playing the National Championship on a Monday night deep into the NFL playoffs was a good idea…the mismanagement of CFB has been egregious.”
This is supposed to be the pinnacle of our sport…The destination for every player, coach, and fan…yet somebody decided that playing the National Championship on a Monday night deep into the NFL playoffs was a good idea…the mismanagement of CFB has been egregious
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) January 20, 2025
Klatt’s grievances echo the sentiments of numerous fans and media figures who have criticized the Monday night kickoff for the national title. Historically, the game has been held the Monday after the NFL regular season ends; however, with the playoff expansion, it now falls right after the NFL’s divisional round. This change may contribute to football fatigue among fans, as they experience four critical NFL games over the weekend, followed by yet another matchup on Monday night, potentially overshadowing the National Championship as it competes with the dominant NFL.
However, Klatt’s critique lacks a proposed alternative; it raises the question of when the game could be played to allow adequate player rest while avoiding direct NFL conflicts. Some have suggested a possible shift of the first playoff round up by a week, but this would introduce a myriad of scheduling conflicts. Ultimately, the College Football Playoff must navigate a less-than-ideal scenario. Yes, they risk playing second fiddle to the NFL in this format, but the standalone window on Monday night still presents a compelling opportunity for strong viewership.
The viewership numbers from Monday night will significantly influence whether the College Football Playoff committee considers Klatt’s concerns. Nevertheless, the primary goal should be to avoid direct competition with the NFL during the first round.
