The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee’s final rankings have sparked widespread criticism, particularly for their treatment of Tennessee. Once again, the committee seems to have undervalued the Volunteers, despite their strong resume. Tennessee, with a 10-2 record and a dominant win over Alabama, has one of the season’s most impressive victories. However, the committee placed them behind teams with arguably weaker resumes, including Alabama, whom they defeated head-to-head.
This decision raises questions about the CFP’s criteria, which supposedly emphasize head-to-head results, strength of schedule, and overall performance. Tennessee’s exclusion from a higher spot appears inconsistent with these principles, further frustrating fans and analysts alike. The committee’s justification—that Tennessee’s loss to South Carolina was too damaging—ignores their body of work, including wins over multiple ranked opponents.
Ultimately, the CFP rankings feel increasingly subjective, prioritizing reputation and branding over merit. Tennessee’s slight reflects the broader frustration with the system, which continues to leave deserving teams on the outside looking in. As the playoff expands in 2024, many hope it will bring more clarity and fairness, but for now, the Volunteers are left as the most notable victims of a flawed process.
