Will BYU make the College Football Playoff? Here’s what national media are projecting for the Cougars

Will BYU Make the College Football Playoff? A Look at Their Chances

BYU’s 2023 season ended with a 8-5 record, falling short of their ambitious goals. While their performance wasn’t disastrous, a playoff berth remains highly unlikely for the Cougars in the coming years. Several factors contribute to this assessment.

Firstly, BYU’s conference affiliation presents a significant hurdle. As an independent school, they lack the automatic qualifying bid afforded to champions of Power Five conferences. Their strength of schedule, while often challenging, doesn’t guarantee the high rankings necessary to earn an at-large bid. To even be considered for a playoff spot, BYU would need to post an undefeated or near-undefeated season, dominating teams from prominent conferences.

Secondly, the overall competitiveness of college football continues to increase. The number of elite programs vying for playoff positions ensures that only the most consistently dominant teams are selected. While BYU boasts talented players and a passionate fanbase, translating that into consistent top-tier victories against the nation’s best remains a challenge. Even a fantastic season might not be enough if other programs display equally impressive records.

Finally, the selection committee’s criteria remain opaque. While metrics such as strength of schedule and head-to-head results play a role, subjective assessments of team quality also influence the final decision. This element of uncertainty adds another layer of difficulty for independent teams aiming for a playoff spot.

In conclusion, while BYU’s football program consistently demonstrates potential, reaching the College Football Playoff as an independent team presents substantial hurdles. A flawless season against a challenging schedule, coupled with a favorable evaluation by the selection committee, would be required to overcome these obstacles. While not impossible, the likelihood of this scenario materializing remains low in the foreseeable future. Focusing on consistent top-25 rankings and achieving strong victories against major conference opponents is a more realistic short-term goal.