Kanell Slams CFP Over Potential G5 Inclusion in 12-Team Playoff

Analyst argues Tulane, James Madison undeserving of playoff spots over traditional powers

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:07am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented shapes and planes of color representing different college football teams and programs, conceptually illustrating the complex debates over playoff inclusion.The expanded college football playoff format has reignited debates over fairness and merit, as smaller programs vie for postseason inclusion alongside traditional powers.Grapevine Today

The upcoming College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams has sparked fierce debates over fairness and deservingness, with analyst Danny Kanell criticizing the potential inclusion of Group of Five champions Tulane and James Madison over traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Miami. While the rules prioritize conference champions, the selection criteria has led to disagreements over which teams truly merit a playoff spot based on resume and metrics.

Why it matters

The expanded 12-team playoff format was meant to increase access and fairness, but the looming decisions by the CFP selection committee have ignited new controversies. The inclusion of smaller, less-established programs could challenge traditional notions of merit and strength of schedule, sparking debates over the true purpose and integrity of the postseason.

The details

The CFP selection committee faces a critical decision on whether to include a fifth conference champion, such as an unranked Duke team that recently upset No. 17 Virginia, or a Group of Five champion like 12-1 James Madison from the Sun Belt. Meanwhile, traditional powers like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Miami are still vying for at-large bids despite lower rankings, leading CBS analyst Danny Kanell to accuse the committee of overlooking the legitimacy of G5 teams in the playoff field.

  • The CFP selection committee will meet in Grapevine, Texas to determine the 12-team playoff field on Selection Sunday.

The players

Danny Kanell

A CBS Sports analyst and former college football quarterback who has been critical of the potential inclusion of Group of Five teams in the expanded playoff.

College Football Playoff (CFP)

The organization that oversees the national championship tournament for major college football in the United States.

Tulane

A Group of Five program from the American Athletic Conference that is being considered for one of the 12 playoff spots despite a 45-10 loss to Ole Miss.

James Madison

A Sun Belt Conference champion from the Group of Five that is vying for a playoff spot despite only playing one Power Five opponent, which they lost to by 14 points.

Alabama

A traditional college football powerhouse that is ranked No. 9 in the latest CFP rankings and has a strong resume, including a win over SEC champion Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“We're all arguing about Miami, Alabama, Notre Dame and overlooking that TWO Group of 5 schools are occupying spots when they have zero business playing in it this year. Tulane lost 45-10 to Ole Miss. JMU only played ONE P4 school and lost by 14. What a mess.”

— Danny Kanell, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The CFP selection committee will announce the 12-team playoff field on Selection Sunday, determining whether smaller programs like Tulane and James Madison will earn a spot alongside traditional powers.

The takeaway

The expanded 12-team playoff format was intended to increase access and fairness, but the looming decisions by the CFP selection committee have ignited new debates over which teams truly deserve a postseason spot. The inclusion of Group of Five champions could challenge traditional notions of merit, sparking discussions over the true purpose and integrity of the college football playoffs.