Vanderbilt Makes Case for CFP Inclusion Amid Chaotic Championship Weekend

As the college football season reaches its climax, roughly 20 teams are vying for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, with difficult decisions looming for the selection committee. Conference championship weekend could produce unexpected outcomes, potentially reshaping the playoff picture.

Several under-the-radar teams could make a case for inclusion. Duke could upset Virginia in the ACC, while an 8-5 conference champion might find its way into the field. In the American Athletic Conference, the winner of Tulane and North Texas is poised to earn the Group of 5 bid. Meanwhile, a 12-1 James Madison squad is also on the committee’s radar.

These developments could create ripple effects that displace traditional contenders. Teams like Vanderbilt, Miami, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, BYU, and even Alabama could be pushed out if they falter or are edged out by conference champions or standout Group of 5 programs.

Vanderbilt enters this chaotic weekend with a strong résumé but without a guaranteed spot. The Commodores’ performance over the season, including key victories and a dominant finish, positions them as a legitimate contender for playoff consideration.

1. Vanderbilt’s Season Highlights

Vanderbilt finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, capped by a decisive victory over Tennessee that showcased the team’s growth and resilience. Despite this, the Commodores fell slightly in the AP Top 25, dropping from 12th to 13th, and currently sit 14th in the CFP rankings. Under head coach Clark Lea, Vanderbilt secured impressive wins over top-tier programs, including No. 10 LSU, No. 15 Missouri, Auburn, Kentucky, and South Carolina, which was ranked 7th at the time. These victories highlight the team’s ability to compete against high-level competition. The Commodores’ two losses came on the road against powerhouse programs: Alabama (14-30) and Texas (31-34). Both games were competitive, with the narrow defeat to Texas demonstrating the team’s capacity to contend with championship-level opponents. A win at Texas could have provided Vanderbilt a path to a conference championship, further solidifying their case for playoff inclusion. Even without it, the team’s body of work offers a compelling argument for consideration.

2. Coach Lea Advocates for Inclusion

Coach Clark Lea has been outspoken in defending his team’s playoff credentials. He argues that the committee should recognize Vanderbilt’s achievements, rather than allowing perception or bias to overshadow results. “I think there is a bias against Vanderbilt… I don’t know a world that exists where this team doesn’t belong in that field… We deserve a chance to win a national championship,” Lea told reporters. His comments underscore the belief that his squad merits a spot despite the unconventional nature of its résumé. Lea’s advocacy emphasizes quality of wins over losses. By highlighting victories against ranked opponents and competitive performances against elite programs, the Commodores’ argument focuses on demonstrated ability rather than just record or conference prestige. The coach’s statements serve as both a plea to the committee and a rallying cry for the program, reinforcing the narrative that Vanderbilt’s success deserves national recognition.

3. Looking Ahead to Championship Weekend

Vanderbilt must now wait as conference championships and other key games play out, knowing that the final CFP selection could be influenced by unexpected outcomes. The volatility of this weekend could open doors for teams like the Commodores. Upsets in conferences such as the ACC or AAC could allow traditionally overlooked programs to leapfrog higher-ranked teams, reshaping the final field. Vanderbilt’s position near the top of the rankings positions them to capitalize on such scenarios. The team’s focus will remain on preparation and performance, even as other results determine their fate. By finishing strong and highlighting their competitive wins, Vanderbilt aims to make an impression on the selection committee. Ultimately, the Commodores’ postseason destiny hinges on a combination of their own résumé and the results of the weekend’s championship games. Whether they earn a playoff berth or remain on the outside, their season demonstrates that they belong in the national conversation.