Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi argues that the University of Central Florida's decision to claim a national championship after an undefeated 2017 season underscores the inequities of the previous College Football Playoff system. Bianchi contends that the upcoming expansion to a 24-team playoff format will create a more equitable and exciting postseason, giving programs like UCF a legitimate path to compete for a title on the field rather than through self-declaration.
The column, published November 11, 2026, reflects on how the Knights' 13-0 campaign — capped by a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn — left them excluded from the four-team playoff, prompting the school to hang a "national champions" banner and hold a victory parade. Bianchi suggests the expanded bracket will reduce such controversies by allowing more conference champions and at-large teams to settle the championship through competition.
