College Football Playoff: Miami jumps Notre Dame as Alabama gets in 12-team field and Irish get left out

Alabama football has secured a commitment from a four-star tight end, enhancing its recruiting efforts as the team prepares for a crucial College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup against Oklahoma. Head coach Kalen DeBoer is actively working on both game strategies and recruitment to strengthen the team's roster.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark criticized Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, calling his recent comments regarding the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) 'totally out of bounds.' This criticism follows Bevacqua's expressions of disappointment over Notre Dame's exclusion from the College Football Playoff (CFP), which he described as a significant injustice to the student-athletes.

Heading into Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are optimistic about the availability of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf for their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, despite his recent hospital visit. This situation highlights the ongoing health concerns that players face during the season.

Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua has expressed his dissatisfaction with the exclusion of the Fighting Irish from the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) field, calling for a reevaluation of the playoff format. This decision has left the team feeling overlooked after a strong season, where they finished with a 10-2 record.

Philip Rivers, the former NFL quarterback, hosted Riley Leonard and his Notre Dame teammates in preparation for Leonard's final college football season, sharing insights and mentorship. Rivers recently signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he will join Leonard as they navigate the team's quarterback challenges.

Notre Dame is facing a pivotal decision regarding its conference affiliation, weighing options between the Big Ten and SEC, while Penn State has officially hired Matt Campbell as its new head football coach following the dismissal of James Franklin. Additionally, Utah has entered into a groundbreaking private equity deal that could reshape its athletic program.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team concluded the 2025 season without a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), leading to their withdrawal from bowl game consideration. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua expressed profound disappointment, describing the exclusion as a theft from the student-athletes. This unexpected turn of events has left the program in a state of reflection as they enter the offseason.

Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the team's exclusion from the College Football Playoff (CFP), describing the decision as a significant injustice against the student-athletes following what he deemed one of the most dominant 10-game runs in recent history.