Why Expansion of the College Football Playoff Could Finally Propel Oklahoma State Cowboys to Their First Appearance
Oklahoma State University’s football program has long been a respected contender in the college football landscape, yet despite their consistent performances, the Cowboys have never earned a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) since its inception in the 2014 season. While the current four-team playoff structure has often left talented teams like Oklahoma State on the outside looking in, the anticipated expansion of the playoff format offers a promising path for the Cowboys to finally break through and compete for a national title. Understanding why the expansion will inevitably benefit Oklahoma State requires an exploration of the program’s history, the current playoff limitations, and how structural changes in the playoff format will create new opportunities for teams on the cusp of elite status.
Oklahoma State has built a strong football program over the past two decades, with notable successes under coaches like Mike Gundy, who has led the team since 2005. The Cowboys regularly contend in the Big 12 Conference, which is a highly competitive league featuring powerhouses such as Oklahoma and Texas. Throughout this period, Oklahoma State has boasted impressive records, quality wins, and top-25 finishes. Despite this, the Cowboys have found themselves repeatedly excluded from the four-team playoff, often due to the limited number of playoff spots and the heavy emphasis placed on conference championships and strength of schedule.
The current College Football Playoff system selects only four teams each year, with a committee that evaluates various factors including win-loss records, strength of schedule, conference championships, and other metrics. This highly selective format means only the absolute elite—often conference champions from the Power Five conferences—receive invitations. Oklahoma State has consistently found itself in the “next best” category, frequently ranked just outside the top four in the final CFP rankings. For example, in recent years, despite finishing with impressive records such as 10-2 or 11-2, the Cowboys have been edged out by teams with seemingly stronger resumes or conference titles, underscoring the challenge posed by the limited playoff structure.
Expansion of the CFP to include more teams would drastically increase Oklahoma State’s chances of making the playoff, as it would allow for inclusion of multiple teams from strong conferences like the Big 12. Reports and proposals currently circulating within college football’s governing bodies suggest an expansion to 8, 12, or even 16 teams, which would significantly reshape the landscape. Such expansion would not only give teams that miss out on a conference title but still maintain an excellent record an opportunity to compete on the national stage, but also reduce the brutal exclusion of high-quality programs like Oklahoma State.
With an expanded playoff, Oklahoma State would benefit in several ways. Firstly, an 8 or 12-team playoff would almost certainly allow multiple teams from the Big 12 to qualify. Historically, the Big 12 has been dominated by one or two teams that take the conference championship and, consequently, the playoff berth. However, Oklahoma State’s regular season performances often rival or surpass those of their conference foes who ultimately get the nod. By increasing the number of playoff spots, the committee or the expanded selection system would have the flexibility to reward the Cowboys for their consistent excellence, even without a conference title.
Moreover, the expanded playoff would lessen the heavy penalty currently imposed on teams that suffer one or two losses, which is particularly significant for programs in competitive conferences. Oklahoma State has often faced highly challenging schedules, including games against ranked opponents and tough non-conference matchups. In the existing four-team format, even a single loss can disqualify a team outright, especially if other teams remain undefeated or have better tiebreakers. Expansion to an 8 or more team playoff would reduce the sting of a loss, enabling Oklahoma State to recover from early or mid-season setbacks and still be rewarded for overall season performance.
Another key advantage is that the expanded playoff format would increase visibility and exposure for Oklahoma State, which has benefits far beyond a single season’s outcome. Increased participation in high-stakes playoff games improves recruiting, boosts the program’s national profile, and elevates the fan base. These elements build momentum that helps sustain long-term program success, making playoff appearances not just a prize, but a catalyst for growth. The Cowboys, with their passionate fan base and solid football tradition, stand to gain significantly from this broader stage.
Beyond the team and institutional benefits, playoff expansion reflects broader shifts in college football toward greater inclusivity and fairness in championship contention. Critics of the four-team playoff argue that it too often favors traditional powerhouses and conference champions at the expense of equally talented teams from competitive leagues. The Big 12, where Oklahoma State competes, has notably been underrepresented in playoff selections despite producing consistently strong teams. An expanded playoff structure would better recognize the reality of college football’s competitive balance, creating opportunities for teams like the Cowboys that have demonstrated they belong among the nation’s best.
It’s also important to consider how an expanded playoff might influence Oklahoma State’s strategic approach to scheduling and team building. Currently, programs sometimes hesitate to schedule tough non-conference opponents out of fear of jeopardizing their playoff chances with an early loss. Expansion could encourage Oklahoma State to maintain or even increase the difficulty of their schedule, knowing that a single loss would no longer be a playoff killer. This could lead to more high-profile games and thrilling matchups that elevate the entire college football season, benefiting fans, players, and broadcasters alike.
While some critics express concerns about playoff expansion diluting the quality or tradition of college football’s championship, the potential upside for teams like Oklahoma State is clear. Expansion would provide a platform for the Cowboys to finally break through and compete on equal footing with perennial elite programs. It would acknowledge the reality that college football has many strong teams deserving of a shot at the title, not just a handful of champions. Given Oklahoma State’s track record of competitiveness and growth, it seems almost inevitable that an expanded playoff would enable the Cowboys to achieve the milestone of their first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
In conclusion, Oklahoma State’s absence from the College Football Playoff so far is a reflection of the extremely limited current format rather than a lack of ability or achievement. The program’s consistent success in the tough Big 12, strong records, and quality wins underscore that the Cowboys have long been playoff-worthy contenders. The ongoing discussions and near-certain expansion of the CFP to include more teams present a golden opportunity for Oklahoma State to finally earn their rightful place on college football’s biggest stage. By allowing more teams to compete for the championship, the playoff expansion will correct structural imbalances and open the door for programs like the Cowboys to make history and chase a national title. For Oklahoma State fans, players, and coaches, the future looks brighter than ever as expansion makes that long-awaited College Football Playoff appearance not just a dream, but an achievable goal.
