Brent Venables Emphasizes Winning as Key to College Football Playoff Success
Oklahoma's Brent Venables recently shed light on the often-ignored truth about the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion: the path to the postseason is straightforward—win your games. Speaking at the SEC Meetings, Venables acknowledged the ongoing discussions about guaranteed entry and automatic bids but emphasized that consistent performance on the field remains paramount. Key Points from Venables' Insights: The Sooners had a pivotal November last season, winning their final four games, which secured their playoff spot. Venables stated, "If you want to be in complete, total control, win your games." The current playoff system, while imperfect, offers more access than ever before, allowing teams a greater margin for error. Despite the potential for expansion, Venables cautioned against relying on external factors, urging teams to focus on their performance rather than the selection committee's decisions. He noted that teams often lament missed opportunities rather than taking responsibility for their outcomes. The conversation around expansion is gaining momentum, with the Big 12 and SEC coaches expressing support for a larger bracket, suggesting it could enhance competition and revenue. Venables stated, "It ain't going to stay the same," signaling that change is imminent. As college football prepares for a potential expansion, the message from Venables remains clear: teams must prioritize winning to secure their place in the playoff, irrespective of the evolving landscape of postseason politics.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-30