Pac-12's 'flex' schedule gives league leg up in Group of Six CFP race

The Pac-12 conference is set to introduce a new scheduling format in 2026 with the debut of a "flex" matchup during Week 13. This format, part of a round-robin slate in the newly restructured eight-team league, could significantly impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape. Each team will play a repeat matchup against a Pac-12 opponent, but these games will not affect conference standings. The introduction of the flex week aims to enhance the conference's chances of sending a team to the 12-team CFP by allowing strategic scheduling adjustments late in the season.

The flex week could be pivotal in ensuring Pac-12 teams remain competitive in the CFP race by potentially offering favorable matchups to top-performing teams, thus increasing their chances of securing a CFP berth. For instance, if Boise State is ranked No. 15 in the CFP rankings with no other Group of Six teams in the top 25, the Pac-12 might schedule an easily winnable game