Before the national title game Monday, college football’s power brokers will meet to discuss the debut of the 12-team playoff and what needs to be tweaked. Or trashed. Don’t expect anything Sunday. Too soon.

In a roller-coaster season, the Irish took a deep dive early before slowly ascending over the last four months. They entered 2024 with postseason aspirations and an intriguing roster, led by Duke transfer Riley Leonard at quarterback, an explosive running back in Jeremiyah Love and a formidable defense. It lasted two weeks.

Eliminating the CFP’s rule designating the top four seeds and first-round byes to conference champions won't likely happen next year.