The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee has sometimes been criticized for overlooking BYU, despite the program’s impressive performances and strong football tradition. For fans of the Cougars, the perception of being snubbed stems from a belief that the committee does not always fairly evaluate teams outside of the Power Five conferences, which historically has included BYU. This has resulted in frustration as BYU has often been left out of key national conversations and prestigious bowl game opportunities, even when its record and performance on the field suggest otherwise.

One of the main challenges BYU has faced in the CFP era is its status as an independent program until joining the Big 12. Without the backing of a conference championship or the guaranteed spotlight that comes with Power Five affiliation, BYU has had to work harder to prove its worth. In years when BYU fielded strong teams—such as the 2020 season, where the Cougars finished 11-1 and showcased a dominant offense led by quarterback Zach Wilson—there was a belief that the committee undervalued their success, citing weaker schedules or lack of high-profile wins as reasons to rank them lower.

The lack of consistent recognition by the CFP committee often frustrates BYU fans, who point to the program’s history of winning tough matchups and producing top-tier talent capable of competing at the highest level. They argue that BYU’s commitment to scheduling strong opponents and performing well in national matchups should warrant more serious consideration. The 2020 snub, in particular, highlighted this sentiment, where BYU, despite its high national rankings in polls, fell short of a significant postseason opportunity in favor of Power Five teams with comparable or weaker resumes.

As BYU transitions into the Big 12, there is hope that being part of a Power Five conference will lead to more respect from the CFP committee and better opportunities to showcase their abilities on a national stage. Until then, the conversation about the perceived snubbing remains a point of contention for the program and its devoted supporters.

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