Cam Newton makes College Football Playoff case for a three-loss SEC team over one, two-loss teams from other conferences

Cam Newton isn’t going to make many fans happy outside the SEC with his latest take. During Friday’s edition of First Take, the ESPN analyst made the case for a three-loss SEC team to make the College Football Playoff over one or two-loss teams from other conferences.

“Speaking about the College Football Playoffs, the thing that starts to get interesting as the season goes on, especially in the SEC — if Ole Miss loses again, do you take them out of the Playoff, versus a one-loss team? That’s the thing. We have to start putting more emphasis on strength of schedule,” Newton stated.

“It’s so disappointing when you see a team that hasn’t played the level of talent. I know it’s not against them, it’s already inserted years ahead. But those types of things have to be considered. I would take a three-loss SEC team before I’d take a two-loss or even a one-loss team from some other conference.

“I understand (that’s aggressive). But look back at last year, when we had Boise State. When you look at who they played, and I know I’m going back in the time capsule — I’m just trying to bring merit to a three-loss team. You see what I’m saying?”

Newton’s statement will be an agreeable one with many SEC fans, although Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 supporters will have their qualms. Ultimately, it’s up to the CFP Selection Committee to decide, and last season, they chose resume over potential. 

Will that change this season? That remains to be seen, after the First Round of the CFP featured some less-than-stellar games. It’s worth noting that an SEC team was involved in that, though, as Tennessee was dismantled by Ohio State in 2024.

One person who might agree with Newton, though, is Lane Kiffin. The Ole Miss leader recently suggested the Playoff’s 12-member selection committee should instead turn to Sin City and ask “What Would Vegas Do?” to get more SEC teams in the CFP.

“What would Vegas do? They’re the best at what they do, by far. Way better than any committee, way better than anybody could. When you look at teams, and you’re … comparing them, if it was a neutral game, what would Vegas make the spread? And that should tell you who the better team is,” Kiffin said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “What would Vegas make the spread? And if you were to bet your own money, your kids’ college funds committee, who would you bet on? On a moneyline, without the points.

“To me, that tells you a lot – who would Vegas make as a favorite when you’re looking at the teams on a neutral site. That would be the best way to determine who the best teams are. And Vegas doesn’t go ‘Well, there’s already so many teams from this conference, so this one probably shouldn’t go.’ There you go.”

As Kiffin said at the end, using Vegas betting odds would seemingly remove any particular conference bias some committee members might have in order to maintain a sense of balance among the Power Four leagues. Currently, Kiffin’s eighth-ranked Rebels (6-1, 3-1 SEC) remain in the thick of the 2025 Playoff race despite coming off a 43-35 loss at No. 5 Georgia.

In fact, the SEC currently has five teams ranked in the AP Top 12 and 10 total teams in its Top 25 after Week 8. Suffice it to say, if the College Football Playoff committee were to add Vegas betting odds to its selection criteria, it would be a boon for the SEC at large.

Time will tell if Newton and Kiffin get their way. The easiest way for the SEC to get multiple teams in the CFP is to continue winning, but cannibalization is always a concern. We’ll see which teams can make their case as the season progresses, though.