CLEMSON — Last week, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips told a group of reporters at the league’s spring meetings, including The Clemson Insider, he remained steadfast about fairness when it came to the College Football Playoff and the potential of the CFP leaders changing the format of the 12-team playoff in 2025.

“I remain steadfast about fairness in the system and access regardless of the model, etc., but I respect my colleagues that I work close with, so I will hold off on commenting on specific models, AQs or the rest of it,” Phillips said at the time.

Phillips and the rest of the Power 4 Commissioners were expected to meet in the weeks to come and discuss more of these issues that will carry into June. Of course, seeding in the CFP was supposed to be the big talking point in these meetings.

It’s not a talking point anymore because it is done.

News broke early Thursday afternoon that the 12-team CFP is moving to straight seeding this season. The teams ranked No. 1 through No. 12 will be seeded directly on the rankings. Of course, under the previous 12-team playoff format that began last fall, the four highest-ranked conference champions were seeded one through four, with each receiving a first-round bye.

In regards to seeding, Phillips said last week that, “it just seems like a straight seed might be the best thing for us to consider. But we will get to that point when we get to that point and just see where it goes.”

After the news broke on Thursday, CBS’s Brandon Marcello spoke with Phillips. The ACC’s Commissioner said today’s vote was in the best interest of college football.

“We have to serve the our constituents, but we also have to be mindful as to what’s best for college football,” Phillips said in Marcello’s post on X.com. “Today’s decision was done in the best interest of the sport. It may not always benefit the ACC, but it was the right decision and that’s a responsibility I take very seriously.”