Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis budgets $1 million for lawsuit to fight âreally poor decisionâ on CFP

Gov. Ron DeSantis is adding financial heft to the backlash from undefeated Florida State’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff.

DeSantis announced Tuesday that his 2024-25 budget includes $1 million for “any litigation expenses that may come as a result of this really, really poor decision by the College Football Playoff to exclude an undefeated team” that won a major conference title. The Republican made his remark during a news conference to present his budget.

DeSantis said the 13-0 Seminoles “earned a spot” in the playoff but were excluded in a “very, very controversial ruling.” FSU is the first undefeated Power Five conference champion to be leapfrogged by a one-loss team in the history of the playoff and its predecessor, the Bowl Championship Series. Alabama, the 12-1 SEC champion, took the fourth and final spot, joining 13-0 Michigan, 13-0 Washington and 12-1 Texas.

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DeSantis said an undefeated season should “really be significant, and they’re telling us that it doesn’t — that other factors matter more.” He said he wants to see the state’s traditional powers — FSU, Miami and Florida — get back to all competing for national titles again. He also wants more blue-chip recruits to stay in the state; he made that point previously while signing Florida’s landmark name, image and likeness into law in 2020.

DeSantis said he did not know what, if anything, would come from potential litigation, but his budget would provide help for FSU, if necessary.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to even do that, but we are going to put aside $1 million and let the chips fall where they may on that,” DeSantis said.

He also spent time talking about the state’s overall university system, which is regarded as one of the best in the nation.

“All I would say is, I like those academic rankings,” DeSantis said. “I just want the football rankings to match that.”

This breaking news story may be updated.

Times staff writer Romy Ellenbogen contributed to this report.