re: CFP decides unanimously to use a 5-7 format starting in 2024-25…

quote:

---

but additionally, where does it say that the 5th champion gets the 5 seed? they get in the field, do they get the 5 seed?

---

It looks like only the top 4 conference champions get a bye and the top 4 seeds. The remaining teams are seeded strictly by CFP ranking. This all but guarantees a second place team from a major conference will be the 5th seed and makes it highly likely the 5th best conference champion will be the 12th seed. This is straight from the CFP press release:

CFP playoffs explained

Under the 12-team playoff format that begins this fall, the four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and each will receive a first-round bye, while teams seeded five through 12 will play each other in the first round on the home field of the higher-ranked team. (The team ranked #5 will host #12; team #6 will meet team #11; team #7 will play team #10; and team #8 will meet #9.) The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played in the New Year's Six bowl games, the national championship game will continue to be at a neutral site. No conference will qualify automatically and there will be no limit on the number of participants from a conference.