Countdown to Kickoff: 12 names that will impact the CFP

College Sports Wire previews the upcoming season with 12 individuals that will have a major impact on the playoffs.

The start of the college football season begins in 12 days. Week Zero will be headlined by the matchup in Dublin, Ireland, featuring the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Navy Midshipmen.

Navy begins a new era after Ken Niumatalolo was not retained after 16 seasons with the program as the head coach. He is now serving in an advisory role for the UCLA Bruins as the director of leadership.

The Fighting Irish are on a different trajectory as they head into year two of the Marcus Freeman era. They finished strong with six wins over the final seven games, including the Gator Bowl against South Carolina.

While this game is a great way to kick off the 2023 college football season, we highlight 12 names that will impact the College Football Playoffs.