Yes, the College Football Playoff (CFP) is poised for another expansion, potentially increasing from 12 to 16 teams as early as the 2026 season. This proposal is gaining significant support from the SEC and Big Ten, the two most influential conferences in college football.
Proposed 16-Team Format
Under the current proposal, the 16-team playoff would allocate automatic bids as follows:
SEC and Big Ten: 4 automatic bids each
ACC and Big 12: 2 automatic bids each
Top-ranked Group of Five champion: 1 automatic bid
At-large bids: 3 spots open to any team
This structure aims to ensure that powerhouse conferences like the SEC and Big Ten have guaranteed representation, even in years when some of their top teams might underperform.
Implications for College Football
The proposed expansion reflects the growing influence of the SEC and Big Ten in shaping the future of college football. By securing more automatic bids, these conferences aim to protect their interests and ensure consistent playoff participation. However, this move has raised concerns among other conferences and stakeholders about competitive balance and fairness.
Additionally, the expansion could lead to changes in scheduling, such as requiring SEC teams to play nine conference games, aligning with the Big Ten’s current schedule.
Timeline and Next Steps
While no final decision has been made, discussions are ongoing, and a resolution is expected in the coming months. If approved, the 16-team format would likely be implemented in the 2026 season, coinciding with the end of the current CFP agreement with ESPN.
The potential expansion underscores the evolving landscape of college football, where conference realignments and media rights deals continue to reshape the sport’s competitive structure.