ACC, Big 12 commissioners push 24-team College Football Playoff format
On3 • • sports
Key Points:
- ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark both expressed strong support for expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, citing increased access for deserving teams currently left out.
- The SEC, led by commissioner Greg Sankey, remains firm on a 16-team playoff expansion if any changes occur, emphasizing the need for data-driven analysis before deciding on the format.
- Key challenges for a 24-team playoff include addressing the economic impact, particularly replacing revenue from conference championship games and generating additional playoff funds.
- ESPN reportedly prefers the playoff remain capped at 16 teams, complicating efforts to expand beyond that number despite growing support from other conferences and coaching associations.
- A final decision on the playoff format for the 2027 season hinges on agreement between the SEC and Big Ten commissioners by December, with the current 12-team model continuing if no consensus is reached.