College Football Playoff expansion stalemate remains as deadline looms
On3 • • sports
Key Points:
- The SEC prefers to maintain the current 12-team College Football Playoff format rather than expanding to 24 teams, while the Big Ten supports a 24-team model and other conferences favor a 16-team playoff.
- The deadline for deciding on playoff expansion for the 2026 season is January 23, with expectations that the 12-team format will likely remain if no agreement is reached.
- The Big Ten has indicated willingness to accept a 16-team playoff in 2026 only if there is a signed commitment to expand to 24 teams in the future.
- ESPN, the CFP’s broadcast partner, will not extend the January 23 deadline for expansion decisions, emphasizing the need for a formal agreement rather than just a
