The commissioners from the Power Four Conferences (SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12) held another meeting Saturday to discuss the future of the College Football Playoff. The discussion focused on a 16-team model. It was the second such meeting in the last 10 days. Saturday’s meeting was in Charlotte, and the other meeting took place on May 8 in NYC. It was noted that Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti participated virtually due to being in California for the upcoming conference meetings. This was first reported by Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger and ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Power Four Commissioners Discuss College Football Playoff
The new 16-team format would include four automatic bids for the SEC and Big Ten. The ACC and Big 12 would receive two spots, and the Group of 6 would get one. Then there will be three at-large spots. “Inner-league play-in games” could also be in the works at the end of the season. In that case, the third-place team in a conference plays against the sixth-place team, and the fourth-place team faces the fifth-place team.
A 16-team College Football Playoff could begin as soon as 2026, after the current deal with ESPN expires. However, an extension will kick in at the end of the contract. There is support for CFP play-in games, including from Mississippi State Athletic Director Zac Selmon.
Thoughts
The College Football Playoff included 12 teams for the first time last season, with Ohio State winning the national championship against Notre Dame. It seems like the idea of 16 teams is gaining momentum, although there is nothing official yet. In the FCS, 24 total teams make the playoffs. More teams in the playoffs means more games and opportunities for players, coaches, and fans. More games lead to more money. With NIL becoming more apparent day by day, this could be what college football needs.
