Whether you like it or not, the College Football Playoffs will not expand prior to the end of the contract according to a release from the committee.
There have been countless discussions about moving to an eight or even 12-team playoff recently. However, that seemed like a long shot from the jump. Not all of the Power Five commissioners seemed to be on the same page when it comes to the number of teams and who would earn automatic bids.
Over the history of the CFP that began in the 2014 season, the SEC has dominated. They have won the title in five of the playoffs. The SEC also has won the most playoff games (14) and the most appearances (10). They are also the only conference to have two teams make the final four, both times the teams met in the CFP Championship game.
“The Board of Managers has accepted a recommendation from the Management Committee to continue the current four-team playoff for the next four years, as called for in the CFP’s original 12-year plan. At the same time, the Board expects the Management Committee to continue its discussions of a new format that would go into effect for the 2026-27 season.
“Even though the outcome did not lead to a recommendation for an early expansion before the end of the current 12-year contract, the discussions have been helpful and informative. I am sure they will serve as a useful guide for the Board of Managers and for the Management Committee as we determine what the Playoff will look like beginning in the 2026-2027 season.”
The conversation will now be put on the backburner for the time being. This seems like a win for the SEC and Greg Sankey. Why expand when it has worked well for the conference? At least that is the perception for keeping it the way it is.