College football is in the midst of seismic changes — none more significant than the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams starting in 2024.
Recent reports indicated both the 2024 and 2025 CFP will have a 5-7 model, selecting the five highest-ranked conference champions, then the next seven highest-ranked teams. Out of that group, the four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded 1-4 and receive first-round byes.
Now there is a significant update.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that “the idea of a 14-team College Football Playoff was discussed by the CFP management committee at meetings in the Dallas area today. If that happened, it would begin in 2026. Nothing is imminent, but it’s significant this idea was discussed.”
Sources: The idea of a 14-team College Football Playoff was discussed by the CFP management committee at meetings in the Dallas area today. If that happened, it would begin in 2026. Nothing is imminent, but it’s significant this idea was discussed.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 21, 2024
Naturally, many of the ongoing changes in the sport are thanks to the growing power of television networks and their executives. That’s why, in part at least, the Pac 12 no longer exists and the Big Ten and the SEC seem to be the only two relevant conferences.
I added that note to say this: of course, the Playoff will continue to expand. The more teams get in, the more games get played in the tournament, which means more television inventory, which means more revenue for the controlling networks. It’s the direction the entire sport is headed unless a true governing body steps in and takes control.
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