Big Ten proposing massive College Football Playoff change
This week, the Big Ten floated the idea of increasing the playoff to 24 or 28 teams, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel, although the possibility is still reportedly a ways off.
The proposal would eliminate 'conference title games and [offer] a large number of auto bids for all four power leagues,' sources told Thamel.
Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs with the ball against Notre Dame during the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta.
AP
Under Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti's 28-team proposal, college football heavyweights, the Big Ten and SEC, would each get seven auto bids.
The ACC and Big 12 would each get five auto bids, while two more would go to the non-power conferences and two at-large teams.
The playoff committee would seed the teams and decide on the at-large bids.
The latest CFP report comes as college football enters its second year with a 12-team playoff.
The Big 10 logo before the Penn State Nittany Lions versus Boise State Broncos College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on December 31, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Starting this season, playoff teams will be seeded 1-12 based on the selection committee's rankings rather than reserving the top four seeds for the conference champions.
The Big Ten's new idea is a significant step up for the 14- or 16-team proposal, which was seen as a likely landing place for the 2026 season.
Disagreement over the number of auto bids and at-large teams has been a sticking point holding up negotiations over an expansion, per Thamel.
No matter where the powers that be land, the CFP is overwhelmingly likely to expand when the 12-team playoff model's contract ends after the 2025 season.
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