Conference commissioners are anticipating an extension for the deadline regarding the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion discussion, which is set for 2026 and beyond. According to a source familiar with the talks, ESPN has agreed to push the deadline to January 23, following the national championship.
The discussions between the CFP’s ten conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletics director have reached a stalemate concerning the playoff format, which may possibly expand from 12 teams to a maximum of 24. The main contention arises as the Big Ten and SEC are reportedly ‘miles apart’ on the future structure. The Big Ten is advocating for several automatic qualifiers for its conference, whereas the SEC favors additional at-large spots, a move that would historically advantage the SEC.
The decision-making authority within the CFP currently favors both the Big Ten and SEC, and both parties must assent to a new format for progression.
While there is increasing confidence that the playoff structure will persist with 12 teams in the 2026-27 season, the extended deadline allows officials to analyze data and selection trends from the second season of the twelve-team format, which might influence future discussions on a 16 or 24-team bracket.
The CFP management committee is scheduled to convene on December 2. Additionally, their annual wrap-up meeting is slated for January 18 in Miami, coinciding with the national championship on January 19. The new deadline may also reach beyond this meeting.
It’s worth noting that since August, the Big Ten has backed a novel 24-team format with several automatic qualifiers, yet this proposal has faced resistance. Another plan that offers four automatic bids to each of the four major conferences has piqued interest within the ACC and Big 12; however, there have been limited formal discussions as conference leaders are presently focused on revenue sharing implementation and the activation of the College Sports Commission, which will supervise the terms stemming from the recently resolved House v. NCAA lawsuit.
Moreover, it appears that the SEC is leaning towards a structure that includes 16 teams.
ESPN’s new contract with the CFP spans from 2026 to 2033.
