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CFP expansion plan floated by Big Ten
The Big Ten proposes a 24 or 28 team playoff with new auto bids and seeded teams, signaling a potential overhaul after 2025.
The Big Ten floated a bold plan to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 or 28 teams, with more auto bids and a seeded field.
Big Ten proposes massive playoff expansion to 24 and 28 teams
The Big Ten has floated a sweeping change to the College Football Playoff, proposing a field of 24 or 28 teams. The plan, reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, would eliminate the current setup in which conference title games are used to determine seeds and would instead rely on a large set of automatic bids for the power conferences. Under a 28-team model, the Big Ten and SEC would each receive seven automatic bids, while the ACC and Big 12 would get five each; two auto bids would go to non-power conferences, and two would be at-large. The playoff committee would still seed teams and decide the at-large slots. This comes as the sport continues with a 12-team playoff and as talks move ahead of the 2025 contract cycle.
Starting this season, teams will be seeded 1-12 based on the selection committee rankings rather than reserving the top seeds for conference champions, a shift that has altered the dynamics of qualification. The new proposal would mark a significant expansion beyond that framework, raising questions about how access, scheduling, and revenue are distributed across conferences. Yet disagreements over the number of auto bids and at-large spots remain a sticking point, and it is not yet clear when a final decision might be reached. The plan would require buy-in from multiple conferences and TV partners, and any shift would likely come after the current contract ends after the 2025 season.
Key Takeaways
"Expansion should be judged by fairness for the sport, not the size of the trophy"
Editorial view on equity of bidding
"This plan highlights how much control the largest conferences hold over the sport's future"
Notes on power dynamics in talks
The proposal reveals both ambition and risk. More teams could boost fan engagement and TV value, but it could also dilute the sense of merit that drives playoff selection. A system with more auto bids risks rewarding membership over on-field performance, especially for teams from the strongest leagues. At the same time, expansion could spread revenue more widely, potentially benefiting smaller programs if safeguards are in place. The real test is not just the math of bids but who wields influence in negotiations with broadcast partners and sponsors.
Highlights
- More teams mean more drama, but not all teams earn respect
- Auto bids could tilt power toward the few who already rule the table
- This plan tests the balance between access and competition
- Time will tell if bigger is better for the sport's balance
Potential risks tied to CFP expansion
The plan would shift revenue and access across conferences, creating budget pressures and potential fan backlash. It risks widening gaps between Power Five and others and could turn the playoff race into a longer, more expensive process for schools and fans.
The next steps will show if this blueprint becomes a lasting change.
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