College Football Playoff Poised for Major Expansion to 24 Teams

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is nearing an agreement to expand its field from 12 to 24 teams, according to reports. If finalized, this significant overhaul would take effect for the 2027 season, nearly doubling the playoff size just three years after its expansion from four to 12 teams.

The proposed format, often referred to as '19+4+1,' would allocate 19 at-large bids. The remaining spots would go to the champions of the four autonomy five conferences and the highest-ranked team from the remaining six conferences. This structure is expected to coincide with the elimination of conference championship games for the "Power Four" leagues and an earlier start to the season.

The expansion discussion has been ongoing for years, following the decision in 2022 to move to a 12-team format starting in 2024. The CFP faced a December 1 deadline to approve any changes for the 2027 season.

This proposed 24-team playoff would feature a specific seeding structure. The top eight seeds would receive first-round byes and host second-round games on campus. Teams seeded ninth through 16th would host opening-round contests. The quarterfinals and semifinals are slated to be played at the sites of the New Year's Six bowl games.

Prior to this potential agreement, there had been considerable debate among conference leaders regarding the playoff's future size. In July 2025, Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua expressed support for a 16-team playoff. Shortly after, the Big Ten conference proposed an even larger expansion, suggesting 24 or 28 teams. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, who had previously favored a 16-team field, indicated an openness to the 24-team model this week. Both the ACC and Big 12, initially opposed to a 24-team playoff, have reportedly shifted their positions this year.