Big Ten Proposes Expanded College Football Playoff Format Affecting Major Conferences

What's Happening?

The Big Ten has proposed a significant expansion to the College Football Playoff format, suggesting a bracket that includes 24 or 28 teams, as reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel. This proposal aims to eliminate conference title games and increase automatic bids for the four major power conferences. Specifically, the Big Ten and SEC would each receive seven automatic bids, while the ACC and Big 12 would receive five each. Additionally, two at-large teams and two bids for leagues outside the Power 4 conferences are included in the proposal. The idea, presented by Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, is still in its early stages but has gained traction among other conferences. The expanded format would feature 20 playoff games played on campus, with the CFP Committee responsible for selecting at-large teams and seeding the field.

Why It's Important?

The proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff format could have significant implications for college football, particularly for the major conferences. By increasing the number of teams in the playoffs, the proposal aims to maintain the relevance of conference races and enhance the significance of regular season games in November. This change could lead to increased revenue opportunities for participating schools and conferences, as more teams would be involved in high-stakes playoff games. Additionally, the expanded format could provide more opportunities for teams outside the traditional power conferences to compete on a national stage, potentially altering the competitive landscape of college football.

What's Next?

While the proposal is still in its early stages, discussions among the major conferences are expected to continue. The idea of expanding the playoff format has been gaining momentum, with previous reports indicating interest in a 14 or 16-team playoff. The Big Ten's proposal could accelerate these discussions, potentially leading to an expanded playoff format as early as next season. Stakeholders, including conference leaders and the CFP Committee, will likely evaluate the feasibility and impact of the proposed changes before making any final decisions.