CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois football coach Bret Bielema has long been an advocate for an expanded College Football Playoff.
Now, that wish has come true.
With a 24-team format officially coming in 2027, Bielema believes the changes will benefit both the Illini and college football.
However, before Illinois can take advantage of the expanded postseason, there is still unfinished business this season.
Riding a four-game winning streak, Illinois (6-3) will travel to California on Friday to face the undefeated
No. 4 UCLA Bruins (9-0).
Bielema welcomes 24-team playoff expansion
The College Football Playoff announced Monday that it will expand from 12 to 24 teams beginning with the 2027 season, opening the door for more programs to compete for a national championship.
Under the new format, 19 teams will receive at-large bids, while five spots will be reserved for conference champions. The top eight seeds will receive first-round byes, and the first two rounds will be played on college campuses.
Bielema, who said he expected the expansion last year, believes the change will strengthen the regular season rather than diminish its importance.
“I know that some of the talking heads out there have been talking about how it’s going to lessen the effect of the season,” Bielema said. “And I think it’s the exact opposite. It’s going to only enhance everything.”
One of the biggest changes involves scheduling requirements. Power Four programs will be expected to play at least 10 games against conference opponents, other Power Four schools or Notre Dame.
Illinois already has a home-and-home nonconference series scheduled against Notre Dame in 2027 and 2028, something Bielema believes might not have happened without expansion.
“Obviously we’re playing Notre Dame in a back-to-back home game schedule, which is just incredibly awesome,” Bielema said. “I don’t think that happens without this policy.”
Although more teams will have an opportunity to compete for a championship, Bielema doesn’t necessarily believe the expanded field makes his job easier.
“I don’t know if it makes my job any easier,” Bielema said. “I get it, right? Because there’s more expansion.”
While the expanded format won’t take effect until next season, Illinois is already showing just how important it is to remain competitive throughout the regular season.
After starting the year 2-3, the Illini have battled back into bowl eligibility and now have a chance to make another statement against one of the nation’s remaining undefeated teams.
Illinois looks to extend winning streak against UCLA
Illinois enters Friday’s matchup with considerable momentum after winning four consecutive games, including its latest victory over Nebraska.
Bielema credits the turnaround to his players’ determination and the program’s ability to respond to adversity.
“When you’re in moments of adversity, you have to rely on who you are and what you are more than ever before,” Bielema said. “Like, you can’t flinch. Because if you flinch, everybody’s going to flinch.”
The Illini have found different ways to win during their streak, relying on contributions from their offense, defense and special teams.
“This team has learned to win in a variety of different ways, and that is, that’s not normal,” Bielema said.
However, Illinois faces arguably its toughest remaining challenge against No. 4 UCLA, which enters Friday night with a perfect 9-0 record.
“This is a very confident football team we’re playing,” Bielema said. “Offensively, defensively, special teams, they are very, very confident in what they do.”
Illinois will also be dealing with injuries. Bielema confirmed running back Javari Barnett suffered a season-ending injury against Nebraska, further limiting the Illini’s depth at the position.
“Unfortunately, yeah, two of our better running backs are down,” Bielema said.
Despite those challenges, Bielema remains encouraged by his team’s recent performances.
“I’m excited to see where we go on Friday,” Bielema said. “I really am.”
The Fighting Illini will take on the Bruins at the Rose Bowl on Friday at 8 p.m. CST, with the game airing on Fox One.
