Colorado could have more chances to reach the College Football Playoff starting next season if the CFP expands to 24 teams.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Thursday that the CFP is close to agreeing to double its field for 2027 and beyond, pending final approvals. The CFP has confirmed continuing discussions with ESPN about potential expansion, with the current 12-team format remaining in place for 2026.
What the proposed format includes
Discussions have included 19 at-large selections, automatic berths for the four Power Four conference champions and a place for the highest-ranked Group of Six team. Under the proposed arrangement, each Power Four league would determine its champion.
The top eight seeds would receive first-round byes and then host second-round games. Expansion is also
expected to eliminate Power Four conference championship games and move the regular season's opening weekend up one week, according to ESPN's reporting. Those details remain subject to approval.
Sources: The College Football Playoff is nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams, per sources. The new format will start in 2027 and is expected to come together in the near future, pending final approvals. pic.twitter.com/tRdVAiqKax
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 15, 2026
What expansion would mean for Colorado?
More at-large selections would give Colorado and other Big 12 programs more chances to qualify without winning the conference championship. Selection would still depend on the final format and the committee's assessment of each team's resume.
Colorado would not receive an automatic invitation based on a particular record, and the reported proposal does not establish a nine-win qualification threshold or guarantee a set number of Big 12 teams.
For Deion Sanders' program, the change could improve future postseason access. Still, Colorado remains 2-3 entering Saturday’s game against No. 11 Utah, with their immediate focus on ending a three-game losing streak.
The Buffaloes' 2027 playoff opportunities will become clearer once CFP officials approve the 24-team field size and publish the selection procedures.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: What does possible 24-team College Football Playoff mean for Colorado
