The College Football Playoff and ESPN will take more time to determine whether the field expands or stays put for 2026.
The two sides announced on Monday, Nov. 24 they have agreed to extend the deadline to determine the future format from Dec. 1 to Jan. 23, 2026. The move allows both parties to continue discussions on ‘future playoff models, scheduling details, media considerations, and long-term strategy.’
‘While no change to the current format is definite, this extension will allow the (CFP) Management Committee additional time to evaluate the second year of the expanded playoff and ensure any potential modifications are carefully considered, fully vetted, and in the best interests of student-athletes, schools, and fans,’ CFP executive director Rich Clark said in a statement.
The playoff field expanded to 12 teams for 2024 and will be in place this season, but the current debate is whether to expand it for the next season, and by how much.
There has been speculation that the CFP would increase 16 teams in the 2026 season. However, there wasn’t universal support on how the at-large teams would be selected. The Big 12, ACC and SEC favored the top five conference champions getting automatic bids, with the 11 remaining spots filled via at-large selection.
The Big Ten favored a model where 13 of the 16 spots would be determined by automatic bids − with its conference and the SEC getting four spots each. In August, the Big Ten reportedly floated the idea of a 24-team playoff that is still being pushed.
As a result, not every conference has been aligned on whether to expand.
“The move to 16 should be a priority for all of us in conference leadership,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told reporters on Nov. 15.
With the new deadline to determine expansion, it gives those in power nearly two months to determine it. The Jan. 23 deadline also comes after the national championship game on Jan. 19.
If the size of expansion and how its determined can’t be agreed upon, the playoff would likely stay at 12 teams. The current format has playoff spots determined by the five highest ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams.
