The College Football Playoff is likely to expand again in 2026, and when it does, it will likely undergo even more major changes.
According to a report emerging Monday, when the playoff expands, the Big Ten and SEC are likely to vouch for four automatic bids in the playoff field.
“Big Ten, SEC to talk possible scheduling partnership and CFP future format and automatic bids,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich posted on Monday morning.
Sources: Big Ten, SEC to talk possible scheduling partnership and CFP future format and automatic bids https://t.co/9VbbMctfun
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) September 30, 2024
“Sources in both leagues told ESPN on Monday they would prefer to have potentially four automatic bids each to the playoff when the next contract begins in 2026,” the ESPN.com article wrote. “CFP leaders haven’t determined yet what the playoff will look like beyond this season and next. Some said they need to know that before making any decisions about future scheduling partnerships.”
This type of major change was expected by naysayers of the College Football Playoff. They’ve argued against the playoff, mostly touting that the lack of access is going to make for a worse product on the whole. While you’ll always have big games, it’s always felt like the self-interests of everyone else could make for a huge mistake.
There’s already been significant pushback online to the idea, even if it was anticipated anyway.
