CFP Expansion Talks Stalled: What's Next for College Football Playoffs?

Asheville, North Carolina, USA - In the bustling town of Asheville, North Carolina, key figures in college football gathered for critical discussions about the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The meetings, which included ten FBS conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletics director Pete Bevacqua, have concluded without any definitive answers regarding the playoffs‘ expansion. According to College Sports Wire, CFP director Rich Clark confirmed that all options for the playoff’s future remain on the table, but a firm decision is still pending.

Expectations are high as the playoff is anticipated to expand to either 14 or 16 teams by 2026. Still, the exact format continues to be a point of contention among the power conferences. Notably, Clark emphasized the necessity for consensus, cautioning that rushing through a decision could yield unfavorable outcomes, especially since the chosen structure will be in place for six years.

Contenders and Conflicts

Among the strong contenders for influence in the revamped playoff format are the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten. These two conferences are advocating for an increased postseason presence, pushing for up to four automatic bids each for their leagues. However, as Sports Illustrated reports, the SEC’s proposal has evolved to include five guaranteed automatic slots alongside five at-large invitations, a stance that seems to resonate more favorably with other conferences.

While this shift may foster unity among leagues, the Big Ten remains wary, with concerns simmering about the differing scheduling practices. The SEC typically plays eight conference games and often includes more FCS opponents, while the Big Ten opts for nine conference battles. This disparity has led to calls within the Big Ten for more equitable scheduling, ensuring that playoff selection isn’t unduly influenced by weaker competition.

As discussions unfold, issues of strength of schedule (SOS) are also at the forefront. There are heated debates about how to accurately assess a team’s SOS, with the SEC making a case for their schedules being tougher overall. Proposals have emerged suggesting that teams should include a minimum of ten Power Four opponents annually to maintain competitive balance, while reliance on FCS teams should be minimized.

A Long Path Ahead

The upcoming months will be pivotal for the CFP. Meetings among the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC leadership are slated to happen prior to a decisive conference on February 25. At that meeting, there is a potential for formalizing proposed changes. However, given that the current CFP agreement is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, time is of the essence. Should the SEC and Big Ten fail to find common ground, the 12-team format might remain in play for even longer than anticipated, as News On 6 explains.

With an array of modifications on the horizon, college football could be entering a transformative period. Fans and pundits alike will be keeping a close watch as the power struggle in collegiate athletics continues to evolve. It seems there is much at stake, and the future of the postseason certainly hangs in the balance. Will a more inclusive playoff model gain traction, or will existing tensions dictate a return to old practices?