24 Team CFP Expansion

[Swamp]

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. https://t.co/tRdVAiqKax

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 15, 2026

[Ragin9221]

If they allow G6 teams in, I’m good. But they need to make sure the G6 isn’t left out. If they dont, they need have the top two G6 teams play a National Championship game, and the winner automatically earns a spot in the playoffs. No questions asked.

[Ragin9221]

I say the only fair way is you take 10 conference champions and 14 at large schools. If they wanted it to be fair.

[Raginfan2]

I say the only fair way is you take 10 conference champions and 14 at large schools. If they wanted it to be fair.

That's a BIG if...

[R.C.]

I say the only fair way is you take 10 conference champions and 14 at large schools. If they wanted it to be fair.

I agree that if it is going to 24 then all conference champs should be included. But has fair ever made sense to the power whatever schools? Like someone else said it’s basically going to be the top 25. There have been plenty of years that multiple G5/6 teams have been ranked in the CFP to end the year. I guess that’s about all we can ask for.

[Swamp]

CFP Ranked Programs from SBC in 12 Team Format Era

https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2026/8/9/rankings-history

[smd7636]

They are letting 1 G6 champion in and will push the rest out. The stronger conferences are planning to play a stronger SOS.

[Localyokel]

It's gonna be the SEC/Big 10 invitational

[Boscoyo]

teams can jump from one g6 conference to another, and it won't matter much if the 24 team playoffs come to fruition as it's presented. G6 is G6 with the only difference being a "little" more income.

[Localyokel]

Not sure why anyone cares anymore. CFB (and CBB) is a garbage product. Only reason why there are any fans is the university connection.
These kids don't give a ___ about an education or the university. They are simply paid mercenaries bouncing around from paycheck to paycheck and college to college, short-sighted, overlooking the opportunity to network with the community that would embrace them after a 4-5 year commitment. ____ em. I don't give a ___ anymore

[Duckster]

Let's face it, the expanded number of bowls watered down the CFB post season by routinely taking teams with losing records.Some of these bowls will be wiped off the map and we'll barely miss them. I liked the tradition of the bowl system, but not necessarily all the ESPN created bowl games. Could see three G6 teams making the CFB Playoff most years. In 2021 Louisiana would have made the playoff instead of the New Orleans Bowl. Just hope they figure out how to conclude the 24 team playoff in early January not drag it out.

[Houston Cajun]

teams can jump from one g6 conference to another, and it won't matter much if the 24 team playoffs come to fruition as it's presented. G6 is G6 with the only difference being a "little" more income.

I think there is a significant difference in income.
SBC - $2M
AAC - $8 - $12M (with some teams earning $4M)
PAC - $10 - $13M
Not to mention greater attendance with a better schedule which improves related income, play in better bowl games with a better payout, and improves perception of the university.

[Boscoyo]

I think there is a significant difference in income.
SBC - $2M
AAC - $8 - $12M (with some teams earning $4M)
PAC - $10 - $13M
Not to mention greater attendance with a better schedule which improves related income, play in better bowl games with a better payout, and improves perception of the university.

I hear you, but my point is that even with increase in income, all the G6 teams will be in the same boat if the power conferences have their way no matter which non power conference they are in. Only 1 G6 team and no conference championship games? What is the point? And with that increase in income, by looking at the deficits that most college athletic departments have, will that extra income really make that much of a difference? And what will happen with bowl games once this new playoff format is implemented? I'm just really down on college football at this point. Since the implementation of NIL, things have just gone downhill. I'd rather players just get paid under the table like they used to. At least that put somewhat of a cap on the money.

[Ragin9221]

I really think the only realistic path forward for the G6 is to create a separate NIT‑style driven playoff system. You’d essentially have two parallel postseason structures:

• The traditional CFB Playoff, which still allows one G6 team to earn a spot.
• And a G6 NIT Playoff, where the rest of the G6 programs compete for their own national title. Hell invite P4 schools as well.

Keep all the bowl games intact, and still have clear representation for the G6. This setup gives every program something meaningful to play for,

i would watch that over the CFB playoffs.

if we are forced to play in bowl games and the old structure then lets try to make it interesting.

[Localyokel]

I really think the only realistic path forward for the G6 is to create a separate NIT‑style driven playoff system. You’d essentially have two parallel postseason structures:

• The traditional CFB Playoff, which still allows one G6 team to earn a spot.
• And a G6 NIT Playoff, where the rest of the G6 programs compete for their own national title. Hell invite P4 schools as well.

Keep all the bowl games intact, and still have clear representation for the G6. This setup gives every program something meaningful to play for,

i would watch that over the CFB playoffs.

if we are forced to play in bowl games and the old structure then lets try to make it interesting.

This is very interesting. Invite the G6 conference champs and a mix of at large G6 and 6-6 p4 teams. This format might be more compelling to watch than the CFP.