The Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) remain at an impasse over expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) format, with a critical deadline looming this Friday that could determine the future of college football’s postseason.
College Football Playoff leaders held their annual business meeting on Sunday in Miami Beach, Florida, but failed to reach a resolution on the playoff’s future format as discussions between the Big Ten and SEC stalled. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti acknowledged that ‘still more work to do’ after exiting the meeting, highlighting the ongoing negotiations. The deadlock centers on the number of teams in the playoff, with a Friday deadline imposed by ESPN, the sole TV rights holder, adding urgency to the talks.
The Big Ten and SEC wield significant control over the format starting in 2026 due to a memorandum of understanding signed by all ten FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director. If Petitti and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey cannot agree by Friday, the playoff will remain at 12 teams for at least another year, delaying potential expansion. Sources indicate overwhelming support among commissioners for a 16-team playoff as soon as 2026, but the Big Ten is pushing for a commitment to expand to 24 teams by 2030.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has publicly expressed a preference for a 16-team model, and sources say he is reluctant to commit to a 24-team field now. Mississippi State president Mark Keenum, chair of the CFP’s board of managers, emphasized that ‘this was not a deadline day of any kind’ and expects continued discussions. The Big Ten’s insistence on a 24-team format is tied to long-term planning, but it faces resistance over concerns about eliminating conference championship games and impacting the regular season.
Mid-American commissioner Jon Steinbrecher noted that ‘there’s two conferences that very much will drive where this ship goes,’ underscoring the pivotal role of the Big Ten and SEC. American commissioner Tim Pernetti added that it is up to Sankey and Petitti to ‘come back with something that we’d all sit down and discuss,’ but for now, the dialogue remains ongoing. No official meetings are scheduled for the entire group this week, but informal talks between the two power conferences are expected to continue.
A 24-team playoff would require major structural changes, including the possible removal of conference title games, which have been highly valuable for the SEC’s brand and revenue. Some stakeholders worry that such a large field could dilute the importance of the regular season and create logistical challenges. Despite these hurdles, a 16-team playoff for the 2026 season is still possible but considered unlikely without a breakthrough in negotiations.
The outcome of these talks will shape college football for years to come, affecting everything from team eligibility and scheduling to television contracts and fan engagement. As the Friday deadline approaches, the sports world watches closely to see if the two most influential conferences can bridge their differences or if the status quo will prevail, maintaining the 12-team playoff for another season.
